Self-Guided Walking
United Kingdom: Wales
Walk the Welsh Highland Railway
Trip code: W06WR
Average customer rating 3.8 / 5(4 verified reviews)
- Self-Guided Walking
- 6 nights hotel-to-hotel
- Demanding
- CO₂ rating 1/5
- Headwater Navigation app
Trip highlights
Trip details
This holiday highlights some of the best scenery the Snowdonia National Park has to offer. You will explore the region mostly on foot, travelling through this incredible scenery and taking some short train journeys on the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway along the way.
You begin on the coast at Porthmadog, with your accommodation a short walk from the marina before heading into the Snowdonia National Park. The walks will take you through the idyllic natural beauty of the park, through woodland, along ridges and rivers, across moorland and beside lakes to end with the summit of Snowdon at 1,085m, the highest point in the British Isles outside the Scottish Highlands. Routes are planned to combine walking with sections of travel on the Welsh Highland Railway (tickets included), allowing more distance to be covered.
The Welsh Highland Railway is the UK’s longest heritage railway and runs for 25 miles from Caernarfon, below Snowdon and to the pretty village of Beddgelert, before going through the Aberglaslyn Pass and on to Porthmadog. It was built in the 1920s to link the former North Wales Narrow Gauge Railway with the Festiniog Railway.
Your accommodation along the way is in a selection of carefully chosen Guest houses and hotels, with the last night in the Royal town of Caernarfon, known for its breath-taking medieval castle on the banks of the River Seiont. The 13th Century castle, built by Edward I as a Royal Palace and military fortress at the mouth of the River Seiont forms part of the Ring of Iron along with Beaumaris, Conwy and Harlech castles, these four castles are now on the UNESCO World Heritage List. A new town was built within walls at the same time as the castle and the majority of the walls,complete with eight towers and two gateways remain largely intact.
Please note due to seasonal changes the availability of the rail journeys may change. This will be confirmed at time of booking.
What's included
Included
- 6 nights in 3-star equivalent and 4-star accommodation
- All breakfasts
- Briefing at the start of your holiday
- Headwater navigation app
- Luggage transfers between hotels
- Walking transfers using the Welsh Highland Railway. Please note due to seasonal changes the availability of the rail journeys may change. This will be confirmed at time of booking.
Not included
- Travel insurance
Itinerary
Day 1 · —Arrive in Porthmadog
On arrival in the coastal town of Porthmadog head out for a stroll around the marina before finding somewhere to eat near the guesthouse.
You stay at Tudor Lodge
Tudor Lodge
Porthmadog
- Hairdryers
- Tea & coffee
- Television
- Wifi access
Tudor Lodge is a family-run bed and breakfast in Porthmadog known for its convenient location near the train station and town center, comfortable rooms, and a high-quality breakfast. It offers friendly service and a welcoming atmosphere that makes guests feel at home.
Day 2 · 14km/8.7miPorthmadog (Nantmor) to Beddgelert
Take the short heritage rail journey (subject to availability and timings) to Nantmor from where you head, up and over, through ancient woodland and across the moor to beautiful Llyn Dinas. You follow the course of the river, passing the Sygun Copper mine on to the picturesque village of Beddgelert. The village is perhaps best known for the story of Prince Llewelyn ap Iowerth and his faithful dog Gelert.
Elevation
You stay at Plas Tan y Graig
equivalent
Plas Tan y Graig
Beddgelert
- Hairdryers
- Mastercard
- Tea & coffee
- Television
- Visa cards
- Wifi access
Plas Tan y Graig is a family run B&B Guest House in Beddgelert. There are five comfortable en-suite guest rooms, a cosy guest lounge and large private gardens overlooking Afon Colwyn, Moel Hebog and Aberglaslyn.
Day 3 · 9km/5.6miAt Beddgelert
From the day you arrived you’ll have seen Moel Hebog (795m) rising above Beddgelert. Today you will enjoy a circular hike from the picturesque village and through the surrounding farmland before making an ascent towards the summit before it opens out onto a plateau. Enjoy a grassy descent down the other side, winding through Beddgelert forest before returning to the village.
Elevation
You stay at Plas Tan y Graig
equivalent
Plas Tan y Graig
Beddgelert
- Hairdryers
- Mastercard
- Tea & coffee
- Television
- Visa cards
- Wifi access
Plas Tan y Graig is a family run B&B Guest House in Beddgelert. There are five comfortable en-suite guest rooms, a cosy guest lounge and large private gardens overlooking Afon Colwyn, Moel Hebog and Aberglaslyn.
Day 4 · 4km/2.5miBeddgelert to Rhyd Ddu
Spend time this morning exploring the small shops and cafes in the village, before a gentle stroll via Gelert’s grave, the faithful hound to 13th century Llewelyn, prince of North Wales, to your next train station. Take the Heritage train (subject to availability and timings) to Rhyd Ddu and walk on to your overnight stop, Ty Mawr.
Elevation
You stay at Ty Mawr
equivalent
Ty Mawr
Rhyd Ddu
- Hairdryers
- Tea & coffee
- Television
- Wifi access
Tŷ Mawr, meaning ‘Big House’ is a stone cottage dating back more than 200 years and is now a friendly and welcoming tea house and B&B. A hearty breakfast is prepared for you and picnics are available on request.
Day 5 · 9km/5.6miAt Rhyd Ddu
Today’s walk begins with a big climb to ‘Y Garn’ but it’s worth the effort. Nantlle Ridge is a stunning ridge walk with views across the water to Anglesey and inland towards Snowdon: a sneak peak of what tomorrow has in store.
Elevation
You stay at Ty Mawr
equivalent
Ty Mawr
Rhyd Ddu
- Hairdryers
- Tea & coffee
- Television
- Wifi access
Tŷ Mawr, meaning ‘Big House’ is a stone cottage dating back more than 200 years and is now a friendly and welcoming tea house and B&B. A hearty breakfast is prepared for you and picnics are available on request.
Day 6 · 12km/7.5miSnowdon
The grand finale. Your final hike ascends the Rhyd Ddu path to Snowdon’s summit. Take time at the top to enjoy the 360° views before descending via the Ranger’s path, you’ll finish at the Snowdon Ranger’s station before taking the Heritage train (subject to availability and timings) on to your final destination, Caernarfon.
Elevation
You stay at Anglesey Arms Hotel
equivalent
Anglesey Arms Hotel
Caernarfon
- Hairdryers
- Mastercard
- Tea & coffee
- Television
- Visa cards
- Wifi access
Anglesey Arms is a Bed & breakfast situated in the beautiful, picturesque Welsh town of Caernarfon. Built into the walls of Caernarfon Castle, Anglesey Arms is a former 18th-century customs house that has been converted into a homely guesthouse. With free on-site parking, the hotel overlooks the harbour entrance, offering stunning views across the Menai Straits to Anglesey. The cosy rooms feature a TV, free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee facilities, and some have views across the Menai Straits.
Day 7 · —Depart after breakfast
Explore the grand medieval town of Caernarfon, with its mighty castle, pretty harbour and views across the Menai Strait to Anglesey before departing.
What our travellers say
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Positive impact
Carbon score for this trip
17.0
Kg CO₂e
per person, per night
Relative to other Headwater trips
We measure emissions from the parts of the holiday we organise — including accommodation, in-trip transport, meals and activities — and express them as CO₂e per person, per night. Our label doesn’t include your travel to and from the start of the trip. As a Certified B Corp, Headwater is committed to reducing this figure and to positively impacting local communities, the local environment and our staff. Learn more
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