I had heard rumours of a miniature Italian village hidden in the hillside of a stunning welsh mining village, and thought it sounded like a fun thing to find with the kids...

Although I do have a confession to make... This wasn't the highlight of the walk for me (or the girls).

I mean it was really freakin' cool seeing tiny replicas of some of Italy's most iconic buildings, all the little details and intricacies of each made it an absolute work of art, and the further you looked the more you would find, it looked like it went on forever up into the forest above...

But I knew we would see a little Italian village. It's what I wasn't expecting to see that was the real treat for me (and why I'll be doing this walk again soon)...

⛰️ Spectacular views over the valley

⛏️ Old quarry buildings including a slate mill and workers cottages

🌲A walk through a mossy ancient woodland

⛲ A crystal clear waterfall perfect for a play and a splash

✈️ The chance to see the fighter jets flying low through the valley on the Mach run

👣 Walk info... 👣

LENGTH: 5km

(The walk up to Little Italy and up from there to the old mine ruins is quite a steep so this walk is best suited to older children or those who are used to steep/longer climbs)

TIME IT TOOK US TO COMPLETE: 2.5 hours with lots of stops to play and explore

PARKING: Corris craft centre car park

TOILETS: Corris Craft centre

FOOD & DRINK: a few options at the craft centre or check out @idris_stores at the start of the walk.

Located just outside the quaint village of Corris in Wales, "Little Italy" is a whimsical collection of miniature replicas of famous Italian landmarks lovingly crafted by local resident Mark Bourne. From Florence's Duomo to Rome's Mouth of Truth and even a tiny version of Michelangelo's David, this charming site is a delightful homage to Bourne's love for Italy. With around 200 individual structures, including a cat cemetery and a Venetian canal with running water, visitors can marvel at the intricate details and whimsical charm of "Little Italy." Don't miss the chance to explore this unique and enchanting sight that transports you to the Mediterranean without leaving Wales.

OS route map:

https://explore.osmaps.com/route/21113478/corris-little-italy-and-quarry-ruins?lat=52.66212&lon=-3.848262&zoom=16.1303&style=Aerial&type=2d&params=21113478&params=corris-little-italy-and-quarry-ruins