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See Wales or head straight to Keswick?

Posted by on

Here is the itinerary that we're think of after flying from the US

London for 2 nights, then take the train to crewe station where we'll rent a car. From there we'll head to Betws-y-coed or Beddgelert for 3 nights. We'll stop to visit Bodnant Gardens on our drive to Keswick in the Lake District of northern England, where we'll stay for 3 nights. We'll then head to Lawers Scotland for 5 nights, before sending out final 2 nights in Edinburgh.

My question is: Is adding in Betws-y-coed and Beddgelert too much when we could just take a three hour train ride out of London right up to Keswick?

Posted by
6713 posts

I'm assuming that you've been to London before and seen much there already, so just two nights will be enough. Otherwise I'd say you're shortchanging that city, a lot.

I'm also not sure why Crewe -- I'm sure it's a fine place but I don't know why it's on your list. Maybe the National Rail website can help you plan your train travel. I would recommend a car in North Wales and the Lake District, and it makes sense to drive between them, and on to Scotland, if you're OK with the left side and all that.

If you take that train from London to Keswick, does that mean spending six nights in the Lake District? I like the area but I wouldn't give it that much time unless I were a really dedicated fell-walker in a season where I could count on good weather. North Wales is also a great destination, not only for walks and hikes but also for castles and gardens. I think three nights in each area is about right for your overall timetable.

And Emma is right about Chester, a great place to visit if time and logistics permit.

Posted by
3124 posts

I agree with the other two previous posts. Unless you are a serious fell walker, etc. What time of year are you going? Daylight hours are very short in the winter, and Lake District walkers have been caught in foul weather having to get rescured or worse.

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