Following on from our English and Scottish road trips, where next but Wales? These 5 trips are designed to take you through some of the most unbelievable, breath-taking countryside that the whole UK has to offer. Expect rugged, foreboding mountains, spliced by lush, green valleys and cascading waterworks. Explore little quaint villages, and modern cultural towns, as you experience some of the most challenging and rewarding driving on offer from this historic country.
In our opinion, these 5 trips represent some of the ultimate, on the road, jaunts you can entertain.
Cambrian Way
What is it?
Traverse the whole of Wales on the Cambrian Way, a complete journey that takes you from South to North Wales along the mountainous spine of the country, mainly using the A470 (there are tons of pop-off points to go on your own adventures). It’s one of three roads that actually make up the North Wales Way, along with the Coastal Way and the North Wales Way.
Where does it go?
Start off in the fine capital city of Cardiff, where you can invest in some supplies for the trip. Pass through the beautiful South Wales valleys, with options to stop off at some historic coal mining sites, such as Rhondda Heritage Park. Next on the itinerary is the Brecon Beacons national park, complete with its dainty railway that sits in the shadow of some of the country’s highest summits. After the mountains it’s then onto the Elan Lakes, where a short detour can take you up the Cwmystwyth road to the Devil’s Bridge. Stop in at the numerous craft centres, and take a break from the wild scenery in Machynlleth, before embarking on the final stage of the journey, passing by Gwydir castle as you end up in Llandudno, one of Wales’s largest resorts.
When should you do it?
You could do it any time of year, but if you’re thinking of stopping off and taking on any of the bigger mountains, then you’ll need to go in late spring to early autumn, avoiding the fog and sudden changes in weather.
Who would love it most?
If you’ve ever been impressed by a sense of wonder at the sight of a mountain, then this is the trip for you.
How long should it take?
You’d be missing out if you didn’t take a full five days (or more) to stop off at the evocative locations of the Cambrian way.
Black Mountain Pass
What is it?
A short but awe-inspiring route that cuts over the famous Black Mountain, also known as the A069. Start in Llandovery, pass through the Brecon Beacons and end in Gwaun-Cae-Curwen.
Where does it go?
This challenging road is all about the single mountain trail, much loved by Top Gear Presenter, Jeremy Clarkson. It’s all about the road itself, which is full of its own character. Expect narrow straights, slow down for the blind corners, and put turning skills to the test as you circle round the expansive, famous hairpin bend known as Cuckoo Turn. And if you’re out for the sights, then try either Carreg Cennen Castle or Dinefwr castle that are both easily reachable from the road’s location.
When should you do it?
You’ll find the best weather for driving in May, June, July and September. You might be surprised by the amount of rainy days, making this road slippery, in August.
Who would love it most?
People looking for a short day out as part of a longer holiday in Wales, who won’t be intimidated by this road’s fearsome trajectory through along the mountain range.
How long should it take?
You can do this route in under an hour, as it’s only 22 miles. Drive quickly to get to the top, or amble along – the choice is yours.
Dragon’s Spine
What is it?
Take in Wales by going from coast to coast. This 187 mile route stretches out from Cardiff, cutting through two national parks, ending in Conwy in the north of the country.
Where does it go?
Like the Cambrian Way, your journey commences in Cardiff. Up you go through South Wales, encountering the first national park in the shape of the Brecon Beacons, with its high stone mountains and reservoirs. The journey then trickles through the idyllic Welsh countryside, taking in some gorgeous market towns like Dolgellau. Ride around beaches, forests and rivers, and drive into the next national park, Snowdonia. Take an amazing trip on the longest zipwire in Europe at Zip World Velocity 2, climb one of the range’s legendary peaks, or if you don’t fancy queuing up for the bigger climbs, you can stop off in the popular destination of Betws-Y-Coed for a pint before coming to the journey’s end.
When should you do it?
With the tourists that come with Snowdonia, it’s often best to avoid the school holiday months, opting for June or September and staying away during the peak times.
Who would love it most?
Nature lovers and sightseers, and those with stout enough shoes to take in all the different terrains on offer from this varied and splendid route.
How long should it take?
Depends on how much time work will let you have off – 4 to 5 days if you want to get in a good away-break, but with so much on offer from this multifaceted journey around all Wales has to offer, you could stretch it out over 10 days. It’s well worth it.
Abergwesyn Pass
What is it?
It’s 20 miles of very intense driving situated in the Cambrian Mountains.
Where does it go?
Start off in Abergwesyn before facing down a white knuckle, 1 in 4 gradient, as you coax the engine up a stretch of road known to local’s as the Devil’s Staircase. If you still want to continue, next on the menu is a series of hairpin bends, designed to climb up the side of the mountain. After reaching the apex of the route, it’s down through some dense and foreboding forest, before you finally hit the valleys. After that you can find a local pub in Tregaron, where you may find a glass of the local whisky is in order.
When should you do it?
One of the most spectacular sights in the Cambrian mountains is watching salmon swim upstream in November. A great time of year to visit this area and avoid the summertime crowds.
Who would love it most?
As this road started out as a drover’s track, a narrow pass-way designed for the herding of cattle, it’s a little on the tight side. Not for the faint of heart, or a Sunday afternoon driver.
How long should it take?
Probably no longer than an hour, as you may want this one to be over more quickly than you expect.
Pembrokeshire – The Coastal Way
What is it?
Crawling along the beautiful, picturesque sights on offer from the Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion coast, this 180m road, known as the Coastal Way, is one of three roads that makes up the North Wales Way; designed to show off the natural beauty of this area.
Where does it go?
Around some of the UK’s very best beaches – as you would expect; as well as going through parts of Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons where you can see many of the delights we’ve already mentioned. Golf fans won’t be disappointed either – Royal St David’s and the famous Aberystwyth golf course (designed by 6 times open winner Harry Vardon) are close by. Designed to be more of a jumping off point than a rigid course, visitors are recommended to check what’s on offer close to the route itself. We’d recommend this as our seaside journey, with loads of water sports adventures waiting for you at Abersoch, a great starting point, then hustle gently on to New Quay, a haven for windsurfing, surfing and all the other wind-powered fun you can have on a beach. Finally there’s Ceibwr Bay, known for its kayaking. Polish it all off with Menai mussels and Snowdonia lamb and beef in one of the many restaurants that pepper this area.
When should you do it?
In Pembrokeshire, the sun is usually out for the longest periods during May, giving you a ton of time to explore and conduct your day-time adventures.
Who would love it most?
Beach-lovers, surfers and sunseekers alike; anyone who loves being in and around the water. Don’t be afraid to take the windproof jacket and waterproof trousers, thanks to the changeable Welsh weather.
How long should it take?
You’re looking at around a week to take in everything this road has to offer, along with a suitable amount of time relaxing at restaurants and sunning yourself on the beach.
And Finally
Some of the Welsh roads pass through quite remote locations, so before you set off on your sightseeing tour remember to pack all the essentials, in case of a breakdown. Weather is always changeable, with fog and clouds coming in at a moment’s notice, so make sure all your car’s systems such as wipers and air conditioning are working properly. Additionally, you should remember that even though the conditions might be lovely in the valley, you may find icy patches at higher altitudes that cause your car to skid. With all the right preparation, you can have an amazing time taking in some of the most beautiful and evocative countryside, slumbering around the beaches, and wondering why you ever started some of the bigger mountain climbs. It’s all fun after all, isn’t it?
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