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. Nicely, that’s about to vary.

Wales is a spectacular nation with so much to supply and its comparatively small measurement means you could see so much in a 1-week street journey. On this information we’re going to share our concept of the right Wales street journey when you’ve got 7 to 10 days.

This itinerary features a little little bit of all the pieces Wales has to supply, which incorporates beautiful 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 contains all the pieces 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 in addition supply tips about the place to remain, and what to eat. However you’ll be able to after all regulate it the way you need.

Personally, we expect Wales has surroundings to rival different well-liked 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 put up, you’ll be able to set off in your very personal Welsh street journey! Let’s begin by answering some questions you might need.

How Lengthy to Highway Journey in Wales?

Wales shouldn’t be an enormous nation, however there’s a enormous quantity to see. We’d say that the minimal period of time for a street journey overlaying part of the nation could be three to 5 days. For those who don’t have a variety of 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 suggest no less than 7 – 10 days.

The itinerary on this information is for a 7 to 10-day street journey, however after all you’ll be able to regulate it primarily based in your pursuits and time. When you have extra time, there’s at all times extra to see and we’d suggest spending longer in every space of curiosity.

 

How you can Embody Wales as A part of a Longer UK journey?

Many individuals are visiting Wales as a part of an extended tour of Nice Britain which 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 suggest no 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 stick with specializing in both North Wales or South Wales.

However ideally you’ll have no 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’ll be able to add time in Wales. Round day 3 or 4 of that itinerary, I’d begin this Wales itinerary and observe Days 1 by means of 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 would possibly think about becoming a member of up excursions comparable to with native tour firm Rabbie’sthe place you’ll be able to take a collection of excursions exploring completely different elements of England, Wales, Scotland, and Eire.

 

What’s the Finest Solution 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 practice community. Nonetheless, because the title of this put up suggests, my really useful solution to journey round Wales is by automotive.

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

The street journey we’ve put collectively is predicated on you having a automotive. For those who don’t have your personal automotive, we’d extremely suggest selecting up a automotive rental, or think about becoming a member of a tour.

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

On a latest journey to Wales we rented a automotive from Enterprise as that they had a location close to Cardiff’s primary practice station, which made decide up and drop off simple. Nonetheless, we’d usually first suggest utilizing a value comparability service like Uncover Vehicles, which compares costs throughout quite a lot of suppliers, to see if there’s a greater choice to your journey.

For those who would like to not drive, then we might as a substitute recommend trying into taking a tour of Wales. These could be completed as non-public excursions or you’ll be able to be a part of a bunch tour and the excursions.

 

Excursions of Wales

For those who like the concept of visiting Wales however would fairly not drive, then your best choice is to take a tour. While there’s some public transportation, lots of the sights and sights are slightly off the crushed monitor and aren’t properly served by public transport.

There are nevertheless some wonderful excursions we are able to suggest. While none of them will precisely mirror our urged Wales street journey itinerary, a variety of them do embrace no less than a few of the primary sights we cowl.

You may be a part of a guided tour or when you’ve got a much bigger finances or a big group, you may additionally think about a non-public tour. The longer Wales excursions usually depart from London, Bristol, or Cardiff.

Some we advise are as follows:

• This 5 day street journey with Rabbies could be our first decide of obtainable excursions. We’ve taken an ideal many excursions with Rabbie’s and we love their educated driver guides and small group sizes. This tour departs from London and canopy a variety of the identical floor as our route, from Snowdonia right down to south west Wales.
• This 8 day tour from Cardiff follows an identical path to our urged Wales itinerary, and contains time in Cardiff, the Brecon Beacons mountains, Snowdonia Nationwide Park, Conwy Fortress, 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 Fortress, Hay on Wye, St. Davids, Tenby and the Pembrokeshire Coast Nationwide Park. When you have extra time, you can even do their North Wales tour.
• This 3 day tour with Rabbies departs from Bristol and covers the highlights of North Wales. It contains Snowdonia Nationwide Parks, Conwy Fortress, Harlech Fortress, the Slate Museum, and Portmeirion.

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

 

 

10 Day Wales Highway Journey Itinerary

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

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

There’s definitely sufficient right here to fill no less than two days. Nonetheless, when you’ve got much less time or would fairly simply hit the street and never give attention to metropolis sights, you might choose to give attention to the street journey part of this itinerary fairly than the time in Cardiff. It’s as much as you!

Jess and I did this precise 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 a superb journey, and one we’re delighted to have the ability to share with you.

Elements of this street journey observe the Wales Means driving tour routes (you’ll be able to see extra about these right here), that are promoted by the Go to Wales tourism board to focus on a few of the finest surroundings and sights that Wales has to supply.

They embrace The Cambrian Means, The Coastal Means, and The North Wales Means. You’ll be driving sections of all these routes utilizing our itinerary however now we have adjusted it to additionally embrace lots of my different favourite sights and sights.

Be aware that this itinerary covers a variety of floor and every day has quite a lot of urged sights. Relying in your pursuits it would be best to regulate it to swimsuit what you actually wish to see and do fairly than attempting to do completely all the pieces.

In order for you a extra slower paced journey, we’d recommend seeing much less every day and spending no less than 2 nights at every location. You might simply do that full itinerary in 2 weeks and have extra time to loosen up 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 areas 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 closely 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 should take care of navigation and discovering parking.

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

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

Subsequent, we’d suggest 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 quite a lot of retailers promoting all method of products.

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

From Cardiff Market, proceed north to Cardiff Fortress, 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 constructions. Actually there are over 400 castles within the nation! So that you do should be selective during which castles you select to go to.

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

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

Nonetheless, the big stone maintain 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 numerous durations in historical past, together with a nineteenth century gothic revivalist addition that features a large clock tower and beautiful interiors.

There’s a lot to see and do at Cardiff Fortress, together with numerous excursions and displays that vary from world battle two air raid shelters to a regimental museum. We’d suggest planning on spending no less than two or three hours right here as there’s tons to see right here.

You may stroll by means of the grounds of Cardiff Fortress totally free, however to go inside, stroll the partitions, or go to the displays you will have to pay for a ticket. The ticket value is properly price it in our opinion.

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

 

 

Day 2 – Cardiff

For those who’d choose to go out of city right this moment you’ll be able to after all try this, and spend extra time on the street. Nonetheless, assuming you wish to do some extra sightseeing in Cardiff we’re going to suggest you head to the Cardiff Bay space of city.

Cardiff is positioned on the Bristol Channel, though you received’t have seen the water but as the town middle space is a few mile away. Nonetheless, you’ll be able to 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 occasions an hour and the journey is only a few minutes. Alternatively, you would possibly choose to take the Cardiff hop on hop off bus which may also carry you right here as a part of its sightseeing route round Cardiff.

At Cardiff Bay there’s loads to see. First, you’ll possible see the big Wales Millenium Centre. This nationwide arts centre is a venue for the performing arts and is the place to come back to see reside performances of all the pieces from music to bop. There are additionally retailers, bars, and cafes on website, and it’s price popping inside to see if there are any non permanent displays happening if you go to.

From right here you’ll be able to 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 unit, James and the Large Peach, and Matilda), this sunken plaza typically performs host to varied gala’s, festivals, and reside music performances.

You’ll now be close to the waterline. For those who 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 dwelling to a museum the place you’ll be able to be taught concerning the historical past of Wales.

Subsequent door to the Pierhead constructing is the Senedd constructing, dwelling of the Welsh parliament. This can be a hanging trendy constructing which you’ll go to in case you are interested by studying concerning the means of democracy in Wales. There are additionally typically exhibitions of Welsh artwork and crafts inside, so it’s properly price taking a cease right here.

From the Senedd, you’ll be able to 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 beautiful stroll all the way in which to the Cardiff Bay Barrage. It was the development of the barrage within the Nineties which created this pretty harbour space.

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

In fact, as a substitute of (or in addition to!) strolling all the way in which to the barrage you’ll be able to discover the world across the Senedd, often called 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’ll be able to take boat excursions of Cardiff Bay.

There are additionally a few different sights within the space. First is the fairly eclectic Ianto’s Shrine. In case you are not conversant in the TV present “Torchwood”, which was set in Cardiff, then this can possible 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 anyplace on the earth, 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 maintain them entertained for a while as there are over 100 hand-on displays to see, contact, and discover.

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

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

And naturally there are a variety of pubs, golf equipment, and different nightlife hangouts in Cardiff.

For those who’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 should have no scarcity of locations to go for a drink or a chunk to eat!

Talking of meals, if you wish to attempt some conventional Welsh dishes comparable 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 cheap.

 

Day 3 – Cardiff to Tenby

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

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 authentic buildings unfold out throughout 100 acres of parkland. These buildings span a large time interval, and gives you an actual perception into how Welsh folks have lived, labored, realized, and performed over time.

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 reside 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 suggest planning on spending no 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 price for parking.

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

The quickest choice to get to right here will usually be to observe the M4 round Swansea, which is what we might suggest you do. In fact, if you happen to would like a extra scenic route be at liberty to observe the roads as much as Glynneath and throughout. Simply pay attention to timing as you’ve gotten so much to see right this moment.

Castell Carreg Cennen, or Carreg Cennen Fortress, 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 encompassing panorama and the fortress itself are properly definitely worth the effort.

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

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

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

A whole lot 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 purchase this on-line right here, or in individual at most Cadw websites.

We expect that is very a lot price it and we at all times get a CADW membership if we plan on sightseeing in Wales.

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

If the climate is nice, we are able to extremely suggest taking a while to discover the grounds right here and to stroll as much as Dinefwr Fortress. There are some actually pretty strolling trails across the grounds, which wend their manner by means of stunning mature woodlands.

You too can go to Newton Home itself after all, which has a separate entry price (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. In order for you one thing additional to see on the way in which, and you actually love castles, be at liberty to detour to Laugharne Fortress, though we really feel you’ll have seen sufficient castles for the day and be able to loosen up by this level.

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

In fact, you can even do this stuff on the morning of your fourth day as properly. And that’s the top of your first day on the street!

 

Day 4 – Tenby to St. David’s

Immediately you’re going to be exploring the far southwestern nook of Wales, dwelling to the smallest metropolis within the UK and a surprising coastal Nationwide Park.

Let’s get going.

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

The primary is Carew Fortress, 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 location 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 facility of the tide to energy the mill wheel. It’s not working however it’s open for excursions.

As you’ll be able to see there’s loads to see and do right here, so I’d recommend allocating no less than 90 minutes – 2 hours to your go to. There may be free parking on website and a price for admission. It’s not a part of Cadw or another membership program that we’re conscious of.

From Carew Fortress 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 Fortress, 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 a very good place to see seals and seal pups within the breeding season (normally August by means of January).

For those who’d prefer to take a hike right here, there’s a beautiful stroll alongside the coast to St. Govan’s Chapel. It’s a 6.3 mile stroll, and you’ll see instructions right here.

An alternative choice if you happen to’d choose to spend extra time on the seaside could be to drive additional west to Freshwater West seaside. This can be a well-liked 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 wish to go to the location 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 could possibly do right this moment as you head in the direction of St. David’s, and you’ll see a full choice right here.

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

The Marloes Peninsula stroll is a 4.4 mile (7.1km) loop stroll which loops across the beautiful Marloes peninsula. The stroll is basically flat with only a few gradients to sort out. 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 provided such spectacular views, in addition to some wonderful wildlife recognizing alternatives. We noticed numerous seals and seal pups in addition to an ideal many sea birds.

There have been additionally beautiful coastal views and even an iron age hill fort. It took us round 3 hours in complete with a lot of photograph stops and was properly definitely worth the effort.

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

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

For those who nonetheless wish to discover, then we’d recommend strolling the 20 minutes or so out of city to St. Non’s Chapel and Nicely, reputed to be the birthplace of Wales’s patron saint, Saint David, for whom the town is known as.

One other close by attraction is the beautiful seaside of Whitesands, which makes for a very good place to observe the sundown.

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

We’d suggest 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

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

We’d recommend selecting some sights that sound essentially the most fascinating to you from our recommendations as there’s undoubtedly extra to see than you are able to do in a day! Or think about doing this over 2 days if you wish to do and see all the pieces. For those who decide to try this, we’d recommend overnighting round Cardigan.

After ending up any sightseeing or memento purchasing in St. David’s, observe 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 previous 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 slim.

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

This attraction incorporates a collection 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 folks lived right here through the Iron Age.

Now, proceed on in the direction of Cardigan. There are a number of sights you would possibly think about stopping at, relying in your pursuits.

Nature lovers will possible wish to go to the Welsh Wildlife Centre, the place there’s an interpretive middle, numerous trails, and chicken watching hides. It’s free to go to however there’s a small price for parking. location for birdwatching on the Tefi Marshes.

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

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

We’d additionally suggest stopping in Cardigan itself. The community-run Cardigan Fortress right here is properly price a go to for a small price.

You may truly keep in a single day right here, which now we have completed, and it has a very good cafe on website as properly. When you have extra time, or just wish to regulate your schedule, it makes for a very good in a single day keep choice.

From Cardigan, proceed alongside the A487. If you want to take a stroll right this moment, we’d recommend heading as much as Mwnt. There’s a small automotive park at Mwnt head seaside (price) and you’ll 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 Seaside and the beautiful seaside fishing village of New Quay.

New Quay is an efficient location for taking seal-watching boat journeys, in addition to to select 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 dwelling to varied Welsh breeds of cattle. There’s a price 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 evening. This can be a mid-size coastal city which is understood for its college. There are additionally quite a lot of wonderful sights within the city itself which you’ll both go to right this moment or on the morning of day 6, relying on how your time goes.

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

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

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

There’s a price 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 Fortress in the course of city can also be properly price a couple of minutes of your time. It’s free to go to.

 

Day 6 – Aberystwyth to Porthmadog

Immediately you’re going to proceed touring up the Welsh shoreline, and also you’re going to have choices right this moment for issues to do which can rely on whether or not you wish 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 manner out of city we are able to extremely suggest dropping in on the Nationwide Library of Wales.

This enormous constructing has some wonderful 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, you’ll want to determine between coastal exploration and wildlife viewing, or a hike up a mountain.

If you wish to hike up a mountain right this moment, our advice 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 certainly one of 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 when you’ve got the time and bodily capability to take action.

It’s potential to do that largely as a loop stroll, ascending up one aspect of the lake after which again down the opposite. The paths are properly marked however we might suggest bringing a map and dressing appropriately for mountain climbing situations. You’ll additionally need to pay attention to the climate and forecast as you’ll wish to skip this in dangerous climate situations.

You may see an outline of the Minffordd path right here. It’s about 9km (5.59 miles) lengthy. Anticipate the entire hike to take 4 – 6 hours, relying in your health stage and the way typically you cease.

In fact there are a great deal of different hikes on this space that you could possibly do as a substitute. In case you are on the lookout for a a lot simpler and shorter hike right here, think about 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.

For those who would fairly not sort out a giant hike right this moment (there will likely be extra alternatives afterward within the itinerary!), then there are a variety of choices to think about as you head as much as Porthmadog.

We’d recommend selecting these choices which attraction most to you from the choices out there as you received’t be capable to match all the pieces in.

First, head up the coast to the coastal city of Borth, the place there’s an extended promenade you’ll be able to 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 means of the dunes, that are a few of the largest within the space.

There’s additionally a pleasant customer middle right here the place you’ll be able to study what you’re more likely to see, in addition to a store and cafe promoting snacks and drinks. Anticipate 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 previous charcoal fired blast furnace which dates from 1755.

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

The eager birdwatchers amongst additionally, you will wish 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 massively numerous vary of wildlife that calls the reserve dwelling. There’s a small price to go to, with entry free for RSPB members.

One other wildlife middle you might think about visiting is Cors Dyfi, just a bit additional alongside the street. This can be a nature reserve and wildlife middle which can also be dwelling to the Dyfi Osprey Undertaking. There’s a small price 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 fairly city clock and city middle. There’s additionally a free museum of contemporary artwork right here.

North of Machynlleth are two well-liked sights. The primary is the Centre for Various Know-how, the place you’ll be able to be taught all about different vitality choices, sustainability, and extra.

One other well-liked choice, 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 a variety of enjoyable however make sure you costume 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 means of the city of Dolgellau, the place we suggest driving the coastal route down the Mawddach estuary to the seaside city of Barmouth.

This has a beautiful sandy seaside and is a superb 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 dwelling to the spectacular Harlech Fortress, 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 army structure in Europe. So we are able to extremely suggest a go to to this, or one (or all!) of the opposite three. There’s a price to go to Harlech, and it’s free for CADW members.

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

 

Day 7 – Porthmadog to Caernarfon

My primary advice right this moment is to take one of many scenic slim gauge rail journeys that depart from Porthmadog. These supply spectacular views of the Snowdonia Nationwide Park, and you’ll simply loosen up 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 the earth.

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

This 25 mile stretch of monitor goes from Porthmadog all the way in which to Caernarfon, and you can even do a visit to and from the beautiful village of Beddgelert on this practice.

There’s no “finest” choice truthfully, 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, nevertheless the journey to Blaenau Ffestiniog can also be properly price it.

Whichever journey you select, we suggest reserving prematurely on the official web site right here, because the route could be very well-liked and might promote out.

One other well-liked attraction close to Porthmadog that you could be think about 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 would possibly even assume you’ve gotten left Wales solely.

While this can be a well-liked attraction, I’ll admit that Jess and I didn’t solely fall for it. It was a reasonably expensive place to go to, and apart from trying on the buildings, having fun with the views, and dropping into the retailers, there wasn’t an enormous quantity to do.

In fact, everybody may have a special expertise, so it’s as much as you. Now there are about 20 miles of paths you’ll be able to stroll that are good, however a few of these have been closed after 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 finest on a pleasant sunny day and if you happen to spend the evening. There are a number of sorts of lodging right here and close by if you happen to determine to remain the evening.

Relying on what you’ve gotten chosen to do right this moment, you might or could not have extra time to spare. In case you are on the lookout for extra to do, then I’d recommend taking a street journey across the Llŷn Peninsula.

This provides beautiful shoreline views, cute seaside villages, and extra castles to discover. For example, you’ll be able to go get ice cream at Cadwaladers in Criccieth, go to Criccieth Fortress, and do some coastal walks at Aberdaron. There’s additionally a beautiful free artwork gallery with cafe in Llanbedrgo.

Lastly, head to Caernarfon the place you’ll in a single day. The primary attraction right here is the beautiful Caernarfon Fortress which you must undoubtedly go to when you’ve got 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 price.

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

 

 

Day 8 – Caernarfon to Conwy

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

One very fashionable choice is after all to sort out the best mountain in Wales, Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa in Welsh). You may have a few choices for going to the summit.

First, and most clearly maybe, you’ll be able to stroll. There are at least six routes to select from, and you’ll see all of them outlined right here. The Llanberis path tends to be the preferred because it’s thought to be the best, though that is nonetheless a strenuous hike.

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

Whichever route you select, it would be best to enable between 5 to eight hours for the hike, relying on the route selected and your health stage. So that you’ll wish to mainly plan your full day round your hike as you received’t have an excessive amount of time to suit a lot else in and can possible 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. Remember 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 wish to do, and plan head for parking. You additionally wish 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 situations could make these paths very harmful. You’ll wish to keep away from this hike in dangerous climate.

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

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

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

For this one you’ll be able to 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 generally takes between 6 and eight hours, a spherical journey practice trip is round 2.5 hours, which incorporates half-hour on the prime. In order that’s a very good choice if you wish to match extra in right this moment.

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

First, in Llanberis we are able to extremely suggest 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 folks right here for lots of of years.

Present in a former slate quarry, you’ll discover displays overlaying all elements of slate mining in addition to reside demonstrations of varied slate mining processes.

We will additionally extremely suggest heading throughout the bridge over the Menai Straits to the island of Anglesey. There are two well-liked sights right here that we suggest. The primary is the village of Llanfairpwllgwyngyll, which is dwelling to the longest railway station signal on the earth.

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 title was solely 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 buy all method of issues.

The opposite attraction we suggest visiting on Anglesey is the spectacular thirteenth century Beaumaris Fortress.

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 loads to see and do. Free for CADW members, in any other case there’s a price.

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

Your reward for the trouble is the beautiful 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 photograph 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 dwelling to a surprising fortress, which can also be price visiting though we’d recommend most likely shortlisting a number of castles from this itinerary, so that you don’t get castled out!

Conwy Fortress is free to CADW members and there’s a price for visiting in any other case. It’s proper in the course of Conwy and there’s no on-site parking, however you’ll be able to 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. For those who go to, we extremely suggest climbing to the highest of the tower staircases for one of the best views.

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

 

Day 9 – Conwy to Hay-on-Wye

Immediately it’s time to start out 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, ensure you go to any sights you haven’t but seen in Conwy and surrounds. Nationwide Belief members will possible wish to take a look at Penrhyn Fortress and Backyard for instance.

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

Each routes have you ever spend the evening 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.

For those who determine to observe the northern shoreline, then your first cease will likely be Rhuddlan Fortress. 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 fairly view of a beautiful little waterfall.

The subsequent cease alongside the northern shoreline that we suggest is St Winefride’s Nicely & 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 properly itself is discovered on the location the place St. Winefride was stated to have been decapitated after which introduced again to life. There’s a pool right here which is open at particular occasions of the day for folks to wash in.

It’s stated to have therapeutic properties. There’s a small museum on website as properly the place you’ll be able to study St. Winefride. A small price applies for visiting.

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

From Flint, you’d head south passing by means of by means of 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 choice is to go 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 right 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’ll be able to peruse all method of authentic merchandise that might make for a superb memento or present. There’s free parking and a restaurant on website as properly.

We’d additionally extremely suggest speaking a one-minute stroll to the doorway of the automotive park the place you’ll be able to see what stays of the gorgeous previous stone bridge which crosses the river right here, Pont Minllyn.

Now proceed south in the direction of Llandiloes. A short detour will take you to the Bryntail Lead Mining buildings. Right here you’ll be able to see the stays of this former lead mining neighborhood.

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 location. Extra data on the official CADW website right here. It’s free to go to.

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

There’s a customer middle right here the place you’ll be able to be taught 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 can even 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 gorgeous city of Hay-on-Wye the place you’ll be spending the evening. That is proper on the border of England and Wales, and the city is legendary for its bookshops.

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

We extremely suggest 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 evening.

 

 

Day 10 – Hay-on-Wye to Cardiff

We now have reached the ultimate day of your Welsh street journey! Immediately you’re heading again to Cardiff the place you’ll be able to drop off your rental automotive (if wanted) after which journey onwards.

How your day right this moment seems will after all rely in your schedule. When you have an early practice or flight, then it would be best to head straight again to Cardiff, which is round a 90 minute drive away.

Nonetheless, when you’ve got 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 previous spoil was as soon as one of many best medieval buildings in Wales, and it flourished till Henry VIII put an finish to the monasteries. Immediately the location is free to go to.

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

Lastly, if you want to see one other fortress, we are able to extremely suggest dropping by Caerphilly Fortress as you come back 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 Fortress.

Protecting 30 acres, the location options enormous defensive partitions, towers, gatehouses and a spread 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 price to go to, and it’s free for CADW members.

Now, on to Cardiff the place this street journey wraps up! When you have extra time in Cardiff, you’ll be able to go and go to any of the sights you didn’t have time to go to at the start of your journey.

 

Map of Wales Highway Journey Itinerary

Right here’s a map of the route that can assist you visualise the place you’ll be going. You may 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 outline 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

 

Additional Studying

And that’s it for our detailed Wales street journey itinerary! We hope you discovered this information helpful. We additionally needed to share some extra sources we expect would possibly enable you to with planning this and future journeys within the UK.

• For those who’re on the lookout for extra street journey inspiration within the UK, take a look at our North Coast 500 planning information and North Coast 500 seven day itinerary
• For those who’re heading to Scotland, take a look at our 2 day Edinburgh itinerary, our Glasgow and Loch Lomond itinerary, our information to the finest day journeys from Glasgow, our information to issues to do in Edinburgh, our itinerary for Skye and the Highlands, our information to the finest day journeys from Aberdeen, and our information to one of the best day journeys from Edinburgh to get you began.
• We now have a two week UK street journey itinerary and a one week UK street journey itinerary
• We even have a one week Cornwall itinerary
• For those who’re not conversant in driving within the UK, see my information to driving within the UK for useful ideas.
• We now have guides to many cities within the UK you’ll be able to take a look at! See our guides to issues to do in Manchester,  issues to do in Stratford upon Avon,  issues to do in Bristol,  issues to do in Portsmouth, tips about a weekend in York, tips about Visiting Oxford on a Day Journey, and issues to do in Cambridge to get began
• For those who’re on the lookout for a guidebook to your journey, take a look at the Tough Information to Wales

And that’s it! Have you ever ever visited Wales? Do you’ve gotten something you’d add to the above? Simply tell us within the feedback beneath, and protected travels!