Overview
Visit Wales mapped three national routes through the country: round the coast, down the mountains, and along the old road to Ireland. This tour drives all three, 440 miles between them.
The Coastal Way follows Cardigan Bay from Aberdaron to St Davids, the Cambrian Way runs the mountain spine from the Conwy Valley to Cardiff, and the North Wales Way takes the coast road from the border to Holyhead.
Between them you see pilgrims' churches at both ends of the bay, the town where Owain Glyndŵr held his parliament, and Edward I's castles from the first he built in Wales to the last.
- Duration
- 8 days
- Group size
- Up to 7 guests
- Vehicle
- Mercedes V-Class
Includes
- Expert bilingual local guide
- Travel in a Mercedes V-Class
- Daily pick-ups & drop offs
- Fully customisable
Excludes
- Flights, transfers and accommodation
- Food and drink
- Entry fees to attractions
- Heritage & culture
- Coast & beaches
- Mountains & lakes
Itinerary
Day 1 The Coastal Way: the Llŷn to Barmouth
The Coastal Way starts at the end of the Llŷn. Nant Gwrtheyrn's quarry village first, then Aberdaron and its church on the beach, the last stop before Bardsey. Along the south side through Abersoch and Porthmadog to Harlech's castle, and Barmouth, where the Mawddach meets the sea.
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Restored quarry village, now a Welsh language and heritage centre
A beautifully restored Victorian quarry village set on a 200-acre site in a secluded wooded valley overlooking Porthdinllaen Bay on the Llyn Peninsula. Transformed into a Welsh language and cultural centre, Nant Gwrtheyrn is a wonderful spot to enjoy stunning coastal scenery and learn about Welsh culture and heritage. -
The last village before Ynys Enlli, and the end of the pilgrims' road
Aberdaron sits in a bay at the tip of the Llŷn, the final stop for medieval pilgrims crossing to Ynys Enlli (Bardsey). St Hywyn's church stands on the beach itself, and Y Gegin Fawr fed pilgrims waiting for a crossing from the thirteenth century onwards. -
A sailing village with two beaches and the St Tudwal's islands offshore
Abersoch is the Llŷn's sailing centre, busy with boats through the summer and looking out to the two St Tudwal's islands. The main beach runs south towards Llanbedrog; the Warren beach behind it is private. -
A harbour town built on slate, and the terminus of two heritage railways
Porthmadog was built to ship slate from Blaenau Ffestiniog, brought down to the quay by the Ffestiniog Railway. The harbour is now a marina, and the town is the terminus for both the Ffestiniog Railway and the Welsh Highland Railway, along with a third short line at the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway. -
Edward I's clifftop fortress above Cardigan Bay, a World Heritage Site
Edward I's castle on its rock above Cardigan Bay, built to the concentric plan in only twelve years, 1283 to 1295, by nearly a thousand craftsmen and labourers. The sea once came to the foot of the rock. A siege in the Wars of the Roses, when a small garrison held out for seven years, is said to be the origin of 'Men of Harlech'. A World Heritage Site. -
Seaside town at the mouth of the Mawddach, with an estuary trail
Situated at the mouth of the River Mawddach on Cardigan Bay. The Mawddach Estuary, with its scenic beauty, is another highlight. It is a haven for wildlife and offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and birdwatching. The Mawddach Trail, a picturesque walking and cycling path, follows the estuary and offers stunning views of the area.
Day 2 The Coastal Way: Cardigan Bay
A morning on the Mawddach estuary under Cadair Idris and in Dolgellau, then the coast road south to Aberystwyth's cliff railway, Aberaeron's painted Georgian harbour, and New Quay, the harbour town Dylan Thomas knew, where boats go out after the bay's dolphins.
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The estuary walk from Barmouth under Cadair Idris
The Mawddach Estuary is a beautiful coastal area in Gwynedd, North Wales, where the River Mawddach flows into Cardigan Bay. Surrounded by mountains, woodlands, and sandy shores, it offers stunning views of Cadair Idris and the surrounding landscape. The estuary is popular with walkers, cyclists, birdwatchers, and nature lovers, with the Mawddach Trail providing a scenic route along its southern shore. -
A stone-built market town, the gateway to southern Snowdonia
A historic market town with a rich history dating back to medieval times. Dolgellau features 17th-century houses, narrow streets, and the iconic stone bridge Pont y Wernddu. The architecture reflects the town's heritage and contributes to its considerable charm as a gateway to southern Snowdonia. -
Mid Wales seaside town and university city below a clifftop railway
The largest town in Mid Wales, home to the oldest of the Welsh universities and the National Library, with a castle ruin on the front. It faces due west across Cardigan Bay, so on summer evenings the sun goes down straight in front of the promenade. The funicular cliff railway of 1896, the longest in Britain, climbs Constitution Hill to a view of 26 peaks on a clear day, and the Vale of Rheidol steam railway leaves from the station for Devil's Bridge. -
Georgian harbour town of painted houses, beaches and honey ice cream
A beautiful harbour town on the Ceredigion coast, with two lovely beaches, a picturesque harbour, and an array of multi-coloured Georgian terraced houses. 'The Hive' is famous for its honey ice cream, and the town offers charming gift shops and cafes. -
Harbour town on Cardigan Bay, and a launch point for dolphin trips
It is known for its picturesque harbor and sandy beaches. New Quay is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its beautiful scenery, wildlife, and charming atmosphere. The town offers various activities such as boat trips, dolphin watching, fishing, and coastal walks.
Day 3 The Coastal Way: to St Davids
Cardigan and the cove at Mwnt, then Newport and Dinas on the north Pembrokeshire coast. Porthgain's old harbour and the Atlantic surf at Whitesands lead to St Davids, where the Coastal Way ends at the cathedral of Wales's patron saint.
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Aberteifi — a castle town at the mouth of the Teifi
Cardigan is a historic market town in Ceredigion, West Wales, situated on the River Teifi near the coast. The town is famous for Cardigan Castle, which has played an important role in Welsh history and is believed to be the birthplace of the first recorded Eisteddfod. Cardigan is surrounded by beautiful countryside and coastal scenery, making it a popular destination for visitors exploring West Wales. -
A hidden Cardigan Bay cove of sand, cliffs and coastal wildlife
A hidden gem on the Cardigan Bay coast, offering a mix of stunning scenery, wildlife, and historical charm. Whether you're looking to relax on the beach, explore coastal paths, or enjoy outdoor activities, Mwnt provides a tranquil escape in nature. -
Coastal town of sandy beaches and cliffs beside the national park
A picturesque coastal town in Pembrokeshire celebrated for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. It features sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, and close proximity to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, making it ideal for hiking and outdoor activities. The town boasts ancient monuments and traditional Welsh architecture reflecting its maritime past. -
A village between two bays under Dinas Island
Dinas Cross is a small village in Pembrokeshire, West Wales, located close to the beautiful Pembrokeshire Coast. It is surrounded by rolling countryside and is near the famous Pembrokeshire Coast Path, making it a popular area for walkers and nature lovers. The village is also close to beaches such as Pwllgwaelod and Cwm yr Eglwys, which offer stunning coastal scenery and peaceful surroundings. -
A tiny brick-hoppered quarry harbour on the Pembrokeshire coast
Porthgain is a small historic harbour village on the Pembrokeshire coast in West Wales. Once a busy industrial port, it was known for exporting slate and bricks, and the remains of the old brickworks can still be seen today. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs and beautiful coastal scenery, Porthgain is now a popular stop along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path and a great place to enjoy the rugged beauty of the Welsh coastline. -
Golden sands and Atlantic surf below the cliffs near St Davids
A beautiful beach near St Davids, celebrated for its soft golden sands and rugged cliffs along the Atlantic coast. Popular for surfing and kayaking, the beach attracts outdoor enthusiasts. The adjacent coastal path offers spectacular hiking with trails leading to breathtaking viewpoints and diverse marine life. -
Ancient cathedral at the heart of Britain's smallest city, entry free
Britain's smallest city grew around the monastery St David founded in the 6th century. The cathedral was built low in a hollow of the Alun valley, on sloping, marshy ground, out of sight of raiders from the sea, and the floor still slopes. Beside it stand the ruins of the medieval Bishop's Palace. Entry is free; donations are welcome.
Day 4 The Cambrian Way: through Eryri
North again for the Cambrian Way, starting in the Conwy Valley at Bodnant and Llanrwst. Through Betws-y-Coed and up into the slate town of Blaenau Ffestiniog, then down to Dolgellau under Cadair Idris.
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Eighty acres of terraced gardens with views to the Snowdonia range
Eighty acres above the River Conwy, sloping west with Snowdonia across the valley. Formal Italianate terraces and a rose garden run down into the Dell, a wooded valley of streams and glades planted with seeds and cuttings brought back by plant-hunting expeditions more than a century ago. Something is at its best in every season: daffodils and magnolias in spring, the laburnum arch in late May, summer meadows, autumn colour and frost on the terraces in winter. There are record-breaking trees among the two-hundred-year-old ones. -
A Conwy Valley market town beside the 17th-century Pont Fawr
A small market town on the River Conwy. Pont Fawr, the three-arched bridge of 1636, is attributed by tradition to Inigo Jones, and Tŷ Hwnt i'r Bont beside it is a 15th-century house, now the ivy-covered tearoom in every photograph of the town. Gwydir Castle, the Wynn family's Tudor house, is across the river. -
Victorian resort village of stone bridges and riverside woodland walks
A gem of a village and the gateway to Snowdonia, Betws-y-Coed has been a popular holiday destination since the Victorian era. Situated in a picturesque valley at the confluence of the River Conwy and River Llugwy, the village offers charming stone bridges, woodland walks, and a wonderful selection of outdoor shops and cafes. -
Slate-built town with caverns, a mountain railway and quarry heritage
Is famous for its slate quarrying history, particularly the Llechwedd and Ffestiniog quarries. In the 19th century, it became a major slate production center, significantly impacting the local economy. Key attractions include the Llechwedd Slate Caverns and the Ffestiniog Railway, which offer insight into the slate mining process and scenic views. The town features distinctive slate architecture and several museums dedicated to its industrial heritage, all set against the backdrop of beautiful Snowdonia landscapes. -
A stone-built market town, the gateway to southern Snowdonia
A historic market town with a rich history dating back to medieval times. Dolgellau features 17th-century houses, narrow streets, and the iconic stone bridge Pont y Wernddu. The architecture reflects the town's heritage and contributes to its considerable charm as a gateway to southern Snowdonia.
Day 5 The Cambrian Way: the Cambrian Mountains
Machynlleth, where Owain Glyndŵr was crowned and held a Welsh parliament in 1404, then the empty uplands to the Elan Valley's dams. Rhayader, Builth Wells and the Wye take you south to Brecon.
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Owain Glyndŵr’s parliament town, on the Dyfi
Machynlleth is a historic market town in Powys, Mid Wales, situated near the River Dyfi and surrounded by beautiful countryside. It is known for its lively markets, independent shops, and strong connection to Welsh history. Machynlleth was once the seat of Owain Glyndŵr, the famous Welsh prince who led a rebellion against English rule in the early 15th century. Today, it is a popular base for exploring the stunning landscapes of Mid Wales. -
A valley of reservoirs and woodland, rich in wildlife and birdlife
The reservoirs stand as a remarkable achievement in Victorian engineering, addressing the pressing water needs of Birmingham while transforming the landscape into a stunning natural reserve. The project not only provided a reliable water supply for over a century but also created beautiful reservoirs that attract visitors for recreation and wildlife observation. Today, the Elan Valley is celebrated for its historical significance, breathtaking scenery, and the balance it strikes between human ingenuity and environmental preservation. -
The gateway town to the Elan Valley reservoirs
Rhayader is a historic market town in Powys, Mid Wales, located on the River Wye and surrounded by beautiful countryside. It is known as the gateway to the Elan Valley, a stunning area famous for its reservoirs, dams, and scenic landscapes. Rhayader is also popular with walkers, cyclists, and nature lovers. The town has a rich history and provides a great starting point for exploring the Welsh countryside. -
A Wye bridging town, home of the Royal Welsh Show
Builth Wells is a historic market town in Powys, Mid Wales, situated on the River Irfon near its meeting with the River Wye. The town is well known for its Victorian heritage and its historic connection to the spa trade. Builth Wells is also famous for hosting the Royal Welsh Show, one of the largest agricultural events in the UK. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, it is a popular destination for walkers, cyclists, and visitors exploring Mid Wales. -
A Usk-side market town at the northern gate of the Bannau
Brecon is a historic market town in Powys, Mid Wales, located within the beautiful Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park. It is known for its impressive cathedral, historic buildings, and scenic surroundings. Brecon is a popular destination for walkers and outdoor enthusiasts, with mountains, rivers, and waterfalls nearby. The town also has a rich military history and is home to the Brecon Barracks.
Day 6 The Cambrian Way: the Bannau to Cardiff
Through Bannau Brycheiniog and down to Castell Coch in its beech woods above the city. The Cambrian Way ends in Cardiff: the Senedd and Pierhead on the bay, and the capital's centre.
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Dramatic mountain scenery, waterfalls and valleys on a scenic drive
A stunning national park in South Wales known for its dramatic mountain scenery, waterfalls, and beautiful valleys. A scenic drive through the park and Neath Valley is a memorable experience. -
Burges's fairytale 'Red Castle' of turrets and vivid painted rooms
Often referred to as the 'Red Castle', is a picturesque Gothic Revival castle located near Cardiff. Designed by architect William Burges in the late 19th century, it was built on the ruins of an earlier medieval structure. The castle is characterized by its striking red sandstone exterior, whimsical turrets, and intricate interior detailing, including beautifully crafted woodwork and vibrant murals. -
Redeveloped docklands waterfront, home to the Senedd and Pierhead
A waterfront district located in the capital city of Cardiff, Wales. Historically, this area was the site of Cardiff's docklands and maritime industries. However, in the late 20th century, the area underwent a major redevelopment. The redevelopment has created a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly district with scenic walking paths, public art, and green spaces. It has become a popular destination. -
Wales's capital city, from Roman fort to castle and waterfront
Based on the southern coast of Wales, along the Bristol Channel and River Taff estuary. Cardiff originated as a minor Roman fort before gradually growing into a major port city during the Industrial Revolution. It was officially proclaimed the capital of Wales in 1955. One of the main highlights is Cardiff Castle which dates back 2,000 years ago.
Day 7 The North Wales Way: the border to the Orme
The third route starts at the English border, at Flint, the first castle Edward I built in Wales. St Winefride's Well at Holywell, the tiny cathedral at St Asaph and Rhuddlan's castle bring you to Llandudno and the Great Orme's Bronze Age copper mine.
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The first of Edward I’s Welsh castles, on the Dee estuary
Flint Castle is a historic medieval castle located in Flintshire, North Wales, overlooking the River Dee. Built by King Edward I in the late 13th century, it was one of the first castles constructed during his campaign to conquer Wales. The castle is famous for its unusual design, including a large circular tower, and played an important role in the history of Wales and England. Today, its impressive ruins attract visitors interested in history, architecture, and the beautiful North Wales landscape. -
St Winefride’s Well, the Lourdes of Wales, a pilgrimage site for 1,300 years
Holywell is a historic town in Flintshire, North Wales, famous for St Winefride’s Well, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Britain. The town has a rich history and is surrounded by beautiful countryside, making it a popular place for visitors interested in Welsh culture and heritage. Holywell is also close to the Dee Estuary and other attractions in North Wales. -
The smallest ancient cathedral in Britain
St Asaph is a small historic city in Denbighshire, North Wales, located along the River Elwy. It is famous for St Asaph Cathedral, which has a long history dating back many centuries and is one of the smallest cities in the UK. The city is surrounded by beautiful countryside and provides a peaceful place to explore Welsh history, culture, and architecture. -
A diamond-plan Edwardian castle above a canalised Clwyd
Rhuddlan is a historic town in Denbighshire, North Wales, famous for its impressive medieval castle. Rhuddlan Castle was built by King Edward I in the 13th century as part of his campaign to conquer Wales. The town has a rich history and is located near the River Clwyd, surrounded by beautiful countryside. Today, Rhuddlan is a popular place for visitors interested in Welsh history and medieval architecture. -
Victorian seaside resort with a grand promenade, pier and bay
A popular seaside resort town located on the north coast of Wales, known for its Victorian-era charm and architecture. It gained popularity as a holiday destination during the 19th century and has retained much of its original Victorian character. The town's elegant promenade, pier, and crescent-shaped bay contribute to its nostalgic appeal. -
Limestone headland above Llandudno with a Bronze Age copper mine
A limestone headland above Llandudno with a Bronze Age copper mine, one of the most important prehistoric mines in the world, a Victorian tramway and a cable car to the summit. The headland has plants found nowhere else on earth; in 2015 the National Trust bought Parc Farm on top and let it for £1 a year to a shepherd whose sheep graze it for the wildflowers.
Day 8 The North Wales Way: to Holyhead
Conwy, Aber Falls and Beaumaris, the last castle Edward I began, then over the Menai Bridge and across Anglesey on the road to Ireland. Holy Island, Trearddur Bay and South Stack, and the end of all three routes at St Cybi's, a church inside a Roman fort above Holyhead harbour.
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Edward I's exceptionally preserved fortress on the River Conwy
Built for Edward I by Master James of St George from 1283, on a rock at the mouth of the Conwy: eight towers, two barbicans and a great hall in one long ring, with no need for the concentric walls of his other castles because the rock did that work. It cost about £15,000, the most Edward spent so quickly on any Welsh castle, and it is the best preserved of them all. A World Heritage Site together with the town walls, which still run unbroken round the old town. -
Rhaeadr Fawr, a 37-metre waterfall at the end of an easy valley walk
Rhaeadr Fawr drops about 37 metres, 120 feet, off the northern edge of the Carneddau above Abergwyngregyn. The walk in from the car park is about two and a half miles there and back on a clear, mostly level path up the valley, with a second fall, Rhaeadr Bach, off to the side. -
Elegant Georgian seaside town with its World Heritage castle and cafes
A small Georgian town on the Menai Strait, laid out beside the last of Edward I's castles, which sits in its moat at the top of the main street. The Victorian pier looks across the water to Snowdonia and up the strait to Puffin Island. Independent cafes, restaurants, gift shops and galleries, and the old courthouse and gaol to visit. -
Telford's 1826 span, the world's first major suspension bridge
Thomas Telford's suspension bridge of 1826, the first major one in the world, crossing the Menai Strait where the ferries used to run. The small town on the Anglesey bank takes its name from it, with a waterfront walk to Church Island, and shops and restaurants near the bridge. -
The village with Europe's longest name, and the photo to prove it
The village with the longest place name in Europe, 58 letters, stretched to that length in the 1860s as a stunt to bring visitors to the new railway station. It still works: everyone stops to be photographed under the station sign. The name means roughly 'St Mary's church in the hollow of the white hazel near the rapid whirlpool and St Tysilio's church by the red cave'. -
The old crossing to Holy Island across the strait
Four Mile Bridge is a small village on the Isle of Anglesey in North Wales, situated between Holyhead and Rhoscolyn. It is named after the historic bridge that crosses the Cymyran Strait, connecting Anglesey with Holy Island. The area is known for its peaceful surroundings, coastal scenery, and nearby beaches, making it a pleasant place to explore the natural beauty of North Wales. -
A sandy Holy Island bay of coves and rock
Trearddur Bay is a popular seaside village on Holy Island, off the coast of Anglesey in North Wales. It is well known for its beautiful sandy beach, clear waters, and rocky coastline. The bay is a great place for swimming, walking, and water sports, while the surrounding scenery offers lovely views of the Irish Sea. Trearddur Bay is a popular destination for both locals and visitors looking to enjoy the coast. -
Clifftop seabird colonies around one of Wales's most photographed spots
A lighthouse of 1809 on a rock off the west coast of Holy Island, reached down 400 steps and across a bridge: an island off an island off an island. The cliffs hold thousands of guillemots, razorbills and puffins in early summer, and choughs all year, and the RSPB's rare-breed sheep graze the heath above. Above the car park are the Iron Age hut circles of Tŷ Mawr. -
A 6th-century church standing inside a Roman fort at Holyhead
Dating back to the 6th century, St Cybi's Church is uniquely located within the walls of a 3rd-century Roman fort overlooking the port of Holyhead on Anglesey. This remarkable combination of Roman and early Christian heritage makes it one of the most historically significant sites on the island.
What guests say
What makes a perfect adventure? One that you are still daydreaming about weeks after your return. Celticos.com (John Prichard) helped us organize and execute a splendid 8 day tour of Wales (from Holyhead to Cardiff with 4 nights in Beaumaris, 2 nights in Tenby and 2 nights in Cardiff ). John spent time, via FaceTime and emails, with our group crafting an itinerary based on our interests and his expertise. Once in Wales John was both our guide and driver. He was thorough, thoughtful, informative, flexible, a great windy-road driver, and an all around nice guy. In addition to the must see’s of Wales, John found us breathtaking hikes, quaint coffee shops, local music, and a Welsh Men’s Choir Rehearsal (a definite must do). An enthusiastic thumbs up for Celticos.com.
Our experience with John and Celticos Tours was beyond amazing! We've had the pleasure of touring with John twice in 3 years and he absolutely nailed everything we wanted to do and see. We saw the beautiful small towns of Wales, one cuter and more inviting than the next. Our hikes took us to gorgeous waterfalls, historic seaside lighthouses, churches, and more… all with stunning views.
To say the people of Wales are friendly is an understatement. From the Sunday Pot Roasts in the local pubs (best EVER!), to the bakeries, to every small business, they couldn't be more accommodating. We were lucky enough to be in Wales for 6 days, starting from breathtaking Anglesey, to Wrexham (where we were invited to go on the pitch!), through Snowdonia, to the world's highest aqueduct, down to Tenby… where we had very high expectations and we were not at all disappointed! Our accommodations were second to none, yet very affordable, with beautiful countryside inns, seaside spas, and waterfront homes, which were all unbelievably comfortable.
After seeing South Wales, we toured the picturesque coast back to Anglesey, where our tour would sadly end. It was such an amazing trip because John is a one of a kind tour guide, who makes you feel right at home. His love for his wonderful country makes touring with him an experience we've never had in all of our travels. Thanks to John, we are already planning our next trip back to Wales. There's always more to see and do!
Frequently asked questions
- Can we change the itinerary?
Yes. Every tour we run is customised, so treat this itinerary as a starting point. Tell us what interests you and we will build the days around it.
- Can this tour be combined with other tours, or made longer or shorter?
Yes. A day tour can be built into a multi-day tour, and a multi-day tour can be shortened, extended or joined to another. Tell us how many days you have and we will plan around them.
- Are admission fees included?
No. Entry to castles, gardens and other attractions is paid on the day, where a fee applies. Many of the castles are cared for by Cadw, and we can advise on the best-value tickets when you book.
- Is food included?
No. As we tour we will suggest eating places that our guests have enjoyed.
- What should we wear and bring?
Sensible footwear for some light walking, and a rain jacket, just in case.
- How much walking is involved?
Some, and none of it strenuous: the walk from the car to a castle gate or a viewpoint. If walking is a concern, tell us and we will plan the stops accordingly.
- Where should we stay?
Somewhere central, so that touring time is not spent driving to the start. Our accommodation advice lists places our guests have used, and we are happy to suggest a base for your tour.
