Journeying | Pilgrimage Holidays | Christian Walking Holidays | Christian Short Breaks

Cost

£900.00 single
£800.00 shared

Description

The Llŷn Peninsula in North Wales is an area of outstanding natural beauty. There is almost 100 miles of coastline, made up of sweeping bays and cliffs. There are wide open spaces and spectacular vistas. The soul-stirring scenery of this tethered island with a distinct Welsh identity has a crackle of Celtic mysticism.

We will experience cliff top walks, beach strolls and wildlife spotting in abundance. We will take a boat trip to Bardsey Island for seal spotting and solitude. R.S. Thomas wrote in his poem ‘Pilgrimages’ that Bardsey is ‘an island there is no going to but in a small boat, the way the saints went’.

Our stay will be in Criccieth, a beautiful seaside resort town on Cardigan Bay, on the Southern side of the Llŷn Peninsula. Known as the ‘Pearl of Wales on the Shores of Snowdonia’, Criccieth has fantastic beaches and traditional Welsh charm.

Walks and Excursions

Porth Dinllaen
One of the loveliest seaside settlements in North Wales. Our walk begins at what must be the loveliest golf course, where every hole has a view of the sea. The unique Ty Coch Inn perches on the edge of the beach and it is a stopping off point on our walk for refreshments. A pint on the beach anyone? Or maybe coffee?
We travel on the coastal path around the headland of Trwyn Porth Dinllaen to the little cove of Aber Geirch, where we can see many sea birds including cormorants and terns. The route heads inland on the perimeter of the golf course to our starting point at Morfa Nefyn.

Criccieth and Llanystumdwy
Our walk begins from our accommodation and heads west on the Wales Coast Path to a sandy beach at the mouth of the River Dwyfor. We go inland following the river before heading north through farmland to the village of Llanystumdwy. Here was the birthplace of Lloyd George, a former Prime Minister. Our return is along country lanes. The afternoon is free to explore Criccieth, maybe the medieval castle, an ice cream from the famous Cadwaladers or stroll along the beaches.

Aberdaron and R.S. Thomas
Our walk begins on the Plas y Rhiw estate where we walk a short distance to the house R.S. Thomas shared with his artist wife Elsi in retirement (1978-1996). The house, Sarn y Plas, is now owned by the National Trust. We travel on through an ancient forest, so beautiful, then onto a coast path with stunning views of the sea. Our route takes us to a trig point on the hill known as Mynydd Rhiw, and down towards the tiny church of St Maelrhys in Llanfaelrhys. The church is set in an isolated location near to the hamlet of Porth Ysgo. This church was one of R.S. Thomas’ as a priest, and where his wife is buried. The ‘Llofft’ is dedicated to him and offers views of Bardsey Island. We finish our journey on the river path to Aberdaron. We will have time to explore the medieval pilgrim church St Hywyn on the shore of the Irish Sea, the last parish of R.S. Thomas (1967-1978). Today’s walk is led by someone with great knowledge of all things R.S. Thomas and will include his poetry.

Abersoch
A walk along a beautiful sandy beach, followed by a circuit of an impressive rocky headland. Stone steps lead from the beach into the woodland, opening out onto a headland at the location of the Iron Man sculpture, providing views across to Snowdonia and Cardigan Bay. We head through trees to reach the open hilltop and the summit. Our return journey is along paths and back to the sandy beach, where a café serves refreshments.
All walks are no longer than 5 to 8 miles, with minimal ascent and descent.

Excursion: Boat trip to Bardsey Island
Bardsey Island, 3 miles offshore from Aberdaron, is one of those ‘thin places’ where it is especially possible to feel the closeness of eternity. Travellers to Bardsey are following the path of the countless saints said to have journeyed to the island over many centuries. It has been a place of pilgrimage since the medieval period. We will see the fragmentary remains of the thirteenth century abbey of the Augustinian Canons who took over from the ancient Celtic foundation of the sixth century. Nearby a Celtic cross stands commemorating the now mostly Christian religious past and very numerous, 20,000, saints reputed to have been buried in or near the site. Watching the seals will be possible.

Free day
On our free day there are any number of possibilities to discover in this beautiful area of North Wales. A trip on the Ffestiniog railway, a journey on the longest heritage railway, 25 miles from Porthmadog to Caernarfon. A visit to Portmeirion, the enchanting Italianate style village and the setting for the 60’s TV series ‘The Prisoner’. Beddgelert, a delightful village with spectacular views of Snowdon, and a place of legend, culture and history, or the bustling harbour town of Porthmadog.

Time will be given to worship outdoors, prayer and reflection on God’s creation.

We are delighted to have shared the planning of this journey with Christian’s Aware, a non-profit organisation that seeks to better understanding between people of all faiths and none.

Accommodation

Nestled in the centre of the small Victorian town of Criccieth, is a large, three-storey property, Gwynle. It has sea and mountain views.
There are 7 bedrooms, most en-suite, a mixture of 2 king-sized, 3 double, and 2 twin bedded rooms. It is ideal accommodation for those able to share. Please indicate on the form who you are sharing with, or simply that you are willing to share. Single room accommodation is available. We will self-cater throughout our stay, including experiencing one of the best fish and chips restaurants ever! In good pilgrimage spirit we will share the tasks of preparation of meals, cooking and washing up.

Getting there

Our accommodation address is Gwynle, Tanygrisiau, Criccieth, LL52 ODL.
There is a train station at Criccieth, Porthmadog and Pwllheli.
Please arrive from 5pm on Saturday 16th May.

Contact

Gill Page gillpage533@gmail.com +44 (0)7866936323

After you have contacted the leader to check that a place is still available, to secure your place please pay your £200 deposit by clicking on the "Book Today" button below and then select the blue "View Details" button.