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On this tour we are based
for a week at Bryn Corach which overlooks the World Heritage Site of Conwy,
an outstandingly preserved coastal town
surrounded by a 21-towered medieval wall and guarded by a massive 13th
century castle. Its commanding position gives splendid views over the
Welsh mountains and the Irish Sea. From Conwy we explore the
beautiful Snowdonia National Park and historic sites of North Wales.
Itinerary:
Saturday: Arrive by train. Afternoon tea.
Sunday: We start the week by travelling through the pretty
rural vale of Conwy with a stop for a gentle walk to view the
Grey Mare's Tail Waterfall. We then drive through the Ogwen
Valley to the fascinating
Penrhyn Castle. This is an enormous 19th century fantasy
castle crammed full of interest including a 1-ton slate bed made
for Queen Victoria. The National Trust's Carneddau Estate,
17,000 acres of mountains, formerly belonged to Penrhyn Castle's
Estate and you can wander in the gardens before returning to
Bryn Corach.
Monday: Today we travel to the remote Lleyn Peninsula
with its rocky coast and sandy beaches to discover something
about the Christian heritage of the area at two
contrasting churches, Cylnnog and Pistyll. Cynnog site is said
to be that of a Celtic monastery founded by Beuno in the
early 7th century. The church was an important stopping place
for pilgrims heading for Bardsey Island and contains Cyff
Beuno, an ancient wooden chest hollowed out of a single
piece of ash and used to keep alms donated by the
pilgrims. Pistyll
church was also used for worship by pilgrims on their way to
Bardsey Island. Pilgrims used to rest at the adjacent monastery
or at the hospice on nearby Cefnedd hill for lepers and those
needing medical aid. Since 1969 this church has been
decorated with wild medicinal herbs and rushes. The area
around Porth Dinllaen provides a scenic lunch stop with an
opportunity to stroll along the coast. Our return journey takes
in Aberdaron where pilgrims to Bardsey Island embarked. Bardsey
Island is now a nature reserve but in the 7th century was home
to Saint Cadfan .The monastery he established on the island
became a Mecca for holymen and royalty alike and it is said
that, not only his original followers, but some 20,000 further
saints were subsequently buried in the Abbey's graveyard.
Tuesday: We start today in the walled town of
Caernarfon to visit the imposing castle which houses the
Regimental Museum of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers. We then travel
into the mountains to the slate village of Llanberis. Here we
have the opportunity to enjoy an easy walk to explore the Slate
Museum to see craftsmen split and dress slate by hand. Ther is
an optional ride on the popular Llanberis Lake Railway.
Wednesday: Free day to explore the town of Conwy.
One can walk the walls and visit Conwy Castle. The
1820's suspension Bridge, owned by the National Trust together with its tollgate, formed
the earliest crossing over the estuary. Aberconwy House is a
medieval merchant's house that contains furnished rooms
depicting different uses of the building throughout its history.
Thursday: We spend today away from the usual tourist
routes and discover the delights of Denbighshire. We stop
at Llyn Brenig for a gentle stroll along the shore of the lake
then continue through dramatic scenery of mountains and tranquil
valleys of North Wales.
Friday:
The day starts by going to the Isle of Anglesey, first visiting
Beaumaris. The many attractions here include the castle
with its sophisticated medieval design. We explore the island's
early history with visits to Penmon Priory and the
Romano-British settlement of Din Lligwy. We end the
day with a visit to Plas Newydd, the traditional home of the Marquis
of Anglesey, situated on the banks of the Menai Strait and
cradled in a landscaped garden. The elegant 18th century house
contains an exhibition devoted to the works of the artist Rex
Whistler and relics from the Battle of Waterloo.
Saturday: Tour ends after breakfast
Cost per person: (based on double occupancy) 694 UK
pounds
Single Supplement: 252 UK pounds
A few small single rooms are sometimes available with no
supplement. |
