Wales on a Budget? I know what you’re thinking, but hear me out. Is a place in the UK really going to be that cheap? Well Yes, Wales is a place where you can experience some of the most beautiful landscapes and reconnect with nature for almost no cost whatsoever.
I’m talking about a country with just over 600 hundred castles, multiple UNESCO World Heritage sites as well as some of the friendliest and most welcoming locals you’ll likely come across!
Like most of us, I spent almost the entirety of Covid locked up in a flat dreaming for any semblance of change or excitement, hoping to escape the boredom and monotony of the lockdowns. Unfortunately, at the time, the UK had been seen as a high-risk zone, making it pretty much impossible to travel elsewhere, especially for those on a budget. However, this ended up being a bit of a blessing in disguise.
Turns out, all you need to have a great time in Wales is a tent, a camping stove, and a sense of adventure! Oh, and of course, be prepared for rain— a lot of rain! In this post, I’ll give you my Budget Three-day travel itinerary for an active long weekend away in Wales.
Day One – Hike up Cadir Iris and wild camp on Llyn Cau
Hiking up to Cadir Iris and camping next to Llyn Cau was probably my favourite thing to do in Wales, and best of all, it cost me almost nothing! (£5 to leave my car at a nearby campsite, Doleinion Campsite.) This activity is well suited to those seeking to explore Wales on a shoestring budget!
There are several variations of routes you can take, ranging in difficulty and complexity. Official hikes range between 4 km and 11 km, all of which are pretty well signed and outlined at the Cader Idris Visitor Center and on popular hiking apps such as AllTrails.
If you have the time and energy to do so, I suggest picking a circular route to experience this area in all its beauty. I suggest taking the Minffordd Path up via Craig Lwyd and Craig Cwm Amarch and returning by following the path along the slopes of Mynydd Moel. Stop at Llyn Cau to camp before heading off bright and early the next day.
If you are planning to camp next to Llyn Cau it is vital that you start your hike bright and early to ensure you leave yourself with enough daylight and time to get yourself set up properly.
It is important to bring appropriate clothing, especially if you are planning to stay the night! The weather is unpredictable, with temperatures fluctuating and weather conditions changing rapidly. Layering clothing and bringing waterproof gear is essential. I remember, within the space of a few hours, feeling as if I was overheating to being freezing and searching for extra layers, being almost confused as to how it got this cold so quickly!
If you do camp next to Llyn Cau you won’t regret it. The experience is truly amazing, waking up to breathtaking views is an unforgettable experience. There aren’t too many Hikers camping up here making the view and experience feel that little bit more special.
Day Two – Porth Wen Brickworks
Are you a bit tired from the hike the day before? No worries; we’ve got you covered. After an exhausting hike up to Cadir Iris, I felt I needed a bit of a change of pace, and heading to the Porth Wen Brickworks provides just that. Although only an hour or so’s drive from Cadir Idris, this area of Wales feels very different indeed, swapping stunning snowcapped mountains for quaint villages and historic landmarks scattered along the Welsh coast.
After spending some time in several of the local seaside towns, I headed to Cemaes Bay. Here, you can park for free and begin the trail along the coast towards the abandoned Brickworks.
Our proposed route begins in Cemaes Bay with a full round trip that should only take you three to four hours. This is, of course, dependent on how often you stop to take in the historical sites and scenery along the coast. In addition to the luscious greenery and scenic cliffs, you’ll find a number of points of interest along your route. After passing the King Edward VII Coronation Tower, you will arrive at Porth Wen Brickworks, where you can stay the night if you choose.
Spending the evening camping here offers a truly distinctive experience. While perhaps less physically demanding than tackling Cadir Idris, it presents a unique opportunity to delve into the history of an abandoned Victorian brickworks that ceased operations in 1949.
Despite its level of erosion, there is loads to see and explore. You can enter some of the old kilns, abandoned workshops, and other decaying buildings. The views around the bay are stunning and ever-changing with the tide. I found myself spending most of my time exploring and looking for vantage points to really take in the scene.
Honestly, it feels a bit post-apocalyptic, making the experience all the more unique. If you’ve got the time, Porth Wen Brickworks is definitely worth a visit!
Day Three – Hike Up to Mount Snowdon
When heading to Wales for the first time, it would feel almost rude not to visit Mount Snowdon. Best of all, this is another free activity! Making it ideal for those wanting to explore Wales on a tight budget!
Mount Snowdon is the highest mountain in Wales and the highest point in the British Isles outside of Scotland! Reaching a staggering 1,085 metres above sea level. The views at the top are meant to be a real sight to behold. However, when I visited, I had a visibility of barely 5 metres. But I promise you, even on a cloudy day, the hike alone is worth it! On a clear day, I’m told you get views such as these ………….
The ascent to Snowdon’s summit offers a variety of routes, each with its own character and challenges. Whether you choose the gentle incline of the Llanberis Path, the complicated scramble of Crib Goch, or the panoramic views along the Pyg Track, all of the above really do provide you with a different view and experience of the stunning surroundings. There is the option to take the train up the mountain, but I’d suggest avoiding this. Taking this would lead to you really missing out on a lot of the stunning scenery on offer!
My suggestion would be to the Pyg Track. This route takes anywhere from 5-7 hours, depending on your level of fitness (and motivation!). It is often described as the classic route up Snowdon. The scenery and views on offer on this route are truly stunning.
Conclusions
As you’ve probably gathered, Wales is pretty epic and far exceeded any expectations I had when visiting. Wales and the region of Snowdonia, in particular, are ideal for anyone seeking an adventure, regardless of their budget.
If you have any further questions, feel free to post them in the comments section below!
