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Uncover one of the best of Britain’s most adventurous nation with these improbable concepts for Wales street journeys…
There isn’t a higher option to get to know the gorgeous nation of Wales than a street journey. The nation has a number of the greatest scenic drives within the UK, the place you’ll find your self winding via undulating nation lanes between mountains, descending via lush inexperienced valleys and cruising alongside pristine coastlines.
For such a small nation, Wales packs a punch in numerous landscapes, so every of those street journeys lets you discover a lot of its spectacular qualities.
Public transport within the Welsh countryside might be slightly dire compared to different areas within the UK, so travelling by automotive is commonly the simplest (and most rewarding) possibility 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 gorgeous 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 street journeys under!
6 Finest Wales Highway Journeys: Shortlist
Let’s kick off with a brief run-down of those improbable Wales street 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 street journey.
- The Gower: beach-hopping in south Wales.
- From Llanberis to Betws-Y-Coed: Exploring Eryri (Snowdonia) Nationwide Park.
- Porthmadog To Lake Vyrnwy: simple quick route within the south of Eyri (Snowdonia).
- Pembrokeshire’s Coastal Gems: fishing villages, coastal nature and exquisite seashores.
Finest Wales Highway 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 filled with a number of the greatest seashores in Wales, in addition to unmissable historic sights and excellent countryside.
While the A55 twin carriageway slices via 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 most well-liked spots on the island, passing via quaint villages, dramatic viewpoints and a number of the greatest pure sights in Wales!
Route Define
Enjoyment of some scrumptious seafood on the well-known Dylan’s restaurant in Menai Bridge after crossing over from the mainland. Then hit the street: heading east on an exquisite coastal street in direction of the seaside city of Beaumaris.
You can not miss the mighty Beaumaris citadel, a relic of Anglesey’s Celtic historical past, adopted by a brisk stroll on Beaumaris pier! Proceed north in direction of Penmon Level lighthouse. On clear days, views of Puffin Island await you. Subsequent, head to the well-known Crimson 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 direction of Bull Bay, you’ll discover Porthwen Brickworks – a real hidden gem in Wales! Again within the driver’s seat, make your approach alongside the coast to Cemaes Bay, a stunning 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 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 seaside worthy of your consideration. It’s a preferred browsing spot with locals and residential to an ideal seaside restaurant, The Oyster Catcher.
On your final cease, comply with the coast south to Newborough forest – a nature reserve that is likely one of the most essential pink squirrel conservation websites within the UK!
Right here, you’ll additionally discover a powerful stretch of sandy seashores, together with the unimaginable Ynys Llanddwyn. Generally known as certainly one of Britain’s best 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 certainly one 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 gorgeous shores of North Wales down alongside the coast, overlaying the whole thing of Cardigan Bay, in direction of Pembrokeshire.
It’s the longest – and most spectacular – coastal street journey in Wales. Following the majestic Irish Sea, this route affords some actually unimaginable views of the shimmering blue sea on a sunny day.
Route Define
Starting on the tip of the Llŷn Peninsula, enjoyment of the pristine seaside of Aberdaron – an ideal spot for scouring fossils, shells and crabbing! Or hit the waves at certainly one of Wales’ greatest browsing seashores – Porth Neigwl (Hell’s Mouth).
With a winding drive via the bustling city of Pwllheli, make your approach in direction of Porthmadog. Right here, you may uncover the area’s mining historical past and absorb some unimaginable views of Eryri’s mountain peaks.
Heading south, take a cease to discover Harlech’s UNESCO-listed citadel. Or discover the gorgeous shores down in direction of Barmouth and Fairbourne the place epic, expansive seashores await you. The bustling seaside city of Aberystwyth makes an ideal pit cease additional south.
A scenic coastal stretch awaits as you head down in 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 effective 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 direction of the outer edges of Pembrokeshire Nationwide Park. There’s a wide array of excellent seashores, out of doors actions and noteworthy Welsh shoreline to take pleasure in on the finish of your journey!
3. Seaside Hopping On The Gower, South Wales
Begin: Swansea
Finish: Mumbles
Size of journey: Full Day
Among the finest locations to go to in south Wales is the Gower Peninsula, only a quick drive from Swansea. The Gower was the UK’s first-ever Space of Excellent Pure Magnificence, with over 30 unimaginable seashores and coves dotted alongside 46 miles of rugged coast.
This peninsula is actually greatest explored with a one-day coastal street journey. Go to a number of the greatest pure areas in south Wales and witness the spectacular surroundings alongside the Wales Coastal Path.
Route Define
Start your journey from Swansea, earlier than heading straight over to Three Cliffs Bay. This magnificent stretch of sandy seaside 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 Seaside and check out your hand at browsing! Head over to the pleasant village of Port Eynon for a break on the seafront Smugglers Seaside Bar, accompanied by a go to to the award-winning Gower Gin Firm Distillery.
The most well-liked place to go to on the Gower is Rhossili, probably the greatest seafronts within the UK! Rhossili is a big stretch of soppy, sandy seaside – nice for stress-free 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 seaside for dramatic, panoramic views over the Welsh coast. In summer season, this space is remodeled into a heaven of sunflowers, with 1000’s of yellow petals overlaying eight acres on the cliffside.
The Gower’s shoreline is understood for a variety of out of doors pursuits. Close by Llangenith is a superb place for browsing, paddleboarding and coasteering!
Take pleasure in some countryside delights as you full your circuit again in direction of Swansea alongside winding, slim 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 Move (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 likely one of the hottest street journeys in Wales. This gives you a style of what Eryri (Snowdonia) Nationwide Park has to supply. It additionally lets you see the magnitude of the North Wales mountain panorama up shut!
Start your journey at Llanberis. This standard lakeside village on the foot of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) has vibrant buildings and heaps of enjoyable issues to do.
Route Define
Observe the winding street and rugged panorama as you allow Llanberis within the route of Nant Peris, alongside Llyn Peris as you start your ascent up Pen Y Move.
Meander between lunar-like boulders and imposing mountains as you enterprise up the slim, winding lane. A cease on the layby on this cross is a should. You might spot some courageous hikers taking over the spine-chilling Crib Goch ridge!
The highest of the cross is an unimaginable place for views of Wales’ greatest mountains on a transparent day. However the steep drops on the perimeters of the cross are usually not for the faint-hearted!
Heading down the winding cross, flip left in direction of Capel Curig. Observe the A4806 via scenic Dyffryn Mymbyr, with the epic Snowdon peaks in your rearview.
This street is an excellent flat stretch, passing lakes and rolling hills in direction of the quaint slate cottages within the small village of Capel Curig. From right here, take the slim and winding A5 in 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 an exquisite alpine city that may be a very fashionable vacation spot with vacationers. Right here you may browse a number of unbiased out of doors gear outlets, 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 quick route excursions a number of the greatest areas of the southern components 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 ideal gateway for exploring the encircling space.
A 5-minute drive from Porthmadog lies the enchanting Italianate-inspired village of Portmeirion. This extremely standard vacation spot boasts romantic aesthetics and spectacular structure. You gained’t imagine this exists in Wales till you’ve seen it!
Route Define
Proceed on in 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 direction of Y Bala.
Brace your self for a 25-minute stretch over some of the unimaginable countryside passes within the UK. This street was featured as a favoured route in Wales by the Prime Gear staff – and it’s simple to see why! The meandering street winds alongside spectacular valleys, with epic mountain landscapes in each route.
The cross 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, akin to paddleboarding or kayaking on the notorious Llyn Tegid, in addition to relishing in some native meals from the excessive avenue. 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 direction of the B4391 the place you’ll discover a slim, steep street that begins your ascent up in direction of Lake Vyrnwy. This drive is just not for the faint-hearted! There’s a difficult climb up a big valley with deep drops to your proper.
As soon as on the high of the valley, you might be rewarded with unimaginable views over the mid-Wales countryside, earlier than descending again down in direction of Lake Vyrnwy.
On the backside, you’ll want to add a circuit across the lake to your route. It’s one of the best ways to absorb the magnitude of certainly one of Wales’ greatest 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 probably the most stunning stretch of shoreline within the UK, a drive alongside the Pembrokeshire coast is well probably the greatest street journeys in Wales! This shoreline is filled with locations to go to and issues to do, so it’s an ideal street journey for households!
Start your journey in certainly one of Wales’ greatest seaside cities, Tenby. The fishing village is understood 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 outlets and cafes dotted alongside slim cobbled streets.
From Tenby, you may as well take a brief boat journey to the well-known Caldey Island. This stunning conservation space is residence to puffin colonies so is a must-visit for nature lovers!
Route Define
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 facet 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 a wide range of meals choices!
Take the street in direction of St Davids. Cease alongside the way in which at the tiny harbour village of Solva, a real hidden gem within the space! The coastal street 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 slim streets. From right here, you may as well discover Whitesands Bay for watersports and swimming. Or, take a stroll alongside the St David’s Head Peninsula for gorgeous 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 reside music!
Extra on Wales and Highway Journeys…
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19 of the Finest Locations to Go to in North Wales
In regards to the Creator
This information to one of the best 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 12 months I left my 9-5 to pursue freelancing writing full-time, and am now slow-travelling the world (at present in Bali) as a digital nomad.
