Wales: The Wonderland Trail - Guided
At a Glance
- 7 days, 6 nights
- 4* Hotels
- Guided
- Pickup: Gloucester
- Carbon: 102kg CO2e
- Difficulty: Moderate
- 2x Dinners
From
£3849
Per Person, Double Occupancy
✓ 25% Refundable Deposit
✓ Booking Protected by ABTOT
✓ 5* TripAdvisor Rated
A literary themed journey, blending natural wonder and Welsh hospitality
Though best known as the whimsical mind behind Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Lewis Carroll, born Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, held a quiet affection for the lyrical landscapes of Wales. His quiet retreats to Pembrokeshire and the charming town of Cardigan offered inspiration and respite from the rigid structures of academia and the surrealism of his own imagination. This journey invites you to follow in his poetic footsteps, blending natural wonder with the charm of Welsh hospitality.
Tour Highlights
- Enjoy the delights of ancient Welsh market towns turned foodie hotspots and beautiful local villages with abundant layers of history
- Explore the woodlands, wildlife and meadows in the Brecon Beacons National Park and hike the rugged mountain ranges with beautiful vistas
- Experience historic cathedrals, castles and historic trails
- Hike the Pembrokeshire coast and marvel at the sandy beaches, hidden coves and incredible clifftop views
- Trial local produce from artisan cheeses to the iconic Welsh cake and bara birth
Your Itinerary
Take the direct train from London Paddington to Gloucester. On arrival, meet your Active England guide and enjoy a private transfer to Abergavenny for lunch at Bread and Bean. Settle into the rhythm of the Welsh countryside with a walk along the Skirrid Trail, also known as the Holy Mountain. Your guide will share myths and stories that echo Carroll’s fascination with the spiritual and surreal. Transfer to Brecon for a welcome dinner at the charming Llangoed Hall Hotel.
Accommodation for nights 1 & 2 – Llangoed Hall Hotel
Embark on a guided hike into the Brecon Beacons National Park, summiting Corn Du, Pen-Y-Fan, and Cribyn — the “giants” of the region. On the way, you may encounter hidden pools, perfect for a wild dip if weather allows. Enjoy a picnic lunch prepared by your guides before spending a relaxed afternoon exploring the town of Brecon, with its military museum, cathedral, and artisan shops.
Accommodation for nights 1 & 2 – Llangoed Hall Hotel
Depart for the south side of the National Park and embark on a circular walk to Sgwd Yr Eira waterfall, where you can walk behind the cascading veil, a literal step “through the looking-glass.” Later, enjoy a private whisky tasting at the acclaimed Penderyn Distillery, before transferring west to the coastal city of St Davids, the smallest city in the UK and a peaceful haven Carroll once admired.
Accommodation for nights 3 & 4 – Penrhiw Hotel
Morning coastal walk to the fishing village of Solva, with a hamper lunch provided by MamGu Welsh Cakes — try the lavender or lemon varieties for a curious twist befitting the Mad Hatter. Afternoon: Return to St Davids for a private tour of the Cathedral and the tranquil ruins of Bishop’s Palace, followed by the moving experience of choral evensong.
Accommodation for nights 3 & 4 – Penrhiw Hotel
Today’s walk begins at Aber Pwll, through bird-rich marshlands and wildflower-carpeted coastal paths. Continue to the Blue Lagoon at Abereiddi, a surreal former quarry filled with sapphire waters. Its dreamlike colour and haunting stillness echo Carroll’s fascination with transformation. Walk on to Porthgain for lunch at the characterful Sloop Inn, before transferring north to Cardigan, Carroll’s reputed “retreat of restful minds.”
Accommodation for nights 5 & 6 – Albion Aberteifi
Begin the day with a visit to Mwnt, a hidden cove with a golden beach and turquoise shallows — perfect for a sea swim. The walk along the Ceredigion coast path here is spectacular, offering panoramic views that might have inspired Carroll’s more tranquil writings. Evening: Return to Cardigan for a private Welsh choir performance, celebrating the melodic beauty of the language and its deep connection to poetry — much like Carroll’s own literary style. Followed by your farewell dinner in town.
Accommodation for nights 5 & 6 – Albion Aberteifi
This morning, transfer to Carmarthen station [approx. 1 hour] for your direct train to London Paddington (approx. 3 hrs 49 mins).
Due to local scheduling, activity time is subject to change. Accommodations vary depending on departure date.
Map
Gallery
Handpicked Accommodation
Brecon
Llangoed Hall boasts an interesting history that stretches back to its alleged role as the site of the first Welsh parliament in 560 AD, only to later be lost in a card game centuries afterward. Each of the 23 bedrooms at this stunning venue has been thoughtfully designed, showcasing its own distinct character and charm. The décor beautifully reflects the age of the property while modern amenities ensure a comfortable stay.
St Davids
Staffed by warm and attentive hosts, Penrhiw Priory offers luxury five star AA gold accommodation adjacent to the cathedral valley of St Davids.
Cardigan
A hotel designed to celebrate maritime heritage, balancing contemporary services, comfort and style with the very particular qualities of its heritage building.
What our guides say...
In the UK, Wales is a real hidden gem. And those Pembrokeshire beaches, wow!
What’s Included
- 6 x Breakfasts
- 2 x picnic lunches only on days 2 + 5
- 2 x dinners on night 1 + 5
- Private Whiskey Tasting Experience – Penderyn
- Private Tour of St Davids and the Cathedral
Accommodation Types
4* and 4.5* hotels.
Difficulty Level
This tour is rated moderate, meaning it’s appropriate for guests who enjoy a good walk and can handle an incline or two. We cover varied terrain, enjoying some rolling hills and a few steeper walks which are slightly more demanding. Your holiday, however, will be tailored by your guide to suit your individual preferences. Daily distances range from 4-10 miles. Rewarding views are guaranteed!
Equipment Provided
Walking poles can be provided if required
Pre & Post Tour Travel
For pre and post-tour travel see our London extensions.
FAQ's
Where is Wales?
Wales is located in the western part of the United Kingdom, bordered by England to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, and the Irish Sea to the north. It is known for its diverse geography and dramatic topography, featuring rugged mountains, lush valleys, and a long, scenic coastline. Eyri (Snowdonia National Park) in the north is home to the highest peak in Wales, while the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) in the south offer excellent hill walking and stunning landscapes. The coastline is characterised by sandy beaches, rocky cliffs and charming villages.
What is the best way to get to Wales?
The best way out of London and into Wales by train. From Paddington direct to Carmarthen takes just over 4 and a half hours.. Eastern Wales is easily accessible from Gloucester train station, over the border in England.
To get a bit deeper into Wales we’d recommend a taxi.
Can I join a tour as a solo traveller?
All our trips are open for single travellers to join, these trips are a great way to meet social, like-minded people, active and looking for a great holiday. Over 30% of our guests travel alone. Solo guests have the option to have a room on their own or share with another guest.
How hilly is Wales?
There are hills, but with hills come great views and it means you feel like you’ve earned your Bara Brith or Welsh cake!
What’s the weather like in Wales?
Changeable! It’s not uncommon to have sunshine and showers in the same day, or even the same hour! It’s generally very pleasant and settled during the summer.
How fit and active do I need to be to come on a walking tour?
Most of our trips are appropriate for guests who enjoy a good walk and can handle an incline or two. We cover varied terrain, enjoying some rolling hills and a few steeper walks which are slightly more demanding. Daily distances range from 4-10 miles. Rewarding views are guaranteed!
Why go on a guided holiday?
Our guides are the beating heart of our tours and can make all the difference to the enjoyment of your walking holiday – so we make sure to choose them VERY carefully! They are driven, knowledgeable, know how to have A LOT of fun and importantly will take you on the ‘road less travelled’ across Devon and Cornwall. They are local to the South West and know the best spots for making your walking tour truly different and truly magical!
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Carbon Footprint
What’s the Number?
Nearly everything has a carbon footprint. Together with ecollective, we’ve measured the carbon impact of not only every tour we operate but our entire business. We’ve taken into account greenhouse gas emissions across the business including office, travel, website, vehicles, accommodation, activities, food, suppliers…
What does the number mean?
We’re going to improve this by measuring and reducing our footprint each year. That means working with our suppliers to make changes that have a more positive impact on us and the planet. What does this look like in reality?
- Redesign trips to reduce our carbon impact
- Working closely with all our suppliers across England to join us on our decarbonisation journey
- Switching up our vehicle fleet to electric
- Investing in projects that permanently remove carbon from the atmosphere for any emissions that remain.
We’ve got a long way to go but we’re on our way to net-zero
We’re committed to reducing our impact on the planet and working towards a sustainable future. We’ve taken ownership of our carbon footprint and are on a mission to reduce our emissions year on year.
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