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There’s no denying that Wales offers some of the most scenic drives in Britain. This quiet and beautiful country is home to several fantastic routes that take you through dramatic and downright stunning backdrops. It also holds a lot of history and has incredible weather for most of the year. If you’re wondering what the most scenic drives in Wales are, this article has got you covered.
If you’re a road trip lover and you enjoy beautiful sights, this is the place to be. We’ll explain how to best explore Wales by road, taking you through the country’s best and most astonishing routes.
5 Most Scenic Drives In Wales
To aid your exploration of Wales, here are the five most scenic drives in the country.
1. Black Mountain Pass
The Black Mountain Pass, also known as Top Gear Road, is at the top of our list because it only takes 45 minutes to complete and offers some of the most breathtaking views in the country. This route is popular among test drivers for car magazines and bikers.
As you drive through the A4069, you’ll get magnificent views of mountains, forests, rivers and lots of sheep. You also get to see the Brecon Beacons National Park at its absolute best.
Stop at Hay-on-Wye, a small town in the eastern part of Brecon Beacons National Park, to enjoy some coffee.
From a driving perspective, it’s best to tackle this route from north to south, as this allows you to catch the incredible scenery at the perfect angle. The entire drive across the Black Mountain Pass takes less than an hour, but you may want to make stops and take in the beauty.
Learn how to plan a road trip around Wales.
2. Coastal Way
The Coastal Way takes you across the Welsh Coastline, offering views of the coastal scenery as you drive past. The route runs 175 miles (280 km) from St Davids in the south to Aberdaron in the north.
This route features several beaches and seaside towns, such as Aberaeron, Aberystwyth and Barmouth. You’ll also get to explore part of Pembrokeshire and climb Wales’ tallest mountain, Mt. Snowdon.
The Coastal Way has some of the best seafood.
This Welsh road trip provides just the right balance for nature lovers, as it also has two national parks that serve as homes to various plants and animals.
The drive time for the tour is about 5 hours, but you may want to spend two to three days exploring.
3. Snowdonia
Snowdonia National Park is a must-visit for all nature lovers. Being Wales’ first national park, it offers unspoiled scenery and spectacular views from high mountains. This scenic route is 39 miles long (63 km) and takes about 30 minutes to cover by car.
Your route starts in the town of Porthmadog on the North Wales coast, and from there, you can follow the A498 past the village of Tremadog. The road also leads past Aberglaslyn Pass and to the town of Beddgelert.
Tip: The weather changes quickly in Snowdonia, so make sure you bring warm clothing.
The route leading to the summit is quite narrow and demands your full attention. Despite the challenging driving conditions, the scenery is breathtaking. As you make your way, you’ll likely come across a few sheep and cows grazing on the side of the road.
You can also drive along the edge of Llyn Gwynant Lake, which has some beautiful views.
See how to plan a road trip route.
4. Pembrokeshire
Pembrokeshire has a lot to offer, but this road trip focuses on the coast. The Pembrokeshire coast is home to some of the best beaches in Britain, so a road trip allows you to explore all of them at once.
Your trip starts at Tenby, a popular resort with all the trappings of the British seaside. Head west to the idyllic Barafundle Bay. Here, you can explore the Stackpole Nature Reserve and watch the playful otters.
Tip: Pembrokeshire spans a wide area, so you can plan other road trips to fully explore it.
Continue to head west until you find a beautiful beach with stunning scenery where you can catch the sunset. We recommend the Ribbon of Sands at Freshwater.
You’ll enjoy a stunning drive as you continue along the lanes that lead to the coastline north of Broad Haven until you arrive at the golden Newgale Beach. From here, you can head to St Davids, the UK’s smallest city, to explore its historic buildings.
5. North Wales Way
This road spans 75 miles (120 km) and takes about 5 hours to cover by car. However, we recommend spending two to three days if you want to explore all its attractions.
Starting on the Welsh side of the border country near Chester, you’ll travel west to Anglesey. Towards the end of your drive, you’ll come across three giant castles – Beaumaris, Caernarfon and Conwy.
The North Wales Way also passes close to Elan Valley, which is known for its picturesque scenery.
You’ll also get to see beaches, lighthouses, a mountain zoo and some smaller castles. Depending on how much time you have, you can make a detour to Snowdonia and explore Mt. Snowdon. The North Wales Way is only one of many great roads in Wales. See our list of the best driving roads for other options.
What Is The Best Month To Visit Wales?
The best month to visit Wales is either April or May, as the weather is usually very nice during these two months, and there is not much rainfall. Also, the country welcomes fewer tourists during this period than summer months. If you want to visit in the summer, plan your trip for September but expect to be in the company of more people.
See how to tour Wales in 7 days.
Is North Or South Wales More Scenic?
North Wales is more scenic than South Wales. The northern part of Wales has some of the most beautiful and dramatic landscapes, providing ample opportunity for outdoor activities. South Wales, on the other hand, is ideal for a coastal getaway as it is home to the stunning Rhossili Bay and numerous beaches.
If you plan to extend your road trip to other parts of the UK, the Causeway Coast Way in Northern Ireland promises raw beauty and adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Best Coastal Drive In Wales?
The best coastal drive in Wales is the Coastal Way, which takes you across the Welsh coastline. Road trips along this route start at St David’s in the south and take you up the coast to Aberdaron. As you head north, you’ll come across several seaside towns, mountains and two national parks.
How Long Does It Take To Drive Around Wales?
It takes only four hours to drive around Wales from the west to the eastern edge and five hours from the north to the south. However, this doesn’t include the time it takes to explore the attractions in these areas. To explore Wales and the major attractions in the country, you have to set aside a week or more.
What Is The Most Scenic Drive In North Wales?
The most scenic drive in North Wales is the North Wales Way. This route takes you from the border with England to the north coast of Wales. You’ll pass several popular tourist attractions, including Llandudno and Conwy Castle. You’ll also get to explore standing stones, the South Stack Lighthouse and the stunning Cambrian Mountains.
What Is The Most Scenic Part Of Wales?
The most scenic part of Wales is Snowdonia National Park. This park features stunning lakes, high mountains and picturesque villages. It is a popular destination for anyone who enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking and rock climbing.
Abergwesyn Pass in Mid Wales is another great drive, running from Tregaron to Llanwrtyd Wells. This route takes you across the Devil’s Bridge and Soar y Mynydd, Wales’ most remote chapel. Other scenic parts in Wales include Pembrokeshire, the Gower Peninsula and Llyn Peninsula.
Is It Difficult To Drive In Snowdonia?
Yes, it is difficult to drive in Snowdonia because the roads are usually narrow and winding and have sharp bends. It becomes even more challenging during the winter months because ice and snow make the roads slippery. If you have to drive in Snowdonia, make sure your vehicle is in good condition with effective brakes and tyres. Also, drive slowly and cautiously, particularly on narrow roads.
Conclusion
A scenic drive in Wales is a great way to travel around the country while enjoying its various beauties and attractions. From the coastline of Pembrokeshire to the great mountains of Snowdonia, whatever route you choose from our list of the 5 most scenic drives in Wales is bound to be memorable. Just make sure you select a suitable month with proper weather conditions and have your car ready to drive across the incredible roads.
