Day 1: Arrive Dolgellau
Welcome to Dolgellau, a small market town nestled at the foot of the Cader Idris mountain range in southern Snowdonia. Arrive at your riverside hotel, where you’ll spend the first two nights. With the mountains right on your doorstep and the clear Welsh air all around, it’s a peaceful place to settle in. You’ll meet your host either this evening or in the morning to get set up with bikes and to go through the itinerary.

Overnight: Dolgellau

Day 2: Dolgellau Circular Ride (17 mi. / 27 km)
Your first day on the bike is a great introduction to the region’s varied landscapes. The route begins gently with a car-free ride along a wooded estuary path, following the Mawddach Trail. Then it’s a steady climb up into the hills where you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the sea and Cadair Idris, a mountain steeped in Welsh legend. You’ll pass remote farms and natural lakes before looping back into Dolgellau. With a population of around 2,500, the town still holds on to its historic character with slate-roofed buildings and hidden alleyways. Be sure to stop into a local café for a slice of bara brith.

Overnight: Dolgellau

Day 3: Dolgellau - Porthmadog (17, 22, 25 or 37 mi. / 27, 35, 40 or 59 km)
Today’s ride leads you toward the coast. You’ll follow the Mawddach River to Barmouth, where a long wooden railway bridge offers one of the most scenic estuary crossings in Wales. After taking in the beach views, head north along the coast, with the option to detour inland for a visit to Harlech. This town is home to one of Wales’s most striking castles, perched on a rocky hill with views out to sea. If the hills become too much, hop on the train for the final stretch to Porthmadog, where you’ll stay for two nights. This small port town is known for its narrow-gauge steam railways and coastal setting.

Overnight: Porthmadog

Day 4: Porthmadog - Blaenau Ffestiniog - Porthmadog
Take a break from cycling today with a choice of local experiences. Ride the short distance to Portmeirion, a whimsical village designed in the 20th century to resemble an Italian town, full of colorful architecture and lush gardens by the estuary. Alternatively, step aboard the historic Ffestiniog Railway for a steam-powered ride up the mountains to Blaenau Ffestiniog, once the slate capital of the world. Here, you can descend deep underground into the Llechwedd Slate Caverns and ride one of Britain’s steepest cable railways. Return by train and enjoy the afternoon at your own pace.

Overnight: Porthmadog

Day 5: Porthmadog - Dinas (19 or 26 mi. / 35 or 46 km)
Cycle west today, starting with a relaxed coastal stretch through Porthmadog and Criccieth. Both towns have plenty to explore—Criccieth is particularly known for its beachside castle and food scene. If you'd prefer to conserve energy, take the train between the two. From there, ride inland through a quiet patchwork of farmland and small villages. The route finishes on a former railway track that winds through the lower reaches of Snowdonia. Your next two nights will be spent in a peaceful rural setting, surrounded by hills and open skies.

Overnight: Dinas

Day 6: Dinas - Snowdon - Dinas (21 mi. / 34 km)
Today’s journey takes you into the heart of Snowdonia National Park. Begin by cycling through a series of backroads and valleys toward the base of Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales. From there, the Snowdon Mountain Railway carries you to the summit at 1,085 meters, where, on a clear day, you’ll see the Irish Sea, lakes, and miles of rugged countryside. After soaking in the view, take the train back down and coast along quiet lanes and lake shores as you return to your accommodation. It’s one of the most rewarding days of the trip.

Overnight: Dinas

Day 7: Dinas - Anglesey (20 mi. / 32 km)
Your final day on the bike begins with a downhill ride toward Caernarfon, home to one of the most imposing castles in the UK. Built by Edward I in the 13th century, Caernarfon Castle played a key role in Welsh and English history. After exploring the town and its harbor, ride alongside the Menai Strait on a mostly traffic-free route. Cross into Anglesey via the old Menai Suspension Bridge, an engineering marvel from the early 1800s. Your final night is in Beaumaris, a relaxed seaside town with another impressive castle—unfinished, but no less striking for it. It's a fitting end to your Welsh journey.

Overnight: Beaumaris

Day 8: Depart Anglesey
Enjoy a relaxed morning before making your way to Bangor, just across the bridge on the mainland. From there, train connections can take you back towards Manchester, Birmingham, or into the rest of the UK. If you’ve got time to spare, Beaumaris is a lovely place to linger with waterfront views, galleries, and cafés.

Day 1: Arrive Dolgellau
Begin your journey in Machynlleth, where you’ll be met and transferred to the nearby town of Dolgellau. Nestled beneath the rugged peaks of Cadair Idris, this quiet market town is your base for the next two nights. Settle into your elegant hotel, breathe in the mountain air, and enjoy the calm of rural North Wales. Your host will meet you this evening or the following morning to set you up with your bike and guide you through your itinerary.

Overnight: Dolgellau

Day 2: Dolgellau Circular Ride (17 mi. / 27 km)
Start your cycling adventure with a scenic loop from Dolgellau. Glide along the traffic-free Mawddach Trail, a former railway line that follows a wooded estuary with views out to sea. From there, climb steadily into the hills for close-up views of Cadair Idris, one of Wales’ most dramatic mountains. The route also leads past natural lakes and isolated hill farms before returning to Dolgellau, a town full of character, slate-roofed buildings, and quiet charm.

Overnight: Dolgellau

Day 3: Dolgellau - Portmeirion (14–34 mi. / 22–55 km)
Head north today, tracing the Mawddach River to the coast at Barmouth. Cross the long wooden bridge over the estuary, then follow the coastline through beachside towns and into the hills toward Harlech, home to a dramatic medieval castle. From here, hop on a train for the short ride to Portmeirion, a fantastical village built in the style of an Italian seaside town. You'll stay in this one-of-a-kind location—either in the heart of the village or in the nearby castle—for the next two nights.

Overnight: Portmeirion

Day 4: Portmeirion - Blaenau Ffestiniog - Portmeirion
Today is your chance to slow down. Soak in the setting of Portmeirion: stroll the gardens, relax by the pool, enjoy views over the estuary, and maybe indulge in a gelato by the sea. Or take the Ffestiniog Railway, the world’s oldest narrow-gauge steam line, up into the mountains! At the summit in Blaenau Ffestiniog, you can descend into the Llechwedd Slate Caverns via Britain’s steepest cable railway and learn about the region’s rich industrial history. Return to Portmeirion by train in time for a relaxed evening.

Overnight: Portmeirion

Day 5: Portmeirion - Dinas (22 or 29 mi. / 35 or 46 km)
The ride continues with a scenic stretch through Porthmadog and Criccieth—two small towns that blend maritime heritage with coastal beauty. Visit Criccieth’s castle or stop in Porthmadog’s craft shops and cafés. If you want to conserve energy, take the train between the two. Beyond lies a peaceful ride through farmland and quiet lanes. The final stretch follows a disused railway line along the edge of Snowdonia. Tonight, stay in a countryside retreat with royal connections, nestled in one of the most peaceful parts of the route.

Overnight: Dinas

Day 6: Dinas - Snowdon - Dinas (21 mi. / 34 km)
Today’s route brings you into the shadow of Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales. Ride through valleys and up winding backroads until you reach the base of the mountain. Here, the Snowdon Mountain Railway takes you to the summit at 1,085 meters (3,560 feet). At the top, take in the breathtaking views over lakes, hills, and the sea before riding the train back down and coasting partway along the lakeside back to your hotel. It's a high point—literally and figuratively—of the tour.

Overnight: Dinas

Day 7: Dinas - Anglesey (20 mi. / 32 km)
Your final cycling day begins with a relaxed ride along a scenic railway path into Caernarfon. Stop to explore its massive medieval fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site overlooking the Menai Strait. Continue along the coast before crossing onto Anglesey via the historic Menai Bridge. The journey ends in Beaumaris, a charming town known for its 13th-century castle and tidal waterfront. Your final night is spent nearby in a château-style coastal retreat, inspired by the castles of the Loire Valley—a unique and elegant finale.

Overnight: Beaumaris

Day 8: Depart Anglesey
Enjoy a slow morning by the coast before we transfer you to nearby Bangor station. From here, you can connect easily to Manchester or Birmingham, or continue your journey through Wales at your own pace.