Experience The Beauty Of Wales On The Cambrian Way Road Trip

Taking you along the mountainous spine of Wales, this 185-mile long road trip takes you right through the centre of Wales leading from the capital city of Cardiff in the South to the Northern coastal town of Llandudno. 

For most of this journey, you’ll find yourself driving along the A470, a road that covers the entire journey from Cardiff to Llandudno and luckily is one of the most scenic routes you can take throughout Wales that also allows you to take a good few detours along the way to places such as the Brecon Beacons and Snowdonia National Park. 

Taking about 4-5 hours to drive without stopping, The Cambrian Way can easily be completed in one day if you’re after a straight drive however if you want to truly take in all this road trip has to offer we recommend taking at least 2 – 4 days whether this be camping along the way or booking into one of the many hotels you can find along the journey.

Cardiff

Starting in the eleventh-largest city in the UK, Cardiff, this road trip from the get-go offers a true taste of Wales’s history and culture with Cardiff Castle and the National Museum being central to the city representing the story of the city and surrounding area allowing you to get a taste of your experiences before you even set off on this Wales road trip.

If you’ve got the time before you start The Cambrian Way drive we would recommend taking a few hours to take in all the city has to offer and get yourself prepared for the journey, maybe with some of the best local food available from traditional family recipes such as Paul’s Nan’s Cawl at Pitch on Mill Lane, a 12 hour slow-cooked lamb served with grilled Welsh cheese on toast or if you’re after something a little less traditional but with a Welsh twist the Cymru clucker pizza at The Stable, pairing free-range chicken with roasted red and yellow peppers, mushrooms, mozzarella and oregano to create the perfect combination of Welsh and Italian cuisine.

Caerphilly Castle

One of the most popular attractions in South Wales, Caerphilly Castle is the second largest in Britain after Windsor and a must-see on this Wales road trip. Dating back to 1268, Caerphilly Castle is surrounded by a series of lakes that form the castle moats with massive walls, towers and gatehouses covering a total of 20 acres. 

Appearing to float above the water from select viewpoints we recommend taking 1-2 hours to stretch your legs on this first stop on The Cambrian Way road trip to explore this mystical castle giving you a true sense of Welsh history.

Brecon Beacon

Offering a gift and craft shop alongside a quaint tea room, Brecon Beacon’s visitors centre is an ideal stopping off point for your Wales road trip, giving you a well-deserved break with some gorgeous views of the national park’s iconic mountains without the climb.

After you’ve had a chance to refuel at the visitors centre, the Mynydd Illtyd is a beautiful common walk not too far away through the beautiful flats, taking around 2 hours you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking mountain views the entire time and for those with a keen eye for birds, you’ll spot some red kites sailing through the skies.

Builth Wells

Dominated by the Cambrian mountains, the sparsely populated mid-Wales area is often overlooked by visitors however it offers some of the most stunning scenery along The Cambrian Way road trip with small towns scattered throughout. The first of these you will encounter is Builth Wells, a historic market town lying on the confluence of rivers Wye and Irfon. 

This small town may be quaint but offers its worth in a short stay, with a high street full of almost exclusive independent eateries and shops you will easily find something to spend a penny or two on that you won’t find anywhere else. 

Elan Valley

Now only a short distance away from Snowdonia National Park, you’ll find yourself surrounded by natural beauty within Elan Valley. Home to a huge working reservoir and is a must-see on The Cambrian Way road trip even if just for a quick 15 minute stop to take a quick picture of the natural beauty preserved due to the Cambrian Mountains Environmentally Sensitive Area.

Dolgellau

You’ve officially made it to Snowdonia National Park and the first stop you’ll come across is Dollellau, the largest town in Snowdonia, boasting plenty of accommodation and food options, Dolgellau is the perfect place to spend a night on The Cambrian Way road trip. 

If you do choose to spend a night in the beautiful Dolgellau, you won’t be caught short on things to do with a plentiful town centre overflowing with culture and a lively environment you can find yourself in one of the several pubs along the way and if drinking isn’t for you Coed y Brenin Forest Park and the Torrent Walk are both just a short walk from the town centre.

Llynnau Mymbyr Viewpoint

Besides Snowdon itself, this stop is perhaps the most famous along The Cambrian Way road trip, giving you the first glimpse of Mount Snowdon and the perfect opportunity for an iconic photo across the twin lakes.

Heading just a little further towards the village of Beddgelert along the A498 there are several viewing areas on Mount Snowdon with a view of the mountains being a constant on your right-hand side, making it hard to look away, although we hope you’ll be keeping your eyes on the road until you reach some of the viewing points to capture the areas beauty.

Snowdon

With the past two stops you’ve probably noticed we’ve started approaching the bases of Mount Snowdon itself, and if you’re up for a challenge towards the end of your Wales road trip, we highly recommend the climb that so many people have on their bucket lists.

Stretching 1085m above sea level Snowdon or Yr Wrddfa in Welsh takes approximately 6-8 hours to complete the full walk up to the summit and back down so you’ll want to be adding a full day to your road trip plan but luckily for any willing to brave the adventure there is a couple different hotels and hostels available in the towns surrounding the mountain. 

Llandudno 

185 miles, some beautiful pictures and cherished stories later you’ve reached the endpoint of The Cambrian Way, the beautiful coastal town of Llandudno. Known for its beautiful north coast beach and bustling pier, you couldn’t wish for a better place to end any road trip.

Being able to relax with a well-deserved beach day after the long drive you can grab some fish and chips, sit back and enjoy the beautiful town even adding on a journey up the 1500m climb of Great Orme via the historic tramway that was constructed in 1902.

Feeling Ready For The Cambrian Way, We’re Here To Help

Running the full length of Wales, The Cambrian Way is a road trip to add to anyone’s bucket list, offering you stunning views every step of the way traversing across mountains, over rivers and through uniquely picturesque towns. You’ll take home stories of the adventures you’ll be telling for years to come.

While making the 185-mile journey it’s not uncommon to come across some car trouble whether it be a flat tyre or breakdown and if you do The Mansfield Group are here for you, with over 15 years of experience our specialised team are always ready to help, offering 24-hour service 365 days a year. If you do find yourself in trouble, contact us on 0870 600 2444 and we’ll be with you soon.