Wales - The Cambrian Way
Wales is bursting with natural beauty! That and the promise of many breweries, always a cosy pub and more than 600 castles, that's all we need to travel there by motorhome, car or motorbike. During this roadtrip, we largely follow The Cambrian Way which follows the A470 from north to south, right through the heart of Wales. It is a multifaceted route that starts in the Victorian coastal town of Llandudno and goes through beautiful countryside to Cardiff. The Cambrian Mountains gave their name to this route, mountains and lakes will accompany us the whole way. Our last stop is a complete departure from the Cambrian Way and we imagine ourselves on a Greek island.
Llandudno & Conwy
We start our road trip in North Wales in the Victorian coastal town of Llandudno. The town is popularly known as 'The Queen of Welsh Resorts'. It has the longest pier in Wales, built in 1878. Not far from Llandudno lies the town of Conwy. Conwy has a pleasant harbour where you can eat or drink something. The smallest house in Great Britain is also in Conwy. Be sure to visit the impressive Conwy Castle. On the way to Snowdonia National Park, our next stop, you pass the Bodnant Garden. The beautiful Victorian garden is home to several exotic plants and five national collections. You'll undoubtedly find peace and quiet here.
Snowdonia National Park
Snowdonia National Park covers 2170 km² and treats you with beautiful waterfalls, lakes, viewpoints and Mount Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales. The park invites you to cycle and walk, or to explore it on horseback. Of course, it is a nice challenge to climb Mount Snowdon. However, if you don't feel like walking, you can also take the train to the top. The easiest way to get to Snowdon is via the more than 100-year-old Snowdon Mountain Railway. This amazing railway opened in 1896 and thunders along the nearly five-mile route to the top of the mountain at a top speed of just over five miles per hour. We don't have to tell you that the views along this very steep route are breathtaking. Many people use the train to help them up the mountain and then continue back down on foot.On the south-western border of the national park is Bala Lake, the largest natural lake in Wales. There is a lovely 6.5 km walk around Bala Lake.
Cambrian Mountains
South of Coed y Brenin Forest Park lies the town of Corris and the Corris Craft Centre: nine craft studios specialising in everything from jewellery to ceramics, from handmade chocolate to exceptional artisan gin from the Dyfi Distillery which won three medals at the 2020 World Gin Awards. From there we drive to the Cambrian Mountains, the next unspoilt natural area on our route. The Cambrian Mountains are one of the few remote wildernesses in southern Britain. Few roads run through the mountains, but they are recognised as some of the most beautiful in the British Isles. Numerous walking trails wind through the Cambrian Mountains, exploring the gentle forest landscape and tumbling waterfalls. You'll follow the routes of medieval monks, romantic 18th-century writers and poets in search of adventure, and follow in the footsteps of 19th-century drovers and miners.
The lakes of Elan Valley
Elan Valley is located in the Cambrian Mountains and is a beautiful and unspoilt area made even more attractive by the dams and reservoirs that make up the beautiful, vibrant landscape. The dams and reservoirs were built by the Victorians over 100 years ago. The Craig Goch dam is perhaps the most famous. In the village of Rhayader, you'll find the Elan Valley Visitor Centre. Be sure to stop by before following the scenic mountain road that winds past the lakes. Elan is perfect for exploring on foot or by bike. In the centre of Rhayader you can rent bikes and get information about the hiking tours.
Cerveteri and Ostia Antica
Book lovers will feel right at home in the town of Hay-on-Wye. The Welsh/English border town is a 15-minute drive from the Cambrian Way on the edge of Brecon Beacons National Park. Hay-on-Wye is home to 39 (!) bookshops and hosts the annual literary event Hay Festival in late May. If you don't find your holiday reading there...With mountains and moors, standing stones and castles, lively waterfalls and bustling communities, the Brecon Beacons National Park has plenty to offer. Walking, cycling, mountain biking, kayaking, and a real must do: stargazing. The national park was awarded the 'International Dark Sky Reserve' for its unobstructed view of a clear starry sky and its commitment to reducing light pollution. On the southern boundary of the park is Penderyn Distillery. The local whisky is made with natural spring water from the park. Definitely worth a taste!
Cardiff
In Cardiff, Wales' capital and largest city, you will not be bored. Besides cosy terraces and shopping in Queens Street and the Victorian shopping galleries, you can visit many interesting places in Cardiff. Put Cardiff Castle on your to-do list. The medieval castle is the epitome of neo-Gothic revival. The castle's predecessors date back to a 3rd century Roman fort. Cardiff Bay was once a bustling port from which coal was mainly shipped. Now it is a chic waterfront district with many modern buildings and restaurants. On the way to the old docks you can take a walk through the Cardiff Bay Wetlands Reserve.
Wales was thus 'the home of coal'; it was mainly the Welsh miners who fuelled the industrial revolution. Through Rhondda Heritage Park, you can take the Black Gold Experience Underground Tour, a tour of the coal mines near Pontypridd.
Rugby is the national sport of Wales. Fans can attend a match in Cardiff at the Principality Stadium. There are also many museums and art galleries where you can spend hours.
Barafundle Bay
Those with less time can end the route in Cardiff, but we decided to drive on to Barafundle Bay, perhaps one of Wales' best-kept secrets. Reminiscent of a Greek island, the bay was recently named one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. So we could not miss out on this promising destination. We were not disappointed. Backed by dunes and forests, the golden sand, lapped by crystal clear emerald waters, is the perfect place to relax. The crescent-shaped bay is pristine and bordered by limestone cliffs at both ends. A 20-minute walk to the top of the cliff will take you by surprise with the view of the coast. A crumbling stone archway and steep stone steps lead down to the beach. There's more to Pembrokeshire than Barafundle Bay. There's the Pembrokeshire National Park or the Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail, a 186-mile walking trail along the coast.
This road trip can be perfectly combined with a road trip through southern England.