Walking Holiday UK - Wales - Llŷn Peninsula

New Experience Holidays is delighted to offer a section of the now completed Wales Coast Path which extends for 870 miles around the entirety of Wales from the walled city of Chester, England to Chepstow in the far south eastern corner beyond Cardiff. Being close to our base, we have chosen to promote what we feel portrays the very best of Wales and walking the Llŷn peninsula will definitely leave you with a desire to explore more of this beautiful land.   

From the moment you enter Caernarfon, although it was the English King, Edward 1 who built the impressive castle and walled town, you become submersed into the diverse wealth of our Welsh culture. This small peninsula contains some of the richest history and most stunning landscapes to be found anywhere.Celtic churches dating from the 6thCentury, Prehistoric hill forts, and Neolithic standing stones; all steeped in mythological stories of pilgrimage, ancient traditions and language. Nature provides flower covered cliff tops, rare migratory birds, basking sharks and dolphins and colourful seasonal contrasts. In addition, panoramic views diversify from the far-off coast of Ireland to the nearby Snowdonia Mountain where Wales’ highest mountain is outlined against the sky.  At ‘lands’ end’ across a treacherous 2 mile stretch of sea lies the mysterious Island of Ynys Enlli – Bardsey Island. Steeped in holy history it is reputed that over 20,000 Saints made pilgrimage to the island to die and be buried. Take a break from walking to explore this unique land. As you progress the landscape changes as you journey over cliffs, across white sand beaches, through tiny settlements and over purple covered moorland resplendent against the blue sea.

Following the Llŷn Coastal Path you shall mostly follow the coast around the peninsula, known as the Lands’ End of Wales. On occasions, you dip inland to explore a Prehistoric site or church of ancient pilgrimage as well as taking an overnight stay or two away from the sea. Walking trails are well kept and clearly sign posted therefore you can relax and absorb your surroundings. The walks themselves aren’t too challenging but keep you going for the majority of the day. On some days you can opt to walk less or more to suit your ability and the weather. 

A visit to Ynys Enlli - Bardsey Island is a real 'must do' if time permits.  Taking an extra night in Aberdaron, boats leave from the nearby cove of Porth Meuddwy taking a small number of visitors on a 4-hour trip which includes a nature and history talk as well as time alone to walk, sit and reflect in the islands' unique atmosphere. Tickets may be booked in advance to ensure space on the boat - weather permitting of course!

For the optional ascent of Snowdon, either at the start or end of this trek, we offer a choice of 3 routes to the summit, easy, moderate and difficult.  Access to the mountain is just 20 minutes from Caernarfon or Pwllheli and can be reached by a regular Sherpa Mountain Bus or by pre-arranged taxi.

Extended stay

Spend a couple of extra days at the beginning or end in Caernarfon exploring the castle and visiting the Snowdonia National Park where you can climb Mount Snowdon or an extra day in Aberdaron to follow the Pilgrim Trail to its end on Bardsey Island.

Day 1: Arrive in Caernarfon.  Caernarfon is very accessible by train or taxi, which we shall arrange, and only takes 1hr 45mins from Manchester airport or 20 minutes from Bangor Station enroute from London Euston. As Caernarfon is on the doorstep of the Snowdonia mountain range, we recommend an extra day or two in this historic, castellated town.  Either hike up or take the Snowdonia Mountain Railway to the summit of Wales’ highest mountain at 1085m affording incredible views even as far as the end of your trek route. Overnight in an ancient Coaching Inn.

Day 2: Caernarfon to Clynnog Fawr or Trefor. The first half of this easy day takes you on a scenic route along the Menai Strait, through nature reserves and long-ago havens for Viking longboats. The second stage follows the road until the end destination at Clynnog Fawr where there is an impressively large pilgrim’s church with origins dating to 630AD. From there a transfer will take you to your accommodation.

Ascent: 80m Descent: 50m Distance: 13.5 miles 5 hours (option to keep walking as far as Trefor Ascent: 130m Descent: 100m Distance:17.5 miles 7.5 hours).

Overnight Nefyn, or Nant Gwrtheyrn, the Welsh Heritage Centre.

Day 3: Clynnog Fawr or Trevor to Nefyn. Transfer from your accommodation to the start of your walk at either Clynnog Fawr or Trevor. This section is more demanding as the trail climbs over Yr Eifl but offers some spectacular scenery and ancient monuments as a reward for your efforts. Despite being shorter than the first day, the walk consists of steeper gradients descending to Nant Gwrtheyrn a Cultural and Heritage Centre for the Welsh Language. There will be an organised transfer at the end of your walks from Nefyn back to your accommodation.

Ascent: 595m Descent: 595m Distance: 9.5 miles 5 ¾ hours

Note: When staying at Nant Gwrtheyrn you can shorten the day by just walking on to Nefyn missing out a short section.

Overnight Nefyn, or Nant Gwrtheyrn, the Welsh Heritage Centre.

Day 4: Nefyn to Porth Colmon. You will be transferred from your accommodation to the start of the walk in Nefyn. Breathe in the fresh sea air whilst walking along the undulating cliff top path which follows the coastline for the entirety of today’s walk. Pause at Porth Dinllaen – a perfect spot for coffee or something stronger in its beach side tavern.  There will be an organised transfer at the end of the walk to take you to your beachside hotel in Aberdaron. Overnight Aberdaron.

Ascent: 280m Descent: 280m Distance: 12 miles 5 ¼ hours.

Day 5: Porth Colmon to Aberdaron. A transfer will be arranged and take you back to Porth Colmon. This is a simply stunning section as you walk around the ‘Lands’ End’ of Wales passing enclosed sandy bays including the famous whistling sands. Rounding the headland, mysterious Bardsey Island lays just 2 miles offshore whilst the trail crosses the tiny, ancient fields of Uwch Mynydd as it continues on its way towards the picturesque descent into Aberdaron and your hotel. Overnight Aberdaron.

Ascent: 550m Descent: 550m Distance: 12 ½ miles 6 ½ hours

Day 6 Aberdaron to Llanengan. Leaving Aberdaron, the coastal path moves inland crossing rural farmland whilst retaining the character and culture of this beautiful part of Wales. Part of the walk includes some very quiet, single track country road walking before walking past the impressive stretch of sand known as Hell’s Mouth. Arriving in the hamlet of Llanengan, home to the oldest church on the Llŷn. There will be an organised transfer at the end of the walk to take you to your beachside hotel in Criccieth. Overnight Criccieth.

Ascent: 270m Descent: 260m Distance: 11 miles 6 hours

Day 7: Llanengan to Llanbedrog (or easy day Abersoch to Llanbedrog) Transfer to the start of your walk to re-join the coastal path at Llanengan, passing through Abersoch and skirting the impressive Mynydd Tir y Cwmwd before dropping down to Llanbedrog.  Alternatively, the walk may be shortened to give the option of lingering by the pretty harbour in Abersoch before setting off on the short walk over to Llanbedrog. Here, spend the afternoon relaxing and wandering around its renowned art gallery, ancient church and superb beach with colourful beach huts. There will be an organised transfer to take you There will be an organised transfer to take you back to your hotel in Criccieth. Overnight Criccieth.

Ascent: 420m (160m) Descent: 400m (150m) Distance: 14 miles or (4 miles) 7 hours (1 ¾ hours)

Day 8: Depart from your hotel after breakfast for your journey home or onwards

Price in GBP£ Price in USD$

Llŷn Peninsula Self-Guided Hotel to Hotel Trek

Prices are per person in GBP / UK £ and are based on 3 nights B&B and 4 nights Half Board in a shared twin/double standard room. Prices do not include flights.

For departures outside April to October please enquire as it may involve itinerary changes.

POA - Prices on application

 UI16

Price in GBP£ Price in USD$

This map is for illustration purposes only and we cannot be held responsible for its accuracy.

Llŷn Trek

We have personally stayed in or visited all of our accommodations. They have all been selected for their great locations, friendly atmosphere and traditional hospitality, as well as the warm welcome they offer to walkers. Below is a summary of our usual accommodations*.

On this trek, the accommodations are mostly small and family-run, all rooms have a private bathroom.

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Availability Information

The Natural beauty of the Llŷn Peninsula without doubt, is best experienced ‘out of season’ although it is a year round destination.  

Late autumn, winter and early spring offer the walker the stunning beauty and true spiritual essence of this remarkable landscape with empty paths, quiet places to stay and of course, the variable Welsh weather. In addition, during April and September, Dolphins frolic in the waters close to land. The rest of the year whilst generally offering a more stable climate, is busy with visitors although this is mainly restricted to villages and beaches. 

In late summer the sea, already warmed by the Gulf Stream, is warm enough for a swim from a golden sandy bay.  Early booking is essential for school and public holidays when accommodation is at a premium and difficult to secure. 

Please note our best to go information is generally referring to the walking which may fall in the early or late season in some places. This may mean that not all tourist facilities will be open at the time you visit.