Our 2 ½ day residential post conference field trip will take place in the Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park. Conwy/Llandudno are just a few miles north of the edge of the National Park which stretches down the west towards mid-Wales. The final itinerary will be confirmed nearer the time, once access to certain locations has been confirmed. Locations will include at least some of the following:
Llanberis: famous as the starting point for the Snowdon Mountain railway, Llanberis is a quaint mountain town on the edge of Llyn Padarn. The town has a rich mining history, and the landscape here is a stark mix of stunning mountain vistas and historical mining heritage, backed by the Snowdon Mountain range. The ruins of Dolbadarn Castle can be seen across the lake. Home to the National Slate Museum, and many ruined mining villages to explore, we can get up close to this UNESCO World Heritage site, exploring spectacular geology and a rich cultural history.
Ogwen Valley/Llyn Idwal: designated a National Nature Reserve in 1954, Cwm Idwal is a unique glacial valley famous for its geology and rare plants. Formed from igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rock during the Ordovician, the valley we see today was the result of huge tectonic forces around 400 million years ago, raising the seabed (Brachiopod fossils can be found on the mountain tops) and forming the Idwal syncline, which can been seen at the head of the valley. Glacial action during the ice age around 10,000 years ago has eroded the valley so the syncline can be seen. Cwm Idwal is also home to several rare sub-Alpine/Arctic plans, including the Snowdon lily, which is very rare in the UK, only growing in the Snowdonia National Park.
Zip World “Deep Mine Tour”: we will be submerged 500ft into the Llechwedd slate mine, where we will learn about how the World class Welsh slate was produced, and the men and children that risked their lives and we explore the chambers in the caverns. At the end of the underground tour we will board Europe’s steepest cable railway back to the surface.
Mochras (Shell Island): home to Britain’s largest campsite, and known for the wide variety of shells that wash up on the beach, Mochras is a peninsula off the coast of North West Wales. A 1,938m borehole was drilled at Mochras Farm which is close by between 1967 – 1969. The borehole uncovered a well-developed Jurassic (Lias) section, faulted against Cambrian aged rocks of the Harlech dome. The borehole is now covered by the sand dunes, but a beautiful location to explore and learn about the fascinating geology underfoot.
Harlech: a stop at Harlech will allow time for lunch and a wander around this quaint medieval town. Building of the impressive Harlech Castle, with far reaching views along the Llyn Peninsula and beyond, began in 1283 by Edward I. The castle is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site “Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd”. Harlech is also famous for having the 2nd steepest street in the world, Fford Pen Llech.
Dolgellau gold-belt: we will visit the beautiful area in the heart of Snowdonia National Park, to the East of Barmouth. Here we will take a walk through the beautiful Coed Y Brenin Forest Park, visiting waterfalls, enjoying mountain views and visiting the location of Gwynfynydd Gold Mine (discovered in 1860 and worked until 1998) whilst learning about fascinating history of Welsh Gold.
Barmouth: beautiful Barmouth is situated at the mouth of the Afon Mawddach and will be our home for 2 nights whilst we visit the area. Explore this quaint seaside town, with spectacular dune backed beach, and surrounded by the mountains of southern Snowdonia.
Caernarfon: located on the Menai Strait, opposite the Island of Anglesey, Caernarfon has been inhabited since the Roman period. The Roman for, Segontium dates back to AD 80, whilst construction of the World-famous Caernarfon castle begun in 1283. The town was granted Royal Borough status in 1963, and the castle and walls are part of the UNESCO World Heritage site “Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd”.
Cost
£210 for a luxury caravan or £260 for the cottage/lodge accommodation – includes 2x nights accommodation, coach travel from Llandudno for the duration of the tour, 2x lunches 1x evening meal, all excursions and ZipWorld “Deep Mine Tour” (tbc, subject to availability)
Dates
Friday 13th – Sunday 15th September. Times tbc., but we aim to arrive back in Llandudno early – mid afternoon.
Travel
Coach, with pick up from the St Georges Hotel in Llandudno
Accommodation
Luxury static caravans at a sea view caravan park just a 15 minutes walk outside of the seaside town Barmouth (a limited number of beds will be available in lodges/cottage on a first come first served basis for an additional fee). Some rooms will be shared so we will ask people to buddy up prior to assigning caravans. Towels are not provided, so please remember to bring a towel.
Meals
A breakfast pack (included) with bread, cereal, eggs, fruit, milk etc. will be provided per caravan, enough for 2 mornings. Please bring anything else you might want to drink or eat.
Friday: a picnic lunch will be provided on Friday (from a local delicatessen – included). Dinner will be at the Bay View restaurant located on the caravan park; meal choices will be requested prior to travel. Information to follow.
Saturday: lunch stop in Harlech village (tbc). Dinner will be at own cost, as you are free to explore Barmouth; there are plenty of cafes and restaurants and fish and chip shops!
Sunday: lunch stop (at own cost)
