Mabinogion: Magic Medieval Welsh Myths

Our morning will be spent exploring the Fourth Branch of the Mabinogi, that of Math son of Mathonwy. We will pass the site where Pryderi son of Pwyll was killed by the archers of Gwynedd, on his return journey after his defeat at the hands of the magician Gwydion. On to Tomen-y-mur, the ruins of a Roman fort and the court of Gronw Befr, the lover of troubled Blodeuedd. We will explore the sites of their first meeting, the site where Lleu was murdered under magical circumstances and where he took his revenge at the pierced stone slab through which he threw his spear to kill Gronw. After lunch we journey to the imposing Harlech Castle perched on a crag above the Irish Sea. This is where Brân, and his brothers and retinue, first viewed the ships of Matholwch, King of Ireland approaching by sea to seek the hand of his sister in marriage. We will explore the role of women in the Four Branches, discuss the various strong personalities portrayed, and visit the magnificent 13^th century castle here. On our return to Portmeirion where there will be time to explore and enjoy this unique architectural jewel, where The Prisoner was filmed in the late 1960s.

Hotel: Portmeirion - double and twin room occupancy rooms are allocated in the main hotel, whilst solo travellers will be allocated double rooms for sole use in the hotels' village rooms.

We first visit Beddgelert, where the tale relates that prince Llywelyn Fawr killed his favourite hound and a brief stroll to the supposed grave. After a discussion about international folk-tale motifs we walk to the craggy summit of scenic Dinas Emrys for striking views of Snowdonia. Here we explore the origin of Arthurian legends, Merlin, and the Welsh Red Dragon. We spend time in Dolwyddelan, in the keep of a 13^th century Welsh castle, contemporary with our tales. Afterwards visit the lake at Cwm Cowlyd (Culhwch ac Olwen) and finish at the site of Maelgwn Gwynedd’s court at Deganwy (Chwedl Taliesin). Our return journey takes us through breath-taking mountains.

Hotel: Portmeirion - double and twin room occupancy rooms are allocated in the main hotel, whilst solo travellers will be allocated double rooms for sole use in the hotels' village rooms.

Today we visit sites mentioned in the Fourth Branch, such as Dinas Dinlle, Caer Aranrhod and Maen Dylan. Sites where Lleu achieved his name, arms and wife, Blodeuedd, conjured from flowers. We journey on to the Roman fort of Segontium, where Brân received his sister’s starling, and then proceed to Aberffraw, court of the Welsh kings and princes, where Efnysien mutilated the horses of Matholwch. Our final visit is at Bedd Branwen, where Branwen reputedly broke her heart and died.

Hotel: Portmeirion - double and twin room occupancy rooms are allocated in the main hotel, whilst solo travellers will be allocated double rooms for sole use in the hotels' village rooms.

Our tour ends in Chester and we make our independent onward journeys.