A 7 to 10 Day Wales Highway Journey Itinerary with Map

Regardless of being born in Wales and spending a few years residing within the nation, I haven’t as but shared any content material about Wales on this website. Effectively, that’s about to vary.

Wales is a spectacular nation with so much to supply and its comparatively small dimension means that you could see so much in a 1-week street journey. On this information we’re going to share our thought of the proper Wales street journey you probably have 7 to 10 days.

This itinerary features a little little bit of all the things Wales has to supply, which incorporates gorgeous coastlines, mountain hikes, seashores, castles, museums, Welsh cultural sights, and extra. The itinerary was designed to offer you a style of one of the best of Wales and consists of all the things from tiny rural villages to the capital metropolis of Cardiff.

Wales actually does have one thing to supply everybody, and this street journey goes to take you throughout Wales. We’ll share a few of our favorite issues to see and do, and likewise supply recommendations on the place to remain, and what to eat. However you possibly can after all regulate it the way you need.

Personally, we predict Wales has surroundings to rival different fashionable street journeys within the UK, like Scotland’s North Coast 500, however we’ll allow you to determine if that’s the case as you learn the information.

By the top of this submit, you’ll be able to set off in your very personal Welsh street journey! Let’s begin by answering some questions you may need.

How Lengthy to Highway Journey in Wales?

Wales is just not an enormous nation, however there’s a enormous quantity to see. We might say that the minimal period of time for a street journey protecting part of the nation can be three to 5 days. In case you don’t have numerous time we’d maybe recommend focusing both on North Wales or South Wales.

If you wish to see extra of what’s on supply, and discover the nation from prime to backside, then we’d advocate not less than 7 – 10 days.

The itinerary on this information is for a 7 to 10-day street journey, however after all you possibly can regulate it primarily based in your pursuits and time. You probably have extra time, there’s all the time extra to see and we’d advocate spending longer in every space of curiosity.

 

Find out how to Embrace Wales as A part of a Longer UK journey?

Many individuals are visiting Wales as a part of an extended tour of Nice Britain that will additionally embrace England, Scotland, Northern Eire, and/or Eire. It’s simple to incorporate Wales as half of a bigger journey.

Once more, we’d advocate not less than 3 days if you wish to go to Wales and if you happen to solely have 3 to five days we’d simply follow specializing in both North Wales or South Wales.

However ideally you’ll have not less than 5 to 7 days to commit to Wales if you wish to see quite a lot of its highlights coated on this itinerary.

In case you are following our 2 week UK itinerary, you possibly can add time in Wales. Round day 3 or 4 of that itinerary, I’d begin this Wales itinerary and comply with Days 1 by 8 after which head north to Chester after which up in the direction of Manchster.

See our detailed UK itinerary information for extra data on that.

In case you are additionally wanting to go to different elements of the UK or Eire as a part of a tour, you may take into account becoming a member of up excursions akin to with native tour firm Rabbie’sthe place you possibly can take a sequence of excursions exploring completely different elements of England, Wales, Scotland, and Eire.

 

What’s the Greatest Technique to Get Round in Wales?

There are a number of completely different choices for getting round in Wales, together with native buses and a regional prepare community. Nonetheless, because the title of this submit suggests, my really useful solution to journey round Wales is by automotive.

There are a fantastic many sights and sights in Wales that may actually solely be visited in a car as there’s no public transport to achieve them. Assume distant castles, far-flung stretches of shoreline, and so forth.

The street journey we’ve put collectively relies on you having a automotive. In case you don’t have your personal automotive, we’d extremely advocate selecting up a automotive rental, or take into account becoming a member of a tour.

Because it’s more economical to choose up and drop off a automotive in the identical spot, we’ve chosen Cardiff as one of the best location to begin and finish this journey. Cardiff might be simply reached by rail and coach from places across the UK.

On a latest journey to Wales we rented a automotive from Enterprise as they’d a location close to Cardiff’s fundamental prepare station, which made decide up and drop off simple. Nonetheless, we’d typically first advocate utilizing a worth comparability service like Uncover Automobiles, which compares costs throughout quite a lot of suppliers, to see if there’s a greater possibility to your journey.

In case you would like to not drive, then we’d as a substitute recommend wanting into taking a tour of Wales. These might be performed as personal excursions or you possibly can be part of a gaggle tour and the excursions.

 

Excursions of Wales

In case you like the concept of visiting Wales however would somewhat not drive, then the best choice is to take a tour. While there’s some public transportation, most of the sights and sights are just a little off the overwhelmed observe and aren’t effectively served by public transport.

There are nonetheless some glorious excursions we will advocate. While none of them will precisely mirror our urged Wales street journey itinerary, numerous them do embrace not less than a few of the fundamental sights we cowl.

You possibly can be part of a guided tour or you probably have a much bigger finances or a big group, you may also take into account a personal tour. The longer Wales excursions typically depart from London, Bristol, or Cardiff.

Some we recommend are as follows:

• This 5 day street journey with Rabbies can be our first decide of accessible excursions. We’ve taken a fantastic many excursions with Rabbie’s and we love their educated driver guides and small group sizes. This tour departs from London and canopy numerous the identical floor as our route, from Snowdonia all the way down to south west Wales.
• This 8 day tour from Cardiff follows an identical path to our urged Wales itinerary, and consists of time in Cardiff, the Brecon Beacons mountains, Snowdonia Nationwide Park, Conwy Citadel, St. Davids, Tenby, and the Pembrokeshire Coast Nationwide Park.
• This 3 day tour with Rabbies departs from Bristol and focuses on the highlights of south Wales, together with Carreg Cennen Citadel, Hay on Wye, St. Davids, Tenby and the Pembrokeshire Coast Nationwide Park. You probably have extra time, you may also do their North Wales tour.
• This 3 day tour with Rabbies departs from Bristol and covers the highlights of North Wales. It consists of Snowdonia Nationwide Parks, Conwy Citadel, Harlech Citadel, the Slate Museum, and Portmeirion.

There are after all extra excursions to select from in Wales. See this choice from a variety of operators on TourRadar which can allow you to type and filter by period, locations visited and worth.

 

 

10 Day Wales Highway Journey Itinerary

Okay, let’s get on with this street journey round Wales! The rationale we are saying this street journey is 7 – 10 days is as a result of I’ve added a few days in Cardiff initially.

The Welsh capital metropolis has so much to supply, from glorious museums to fortress ruins and sporting sights.

There’s definitely sufficient right here to fill not less than two days. Nonetheless, you probably have much less time or would somewhat simply hit the street and never concentrate on metropolis sights, you might choose to concentrate on the street journey part of this itinerary somewhat than the time in Cardiff. It’s as much as you!

Jess and I did this actual street journey, with two full days in Cardiff after which eight days on the street round Wales. We began and led to Cardiff. It was an excellent journey, and one we’re delighted to have the ability to share with you.

Components of this street journey comply with the Wales Approach driving tour routes (you possibly can see extra about these right here), that are promoted by the Go to Wales tourism board to spotlight a few of the greatest surroundings and sights that Wales has to supply.

They embrace The Cambrian Approach, The Coastal Approach, and The North Wales Approach. You’ll be driving sections of all these routes utilizing our itinerary however we’ve got adjusted it to additionally embrace a lot of my different favourite sights and sights.

Be aware that this itinerary covers numerous floor and every day has quite a lot of urged sights. Relying in your pursuits you’ll want to regulate it to go well with what you actually need to see and do somewhat than making an attempt to do completely all the things.

If you would like a extra slower paced journey, we’d recommend seeing much less every day and spending not less than 2 nights at every location. You would simply do that full itinerary in 2 weeks and have extra time to chill out and see issues extra slowly.

 

Day 1 – Cardiff

Your first day has you beginning in Cardiff, the Welsh capital since 1955. Cardiff is straightforward to get to from places across the UK and overseas, with rail, street, and air hyperlinks that may allow you to get right here in the way in which that most accurately fits your journey.

We’d recommend that to your time in Cardiff you get round both on foot or by public transport. The vast majority of sights within the metropolis centre are simple to stroll to, or to go to by bus. I’d advise in opposition to driving across the metropolis centre as you’ll must take care of navigation and discovering parking.

In your first day within the metropolis, our really useful first cease can be the Museum of Cardiff.

This glorious free museum tells the story of town over the centuries, from the Neolithic interval to the current day. It’s a superb solution to orient your self to town and rise up to hurry with its historical past. It’s one in all our favorite museums in Cardiff.

Subsequent, we’d advocate popping throughout the street to the Cardiff Market. This can be a 2 storey Victorian shopping center, opened in 1891, the place you’ll discover a wide range of outlets promoting all method of products.

There are additionally meals stalls right here in case you are hungry.

From Cardiff Market, proceed north to Cardiff Citadel, your subsequent cease for the day.

On this street journey, you will see fairly a number of castles. Wales has a panorama that lends itself to constructing castles, and a historical past of princes and wars that required these defensive buildings. The truth is there are over 400 castles within the nation! So that you do must be selective wherein castles you select to go to.

Nonetheless, we’d argue that you simply’re not going to see something fairly like Cardiff Citadel wherever else in your Welsh street journey.

Cardiff Citadel takes you on a journey of chateau constructing by the ages. There was some form of fortified building right here because the Romans constructed a fort right here within the third century. The truth is, a part of the outdated Roman wall can nonetheless be seen.

Nonetheless, the massive stone hold atop the hill that may catch your eye as you stroll in dates from the twelfth century.

Round the remainder of fortress grounds you’ll discover a vary of buildings from varied intervals in historical past, together with a nineteenth century gothic revivalist addition that features a huge clock tower and gorgeous interiors.

There’s a lot to see and do at Cardiff Citadel, together with varied excursions and displays that vary from world conflict two air raid shelters to a regimental museum. We’d advocate planning on spending not less than two or three hours right here as there’s heaps to see right here.

You possibly can stroll by the grounds of Cardiff Citadel free of charge, however to go inside, stroll the partitions, or go to the displays you have to to pay for a ticket. The ticket worth is effectively price it in our opinion.

Relying on how your day goes you should still have time for an additional sight. In that case, we’d recommend strolling over to the Nationwide Museum Cardiff. This huge free museum (donations welcome) has displays of artwork, pure historical past and geology, and is an effective solution to end off your first day in Wales.

 

 

Day 2 – Cardiff

In case you’d choose to move out of city immediately you possibly can after all try this, and spend extra time on the street. Nonetheless, assuming you want to do some extra sightseeing in Cardiff we’re going to advocate you head to the Cardiff Bay space of city.

Cardiff is positioned on the Bristol Channel, though you gained’t have seen the water but as town middle space is a few mile away. Nonetheless, you possibly can simply attain this space in a 20 minute stroll or a brief bus trip.

The Baycar bus (service 6) runs from central Cardiff to the Cardiff Bay space 4 or 5 instances an hour and the journey is only a few minutes. Alternatively, you may choose to take the Cardiff hop on hop off bus which can even deliver you right here as a part of its sightseeing route round Cardiff.

At Cardiff Bay there’s a lot to see. First, you’ll doubtless see the massive Wales Millenium Centre. This nationwide arts centre is a venue for the performing arts and is the place to return to see dwell performances of all the things from music to bounce. There are additionally outlets, bars, and cafes on website, and it’s price popping inside to see if there are any short-term displays occurring whenever you go to.

From right here you possibly can stroll throughout to the Roald Dahl plaza. Named for the well-known youngsters’s books writer who was born in Cardiff (books embrace Charlie and the Chocolate Manufacturing facility, James and the Big Peach, and Matilda), this sunken plaza usually performs host to numerous gala’s, festivals, and dwell music performances.

You’ll now be close to the waterline. In case you head east, you’ll first move the Pierhead constructing, an enormous pink brick constructing with a clock tower which is tough to overlook. That is residence to a museum the place you possibly can study concerning the historical past of Wales.

Subsequent door to the Pierhead constructing is the Senedd constructing, residence of the Welsh parliament. This can be a putting trendy constructing which you’ll go to in case you are curious about studying concerning the strategy of democracy in Wales. There are additionally usually exhibitions of Welsh artwork and crafts inside, so it’s effectively price taking a cease right here.

From the Senedd, you possibly can proceed alongside the coastal path to the east on the Cardiff Bay path stroll. There are numerous highlights alongside the route, together with the Norwegian Church Arts Centre which provides a restaurant, pretty views of the Bay, and an artwork gallery.

It’s as much as you if you wish to proceed at this level. The path continues for miles alongside the bay and if it’s a pleasant day it’s definitely a stunning stroll all the way in which to the Cardiff Bay Barrage. It was the development of the barrage within the Nineteen Nineties which created this pretty harbour space.

From right here, somewhat than stroll all the way in which again, you possibly can as a substitute hop on a ship that may take you again to the Quay space. You’ll undoubtedly need to examine the working timetables upfront, which you are able to do right here. You possibly can e book tickets on-line upfront right here.

In fact, as a substitute of (or in addition to!) strolling all the way in which to the barrage you possibly can discover the realm across the Senedd, generally known as Mermaid’s Quay. Right here you’re going to seek out all method of retailers and eating places, in addition to a ship quay the place you possibly can take boat excursions of Cardiff Bay.

There are additionally a few different sights within the space. First is the somewhat eclectic Ianto’s Shrine. In case you are not accustomed to the TV present “Torchwood”, which was set in Cardiff, then it will doubtless be considerably complicated. The shrine is to Ianto, a personality who dies within the present.

It’s truly one of many largest and most well-maintained shrines to a fictional character wherever on this planet, so price a number of moments of your time!

The opposite attraction within the space is Techniquest, which is a family-friendly science museum. In case you are visiting Wales with children, then this paid attraction will certainly hold them entertained for a while as there are over 100 hand-on displays to see, contact, and discover.

That appears like sufficient to your second day in Cardiff, though there’s nonetheless a lot to see together with extra museums and loads of outlets. Cardiff can also be residence to the Principality Stadium which performs host to main sporting and music occasions all year long.

There are additionally numerous different venues across the metropolis for dwell music and leisure if that’s one thing you have an interest in. On a latest go to to Cardiff we loved watching a dwell efficiency at Porter’s Cardiff for instance.

And naturally there are numerous pubs, golf equipment, and different nightlife hangouts in Cardiff.

In case you’re into historic pubs, a few of the oldest in Cardiff are The Rummer Tavern, Cardiff Cottage, The Goat Main, and The Nice Western. So you’ll have no scarcity of locations to go for a drink or a chunk to eat!

Talking of meals, if you wish to strive some conventional Welsh dishes akin to Lamb Cawl or Welsh rarebit, The Welsh Home in Cardiff is a favorite of ours. They normally have quite a lot of conventional dishes on the menu, and the costs are additionally affordable.

 

Day 3 – Cardiff to Tenby

It’s time to hit the street! In case you are selecting up a rental automotive, you’ll need to e book this for earlier within the morning as you’re going to have a busy day immediately.

Your first cease for the day is simply outdoors of Cardiff, the St. Fagan’s Nationwide Museum of Historical past. It’s about 20 minutes’ drive from central Cardiff.

This can be a sensible free outside museum which options over forty unique buildings unfold out throughout 100 acres of parkland. These buildings span a large time interval, and gives you an actual perception into how Welsh individuals have lived, labored, realized, and performed through the years.

There are farmhouses, schoolhouses, pubs, and union buildings, nearly all of which you’ll go inside and discover. It’s additionally a residing museum, with dwell workshops and demonstrations of conventional expertise and crafts like ironmongery and farming.

It’s a giant website with so much to see, so we’d advocate planning on spending not less than 90 minutes to 2 hours right here. There’s additionally a restaurant on-site which serves good meals in addition to espresso and different sizzling drinks. There’s a big carpark on website with a modest charge for parking.

From Cardiff you will proceed to move west to your subsequent cease, Castell Carreg Cennen.

The quickest choice to get to right here will usually be to comply with the M4 round Swansea, which is what we’d advocate you do. In fact, if you happen to would like a extra scenic route be happy to comply with the roads as much as Glynneath and throughout. Simply concentrate on timing as you’ve gotten so much to see immediately.

Castell Carreg Cennen, or Carreg Cennen Citadel, is a dramatically positioned crumbling fortress which dates from the early 14th century. There’s a little bit of an uphill stroll to get to the fortress, however we’d say the views of the encircling panorama and the fortress itself are effectively well worth the effort.

Fairly a little bit of the fortress survives, together with most of the towers, partitions and hold. There are data panels on website and there’s a superb cafe on the backside of the hill the place you park as effectively. We’d estimate you’ll want round an hour on website.

The Citadel does have an entry charge. It’s managed by Cadw, a department of the Welsh Authorities answerable for preservation of historic websites in Wales.

Cadw provides an annual membership, which provides you free entry to all of the Cadw places, amongst different advantages.

Plenty of the sights you’re going to be seeing on this journey are going to be coated by the membership and if you happen to go to nearly all of them you’ll undoubtedly avoid wasting cash. You should buy this on-line right here, or in particular person at most Cadw websites.

We predict that is very a lot price it and we all the time get a CADW membership if we plan on sightseeing in Wales.

From Castell Carreg it’s a 20 minute drive to the following cease for the day, the Nationwide Belief Dinefwr website. That is truly two sights, the seventeenth century Newton Home and the twelfth century Dinefwr Citadel, discovered round a mile aside.

If the climate is nice, we will extremely advocate taking a while to discover the grounds right here and to stroll as much as Dinefwr Citadel. There are some actually pretty strolling trails across the grounds, which wend their means by lovely mature woodlands.

You can too go to Newton Home itself after all, which has a separate entry charge (free for Nationwide Belief members). There may be paid parking on website (additionally free to Nationwide Belief members).

It’s round an hour’s drive to the final cease of the day, the lovable seaside city of Tenby. If you would like one thing further to see on the way in which, and you actually love castles, be happy to detour to Laugharne Citadel, though we really feel you might have seen sufficient castles for the day and be able to chill out by this level.

Tenby is a well-liked and picturesque seaside city with colourful homes forming a line above the massive seaside and curved harbour. There are many locations to eat, store ,and keep. In case you are not too drained, we’d advocate a stroll to the headland to see the ruins of Tenby Citadel and a stroll on the seaside.

In fact, you may also do these items on the morning of your fourth day as effectively. And that’s the top of your first day on the street!

 

Day 4 – Tenby to St. David’s

Right this moment you’re going to be exploring the far southwestern nook of Wales, residence to the smallest metropolis within the UK and a shocking coastal Nationwide Park.

Let’s get going.

From Tenby, take a 15 minute drive west to Carew Citadel & Tidal Mill. Because the identify suggests, right here you’re going to seek out two sights in a single place.

The primary is Carew Citadel, a fortress which dates from the Norman conquest of Britain within the eleventh century. Through the years it has had many updates and enhancements, with the ultimate addition being an Elizabethan manor home within the sixteenth century! That makes this fairly the distinctive location to go to in Wales.

The second attraction on the positioning is the Carew Tidal Mill, which is the one restored tidal mill in Wales. This dates from the nineteenth century, and when in operation it used the ability of the tide to energy the mill wheel. It’s now not working however it’s open for excursions.

As you possibly can see there’s a lot to see and do right here, so I’d recommend allocating not less than 90 minutes – 2 hours to your go to. There may be free parking on website and a charge for admission. It’s not a part of Cadw or another membership program that we’re conscious of.

From Carew Citadel you’ve gotten a number of choices, all of which contain visiting the Pembrokeshire Nationwide Park. This Nationwide Park stretches throughout the Pembrokeshire coast and provides dramatic clifftop strolling, splendid sea vistas, and wildlife recognizing alternatives.

One good stroll alternative, round a 25 minute drive from Carew Citadel, is the Stack Rock stroll (carpark right here on Google Maps). The automotive park (free) is simply a few hundred metres from the cliff prime stroll, and there are nice views of some rock stacks in addition to a rock arch right here.

That is additionally place to see seals and seal pups within the breeding season (normally August by January).

In case you’d prefer to take a hike right here, there’s a stunning stroll alongside the coast to St. Govan’s Chapel. It’s a 6.3 mile stroll, and you may see instructions right here.

Another choice if you happen to’d choose to spend extra time on the seaside can be to drive additional west to Freshwater West seaside. This can be a fashionable browsing spot the place you’ll discover a lengthy stretch of golden sand backed by dunes.

It’s additionally a Harry Potter filming location – followers of the films will certainly need to go to the positioning of Dobby’s Grave. There’s a mound of rocks right here which followers have written tributes on, which makes for a pleasant image. There’s a small automotive park right here in addition to parking alongside the street.

There are after all many different walks that you would do immediately as you head in the direction of St. David’s, and you may see a full choice right here.

My private favorite, and the one I’d advocate, is the Marloes Peninsula stroll. That is about an hour’s drive from the Stack Rocks carpark, or 25 minutes from Carew Citadel, relying on what you select to go to immediately.

The Marloes Peninsula stroll is a 4.4 mile (7.1km) loop stroll which loops across the attractive Marloes peninsula. The stroll is basically flat with only a few gradients to deal with. There’s a car-park at Marloes Sands (paid).

This stroll was my favorite of all of the walks we did on this space as a result of it supplied such spectacular views, in addition to some glorious wildlife recognizing alternatives. We noticed numerous seals and seal pups in addition to a fantastic many sea birds.

There have been additionally attractive coastal views and even an iron age hill fort. It took us round 3 hours in complete with numerous picture stops and was effectively well worth the effort.

From Marloes, one other hour’s drive will deliver you to the tiny metropolis of St. David’s the place you’ll spend the night time. Undoubtedly spend a while exploring the city, both this night or on the morning of Day 5.

You’ll discover a pretty outdated cathedral, in addition to varied galleries and outlets. Town is tiny, and it doesn’t take lengthy to stroll round and discover.

In case you nonetheless need to discover, then we’d recommend strolling the 20 minutes or so out of city to St. Non’s Chapel and Effectively, reputed to be the birthplace of Wales’s patron saint, Saint David, for whom town is called.

One other close by attraction is the gorgeous seaside of Whitesands, which makes for place to look at the sundown.

For meals, there are many good eating choices on the town, from eating places to pubs. We’ve had a fantastic pub meal at The Bishops, however the Farmer’s Arms can also be a well-liked possibility for pub meals.

We’d advocate asking your native lodging supplier for ideas as they’ll know one of the best native choices open throughout your go to.

 

 

Day 5 – St. David’s to Aberystwyth

Right this moment you’re going to drive up the sweeping curve of Wales’s west coast. There’s a lot to see alongside the way in which, together with historic burial chambers, iron age villages, ruined castles, a wildlife middle, lovely seashores, and extra.

We’d recommend selecting some sights that sound essentially the most fascinating to you from our ideas as there’s undoubtedly extra to see than you are able to do in a day! Or take into account doing this over 2 days if you wish to do and see all the things. In case you choose to do this, we’d recommend overnighting round Cardigan.

After ending up any sightseeing or memento buying in St. David’s, comply with the A487 for about 45 minutes, simply previous Fishguard. The primary cease for the day is the Pentre Ifan burial chamber.

This 5,000 yr outdated tomb has a 16.5ft capstone fastidiously balanced atop three uprights. It’s a few minutes stroll from the free parking place on the street and entry is free. Simply remember that there the parking spot is kind of small and the street right here is kind of slender.

From Pentre Ifan, return to the primary street. In case you are curious about studying about life within the Stone Age, then undoubtedly take into account a go to to Castell Henllys Iron Age Village.

This attraction includes a sequence of Iron Age roundhouses, constructed the place they initially stood 2,000 years in the past. On website you’ll discover quite a lot of costumed interpreters who will share particulars of how individuals lived right here through the Iron Age.

Now, proceed on in the direction of Cardigan. There are a number of sights you may take into account stopping at, relying in your pursuits.

Nature lovers will doubtless need to go to the Welsh Wildlife Centre, the place there’s an interpretive middle, varied trails, and chook watching hides. It’s free to go to however there’s a small charge for parking. A very good location for birdwatching on the Tefi Marshes.

A 5 minute drive from the Welsh Wildlife Middle is Cilgerran Citadel. This Norman age fortress initially dates from 1108, though the construction immediately largely dates from the thirteenth century. It occupies a commanding location above the gorge of the River Tefi and is effectively price a go to.

Free for CADW and Nationwide Belief members, small charge in any other case. There’s no parking on website, comply with indicators to the automotive park. We parked in Cilgerran Decrease automotive park from the place there’s a stunning stroll alongside the river and up the hill to the fortress.

We’d additionally advocate stopping in Cardigan itself. The community-run Cardigan Citadel right here is effectively price a go to for a small charge.

You possibly can truly keep in a single day right here, which we’ve got performed, and it has cafe on website as effectively. You probably have extra time, or just need to regulate your schedule, it makes for in a single day keep possibility.

From Cardigan, proceed alongside the A487. If you need to take a stroll immediately, we’d recommend heading as much as Mwnt. There’s a small automotive park at Mwnt head seaside (charge) and you may go to fairly Holy Cross Church. There’s additionally a brief path up the hill right here which provides good views of the coast.

Different good spots alongside the coast to cease as you proceed north embrace Penbryn Seashore and the beautiful seaside fishing village of New Quay.

New Quay is an effective location for taking seal-watching boat journeys, in addition to to choose up a sizzling plate of fish and chips.

Simply past New Quay you’ll discover the Nationwide Belief property of Llanerchaeron. This can be a pretty Georgian villa which additionally provides strolling trails, a walled backyard, and a farmyard residence to numerous Welsh breeds of livestock. There’s a charge to go to, and it’s free for Nationwide belief members.

Lastly, proceed on up the coast to Aberystwyth, the place you’ll spend the night time. This can be a mid-size coastal city which is thought for its college. There are additionally quite a lot of glorious sights within the city itself which you’ll both go to immediately or on the morning of day 6, relying on how your time goes.

We’d undoubtedly advocate visiting the Amgueddfa Ceredigion Museum. That is positioned in a preserved Edwardian period theatre, which makes for fairly a novel museum location!

The museum has shows on all types of issues, protecting native life, artwork, geography, and tradition throughout the ages. It’s additionally free (donations really useful).

We will additionally advocate the Aberystwyth Cliff Railway on the north finish of the promenade. This steep funicular railway has been ferrying individuals up and all the way down to the clifftop viewpoint since 1896.

There’s a charge to make use of it, we’d recommend taking the railway up after which strolling down for pretty views of the bay and city beneath.

A stroll across the very ruined Aberystwyth Citadel in the course of city can also be effectively price a couple of minutes of your time. It’s free to go to.

 

Day 6 – Aberystwyth to Porthmadog

Right this moment you’re going to proceed touring up the Welsh shoreline, and also you’re going to have choices immediately for issues to do which can rely upon whether or not you need to do a mountain hike or not. Or if you happen to’d choose wildlife watching and coastal cities as a substitute.

You can begin the day by ending any exploration that you simply didn’t get spherical to in Aberystwyth. In your means out of city we will extremely advocate dropping in on the Nationwide Library of Wales.

This enormous constructing has some glorious displays together with an interactive archive of TV and audio footage, shows of uncommon books, and extra. Free to go to with parking on website.

Now, it is advisable determine between coastal exploration and wildlife viewing, or a hike up a mountain.

If you wish to hike up a mountain immediately, our suggestion is to drive an hour or so north to the Dôl Idris carpark subsequent to Minffordd. From right here there’s a spectacular stroll up Cadair Idris.

That is one in all my favorite hikes in Wales, with views from the highest throughout the entire of the Snowdonia Nationwide Park, together with the shoreline, Snowdon itself, the Mawddach Valley and extra.

I’d say that this can be a pretty demanding hike, particularly if tackled from the Minffordd aspect as I like to recommend. Nonetheless, it’s actually price it you probably have the time and bodily capability to take action.

It’s doable to do that largely as a loop stroll, ascending up one aspect of the lake after which again down the opposite. The paths are effectively marked however we’d advocate bringing a map and dressing appropriately for mountain mountain climbing circumstances. You’ll additionally need to concentrate on the climate and forecast as you’ll need to skip this in dangerous climate circumstances.

You possibly can see an summary of the Minffordd path right here. It’s about 9km (5.59 miles) lengthy. Count on the entire hike to take 4 – 6 hours, relying in your health degree and the way usually you cease.

In fact there are a great deal of different hikes on this space that you would do as a substitute. In case you are in search of a a lot simpler and shorter hike right here, take into account the Dôl Idris path which is an all-abilities path that’s a few 1.25 km (0.77 miles) lengthy and is paved in order that it may be accessed by wheelchair customers and people with pushchairs.

In case you would somewhat not deal with a giant hike immediately (there can be extra alternatives afterward within the itinerary!), then there are numerous choices to think about as you head as much as Porthmadog.

We’d recommend selecting these choices which enchantment most to you from the choices out there as you gained’t have the ability to match all the things in.

First, head up the coast to the coastal city of Borth, the place there’s a protracted promenade you possibly can stroll alongside. In case you are fortunate, you is perhaps on the town on one of many days the Borth Station Musuem is open.

This can be a pretty tiny museum devoted to the historical past of the railway, recreating the station because it was within the early 1900s. It’s free to go to.

From Borth, drive a few miles additional up the B4353 alongside the coast, and take the turning for Ynyslas Customer Centre, which is a part of the Dyfi Nationwide Nature Reserve.

Right here there are some pretty walks by the dunes, that are a few of the largest within the space.

There’s additionally a pleasant customer middle right here the place you possibly can study what you might be prone to see, in addition to a store and cafe promoting snacks and drinks. Count on to spend round an hour right here if you happen to do the round dune stroll.

From Ynyslas head again to the A487 and proceed north. We’d recommend a fast cease on the Dyfi Furnace (right here on Google Maps), an outdated charcoal fired blast furnace which dates from 1755.

It’s free to go to and there are a variety of data panels to elucidate what you might be seeing. It’s solely a ten minute cease however effectively price it. There’s additionally a pleasant waterfall right here.

The eager birdwatchers amongst additionally, you will need to make a cease at close by RSPB Ynys-hir. This reserve has a variety of habitats, from woodland to saltmarsh to grassland.

Which means there’s a vastly various vary of wildlife that calls the reserve residence. There’s a small charge to go to, with entry free for RSPB members.

One other wildlife middle you might take into account visiting is Cors Dyfi, just a bit additional alongside the street. This can be a nature reserve and wildlife middle which can also be residence to the Dyfi Osprey Challenge. There’s a small charge to go to.

Persevering with up the A487 you’ll come to the city of Machynlleth. There are a selection of cafes and eating places right here in addition to a reasonably city clock and city middle. There’s additionally a free museum of contemporary artwork right here.

North of Machynlleth are two fashionable sights. The primary is the Centre for Different Expertise, the place you possibly can study all about various power choices, sustainability, and extra.

One other fashionable possibility, particularly with households, is King Arthur’s Labyrinth. Present in a former slate mine, this can be a guided story telling tour which takes you thru the story of King Arthur. It’s numerous enjoyable however make sure you gown warmly because the mine is a cold place! There’s additionally a very nice artwork and craft middle on website right here, in addition to a restaurant with good native meals.

Persevering with on to Porthmadog you’ll move by the city of Dolgellau, the place we advocate driving the coastal route down the Mawddach estuary to the seaside city of Barmouth.

This has a stunning sandy seaside and is a good spot to cease for an ice cream or fish and chips.

Proceed up the coast and also you’ll come to the city of Harlech. That is residence to the spectacular Harlech Citadel, a mighty thirteenth century fortress constructed by Edward I throughout his invasion of Wales.

This fortress, together with Beaumaris, Conwy and Caernarfon castles, is rated by UNESCO to be one of many most interesting examples of late thirteenth century navy structure in Europe. So we will extremely advocate a go to to this, or one (or all!) of the opposite three. There’s a charge to go to Harlech, and it’s free for CADW members.

From Harlech it’s a brief drive to your vacation spot for the night time, the city of Porthmadog.

 

Day 7 – Porthmadog to Caernarfon

My fundamental suggestion immediately is to take one of many scenic slender gauge rail journeys that depart from Porthmadog. These supply spectacular views of the Snowdonia Nationwide Park, and you may simply chill out and let the surroundings roll on by.

There are two railway routes to select from, each of which function from Porthmadog. There’s the Ffestiniog Railway, a 13.5 mile lengthy route which runs from Porthmadog to the city of Blaenau Ffestiniog. That is the oldest surviving railway firm on this planet.

Then there’s the Welsh Highland Railway. That is truly operated by the Ffestiniog Railway Firm, so the expertise may be very comparable. The principle distinction is the route.

This 25 mile stretch of observe goes from Porthmadog all the way in which to Caernarfon, and you may also do a visit to and from the beautiful village of Beddgelert on this prepare.

There’s no “greatest” possibility actually, each trains supply nice views and sightseeing alternatives. We loved taking the half-day journey on the Welsh Highland Railway to Beddgelert and again once more, nonetheless the journey to Blaenau Ffestiniog can also be effectively price it.

Whichever journey you select, we advocate reserving upfront on the official web site right here, because the route may be very fashionable and might promote out.

One other fashionable attraction close to Porthmadog that you could be take into account is Portmeirion Village. This can be a purpose-built vacationer village, constructed between 1925 and 1975 to emulate a Mediterranean seaside city, and significantly the city of Portofino in Italy.

It’s definitely an uncommon attraction, as you wander previous colourful homes with ornate designs. If not for the Welsh mountains within the background and the upper chance of rain, you may even assume you’ve gotten left Wales totally.

While this can be a fashionable attraction, I’ll admit that Jess and I didn’t totally fall for it. It was a reasonably dear place to go to, and apart from wanting on the buildings, having fun with the views, and dropping into the outlets, there wasn’t an enormous quantity to do.

In fact, everybody may have a unique expertise, so it’s as much as you. Now there are about 20 miles of paths you possibly can stroll that are good, however a few of these have been closed once we visited and it rained a lot of our go to. So I feel the climate actually put a damper on our go to.

I feel the expertise at Portmerion Village is greatest on a pleasant sunny day and if you happen to spend the night time. There are a number of kinds of lodging right here and close by if you happen to determine to remain the night time.

Relying on what you’ve gotten chosen to do immediately, you might or could not have extra time to spare. In case you are in search of extra to do, then I’d recommend taking a street journey across the Llŷn Peninsula.

This provides attractive shoreline views, cute seaside villages, and extra castles to discover. As an example, you possibly can go get ice cream at Cadwaladers in Criccieth, go to Criccieth Citadel, and do some coastal walks at Aberdaron. There’s additionally a stunning free artwork gallery with cafe in Llanbedrgo.

Lastly, head to Caernarfon the place you’ll in a single day. The principle attraction right here is the gorgeous Caernarfon Citadel which you must undoubtedly go to you probably have time and nonetheless have an urge for food for Welsh castles!

This can be a fairly spectacular late eleventh century motte and bailey fashion fortress. Free to CADW members, in any other case there’s an entry charge.

Relying in your schedule you might have to do that on the next day.

 

 

Day 8 – Caernarfon to Conwy

On your eighth day you once more have numerous choices, because the northern a part of Wales has an enormous quantity to supply.

One very fashionable possibility is after all to deal with the very best mountain in Wales, Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa in Welsh). You’ve got a few choices for going to the summit.

First, and most clearly maybe, you possibly can stroll. There are a minimum of six routes to select from, and you may see all of them outlined right here. The Llanberis path tends to be the most well-liked because it’s considered the simplest, though that is nonetheless a strenuous hike.

My private favorite routes are the quieter Snowdon Ranger or Rhyd Ddu paths. I’ve performed these paths and solely handed a number of different walkers, even when the summit is busy.

Whichever route you select, you’ll want to enable between 5 to eight hours for the hike, relying on the route selected and your health degree. So that you’ll need to principally plan your full day round your hike as you gained’t have an excessive amount of time to suit a lot else in and can doubtless be exhausted after your hike.

Be aware that the automotive parks within the space are all pay and show, and a few require advance bookings. You’ll want to examine forward.

So do make sure you plan forward in case you are contemplating a hike up Snowdon as you’ll have to make sure you pack accordingly for a mountain hike, know which route you need to do, and plan head for parking. You additionally need to begin early to make sure you get a parking spot and are again earlier than sunset.

Lastly, make sure you examine the native climate forecast from the Met Workplace earlier than your hike as climate circumstances could make these paths very harmful. You’ll need to keep away from this hike in dangerous climate.

The opposite solution to get to the highest of Snowdon is to take the prepare. Sure, there’s a prepare that may take you to the highest of the mountain.

The Snowdon Mountain railway has been whisking individuals to the summit of Snowdon since 1896, and its a beautiful solution to attain the highest, with epic views all the way in which up.

This can be a paid service, and you may select to go a technique or return. If you wish to do that we strongly advocate reserving tickets upfront because it’s a very fashionable service. You are able to do that on the Snowdon Mountain railway web site.

For this one you possibly can park both on the Snowdon Mountain railway station on Victoria Terrace (postcode LL55 4TU). If that is full, there are a variety of automotive parks a brief stroll away in Llanberis.

In comparison with a Snowden hike which usually takes between 6 and eight hours, a spherical journey prepare trip is round 2.5 hours, which incorporates half-hour on the prime. In order that’s possibility if you wish to match extra in immediately.

Talking of which, there’s a lot extra to see and do within the space, whether or not or not you select to ascend Snowdon.

First, in Llanberis we will extremely advocate visiting the wonderful and free Nationwide Slate Museum. This tells the story of slate mining in Wales, which has formed the panorama and the life-style of the individuals right here for a whole bunch of years.

Present in a former slate quarry, you’ll discover displays protecting all features of slate mining in addition to dwell demonstrations of varied slate mining processes.

We will additionally extremely advocate heading throughout the bridge over the Menai Straits to the island of Anglesey. There are two fashionable sights right here that we advocate. The primary is the village of Llanfairpwllgwyngyll, which is residence to the longest railway station signal on this planet.

The signal, which reads Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch, means “The Church of St Mary in a hole of white hazel, close to to a fast whirlpool, and to St Tysilio’s Church close to to a pink cave”.

The signal identify was totally invented to draw vacationers within the 1860s, and has been a well-liked customer attraction ever since. So clearly that was a profitable plan!

It’s free to go to, and there’s a superb and large memento retailer right here the place you should purchase all method of issues.

The opposite attraction we advocate visiting on Anglesey is the spectacular thirteenth century Beaumaris Citadel.

This splendidly symmetrical fortress is surrounded on most sides by a water stuffed moat. Curiously, the fortress was by no means truly accomplished, however there’s nonetheless a lot to see and do. Free for CADW members, in any other case there’s a charge.

Lastly, if you want to do a stroll however would like one thing just a little shorter and flatter than the Snowdon ascent, then we’d advocate the hike to Aber Falls. That is roughly a 4 mile spherical journey hike on pretty degree terrain that takes most individuals 90 minutes to 2 hours.

Your reward for the hassle is the gorgeous 120 foot excessive Aber Falls. There’s paid parking on the stroll begin level.

One other good waterfall which is simply off the street and requires solely a really transient stroll are the Swallow Falls, as seen on the picture beneath. So it’s as much as you what you select to do.

You’re going to complete your day with an in a single day within the seaside city of Conwy. That is additionally residence to a shocking fortress, which can also be price visiting though we’d recommend in all probability shortlisting a number of castles from this itinerary, so that you don’t get castled out!

Conwy Citadel is free to CADW members and there’s a charge for visiting in any other case. It’s proper in the course of Conwy and there’s no on-site parking, however you possibly can simply stroll right here from many of the city automotive parks.

That is one other of Edward I constructions, and it dates from the thirteenth century. In case you go to, we extremely advocate climbing to the highest of the tower staircases for one of the best views.

Lastly, in a single day in Conwy. Once more, you may want to maneuver some sightseeing to Day 9 relying in your schedule.

 

Day 9 – Conwy to Hay-on-Wye

Right this moment it’s time to begin heading again down south to finish our loop of Wales. Heading again to Cardiff by way of Hay-on-Wye.

Earlier than you set off, be sure to go to any sights you haven’t but seen in Conwy and surrounds. Nationwide Belief members will doubtless need to take a look at Penrhyn Citadel and Backyard for instance.

Now you’ve gotten two completely different route choices immediately, the primary is heading alongside the northern shoreline and the second is following an inland route south.

Each routes have you ever spend the night time in Hay-on-Wye. Each routes are nice and I’d take a look at the highlights alongside each to see which sounds higher to you.

In case you determine to comply with the northern shoreline, then your first cease can be Rhuddlan Citadel. That is one other of Edward I’s castles, which dates from 1277.

From Rhuddlan it’s a brief drive to Rhaeadr Dyserth Waterfall, the place a minute’s stroll from the automotive park will reward you with a reasonably view of a stunning little waterfall.

The subsequent cease alongside the northern shoreline that we advocate is St Winefride’s Effectively & Shrine, a website which has been welcoming pilgrims for over 1300 years. It’s additionally distinctive in that it’s the one pilgrimage website within the UK that was in a position to proceed working even through the Reformation.

The effectively itself is discovered on the location the place St. Winefride was mentioned to have been decapitated after which introduced again to life. There’s a pool right here which is open at particular instances of the day for individuals to wash in.

It’s mentioned to have therapeutic properties. There’s a small museum on website as effectively the place you possibly can study St. Winefride. A small charge applies for visiting.

Lastly, the final attraction on the northern shoreline we advocate earlier than you flip south is the ruinous Flint Citadel. That is noteworthy as being the closest fortress to the English border, and due to this fact the primary to be constructed throughout Edward I’s marketing campaign in opposition to the Welsh. Free to go to.

From Flint, you’ll head south passing by by Wrexham, Oswestry and Newtown till you attain Hay on Wye.

This northern shoreline route takes about 3 hours with out stops. This may undoubtedly be faster than the route beneath, even when elements of the journey have you ever leaving Wales.

A second possibility is to move south immediately, skipping the northern shoreline and as a substitute visiting extra of japanese Wales. Highlights alongside this route embrace Merion Mill, Pont Minllyn, Bryntail Lead Mining buildings, and the Elan Valley. This route takes about 3.5 hours to drive with out stops.

For the inland route, head from Conwy all the way down to Dolgellau, then out to Minllyn on the A470.

At Minllyn, take a break at Merion Mill, a wool crafting mill the place you possibly can peruse all method of unique merchandise that may make for a superb memento or reward. There’s free parking and a restaurant on website as effectively.

We’d additionally extremely advocate speaking a one-minute stroll to the doorway of the automotive park the place you possibly can see what stays of the attractive outdated stone bridge which crosses the river right here, Pont Minllyn.

Now proceed south in the direction of Llandiloes. A quick detour will take you to the Bryntail Lead Mining buildings. Right here you possibly can see the stays of this former lead mining group.

There are additionally strolling trails within the space if you wish to stretch your legs. Free parking, and it’s simply a few minutes’ stroll from the automotive park to the positioning. Extra data on the official CADW website right here. It’s free to go to.

Persevering with on, one other good cease immediately is the Elan Valley. This seventy sq. mile space covers a variety of hills, valleys and man-made reservoirs which type 5 lakes. These lakes present ingesting water for town of Birmingham.

There’s a customer middle right here the place you possibly can study all concerning the space. The most well-liked activitiy right here is to cycle across the reseviors on the Elan Valley Path. Bikes can be found for rent on the customer middle.

Nonetheless, you may also stroll or drive to quite a lot of viewpoints if you happen to choose. Be aware the customer middle is free to go to however there’s a cost for parking.

Lastly, proceed on to the attractive city of Hay-on-Wye the place you may be spending the night time. That is proper on the border of England and Wales, and the city is known for its bookshops.

There are over twenty bookshops within the city protecting just about each style and magnificence of literature, and each new and used books can be found.

We extremely advocate taking a while to wander the city and go to a few of these bookshops earlier than discovering a pleasant spot for dinner and delivering for the night time.

 

 

Day 10 – Hay-on-Wye to Cardiff

We have now reached the ultimate day of your Welsh street journey! Right this moment you’re heading again to Cardiff the place you possibly can drop off your rental automotive (if wanted) after which journey onwards.

How your day immediately seems to be will after all rely in your schedule. You probably have an early prepare or flight, then you’ll want to head straight again to Cardiff, which is round a 90 minute drive away.

Nonetheless, you probably have time to spare then there are some good choices for stops alongside the way in which.

First, head immediately south alongside tiny nation lanes from Hay on Wye to Llanthony Priory. This spectacular Grade I listed 900 yr outdated break was as soon as one of many best medieval buildings in Wales, and it flourished till Henry VIII put an finish to the monasteries. Right this moment the positioning is free to go to.

Persevering with on to Cardiff, you’ve gotten a few choices. First, you might choose to go to the previous coal mining village of Aberfan. This was the positioning of the tragic Aberfan catastrophe in 1966, when a spoil tip collapsed into the village, killing 116 youngsters and 28 adults. There’s a transferring memorial you possibly can go to if you happen to want to pay your respects.

Lastly, if you want to see one other fortress, we will extremely advocate dropping by Caerphilly Citadel as you come to Cardiff. This thirteenth century medieval fortress was the most important in Wales, and in reality is the second largest within the UK, second solely to Windsor Citadel.

Overlaying 30 acres, the positioning options enormous defensive partitions, towers, gatehouses and a variety of water defenses. It’s actually a website to behold, and a very good solution to end off your Welsh street journey. There’s a charge to go to, and it’s free for CADW members.

Now, on to Cardiff the place this street journey wraps up! You probably have extra time in Cardiff, you possibly can go and go to any of the sights you didn’t have time to go to initially of your journey.

 

Map of Wales Highway Journey Itinerary

Right here’s a map of the route that will help you visualise the place you’ll be going. You possibly can see a full model of this map on Google Maps right here, which incorporates all of the highlights in addition to lodging listings.

 

Wales Highway Journey Itinerary Overview

Right here’s an summary of the itinerary for reference.

• Day 1: Cardiff
• Day 2: Cardiff
• Day 3: Cardiff to Tenby
• Day 4: Tenby to St. David’s
• Day 5: St. David’s to Aberystwyth
• Day 6: Aberystwyth to Porthmadog
• Day 7: Porthmadog to Caernarfon
• Day 8: Caernarfon to Conwy
• Day 9: Conwy to Hay-on-Wye
• Day 10: Hay on Wye to Cardiff