Guided Mountain Trips from Manchester - City Mountaineering

Spend the Bank Holiday Weekend exploring Snowdonia National Park!!
3-days and 2-nights under the stars in Snowdonia National Park.

Return train travel from Manchester included!
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Escape the ordinary and immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of Snowdonia National Park on an unforgettable weekend of hiking and wild camping. Join us as we venture deep into the heart of Wales, where rugged mountains, serene lakes, and sweeping valleys await exploration under the vast open sky.

As always, we’ll sort out the travel, logistics and accommodation, so just meet at Manchester Piccadilly train station and leave the rest to us.
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ITINERARY
Please note that exact timings and order of activities are subject to change, based on the local conditions at the time.

Day 1 - Saturday morning: Arrival and Wilderness Orientation

• Meet outside Manchester Piccadilly train station at 10am, you will board the train for a relaxing journey to Snowdonia.
• You will be met at the train station for a brief introduction before being transported into the national park to begin your first hike into the Snowdonia wilderness.
• Your guide will select a suitable spot to set up your wild camp, where you'll spend the night surrounded by nature's tranquility (instruction will be provided in how to pitch the tents)
• Along the way, our experienced guides will share their knowledge of the area's flora, fauna, and history, enriching our journey with insights and stories.

Day 2: Summiting a Peak and Exploring Hidden Gems

• Wake up to the crisp mountain air of your surroundings.
• After an al fresco breakfast and packing away the tents you will head deeper into the mountains
• The day will be spent discovering hidden gems such as cascading waterfalls, secluded valleys, and ancient ruins.
• As the sun begins to set, you'll set up camp in another picturesque location, where you'll enjoy a cozy evening under the stars.
• If the weather is fine, you may even get an opportunity to camp on a summit for unobstructed views of sunset and sunrise.

Day 3: Farewell Hike and Reflection

• Rise with the dawn for one last hike through Snowdonia's enchanting landscapes, savoring the tranquility of the early morning hours.
• Reflect on your weekend of adventure as you make your way back to civilization, pausing to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us.
• Bid farewell to newfound friends and the wild wonders of Snowdonia as your wild camping journey concludes.
• At the end of the day you will be transported back to the train station for a leisurely train journey back to Manchester (expect to arrive at 8pm)

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DIFFICULTY: This trip is designed to be a moderate 2-days in Snowdonia National Park and requires a good level of fitness:

• Participants should be prepared to carry their own camping gear and supplies during hikes.
• Leave no trace: We'll practice responsible wilderness ethics to minimize our impact on the environment.
• Safety is our top priority, and our qualified and experienced guides will provide support and guidance throughout the journey.

Your qualified guide is highly experienced enough to keep the pace slow and everyone happy, safe and motivated throughout the trip

TRANSPORT: Return train journey from Manchester and short distance minibus transfers in Snowdonia

ACCOMMODATION: 1-person tents.
This is a Wild Camping trip. We can provide you with a tent, sleeping bag and sleeping mat if you don't already have them
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Join us for a weekend of adventure in Snowdonia, where the wilderness beckons and every step brings new discoveries! Reserve your spot now and experience the magic of hiking and wild camping in one of Britain's most stunning national parks!

COST: £395 for 3-days and 2-nights (including return train travel and road transfers in Snowdonia)
To join, simply RSVP and pay the £150 deposit and we'll be in contact with more information

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
• Return train travel from Manchester to Snowdonia
• Road transfers and logistical support in Snowdonia
• Use of our tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats, water filters and cooking equipment
• Breakfasts and dinners when camping
• 3-days guided hiking with a highly experienced and qualified Mountain Leader

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
• Personal hiking kit
• Packed lunches
• Personal travel insurance
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All City Mountaineering trips are compliant with the 2018 Package Travel regulations (including financial protection)

A Journey Through History and Nature
Embark on an unforgettable 9-day hiking adventure through Orkney, a land of dramatic coastlines, ancient history, and breathtaking landscapes.
This journey is designed for outdoor enthusiasts and history lovers alike, offering a unique blend of challenging hikes, wild camping, and cultural discoveries.

From exploring Neolithic monuments and Viking ruins to hiking along rugged coastal cliffs, every day presents a new and exciting experience.

Trip Highlights:

• Visit the awe-inspiring Neolithic sites of the Ring of Brodgar and Skara Brae.
• Hike through the stunning landscapes of Hoy, including the Glens of Kinnaird and Ward Hill.
• Witness the towering Old Man of Hoy, the UK's tallest sea stack.
• Trek along Orkney’s dramatic west coast, taking in sea stacks, cliffs, and remote beaches.
• Explore the Brough of Birsay, a tidal island with Viking and medieval history.
• Follow the St Magnus Way pilgrimage route, ending at the ancient Broch of Gurness.
• Immerse yourself in Kirkwall’s rich culture, with its historic cathedral, museums, and local shops.
• Discover wartime history at the Churchill Barriers and the Italian Chapel.
• Enjoy wild camping in breathtaking coastal locations and cozy hostel stays in Kirkwall.
• Look out for orcas, seabirds, and other wildlife along the journey.

### Your Trip Includes

• Guided hiking by an experienced and qualified Mountain Leader
• Road travel and logistical Support from Inverness
• 4 ferry crossings
• All food on the wild camping sections of the itinerary
• 3 nights hostel/hotel accommodation
• 1 night on a campsite
• 4 nights wild camping
• tents, sleeping bags and sleeping mats provided for all camping sections

Spaces are limited – book your spot today and start your adventure!
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EXAMPLE ITINERARY
The specific route will be decided when group size and weather is known. We could hike north-south/east-west/any other variant...

Day 1 – Saturday (Arrival & Exploration)
Gather in Inverness at 10am, where the adventure begins! Travel north through the rugged Scottish Highlands, passing stunning landscapes on the way to Thurso. Keep an eye out for red deer and soaring golden eagles as we make our way to the coast.

Board the ferry to Stromness for a scenic 90-minute crossing, where you might spot seals or even a pod of dolphins. As we approach Orkney, take in the first views of the archipelago’s dramatic coastline.

After arriving in Stromness, pitch tents at a welcoming campsite, then set off to explore the charming, historic town. Wander along narrow flagstone streets, browse local craft shops, and visit the Pier Arts Centre. End the day with a hearty meal at a cozy local pub, enjoying traditional Orcadian hospitality.

Day 2 – Sunday (Hiking Hoy)
Rise early for a ferry ride to Hoy, the wildest and most mountainous of the Orkney Islands. Begin an exhilarating hike through the Glens of Kinnaird, surrounded by heather-clad hills and breathtaking scenery. A detour to Ward Hill, Orkney’s highest point at 479m, offers rewarding panoramic views across the islands.

Descend towards the remote beauty of Rackwick Bay, a secluded sandy beach framed by towering cliffs. Set up your wild camp with a spectacular view of the North Sea. Relax and soak in the serene atmosphere as the sun sets over the waves, with the sound of seabirds echoing across the bay.

Day 3 – Monday (Old Man of Hoy Hike)
Prepare for an unforgettable hike to one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks, the Old Man of Hoy. This 137m sea stack rises dramatically from the ocean, defying gravity with its towering sandstone cliffs. If you're lucky, you might witness rock climbers scaling its vertical face!

Enjoy a picnic lunch with awe-inspiring sea views before trekking back over the hills. Along the way, look out for puffins, fulmars, and other seabirds nesting in the cliffs. Return to camp at Rackwick Bay for a second night wildcamping under the stars, with the rhythmic sound of the waves as your backdrop.

Day 4 – Tuesday (Coastal Trek to Skaill Bay)
Hike back through the glen and catch the ferry to Stromness. Stock up on supplies before setting off on an epic trek along Orkney’s rugged west coast.

Marvel at the towering sea cliffs and the dramatic Yesnaby sea stacks, sculpted by centuries of wind and waves. The landscape here is wild and untamed, offering countless photo opportunities. Finally, arrive at the picturesque Skaill Bay, where we’ll wild camp beside the beach, falling asleep to the soothing sound of the surf.

For those interested, there’s an optional visit to Skara Brae, a remarkably well-preserved Neolithic settlement over 5,000 years old. Wander through ancient stone dwellings and imagine the lives of Orkney’s prehistoric inhabitants.

Day 5 – Wednesday (Brough of Birsay Exploration)
Continue trekking along the west coast towards Birsay, passing windswept cliffs and open moorland. Arriving at the Brough of Birsay, a tidal island steeped in history, we’ll cross the causeway (tide permitting) to explore Viking ruins, a medieval monastery, and a striking lighthouse.

This is also one of the best places in Orkney for wildlife spotting. Scan the waves for orcas, seals, and diving seabirds as we set up wild camp for the night with sweeping coastal views.

Day 6 – Thursday (St Magnus Way & Ancient Ruins)
Join the historic St Magnus Way pilgrimage route, following in the footsteps of Viking-era travelers. Hike via Costa Head, one of Orkney’s highest sea cliffs, with views stretching across the North Atlantic. Arrive at the Iron Age Broch of Gurness, an impressive circular stone fort that once housed ancient islanders.

After a day of exploration, transfer to Kirkwall, where a warm hostel awaits. Enjoy a well-earned shower before heading to a lively local pub for a delicious meal and a toast to our adventure so far.

Day 7 – Friday (Exploring Kirkwall & Beyond)
Enjoy a relaxed day exploring Kirkwall, Orkney’s vibrant capital. Options include:

• Visiting the majestic St Magnus Cathedral, a stunning red sandstone church founded in 1137.
• Exploring the Bishop’s and Earl’s Palaces, rich in medieval and Renaissance history.
• Discovering Orkney’s Viking and wartime past at local museums.
• Strolling through charming shops and cafes, picking up unique souvenirs and tasting local delicacies.

For those eager for more adventure, take a road trip to Scapa Bay, The Ring of Brodgar (a dramatic Neolithic stone circle), or The Gloup, a dramatic sea cave. Alternatively, hike up Wideford Hill for panoramic views over Kirkwall and beyond.

In the evening, we’ll gather for a group dinner and a second night in the Kirkwall hostel.

Day 8 – Saturday
Begin the day with a drive across the historic Churchill Barriers, causeways built during WWII. Stop at the Italian Chapel, a beautifully decorated chapel built by Italian prisoners of war, a poignant reminder of Orkney’s wartime history.

For those interested, there’s an optional coastal walk to spot orcas one last time before a celebratory farewell dinner, reminiscing about our unforgettable journey.

Day 9 – Sunday (Departure)
Catch the ferry from St Margaret’s Hope back to the Scottish mainland and enjoy the final scenic drive as you are transferred back to Inverness, where our adventure comes to an end.

Say your goodbyes and depart with incredible memories, new friendships, and a deep appreciation for the wild beauty of Orkney.

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Small group!! (Maximum 6-people)

This trip is suitable for everyone and no prior experience of multi-day hiking is necessary.

The small group size will enable us to enjoy the tranquility of the area whilst enabling a flexible itinerary to explore the hidden gems that Orkney has to offer.
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Join this week-long adventure for just £895! Simply RSVP and pay the £100 non-refundable deposit to secure your place and we’ll be in contact with further details

Included:

• Guided hiking by an experienced and qualified Mountain Leader
• Road travel and logistical Support from Inverness
• 4 ferry crossings
• All food on the wild camping sections of the itinerary
• 3 nights hostel/hotel accommodation
• 1 night on a campsite
• 4 nights wild camping
• tents, sleeping bags and sleeping mats provided for all camping sections

Excluded:

• Return transport between home and Inverness
• Your personal hiking kit
• Personal travel insurance
• food & drink when not wild camping and/or when in cafes/restaurants/bars

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All City Mountaineering trips are compliant with the 2018 Package Travel regulations (including financial protection)

Hike in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales to see the Autumn Equinox sun rising and falling as we make our way around this classic walking circuit

Begin the hike in the dark to ascend the first hill as the sun rises and aim to complete the circuit 12 hours later as the sun is setting
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ITINERARY
Friday PM
Meet at Manchester Piccadilly train station on Friday evening for a relaxing journey north in the comfort of the train (train ticket included in the cost) where you will be met at the destination train station and driven to our accommodation in The Yorkshire Dales National Park

Saturday
Day 1 will involve hiking the Yorkshire 3-Peaks: A 26-mile hike over Pen-y-ghent (736m), Wearnside (723m) and Ingleborough (694m).
Please don't worry about your own fitness or ability. We will have several leaders on hand to cater to everyones pace/ability. We will also have a base camp manager supporting the trip to assist anyone that decides to drop out at any point in the day.
We will then retire to the warmth of a local hostelry to compare photos over a soft drink, or two.

Sunday
Day 2 will involve an easy walk to stretch your legs, visiting the fascinating rock formations offered by the Limestone synonymous with the area.

Departure - After the short walk we will make our way back to the buses for your transfer back to the train station and a relaxing journey back to Manchester

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ACCOMMODATION
We have exclusive use of a bunkhouse (single-sex bedrooms)

Cost: The price of this all-inclusive weekend is just £295

The price includes:
• Return train travel from Manchester
• Mountain road transfers and logistical support
• 2-nights Accommodation
• 2-days guided hiking

The Price excludes:

• All food and drink
• Personal hiking kit
• Personal travel insurance

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To join us, simply RSVP and pay the £100 deposit. We will then be in contact with more information, including a detailed itinerary and kit list.
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All City Mountaineering trips are compliant with the 2018 Package Travel regulations (including financial protection)