Week 5: From the Cotswolds to Snowdonia: A Welsh Road Trip Through History, Coastlines, and Castles
This week, we hit the road for a journey that took us from the villages of the Cotswolds all the way to the rugged peaks of Snowdonia.
Crossing into Wales we made our first stop at Caerleon. It’s easy to overlook, but this little town is steeped in Roman history. The amphitheatre, Roman baths, and barracks give a real sense of what life might have been like 2,000 years ago.
Next, we headed down to the Gower Peninsula and visited Weobley Castle. It’s not the grandest of Welsh castles, but its charm lies in its setting—overlooking salt marshes and the sea. If you like your castles a little crumbly and atmospheric, this one is perfect. Pete took some spectacular footage of the castle with the drone which we posted on Instagram, hope you got the chance to check it out. While we were there we picked up some very overpriced lamb loin chops from the farm, but oh were they worth it!
Freshwater West Beach was a great lunch stop with a view and wow—what a spot! It’s also a Harry Potter filming location, used for beach scenes in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Shell Cottage was constructed here, which was Bill and Fleur Weasley’s home, plus the setting of Dobby’s death.
From there, we explored the Green Bridge of Wales, a natural sea arch carved by centuries of Atlantic wind and waves. Just a short drive away is St. Govan’s Chapel, nestled into the cliffs. It’s part legend, part mystery, and completely magical. The chapel is tiny—more like a secret carved into the rock.
No trip to Pembrokeshire would be complete without visiting St. Davids Cathedral. It’s grand, but not in an overpowering way—more rooted, calm, and full of quiet strength. The town of St Davids itself is technically the UK’s smallest city, and it’s a lovely place to wander, grab a coffee, and soak up the vibe.
Next stop: Snowdonia
Our last few days in Wales began with an epic campsite Doleinion at the foot of Don Idris and we were planning to conquer Cader Idris, one of Southern Snowdonia’s most iconic peaks. The hike began with optimism. Birds chirped. The sun shone. My legs functioned like legs. We trod past waterfalls, mossy rocks, and sheep. Elevation increased. And then it hit me. Not enlightenment. Not a burst of energy. No-just the sudden, overwhelming sensation that I might pass out and be airlifted off the mountain by a confused search-and-rescue sheepdog. So, like any wise adventurer who knows their limits, I turned back.
The descent was much faster-partly due to gravity, mostly due to imagining the kettle back at the farm stay. But I do live to tell my tale and to climb another mountain!
From ancient ruins to wild coastlines, to mountains, this trip has already been unforgettable—and we have so much more to see. Next week we are in Ireland!
