WalkingWomen Treks – The Slate Trail, Snowdonia, Wales

SUMMARY

Date: Tuesday May 4th  to Thursday May 12th  – 9 nights and 10 days.

Guide: Anita Grey

Walking Grade: Goat 3 as we walk this unique , strenuous 83 mile/133 km trail over 8 days of hiking. WE ACTUALLY HIKED 100 MILES IN 2026. You need to be able to walk 8 days and 8 hours per day – there will be rest day. YOU DO NEED TO BE HILL FIT!

Hikes will be steady and we will have lots of stops to discover, and have time, to understand the history of the generations of slate workers and how they lived and worked. Such an important part of the Welsh culture and the reason this is now a World Heritage Site. Part of this trip is also to visit and support local enterprises as we pass – all run by people that make this area unique.

At the end of the trip you receive your Snowdonia Slate Trail passport. We collect stamps as we walk.

Max elevation at the highest point: 515m/1690 ft . The total cumulative ascent has a total elevation, as you hike up and down, of 4,451m/14,603 ft.

Terrain: can be rocky as we walk through an area that was the centre of the Welsh Slate industry. Paths are good and there are no major ascents

Max distance: 15 miles/24km  in one day 

Highlights:

• A unique journey to enjoy the wonders of the Llwybr Llechi Eryri ( Snowdonia National Park Slate Trail)
• Walking each day as we hike together from start to finish – it’s special!
• Ancient railways and fascinating sites which we visit
• Spectacular landscapes from mountains,forest,lakes,rivers, from the valley to the sea.
• A cuppa as you pass by Anita (your guides) house! We experience true welsh hospitality throughout this trip.

Base: we will stay in different local hotels to experience the best that Snowdonia has to offer and eat lovely local food at the end of each day. We immerse in Welsh culture.

1st and Final night at The Slate Hotel, Bangor

3 nights at the serene not-for-profit ,socially and environmentally conscious lake side sanctuary that is  Trigonos

To note Trigonos is entirely vegetarian and vegan. The delicious food is prepared with mainly products from their own biodynamic farm. There is no bar but drinks can be brought and kept in fridges in the dining area. There are no shops at Trigonos.

2 nights where we have our rest day and can visit Llechwedd Unesco Heritage site . We stay Plas Weunydd

2 nights at the cosy Tyn-Y-Coed Hotel and Pub

Arrivals: Tuesday May 4th – arrivals by 16.00 to check in to your hotel in Bangor.

Meeting point will be in Bangor – there is a train station with good links. The nearest airport is Liverpool. We can advise when we know where you are travelling from.

Departures: Thursday 13th May after breakfast. You will be able to leave when you are ready from The Slate, Bangor.

Price: £2,900 for a fully inclusive 10 days on this Welsh long distance trail in solo occupancy ensuite rooms .

If you bring a partner/friend and share a room there is a  discount each – price is £2,300 per person. We adjust your invoice after you’ve paid your deposit.

Price inclusive of :

• Ensuite solo occupancy bedroom
• All breakfast, packed lunches and evening meals
• Local Guiding with you all all times
• Luggage transfers between hotels
• All transport required for the Trek
• Excursions to the Slate Mines
• Your Slate Trail Medal on completion
• Our personalised, attentive WalkingWomen Service throughout

Not included:

• Travel to Bangor where the holiday starts and ends
• Additional drinks
• Additional excursions not on the itinerary

DETAILS

There is an excellent website that explains all about this fabulous trek. Do take the time to look at it to see if this trek inspires you – we hope so

THE SNOWDONIA SLATE TRAIL

ITINERARY

This is a journey to complete a trail and we expect to complete it. However weather can change things or unexpected conditions. But never fear your guide will always brief you each day and as we always say – TRUST YOUR GUIDE .

The distance of the Slate Trail is noted as 83 miles but you may walk more as you take detours to explore places we pass through. Each day is a full hiking day with one rest day with only a very short walk and a chance for more cultural tours.

We will have transport to take us to the start of some walks. Luggage will be transferred between hotels.

Day one: Our starting point is Bangor where we will all gather and stay a night.

Day two: We start our journey in Porth Penrhyn and we walk to Llanberis, via Bethesda 13.5 miles/22 km

Day three: From Llanberis to Trigonos, Nantille, via Waunfawr. 9.7 miles/15.6km

Day four:  Nantille to Beddgelert, via Rhyd Ddu. 10.2 miles/16.4km

Day five: Beddgelert to Bleunau Ffestiniog via Croesor and Tan Y Grisiau. 11.2 miles/18 km

Day  six:  Short walk Bleaunau Ffestiniog to Llanffestiniog 3.3 miles/5.3 km.

Later morning start and an afternoon to rest and visit the Slate Caverns.

Day 7: Llanffestiniog to Penmachno 13.2 miles/21.2km

Day 8: Penmachno to Capel Curig ( we walk back to our hotel ) 11.2 miles/18km

Day 9:Capel Curig to Bethesda where we complete the Trek 12.2 miles/19.6km

Return to The Slate Hotel to celebrate the end of The Slate Trail – congratulations !

Day 10: Departures after breakfast