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Uncover the perfect of Britain’s most adventurous nation with these implausible 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 among the greatest scenic drives within the UK, the place you will discover your self winding by means of undulating nation lanes between mountains, descending by means of lush inexperienced valleys and cruising alongside pristine coastlines.
For such a small nation, Wales packs a punch in various landscapes, so every of those street journeys permits you to discover lots of its spectacular qualities.
Public transport within the Welsh countryside could be slightly dire compared to different areas within the UK, so travelling by automotive is usually 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. Regardless of your route, Wales is stuffed 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 beneath!
6 Greatest Wales Street Journeys: Shortlist
Let’s kick off with a brief run-down of those implausible 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: straightforward brief route within the south of Eyri (Snowdonia).
- Pembrokeshire’s Coastal Gems: fishing villages, coastal nature and exquisite seashores.
Greatest 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 among the greatest seashores in Wales, in addition to unmissable historic sights and excellent countryside.
While the A55 twin carriageway slices by means of the centre of the island as much as Holyhead, the easiest way 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 means of quaint villages, dramatic viewpoints and among the greatest 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 street: heading east on an exquisite coastal street in the direction of the seaside city of Beaumaris.
You can’t miss the mighty Beaumaris fort, 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 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 the 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 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 seaside worthy of your consideration. It’s a preferred browsing spot with locals and residential to an excellent seaside restaurant, The Oyster Catcher.
In your final cease, observe the coast south to Newborough forest – a nature reserve that is among the most vital pink squirrel conservation websites within the UK!
Right here, you’ll additionally discover a powerful stretch of sandy seashores, together with the unbelievable Ynys Llanddwyn. Generally known as one among 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 one among 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, protecting everything of Cardigan Bay, in the direction of Pembrokeshire.
It’s the longest – and most spectacular – coastal street journey in Wales. Following the majestic Irish Sea, this route affords some really 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 seaside of Aberdaron – an excellent spot for scouring fossils, shells and crabbing! Or hit the waves at one among Wales’ greatest browsing seashores – Porth Neigwl (Hell’s Mouth).
With a winding drive by means of the bustling city of Pwllheli, make your approach in the direction of Porthmadog. Right here, you’ll be able to 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 fort. Or discover the gorgeous shores down in the direction of Barmouth and Fairbourne the place epic, expansive seashores await you. The bustling seaside city of Aberystwyth makes an excellent pit cease additional south.
A scenic coastal stretch awaits as you head down in the direction of Aberaeron. On a transparent day, you’ll be able to look out to the ocean and see the curves of North Wales within the distance. Aberaeron is one other advantageous seaside city, recognized for its vibrant ice cream, quaint harbour and well-known honey ice cream at The Hive!
In your ultimate 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, outside actions and noteworthy Welsh shoreline to get pleasure from on the finish of your journey!
3. Seashore Hopping On The Gower, South Wales
Begin: Swansea
Finish: Mumbles
Size of journey: Full Day
Probably the greatest 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 definitely greatest explored with a one-day coastal street journey. Go to among the greatest 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 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 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 most well-liked place to go to on the Gower is Rhossili, the most effective seafronts within the UK! Rhossili is a big stretch of sentimental, 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 reworked into a heaven of sunflowers, with 1000’s of yellow petals protecting eight acres on the cliffside.
The Gower’s shoreline is thought for a spread of outside 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, slim lanes and passing historic fort 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 fort, 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 among the hottest street 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 common 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 course 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 slim, winding lane. A cease on the layby on this go is a should. It’s possible you’ll spot some courageous hikers taking up the spine-chilling Crib Goch ridge!
The highest of the go is an unbelievable place for views of Wales’ greatest mountains on a transparent day. However the steep drops on the perimeters of the go will not be for the faint-hearted!
Heading down the winding go, flip left in the direction of Capel Curig. Observe the A4806 by means of scenic Dyffryn Mymbyr, with the epic Snowdon peaks in your rearview.
This street 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 slim 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 an exquisite alpine city that could be a extremely popular vacation spot with vacationers. Right here you’ll be able to browse a number of unbiased outside 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 brief route excursions among 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 excellent gateway for exploring the encompassing space.
A 5-minute drive from Porthmadog lies the enchanting Italianate-inspired village of Portmeirion. This extremely common vacation spot boasts romantic aesthetics and spectacular structure. You gained’t consider this exists in Wales till you’ve seen it!
Route Define
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 one of the vital unbelievable countryside passes within the UK. This street was featured as a favoured route in Wales by the Prime Gear workforce – and it’s straightforward to see why! The meandering street winds alongside spectacular valleys, with epic mountain landscapes in each course.
The go results in the historic landmark of Llyn Celyn, earlier than descending into the favored city of Y Bala.
Right here you’ll be able to enjoyment of many actions, similar 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 when you can spare the time!
Out of Y Bala, head in the direction of the B4391 the place you’ll discover a slim, steep street that begins your ascent up in the direction of Lake Vyrnwy. This drive just isn’t 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’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 to add a circuit across the lake to your route. It’s the easiest way to soak up the magnitude of one among Wales’ greatest lakes! Lastly, finish your journey with a meal on the award-winning Lake Vyrwnwy Lodge.
6. Pembrokeshire’s Coastal Gems
Begin: Tenby
Finish: Abereiddi
Length: Full Day
Thought-about probably the most stunning stretch of shoreline within the UK, a drive alongside the Pembrokeshire coast is definitely the most effective street journeys in Wales! This shoreline is full of locations to go to and issues to do, so it’s an excellent street journey for households!
Start your journey in one among Wales’ greatest seaside cities, Tenby. The fishing village is thought in Welsh as Dinbych Y Pysgod – “little city of fishes”. Tenby is a historic landmark recognized for its unspoilt sandy seashores, Victorian structure, and charming outlets and cafes dotted alongside slim cobbled streets.
From Tenby, it’s also possible to 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!
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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 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 quite a lot of meals choices!
Take the street in the 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, it’s also possible to 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. House 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!
Extra on Wales and Street Journeys…
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19 of the Greatest Locations to Go to in North Wales
Concerning the Creator
This information to the perfect 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 (at the moment in Bali) as a digital nomad.
