Katie Crowther
Contact Details
Address: Chester, Cheshire CH3
Mobile: 07990 720045
Email: katiea.inchester@gmail.com
Biography
I’m Katie Crowther and I’m lucky enough to have known and loved North Wales all my life. I love to share this beautiful and unique country with visitors as a Green Badge Guide for North Wales.
Living close to the banks of the River Dee, I particularly enjoy sharing the stories and hidden gems of this North East Wales border region. I began my guiding career just across the border in Chester after nearly 30 years working in international trade. But I also love to travel a little further afield to the historic castles, walled towns and stunning landscapes of North West Wales.
As a qualified guide, I can tailor bespoke itineraries and walking tours for your family or small group across North Wales. I am able to guide for coach parties of all sizes across the region. If you wish to travel more sustainably by train or bus, I can assist with your planning. You can always opt to begin or end your Wales visit with me in Caer (Chester) or Wrecsam.
Please do get in touch to discuss your plans for visiting North Wales, however big or small.
Interests
Best of Wales - general interest tours
From castles to the coast, from mountains to the river valleys, from ancient churches to the origins of the industrial revolution, there is just so much to explore in North Wales. I'd be delighted to assist you with bringing your plans to life.
Castles
Wales has more than 600 castles, more than any other country. Each one has its own unique story to tell. The castles of the English King,Edward I, are a real must-see for any visit to North Wales. Come with me to explore the UNESCO listed castles at Caernarfon and Conwy and the walled towns that surround them. Also the castles of the Welsh princes, often not much more than romantic ruins today but with powerful tales to tell of bygone ages and the struggle against conquest. Finally marvel at the modern day castles and stately homes created by industrial wealth in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Churches Chapels and Cathedrals
Wales was at the very centre of the spread of early Celtic Christianity. Simple, ancient churches dotted across the country, often full of hidden treasures, bear witness to this. Particularly fascinating are the ancient pilgrim routes across the countryside leading to Ynys Enlli, the so-called Island of a 20,000 Saints and increasingly popular with modern day pilgrims too.
As a Green Badge Guide, I can help you put together an itinerary taking in many of these sites, as well as chapels at the heart of villages, sacred wells, and the great cathedrals of North Wales at Bangor and St Asaph.
Coastline
From glorious bays to secret swimming coves, from Victorian resorts to Italianate follies and historic harbours, the North Wales coast has so much for visitors to discover. You might wish to follow part of the Wales Coastal Path to access some of the more hidden spots. A keen walker myself, I can assist you with planning your route along the coast but many of these spots can of course also be visited by coach or car.
History and Prehistory
Evidence of human presence in modern-day Wales dates back many thousands of years, and Bronze and Iron age sites can be visited across North Wales. The history of the Welsh people is long and fascinating. From the time of the Welsh Princes to the violence of the English conquest and later to the uprising led by Owain Glyndwr, there are so many stories to be told. I'd love to work with you to put together an itinerary focusing on a particular aspect of North Welsh history or perhaps something more general. Intertwined with this history is the story of the Welsh language and its unique culture.
Industrial Heritage
Wales is often said to have been the first industrialised nation in the world. In North Wales industries such iron founding and slate, coal and copper mining have made their mark on the landscape and shaped communities. Come with me as your guide to explore this incredible and globally renowned industrial heritage and its legacy today.
