| |
Offa's Dyke, the Brecon
Beacons, and the stunning Pembrokeshire Coast
June 18 to 25, 2011 · September 4 to 11, 2011
Wales lies in the Southwest
of the UK, a landscape
packed with mountain ranges, lush valleys,
a rugged coastline and some charming
towns. Among
all this a network
of trails and tracks used throughout
Welsh history from the ancient Celts
onwards. The week starts on the edge
of the Black Mountains and the historic
town of Crickhowell, from where we make
expeditions both to the mountains and
to the glorious Wye Valley, on the border
with England, an area immortalized by
the poet William Wordsworth. Then we
go west to the magnificent and wild
Pembrokshire coast, home to some of
the largest sea bird colonies in Europe.
This holiday will take you into the
heart of an ancient culture and you
will stay in two comfortable Welsh hotels.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Crickhowell, a thriving market town beautifully located in arguably the most beautiful valley in the National Park between the Black Mountains and the Brecon Beacons. .(B)
Day 2 Today we will
discover the ruins of ancient Llanthony Priory,
which, located far up the Honddu Valley in the
remote Black Mountains, is unlikely to be found
by chance; and then walk on Offa's Dyke, the
extraordinary earthwork built by King Offa of
Mercia as a defensive bulwark and which runs
the length of the border with England. Approximately
8 miles of easy to moderate hiking. (B,L,D)
 Day 3 Today we enjoy
the woodlands and footpaths of the Wye Valley,
overlooking the Royal Forest of Dean and including
views of Tintern Abbey, made famous by
William Wordsworth. Glorious views and a great
sense of Welsh history 7 miles, easy to moderate
hiking.
(B,L,D)
Day 4 A walk
into the heart of the Beacons, with wide-ranging
views amid dramatic countryside. An introduction
to the wild and rugged landscapes that characterise
Wales. Return to our hotel in Abergavenny for
overnight. 5 miles of moderate hiking.(B,L,D)
Day
5 Transfer to Pembrokeshire. Enjoy a spectacular journey through the Black Mountains and along the coast, with plenty of opportunities for enjoying the wide-ranging views. Depending on the group size this journey may be by train. On arrival in Haverford West in the early afternoon there is time for a short introductory walk before dinner and overnight in the Wolfscastle Hotel. (B,L,D)
 Day 6 A short
drive will bring us to the beautiful Pembrokeshire
coast, with magnificent views across St Bride's
Bay. The birdlife here is among the most spectacular
in the world and when the weather is good there
is nowhere more dramatic. 5-7 miles of moderate
hiking.(B,L,D)
Day 7 We return
to the coast, for a walk on the peninsula that
forms one of the westernmost points of Wales.
We can see Skomer Island and, weather permitting,
we might take a boat across and do a walk there.
5-7 miles of moderate hiking.(B,L,D)
Day 8 Depart
after breakfast.(B)
Land Cost $3075
Includes:
- 5 scenic guided hikes
- 7 nights' lodging in authentic Welsh hotels
- Double-occupancy room with private bath
- 7 delicious breakfasts and 7 dinners
- 6 lunches, packed or a local pub lunch
- All sightseeing visits and admission fees
- Luggage transported between hotels
|
|
