Cambrian Way Road Trip

Want to know more about where the Cambrian Way goes?

The Cambrian Way is a scenic long-distance driving route in Wales, stretching nearly 200 miles from Cardiff in the south to Conwy in the north. It passes through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Wales, showcasing the country's natural beauty, historic sites, and cultural heritage. The road trip derives its name from the Cambrian Mountains, a scenic range of hills and mountains situated in the heart of Wales. On the way, the route passes through the Brecon Beacons, in central Wales and heads through Snowdonia, as two of the highlights in North Wales.

Highlights of the Cambrian Way

• Cardiff: Visiting Cardiff, the vibrant capital city of Wales, offers a blend of rich history, modern attractions, and cultural experiences. Explore iconic landmarks, and fantastic museums, delve into the city's maritime heritage at Cardiff Bay, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the city centre with its diverse restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues.

• Welsh Valleys: The Welsh mining valleys, historically significant for their coal mining industry, are now picturesque landscapes offering a glimpse into Wales' industrial past. The valleys are characterised by rolling hills, mining villages, and remnants of mining heritage, including old collieries and mining museums.

• Outdoor adventure activities: Adventure activities in Wales offer a thrilling experience. Hikers can traverse scenic trails amidst breathtaking landscapes, exploring the rugged beauty of the Welsh countryside. For those seeking more adrenaline-fueled adventures, mountain trails provide a challenging terrain, ideal for both beginners and experienced climbers. For water sports enthusiasts there are numerous opportunities to enjoy the water. Enjoy activities with specialist adventure companies waiting to assist you with an abundance of ideas and options.

• Brecon Beacons National Park: Brecon Beacons National Park offers diverse activities, including water sports, horse riding, guided walks, rock climbing, stargazing, and more. Visitors can enjoy scenic experiences on the water, explore the park's beautiful terrain, and engage in various adventures suitable for different interests and abilities.

• Cambrian Mountains: Explore the rivers, lakes and reservoirs of the Cambrian Mountains.

• Mid Wales’ historical towns: Mid Wales boasts a rich heritage with several historical towns waiting to be explored. From medieval towns with well-preserved buildings to the market towns, these towns offer a glimpse into Wales' past. Each town in Mid Wales has its unique historical character, making it a rewarding destination for history enthusiasts.

• Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park: Take a scenic drive to Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park. Mount Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa), Wales' highest peak at 1,085 meters above sea level, awaits your exploration. Dive into the past with a ride aboard a historic steam engine, evoking the charm of a bygone era as you embark on a nostalgic journey through the enchanting Welsh countryside.

• Betws-y-Coed: Betws-y-Coed, nestled in the heart of Snowdonia National Park, is a charming village that offers a delightful blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventures. Surrounded by cascading waterfalls, and picturesque rivers, Betws-y-Coed boasts stunning natural scenery. The village is known for its quaint stone bridges, charming tea rooms, and local craft shops.

• Conwy & Conwy Castle: Conwy, surrounded by medieval walls, offers a glimpse into its past. Explore the town's history and discover fascinating sites, including Conwy Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by Edward I, the castle's impressive walls and towers allow visitors to explore its interior, enjoy panoramic views, and immerse in Wales' medieval heritage, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and tourists.

• Stargazing: Find out more about the three Dark Sky Reserves / Dark Sky Parks on the Cambrian Way road trip, making it an ideal trip for stargazing. On clear nights, the skies offer a mesmerizing display of stars.

Things to do in the Brecon Beacons

The Brecon Beacons National Park has to be one of the biggest highlights of this Cambrian Way road trip. Here, you can enjoy water sports like kayaking, canoeing, and sailing amidst scenic waterfalls. Take part in guided walks, bushcraft, foraging, rock climbing, abseiling, walking, underground adventures, and stargazing opportunities. Horse riding and pony trekking are available for riders of all abilities.

This itinerary includes details for the walking circuit, mountain railway, adventure activities, stargazing opportunities, and lots of attractions in the area.

Things to do in Snowdonia

A top pick has to be exploring Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park. Hikers can enjoy trails on Mount Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa). You can scale the highest peak in Wales, Mount Snowdon, for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. There are various routes catering to different skill levels. In Eryri (Snowdonia), there's a plethora of activities for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and those seeking awe-inspiring scenery. Enjoy water activities, such as kayaking, canoeing, or stand-up paddleboarding on Snowdonia's lakes and rivers. Thrillseekers can discover adventure activities such as rock climbing, abseiling, and zip-lining.

Explore historical sites, showcasing medieval architecture and rich heritage and take a nostalgic journey on one of Snowdonia's heritage steam railways, offering scenic rides through picturesque landscapes.

Uncover Britain’s Cambrian Way Road Trip Itinerary

• You are sure to take an unforgettable road trip around the spine of Wales: the Cambrian Way Road Trip. The Cambrian Way is a beautiful road trip route that takes you through the heart of Wales, and along the way, you'll pass through two National Parks, Snowdonia, and the Brecon Beacons, as well as the Cambrian Mountains. Engage in outdoor adventures such as hiking, mountain exploration, and water sports in the region.

• Explore Cardiff's dynamic mix of history, modern attractions, and culture, including iconic landmarks and maritime heritage at Cardiff Bay.

• Discover picturesque landscapes, mining villages, and coal mining history in the Welsh Valleys.

• Enjoy the natural beauty of Betws-y-Coed and the medieval heritage of Conwy.

• Great for all types of drivers, The Cambrian Way road trip, is perfect if you're looking for a leisurely drive. You can take your time and enjoy the scenery. If you're looking for a more challenging drive, you can take some of the scenic back roads.

Find out more about our self-drive road trip planner/itinerary for the Wales Way: Cambrian Way below!