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Uncover the most effective of Britain’s most adventurous nation with these improbable concepts for Wales highway journeys…
There isn’t a higher technique to get to know the attractive nation of Wales than a highway journey. The nation has a number of the finest scenic drives within the UK, the place yow will discover your self winding by undulating nation lanes between mountains, descending by lush inexperienced valleys and cruising alongside pristine coastlines.
For such a small nation, Wales packs a punch in various landscapes, so every of those highway journeys permits you to discover lots of its spectacular qualities.
Public transport within the Welsh countryside will be somewhat dire compared to different areas within the UK, so travelling by automobile is usually the best (and most rewarding) choice when visiting.
A lot of the nation is made up of single-track roads crisscrossing spectacular stretches of unspoilt countryside. Irrespective of your route, Wales is filled with spectacular pit stops, from beautiful lakes to famend cafes and spectacular viewpoints!
So with a full tank and a trusted navigation system in place, get exploring one of many extremely scenic highway journeys under!
6 Finest Wales Street Journeys: Shortlist
Let’s kick off with a brief run-down of those improbable Wales highway journeys, that will help you select which is best for you! We’ll go into much more element, and break down every route, within the subsequent part…
- Anglesey Round Route: dramatic shoreline, historic landmarks and quaint villages
- Coastal Drive from Llŷn to St Davids: Wales’ longest coastal highway journey.
- The Gower: beach-hopping in south Wales.
- From Llanberis to Betws-Y-Coed: Exploring Eryri (Snowdonia) Nationwide Park.
- Porthmadog To Lake Vyrnwy: straightforward brief route within the south of Eyri (Snowdonia).
- Pembrokeshire’s Coastal Gems: fishing villages, coastal nature and delightful seashores.
Finest Wales Street Journeys: Detailed Route Guides
1. The Final Anglesey Round Route
Begin: Menai Bridge
Finish: Britania Bridge
Size of journey: Full Day
North Wales’ small however mighty island of Anglesey is full of a number of the finest seashores in Wales, in addition to unmissable historic sights and excellent countryside.
While the A55 twin carriageway slices by the centre of the island as much as Holyhead, one of the best ways to get to know Anglesey’s character is by driving a round route alongside its outlier shoreline.
This driving route covers the preferred spots on the island, passing by quaint villages, dramatic viewpoints and a number of the finest pure sights in Wales!
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Enjoyment of some scrumptious seafood on the well-known Dylan’s restaurant in Menai Bridge after crossing over from the mainland. Then hit the highway: heading east on a gorgeous coastal highway in the direction of the seaside city of Beaumaris.
You can’t miss the mighty Beaumaris citadel, a relic of Anglesey’s Celtic historical past, adopted by a brisk stroll on Beaumaris pier! Proceed north in the direction of Penmon Level lighthouse. On clear days, views of Puffin Island await you. Subsequent, head to the well-known Purple Wharf Bay for a refreshment break at The Ship pub.
Alongside the northern coast, the fishing village of Moelfre awaits with spectacular seashores and spectacular coastal views. Then head on to Amlwch, the gateway to the otherworldly copper and gold landscapes of Parys Mountain.
Additional north alongside the coast, in the direction of Bull Bay, you’ll discover Porthwen Brickworks – a real hidden gem in Wales! Again within the driver’s seat, make your means alongside the coast to Cemaes Bay, a beautiful harbour village with unspoilt seashores and unmissable walkways alongside the dramatic cliffsides of the Wales Coastal Path.
Take a break at Holyhead, Wales’ gateway to Eire. Refuel on the famend Sea Shanty Cafe earlier than persevering with on to Treaddur Bay and the epic South Stack lighthouse for some spectacular views.
Driving south in the direction of the west coast seashores, you’re rewarded with unbeatable views over to the Eryri (Snowdon) mountain skyline on the mainland. Close by, Rhosneigr is a soft-sand seashore worthy of your consideration. It’s a preferred browsing spot with locals and residential to an important seaside restaurant, The Oyster Catcher.
In your final cease, observe the coast south to Newborough forest – a nature reserve that is without doubt one of the most necessary purple squirrel conservation websites within the UK!
Right here, you’ll additionally discover a powerful stretch of sandy seashores, together with the unbelievable Ynys Llanddwyn. Often called one in every of Britain’s most interesting seashores, it’s well-known for its relation to Santes Dwynwen, the Welsh Patron Saint of lovers!
Full your circuit again in Menai Bridge, and reward your self with a drink at one in every of its many cosy Welsh pubs.
2. An Unforgettable Coastal Drive From Llŷn o St Davids
Begin: Llŷn Peninsula
Finish: St Davids
Size of journey: Full Day/In a single day
This driving route covers an expansive size of the nation, heading from the attractive shores of North Wales down alongside the coast, masking the whole thing of Cardigan Bay, in the direction of Pembrokeshire.
It’s the longest – and most spectacular – coastal highway journey in Wales. Following the majestic Irish Sea, this route affords some actually unbelievable views of the shimmering blue sea on a sunny day.
Route Define
Starting on the tip of the Llŷn Peninsula, enjoyment of the pristine seashore of Aberdaron – an important spot for scouring fossils, shells and crabbing! Or hit the waves at one in every of Wales’ finest browsing seashores – Porth Neigwl (Hell’s Mouth).
With a winding drive by the bustling city of Pwllheli, make your means in the direction of Porthmadog. Right here, you may uncover the area’s mining historical past and take in some unbelievable views of Eryri’s mountain peaks.
Heading south, take a cease to discover Harlech’s UNESCO-listed citadel. Or discover the beautiful shores down in the direction of Barmouth and Fairbourne the place epic, expansive seashores await you. The bustling seaside city of Aberystwyth makes an important pit cease additional south.
A scenic coastal stretch awaits as you head down in the direction of Aberaeron. On a transparent day, you may look out to the ocean and see the curves of North Wales within the distance. Aberaeron is one other advantageous seaside city, identified for its vibrant ice cream, quaint harbour and well-known honey ice cream at The Hive!
In your last stretch, head additional alongside the coast in the direction of the outer edges of Pembrokeshire Nationwide Park. There’s a wide array of excellent seashores, out of doors actions and memorable Welsh shoreline to take pleasure in on the finish of your journey!
3. Seashore Hopping On The Gower, South Wales
Begin: Swansea
Finish: Mumbles
Size of journey: Full Day
The most effective locations to go to in south Wales is the Gower Peninsula, only a brief drive from Swansea. The Gower was the UK’s first-ever Space of Excellent Pure Magnificence, with over 30 unbelievable seashores and coves dotted alongside 46 miles of rugged coast.
This peninsula is actually finest explored with a one-day coastal highway journey. Go to a number of the finest pure areas in south Wales and witness the spectacular surroundings alongside the Wales Coastal Path.
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Start your journey from Swansea, earlier than heading straight over to Three Cliffs Bay. This magnificent stretch of sandy seashore towards three limestone cliffs has some nice sand dunes to discover!
From right here, take a brief drive to the neighbouring village of Oxwich. Stroll alongside Bay Seashore and check out your hand at browsing! Head over to the pleasant village of Port Eynon for a break on the seafront Smugglers Seashore Bar, accompanied by a go to to the award-winning Gower Gin Firm Distillery.
The preferred place to go to on the Gower is Rhossili, probably the greatest seafronts within the UK! Rhossili is a big stretch of sentimental, sandy seashore – nice for enjoyable and swimming when the waves are calm.
Guests right here additionally delight within the Worm’s Head stroll alongside the cliffs that tower above the seashore for dramatic, panoramic views over the Welsh coast. In summer time, this space is remodeled into a heaven of sunflowers, with 1000’s of yellow petals masking eight acres on the cliffside.
The Gower’s shoreline is thought for a variety of out of doors pursuits. Close by Llangenith is a good place for browsing, paddleboarding and coasteering!
Take pleasure in some countryside delights as you full your circuit again in the direction of Swansea alongside winding, slender lanes and passing historical citadel grounds and rolling, lush inexperienced hills.
Finish your journey again on the Mumbles, on the western fringe of Swansea Bay. This quaint fishing village has a medieval citadel, glorious eating areas, and a Victorian pier over a cobbled beachfront.
4. An Epic Enterprise Over Pen Y Cross (From Llanberis to Betws-Y-Coed)
Begin: Llanberis
Finish: Betws-Y-Coed
Size of journey: Half a Day
This driving route beginning in Llanberis and ending in Betws-y-Coed is without doubt one of the hottest highway journeys in Wales. This gives you a style of what Eryri (Snowdonia) Nationwide Park has to supply. It additionally permits you to see the magnitude of the North Wales mountain panorama up shut!
Start your journey at Llanberis. This in style lakeside village on the foot of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) has vibrant buildings and heaps of enjoyable issues to do.
Route Define
Comply with the winding highway and rugged panorama as you allow Llanberis within the route of Nant Peris, alongside Llyn Peris as you start your ascent up Pen Y Cross.
Meander between lunar-like boulders and imposing mountains as you enterprise up the slender, winding lane. A cease on the layby on this move is a should. It’s possible you’ll spot some courageous hikers taking up the spine-chilling Crib Goch ridge!
The highest of the move is an unbelievable place for views of Wales’ finest mountains on a transparent day. However the steep drops on the perimeters of the move usually are not for the faint-hearted!
Heading down the winding move, flip left in the direction of Capel Curig. Comply with the A4806 by scenic Dyffryn Mymbyr, with the epic Snowdon peaks in your rearview.
This highway is an excellent flat stretch, passing lakes and rolling hills in the direction of the quaint slate cottages within the small village of Capel Curig. From right here, take the slender and winding A5 in the direction of Betws-y-Coed. Approaching the city of Betws, lush inexperienced bushes will tower above you as you descend alongside the river into the bustling city.
Betws-y-Coed is a gorgeous alpine city that could be a very talked-about vacation spot with vacationers. Right here you may browse a number of impartial out of doors gear retailers, enjoyment of some nice meals, and discover nature alongside the river and Swallow Falls waterfalls.
5. Porthmadog To Lake Vyrnwy
Begin: Porthmadog
Finish: Lake Vyrnwy
Size of journey: Half a Day
This brief route excursions a number of the finest areas of the southern elements of Eryri Nationwide Park. It begins within the harbour city of Porthmadog. That is the ultimate cease on the well-known Welsh Highland railway, so it’s an important gateway for exploring the encompassing space.
A 5-minute drive from Porthmadog lies the enchanting Italianate-inspired village of Portmeirion. This extremely in style vacation spot boasts romantic aesthetics and spectacular structure. You gained’t consider this exists in Wales till you’ve seen it!
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Proceed on in the direction of the village of Trawsfynydd on winding roads, passing spectacular inexperienced valleys and towering bushes. Take a detour to discover neighbouring Blaenau Festiniog, the historic Welsh mining city that nestles between the spectacular Moelwynion mountains.
In Trawsfynydd, cease to go to the memorial statue for the well-known Welsh poet Hedd Wyn. Persevering with your journey, take a signposted left flip after Trawsfynydd village in the direction of Y Bala.
Brace your self for a 25-minute stretch over some of the unbelievable countryside passes within the UK. This highway was featured as a favoured route in Wales by the High Gear crew – and it’s straightforward to see why! The meandering highway winds alongside spectacular valleys, with epic mountain landscapes in each route.
The move results in the historic landmark of Llyn Celyn, earlier than descending into the favored city of Y Bala.
Right here you may enjoyment of many actions, resembling paddleboarding or kayaking on the notorious Llyn Tegid, in addition to relishing in some native meals from the excessive road. This city is nestled between two majestic mountains – Yr Aran and Arennig Fawr. These are greater than worthy of a hike if you happen to can spare the time!
Out of Y Bala, head in the direction of the B4391 the place you’ll discover a slender, steep highway that begins your ascent up in the direction of Lake Vyrnwy. This drive shouldn’t be for the faint-hearted! There’s a difficult climb up a big valley with deep drops to your proper.
As soon as on the prime of the valley, you’re rewarded with unbelievable views over the mid-Wales countryside, earlier than descending again down in the direction of Lake Vyrnwy.
On the backside, make sure you add a circuit across the lake to your route. It’s one of the best ways to soak up the magnitude of one in every of Wales’ finest lakes! Lastly, finish your journey with a meal on the award-winning Lake Vyrwnwy Resort.
6. Pembrokeshire’s Coastal Gems
Begin: Tenby
Finish: Abereiddi
Period: Full Day
Thought-about essentially the most lovely stretch of shoreline within the UK, a drive alongside the Pembrokeshire coast is well probably the greatest highway journeys in Wales! This shoreline is full of locations to go to and issues to do, so it’s an important highway journey for households!
Start your journey in one in every of Wales’ finest seaside cities, Tenby. The fishing village is thought in Welsh as Dinbych Y Pysgod – “little city of fishes”. Tenby is a historic landmark identified for its unspoilt sandy seashores, Victorian structure, and charming retailers and cafes dotted alongside slender cobbled streets.
From Tenby, you too can take a brief boat journey to the well-known Caldey Island. This lovely conservation space is house to puffin colonies so is a must-visit for nature lovers!
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Passing the coastal delights of Barafundle Bay, you’ll subsequent come to the famed St Govans Chapel. This Sixth-century chapel is constructed into the aspect of a limestone cliff and accessed by tiny, steep steps. From right here, head to a different landmark – The Inexperienced Bridge of Wales. This spectacular, arch-shaped rock formation affords some spectacular views over the shoreline.
For the second leg of the journey, head over to the northern area of Pembrokeshire. Cease off at bustling Haverfordwest for quite a lot of meals choices!
Take the highway in the direction of St Davids. Cease alongside the best way at the tiny harbour village of Solva, a real hidden gem within the space! The coastal highway will then lead you into the center of St Davids, the UK’s smallest metropolis.
A go to to the Cathedral right here is unmissable, accompanied by a wander among the many slender streets. From right here, you too can discover Whitesands Bay for watersports and swimming. Or, take a stroll alongside the St David’s Head Peninsula for beautiful views and potential sightings of seals and dolphins!
To finish your journey alongside the northern coast, a cease at Abereiddi Bay is a should. Dwelling to the notorious Blue Lagoon, a preferred spot for coasteering and cliff leaping.
Finish your journey at pleasant Fishguard, a coastal city the place guests can relish mouthwatering seafood and top-notch dwell music!
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In regards to the Writer
This information to the most effective issues to do in Llanberis was written by native journey author Megan Tomas.
I’m a journey author and content material creator from a small village exterior Caernarfon in North Wales. After graduating with a journalism diploma from Cardiff College, I labored for 4 years as a digital producer at a Welsh manufacturing firm. Final yr I left my 9-5 to pursue freelancing writing full-time, and am now slow-travelling the world (presently in Bali) as a digital nomad.