A Snowdonia Road trip takes you along some of the best driving roads in Wales. This Snowdonia driving route, will give you a real taste of what Snowdonia National Park has to offer. It’s dramatic landscape of striking mountain ranges, towering peaks, tranquil lakes, and endless views will take your breath away.
AN UTTERLY PICTURESQUE SNOWDONIA ROAD TRIP
Snowdonia, or Eryri, is the largest National Park in Wales. Boasting a varied terrain of mountains, lakes, forest and moors, the unspoiled scenery stretches over 823 square miles.
The National Park attracts thousands of visitors each year, lured by the plethora of outdoor activities. Plus of course, the chance to climb the highest mountain in England and Wales.
There are however, more ways to meet this gigantic massif than the ‘must do’ walking tracks and thrilling scrambles. And that is by hitting the open road.
A road trip evokes constant thrills as you man-oeuvre every twist and turn in the open road. This is all while discovering that sometimes it really is, “all about the journey”.
Are you ready to road trip Snowdonia? This Snowdonia day trip can also be included as part of a road trip around Wales.
SNOWDONIA : DISCOVER ONE OF THE MOST SCENIC DRIVES IN WALES
Before embarking on your road trip, let’s discover what makes Eryri National Park so special.
SNOWDONIA FACTS AND FIGURES
- Snowdon stands at an impressive 1,085 metres (3,560 feet)
- Legend has it that King Arthur slayed a fearsome giant on Snowdon’s southern side.
- Sir Edmund Hilary and his team chose the mountain to prepare and train for their successful ascent of Mount Everest in 1953.
- The National Park is home to rare wildlife and plants such as the rainbow beetle and Snowden lily.
- Snowdonia is also known by its Welsh name, Eryri National Park.
SNOWDONIA DRIVING ROUTE
Start: Corwen | Finish: Betws-y-Coed
Kick off your Snowdonia day trip in Corwen, a small market town sitting at the foot of the Berwyn Mountains. Look out for the imposing life-size bronze statue of Owain Glyndwr mounted on his battle horse in The Square. He was a Welsh Prince who led a revolt against the English in the 14th century.
Take a slight detour onto the B4501. Known as the ‘EVO Triangle’ after the super car magazine EVO who use it as a test route. It is a scenic stretch of road akin to a Scalextric track.
The 20-mile winding road transports you up to deserted rolling moorland via twists, turns and lengthy straight sections.
The views of the magnificent countryside, rolling hills, cattle grazing and sheep chilling out under trees are truly impressive.
A right turn takes you to Llyn Brenig, a reservoir surrounded by forested moorland. Here, you can follow a trail along the shore enjoying panoramic views of the lake.
Continue the path of the EVO triangle downhill along the A543. Re-join the A5 towards Betws-y-Coed and Snowdonia National Park.
On the left hand side is the Conway Falls Café, welcoming ‘muddy boots, beasts and bikes’ into its cosy interior.
A 10-minute downhill walk takes you to a viewing platform for the falls.
Just before Betws-y-Coed past the Ty Gwyn Inn, turn right onto the A470 towards Llanrwst, a short but worthwhile detour.
This small town is set within Conway valley, enveloped by the foothills and Snowdonia.
Cross Pont Fawr Bridge, built in 1636, and on the west bank you will spot Tu Hwnt i’r Bont Tearoom.
This award winning tearoom serves up extremely tasty scones inside its Virginia creeper covered exterior.
Follow the B5106 towards Betws-y-Coed, through forested valleys as the road hugs the river.
Re-join the A5 at Betws-y-Coed towards Capel Curig. Just before arriving into Capel Curig, take the A4086 towards Caernarfon, the terrain rugged and deserted.
Swathes of rich purple heather and yellow gorse lighten the desolate yet captivating landscape. Continue along one of the most spectacular gateways to Snowdon, Llanberis Pass, also known as one of the best scenic drives in Wales.
This isolated road winds its way steeply up a raw slice of countryside offering beautiful views across the valleys below.
The scenery is breathtaking and showcases the mountain backdrop to perfection.
The road reaches its highest point at Pen-y-Pass, the starting point for two popular and busy ascent routes, the Pyg Track and the Miners Track. Each cut into the heart of the horseshoe and provide some of the best views in Snowdonia.
Also here, is the youth hostel where George Mallory stayed while training for his ill-fated Everest expedition, recently refurbished and welcoming eager climbers.
The car park is usually overflowing with both pre-climbers and post climbers and always extremely busy.
From here, you start your descent along winding curving bends amid stunning scenery, outcrops of rocks and impressive crags amidst far-reaching views.
This driving route showcases beauty in its rawest state, and is definitely one of the most scenic drives in Snowdonia .
The small cluster of Nant Peris comes upon you quickly, with its ancient St.Peris Church. Then you are climbing again, a monolith of grey slate taking stage as you continue to Llanberis.
LLANBERIS
Llanberis is home to Britain’s only rack and pinion railway, Snowdon Mountain Railway. As it provides the easiest option on your legs for reaching the summit, it is extremely popular, so must be booked in advance to ensure you are not left disappointed.
If you are looking for the least strenuous walking route up to the summit then this also marks the beginning of the Llanberis Path, which is the longest route but popular on account of its more gentle approach.
Llanberis sits at the bottom of the valley on the southern bank of Lake Padarn and offers a variety of activities. These include a national Slate Museum, a Lake railway, and Lake Padarn Country Park.
The A4086 continues to the coastal town of Caernarfon with its mighty castle, but you need to turn off the road at Pont Rug, and head back inland on the A4085 towards Beddgelert.
The road climbs quickly into the foothills, offering a varied landscape before reaching a crest just past Rhyd-Ddu. Enjoy the fantastic view on the left of Snowdon’s western flank. On a clear day it is possible to catch a glimpse of the summit café.
From here the winding road meanders effortlessly downhill into the picturesque village of Beddgelert. Here, you can stop for a late lunch.
BEDDGELERT
Extremely easy on the eye, this is known as Snowdonia’s prettiest village and with good reason.
Perfectly formed, in an enviable position with stone built cottages, beautiful St.Mary’s Church and a picturesque bridge at its centre, it is a lovely place for a stroll.
After a tasty lunch, join the A498 towards Capel Curig for another scenic drive, following the course of Glaslyn River north-eastwards through forest and past two idyllic lakes.
Llyn Dinas, a mountain lake in the Nant Gwynant Pass is steeped in history. In fact, according to legend, British King Vortigern is said to have hidden the throne of Britain beneath a great stone by Llyn Dinas.
A shady canopy of trees lining the road leads you to stunning Llyn Gwynant Lake. This still and serene lake was a filming location for Lara Croft Tomb Raider.
A steep climb up the shoulder of the Nant Gwynant Pass renders beautiful views. At the top is a layby and view point encompassing far reaching stunning scenery, views over Llyn Gwynant and Cwm Dyli Hydro-Electric Power Station on the southern flank of the Snowdon range.
Look out for an ice-cream van which often parks here!
Retracing your steps to Capel Curig, rainy weather can often make the landscape appear desolate. As we descended on our Snowdonia Road trip, rain lashed down and amid the heavy cloud ahead of us, was a small portion of the valley bathed in sunshine. Just like a tiny slice of heaven.
Toffee coloured cattle stood defeated, in fields partitioned by dry stone walls, and we left the bewitching sight of Snowdon behind us as we continued along the A5.
As the road bends sharply before you, cross River Llugwy via a little bridge, and look out on the left hand side for the Ugly House, or Tŷ Hyll in Welsh which houses a tearoom.
A few minutes later, you will see a lay by opposite the Swallow Falls Hotel, which is the best place to stop and walk to view the tremendous, Swallow Falls. You may not want to pay £2 per person, as the falls are literally just past the turnstile, but they are a dramatic sight.
Forty minutes further along the A5, is the quaint village of Betws-y-Coed, principal village of the National Park and where the River Conway converges with its three tributaries.
BETWS-Y-COED
Betws-y-Coed’s main street is adorned with cafes, b&b’s, shops and the 14th century St. Michael’s church. This former coach stop on the Irish mail route from London to Holyhead is a great place to stop and meander for a while.
Why not make a night of it and stay at Garth Dderwen, a Victorian Guest House , a short walk from town.
VISITING PLACES NEAR SNOWDONIA
As you have now left Snowdonia National Park, your Snowdonia Road trip has come to an end. However, there are several ways to continue your North Wales road trip.
- Head north on the A470, to Conwy, a medieval seaside town. Take a tour of the 13th-century castle, squeeze into the smallest house in Britain, or stroll around the quay.
- Alternatively, continue south on the A5 to the charming town of Llangollen. Take a canal boat over Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, a World Heritage Site. Book a stay at Riverbank and try some fun activities such as rafting or kayaking.
SNOWDONIA ROAD TRIP MAP
Below is the Snowdonia Road trip route in detail. Simply click on the map to open an interactive Google Maps version.
BEST TIME TO VISIT SNOWDONIA
Rain is definitely a feature of Snowdonia due to the proximity of the sea and mountains. So, be prepared for rain at any time of the year.
- May, June, July and August offer the best chance of good weather, and warm temperatures.
- Peak season is July and August. Days are long, but so are the crowds.
- September and October offers quieter roads, and autumnal scenery.
- December and January can bring snow, but the mountains look divine, and main roads are gritted.
- Accommodation must be booked well in advance during summer.
SNOWDONIA ACCOMMODATION
Betws-y-Coed: Glyntwrog House is a beautifully maintained property in a great location.
Llanberis: Dolafon Guest House is ideally locally for Llanberis Mountain Railway, Llanberis and Snowdon Rangers paths.
Capel Curig: Bryn Tyrch Rooms is right in the heart of Snowdonia, and a 10-minute drive from Pen-y-Pass.
Beddgelert: Sygun Fawr Country House enjoys a tranquil setting in the National Park.
Snowdonia National Park is a showcase of stunning scenic beauty which can be discovered comfortably on a day’s drive. But if you are feeling more energetic, be sure to plan a return trip so that you can discover this majestic sight from a different perspective, on one of the amazing walking tracks.
Has this post piqued your interest for a trip to Wales, the chance to explore the highest summit in England and Wales and experience one of the best driving roads in Wales?
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