Based on previous feedback on how others choose itineraries, I've attempted to narrow down my choices. I've got 17 days following a month long trip to London/Brighton(Hickstead). Day 2 is my 30th birthday, Day 18 I fly back to Canada. I'd originally planned to walk Hadrian's Wall, but wimped out because of allergies and a dislike of being wet/cold. I teach history, and love castles. I like the home base approach rather than moving every night.
Option 1:
Wed1 - fly to Dublin / Thu3 fly to Edin / Sat5 train to Newcastle / Tue8 train to Carlisle, visit castle, train to Bangor / Mon14 train/bus to Hay-on-Wye / Wed16 bus/train to London.
The days in Newcastle allow for a day or two of Hadrian's Wall walks, possibly a visit to Bamburgh. 5 days in Bangor for day trips to various castles. Hay-on-Wye because I'm a total book nerd.
Option 2:
1 - train to Edinburgh / 5 - train to Newcastle / 8 - train to Carlisle / 9 - train to Bangor / 24 - to Hay / 26 - back to London
Option 3:
Fly to Dublin, spend a few days, then take a ferry and train to Bangor, to Hay, a day or two in Cardiff, then back to London.
Another plan had bypassed Scotland entirely and involved flying directly to Newcastle, but I found that only Ryanair has cheap flights there, and my backpack is 3cm too long to carry on.
I want something special for my 30th birthday, I really like the idea of trying the Hadrian's Wall walk, want to do a few days in Bangor for castle visiting, and love the idea of Hay since I adore books. And as I said before, I don't like moving around constantly.
Any impartial opinions? Am I thinking with my heart, not my head?
Thanks!