Visit Wales Year of Legends 2017.
After celebrating its Year of Adventure during 2016, Wales is now looking ahead to its Year of Legends 2017. 2017 will be a 12-month tribute to this ancient nation’s epic myths and legends of the past, present and future.
Celebrating Year of Legends 2017
Anglesey Walking Holidays will also be celebrating its myths and legends in 2017. The special Year of Legends 2017 walking package offer routes through areas that will showcase the real Wales. Follow the footsteps of legendary and mythical characters and places. Tread in the footsteps of historical characters, masters of engineering, artists, saints and wizards.
Special Myths and Legends Walking Package
6 nights 5 days walking self-guided package with accommodation, routes, luggage transfers, maps and full back up service.
Day 1: Arrival day
Arrival to the Isle of Anglesey by car or pick up from Bangor station/Anglesey Airport or Holyhead ferry terminal. Meet and greet, transfer to your accommodation in small comfortable hotel in the South of the Island. Bed and breakfast basis for 4 nights.
Day 2: Walk Beaumaris to Penmon – 5.5 miles. (moderate) “The Norman and Viking Connection”
Morning transfer to Beaumaris (translated as Beautiful Marsh) where Edward I, the English Norman king built his last Welsh castle after defeating the Welsh in 1282. Now an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visit Beaumaris Church to see Siwan’s (Joan) coffin. Siwan was the illegitimate daughter of King John of England who was betrothed to Llywelyn Fawr the king of Wales in the 13th century. Her story is of tragedy, love and betrayal.
The next stop will be the remains of the Motte and Bailey castle at Lleiniog. This was the stronghold of Gruffydd ap Cynan, another Welsh king in the 12th century, who was half Viking. Indeed the name Anglesey derives from the Norse, meaning Ongul’s Isle.
Penmon Priory, dating back to Viking times. The story of Seiriol Wyn and Cybi Felen – the legend of the 2 Welsh saints , with a visit to Seiriol’s well.
Penmon Point Café – last port of call – the home-made scones are a legend in themselves.
Pick up and transfer back to accommodation.
Day 3: Bryn Celli Ddu to Menai Bridge 5 miles. (easy) “Masterpieces of the past”
Morning transfer to Bryn Celli Ddu – (Cadw site) a great example of a prehistoric henge which later became a burial ground. Excavations there are ongoing.
Pass the secluded home of legendary Welsh artist Sir Kyffin Williams at the idyllic hamlet of Pwllfanogl. Kyffin was a famous 20th century artist, many of his paintings can be seen at Oriel Ynys Môn, Llangefni. (Not on the walk).
Britannia Bridge – walk underneath this vast structure, one of the two gateways to and from the island of Anglesey. Learn about the architecture, history of the bridge. Visit the 2 lions hiding below the bridge – exact replicas of the lions in Trafalgar Square.
Menai Suspension Bridge – Thomas Telford’s masterpiece from 1826, originally built for horse and cart, the first Suspension Bridge in the World.
End at the renowned Dylan’s restaurant overlooking the Menai Strait.
Pick up and transfer to accommodation.
Day 4: Newborough, Llanddwyn to Llyn Rhos Ddu. 6 miles (easy walking) “Dwynwen’s Legend”
Morning transfer to Newborough. Walk to Llanddwyn Island.
Learn about the legend of Dwynwen and the Island of Romance. Visit the remains of Dwynwen’s church and Well and learn why we in Wales celebrate St. Dwynwen’s Day (the Welsh St. Valentine’s) on January 25th .
Next stop will be Llyn Rhos Ddu and the Marram Grass sculpture of renowned sculptress and jeweller Ann Catrin. Learn about the legend of the marram grass and why it is so important to this select part of Anglesey.
End the day at the award winning Marram Grass café/restaurant before being transported back to your accommodation.
Optional extra walk to the Giant Stepping Stones of Afon Braint passing the home of Maurice Wilks, inventor of the famous Landrover.
Day 5: Beddgelert Circular Fisherman’s Walk (6 miles – moderate) “Snowdonia Folklore”
Morning transfer to the pretty village of Beddgelert in the heart of Snowdonia. Staying for 2 nights in comfortable accommodation in the village.
Sygun Copper Mine – learn how about the mine’s past, and how our industrial heritage has been reclaimed.(Entrance fee payable).
Aberglaslyn Pass. A spectacular narrow gorge with the River Glaslyn snaking its way from Mount Snowdon down to the sea at Porthmadog. There is a wealth of folklore relating to this area.
The village of Beddgelert (Gelert’s Grave). Learn about the legend of Prince Llewelyn and his faithful hound Gelert and his tragic end. This version of an ‘International Legend’ was taken by a hotelier in the 19th century to boost his business. It certainly worked!
Day 6: 5 mile Circular Walk to Dinas Emrys. (moderate) “Vortigern and Merlin”
Legendary Fortress of Dinas Emrys – established in 5th century by Vortigern (Gwytheyrn).
Learn about the legend and myth of Vortigern – the magicians v Merlin (Myrddin).
Walk back in time and exact spot where the mythical red and white dragons fought – find out why the red dragon is depicted on Wales’ national flag!
Day 7: Morning departure – transport back to car or train/bus station.
Year of Legend Package Price: from £495.00 PER PERSON (based on 2 persons sharing).
Single room supplements apply.
Year of Legend Package Includes:
Pick up from Bangor train/bus stations, Holyhead ferry terminal or Anglesey Airport.
Transfer to first night’s accommodation. Includes 6 nights Bed and breakfast in comfortable accommodations with true Welsh welcome
People transfers and luggage transfers, all maps and routes with detailed historical notes and local myths and legends that correspond to each walk.
24 hour back up service.
List of restaurant/eateries for evening meals (price not included) where you can enjoy Welsh local cuisine.
For all our other packages.
