Off-roading
Head off-road and experience some of Wales’s remotest areas on this 4×4 adventure
Explore Wales without limitations on this guided self-drive adventure. From historic castles and holy islands to stunning forest tracks and coastal trails, this holiday combines history, landscapes and nature. With an experienced driver-guide leading the way, cross mountain passes, drive on tidal sands and picnic on remote clifftops.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
Welsh history
Visit medieval castles, crumbling abbeys and beautifully preserved churches along the way
Wild coastlines
Explore dramatic coastal areas, from the Mawddach Estuary to the Llyn Peninsula
Fully guided
Benefit from an experienced guide accompanying you in their own vehicle, leading the way
Why Steppes?
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Day 1
Liverpool to Peckforton Castle
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Day 2
Peckforton Castle to Monmouthsire
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Day 3
Monmouthshire to Brecon Beacons
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Day 4
Brecon Beacons to the Cambrian Mountains
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Day 5
Cambrian Mountains to Snowdonia
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Day 6
Snowdonia to Llyn Peninsula
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Day 7
Llyn Peninsula to Beaumaris
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Day 8
Anglesey to Liverpool
Day 1
Liverpool to Peckforton Castle
Meet your guide and collect your vehicle near Liverpool, driving into Cheshire.
Day 2
Peckforton Castle to Monmouthsire
Enter Wales and continue south, stopping for the night in Monmouthshire.
Day 3
Monmouthshire to Brecon Beacons
Swing north and get your first taste of mountains as you drive through the Brecon Beacons.
Day 4
Brecon Beacons to the Cambrian Mountains
Head into the Cambrian Mountain and take on the challenging but rewarding Strata Florida off-road trail, before continuing to the coast.
Day 5
Cambrian Mountains to Snowdonia
Leave the coast for the mountains and drive towards the heart of Snowdonia.
Day 6
Snowdonia to Llyn Peninsula
After Snowdonia, descend to the coast to explore the Llyn Peninsula.
Day 7
Llyn Peninsula to Beaumaris
Begin to loop back eastwards going via Anglesey.
Day 8
Anglesey to Liverpool
Drive back to the outskirts of Liverpool, where your holiday ends.
More Details
How Does it Work?
We recommend you take the guided, small group option because having a knowledgable guide on hand will hugely enhance your enjoyment of the trip.
You will be accompanied by one other vehicle, typically booked by a couple, with a lead vehicle at the front showing the way. There will be planned stops en route but you are still free to do your own activities and excursions, which we can of course book in advance for you. In the evenings, you will join the guide and the people travelling in the other vehicle, at your accommodation for the night, and it is normal for the group to join together for an evening meal and a few drinks.
If you think you may prefer an unguided, self-drive experience then please talk to our experts.
Monmouthshire and Brecon Beacons
Begin on the outskirts of Liverpool, before heading south and into Wales. Passing through Shropshire and then Monmouthshire, stop along the way at an award-winning organic farm and take a stroll to visit the beautiful local challenge.
As you swing north again and through the increasingly rugged landscape of the Brecon Beacons, the adventure really begins. Stop to explore the market town of Abergavenny before you enter the mountains, with its rich history and fine selection of eateries.
Cambrian Mountains and Coast
The Cambrian Mountains offer some of Wales’s best and most challenging off-roading. Here, in the company of an expert guide, tackle the Strata Florida trail, which begins beside the ruins of the abbey that gave it its name. This is a challenging but rewarding journey that includes nine river crossings.
Continue on towards the coast, passing through a lush region often referred to as the “green desert of Wales”. There are a number of nature reserves along the way, offering sightings of otters, red kites and leaping salmon.
Finally, reach the sweeping Mawddach Estuary, which sits in the shadow of Cader Idris, the highest peak in southern Snowdonia.
Snowdonia
Cross the estuary on the old wooden toll bridge and head towards to the dark-stoned town of Dolgellau. Set amidst peaks, this town is the perfect place to try mountain biking or hiking, spending some time away from the vehicle.
Continue on to Ffestiniog, which lies at the heart of Snowdonia. Here, you have the option of a challenging drive into the old quarry, learning about its history. From the top, you can admire stunning views of the mountains and Harlech Castle below.
Llyn Peninsula and Anglesey
Descend out of the mountains and back to the coast, heading west towards the Llyn Peninsula. This culminates in a stunning off-road route on to a high, rocky promontory – perfect for a picnic stop.
Staying in the quaint village of Aberdaron, you have the chance to explore on coastal walks. Or even to take a boat trip out to the island of Bardsey. Settled by St. Cadfan in the sixth century, this holy island is known as the “island of 20,000 saints” in Welsh folklore.
Finally, head north on to Anglesey and loop back towards England. It is a leisurely journey back, with chances to stop for coastal exploring or even a taste of surfing.
Your vehicle for this holiday
Land Rover Touring
Land Rover is renowned for its exemplary design credentials and engineering capabilities. It is arguably the most iconic, robust yet comfortable all-terrain vehicle available and as such, is the perfect 4×4 for our trips. You will be given a Land Rover Discovery 2014 model to drive for the duration of your tour.
If you want to familiarise yourself with driving a Land Rover, then take the opportunity to put a vehicle through its paces in a challenging but safe environment at Land Rover’s centre in Cheshire. You’ll be given a new factory Land Rover Defender to drive across a natural, off-road assault course with rutted tracks, steep hills, boulders, slippery slopes and woodland tracks. This optional add-on can easily be included on Day 1 of your holiday.
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It all starts here
Let’s put that once-in-a-lifetime trip in your hands. Get in touch with the team and we will work with you at every step to make sure that it’s extraordinary.
01285 880 980Get in touch with our travel experts to start
creating your tailor-made holiday.
A note on price
This price includes Land Rover hire, as well as the lead vehicle and guides to accompany you.
This Itinerary
Price
From $3,212 Per person
When to travel
United Kingdom in January
January is usually the coldest month of the year and also when you’re most likely to experience clear and frosty days but with blue skies and crisp mornings. Perfect conditions for winter walks, if dressed suitably.
United Kingdom in February
You may experience snowfall in February and temperatures will still be relatively cold. In the south of the United Kingdom, snowdrops begin to emerge, particularly in woodland areas and you’ll see the first sprouts of wild garlic.
United Kingdom in March
The weather gradually begins to improve in March as the Spring season starts to get underway. Temperatures begin to rise and spring flowers appear, both on the ground and as blossom on the trees. The rugby Six Nations Championship is held during February or March when England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, France and Italy all go head to head.
United Kingdom in April
April can be a little unpredictable for the weather; it can be warm and sunny or it can be a very rainy month. Towards the end of April swathes of bluebells cover ancient woodland areas and meadows burst into colour.
United Kingdom in May
The weather is usually warm during May. The month has two Bank Holiday weekends, which can be particularly busy as British people make the most of this time off work. There are quite a few festivals that will take place from May through to August, making the most of the sunshine, so talk to our experts as to what you can get involved in.
United Kingdom in June
The warm weather continues through to June. There are quite a few festivals that will take place from May through to August, making the most of the sunshine, so talk to our experts as to what you can get involved in.
United Kingdom in July
Traditionally the summer months, July and August are in theory the hottest and driest months of the year although, as with all British weather, this cannot be relied on. There are quite a few festivals that will take place from May through to August, making the most of the sunshine, so talk to our experts as to what you can get involved in.
United Kingdom in August
Traditionally the summer months, July and August are in theory the hottest and driest months of the year although, as with all British weather, this cannot be relied on. There are quite a few festivals that will take place from May through to August, making the most of the sunshine, so talk to our experts as to what you can get involved in.
United Kingdom in September
September often has warmer and drier weather than August, and the summer crowds start to disperse as schools reopen.
United Kingdom in October
The autumn leaves are at their best, most vibrant russet shades during October with around, on average about 10 days of rain. Temperatures are cooler and some sites in more rural areas start to close for winter.
United Kingdom in November
In early November the autumn leaves are still in full show, but mountainous areas may experience snow and daylight is restricted to around seven hours in northern Scotland. The weather is usually cool and damp, although it’s not uncommon to have wonderful cold, dry spells. The UK acknowledges daylight saving time on November 1 and the clocks will be set back by one hour
United Kingdom in December
December is usually cold and damp, with little foliage and the least daylight hours of the year (fewer than seven in the north of Scotland).
Holiday Inspiration
Our experts have created and curated these tailor-made holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something that is the spark for your unique adventure.
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