The Lleyn Peninsula Walk

The Lleyn Peninsula has a very different landscape to the rest of North Wales. The mountains on Lleyn fall sheer into the sea, but they are broken by wide bays and rocky coves, with charming little fishing villages. Inland are white-washed farms and a network of small films. Bardsey Island, off the tip of the Lleyn peninsula, was once a place of pilgrimage and according to legend Merlin, the Wizard of Arthurian Fame lies buried there in a suspended animation, ready to awake when King Arthur returns to Britain.

Itinerary

Day 1:Arrive by car at Penarfynydd Farm, 5 miles west of Aberdaron. This working farm is owned by the National Trust and is located in an area of exceptional scenery overlooking Bardsey Island. The farmhouse has 2 double rooms, so would be ideal for a party of 2 couples. On your way to Penarfynydd you might like to stop off and explore some of North Wales' many attractions such as Caernarfon or Harlech Castles. After settling into the farmhouse you might like to get your bearings by completing a short walk to nearby Rhiw Mountain. When you return to the farmhouse you can tuck in to a hearty home-cooked meal. Please feel free to bring a bottle of wine if you wish.

Day 2: After breakfast you will be driven to the pretty nearby harbour town of Abersoch, famous for its water sports. From here you will walk westwards back to Penarfynydd over the beautiful Cilan Headland and then the wide sandy expanse of Hell’s Mouth Beach. It’s then a short but steep climb up over the lower slopes of Rhiw Mountain back to Penarfynydd. For a change of scene you might like to pop out for a drink in one of Aberdaron’s pubs, the Tŷ Newydd or the Ship Hotel.

Day 3: After breakfast you will be driven to the famous beach Porth Oer, also known as Whistling Sands because of the high pitched squeak caused by walking on the fine sand. From here you will walk around the Mynydd Mawr headland at the very tip of the peninsula with its stunning views of Bardsey Island. The path will then lead you back to Aberdaron.

Day 4: After checking out of the farmhouse, you might like to take the opportunity to drive to Porth Meudwy cove near Aberdaron and take the Ferry across to Bardsey Island. This peaceful little island was once the site of an Abbey, the ruins of which can still be seen. Today there are only a handful of human inhabitants, and the island is a haven for wild-life, with large colonies of seals and Manx Shearwaters. The boat fare is £25 per person return, and visitors have approximately 3 and a half hours to explore the island. The crossing is extremely weather dependant as the tidal currents are amongst the strongest in the British Isles. If the wind is unfavourable you can take a leisurely drive home exploring more of North Wales on the way.

Details

Price

The total price for 3 night's dinner bed & breakfast accommodation for 2 people, including transfers as detailed in the itinerary and relevant route notes and map is £495 per person