A 7 to 10 Day Wales Highway Journey Itinerary with Map

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

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

This itinerary features a little little bit of the whole lot Wales has to supply, which incorporates gorgeous coastlines, mountain hikes, seashores, castles, museums, Welsh cultural points of interest, and extra. The itinerary was designed to offer you a style of the most effective of Wales and consists of the whole lot from tiny rural villages to the capital metropolis of Cardiff.

Wales actually does have one thing to supply everybody, and this highway journey goes to take you throughout Wales. We’ll share a few of our favorite issues to see and do, and likewise provide tips about the place to remain, and what to eat. However you’ll be able to after all alter it the way you need.

Personally, we expect Wales has surroundings to rival different fashionable highway journeys within the UK, like Scotland’s North Coast 500, however we’ll allow you to resolve 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 highway journey! Let’s begin by answering some questions you may need.

How Lengthy to Highway Journey in Wales?

Wales will not be an enormous nation, however there’s a big quantity to see. We’d say that the minimal period of time for a highway journey protecting part of the nation could be three to 5 days. For those who don’t have a whole lot of time we’d maybe counsel focusing both on North Wales or South Wales.

If you wish to see extra of what’s on provide, and discover the nation from high to backside, then we’d advocate no less than 7 – 10 days.

The itinerary on this information is for a 7 to 10-day highway journey, however after all you’ll be able to alter it based mostly in your pursuits and time. If in case you have extra time, there may be all the time extra to see and we’d advocate spending longer in every space of curiosity.

 

Learn how to 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 that will additionally embody England, Scotland, Northern Eire, and/or Eire. It’s straightforward to incorporate Wales as half of a bigger journey.

Once more, we’d advocate no less than 3 days if you wish to go to Wales and when you solely have 3 to five days we’d simply keep on with specializing in both North Wales or South Wales.

However ideally you’ll have no less than 5 to 7 days to dedicate to Wales if you wish to see quite a lot of its highlights coated on this itinerary.

If you’re 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 way 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.

If you’re additionally wanting to go to different components of the UK or Eire as a part of a tour, you would possibly contemplate becoming a member of up excursions reminiscent of with native tour firm Rabbie’sthe place you’ll be able to take a sequence of excursions exploring totally different components of England, Wales, Scotland, and Eire.

 

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

There are a couple of totally different choices for getting round in Wales, together with native buses and a regional prepare community. Nonetheless, because the title of this put up suggests, my beneficial approach to journey round Wales is by automotive.

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

The highway journey we’ve put collectively relies on you having a automotive. For those who don’t have your personal automotive, we’d extremely advocate selecting up a automotive rental, or contemplate becoming a member of a tour.

Because it’s less expensive to choose up and drop off a automotive in the identical spot, we’ve chosen Cardiff as the most effective location to begin and finish this journey. Cardiff will be simply reached by rail and coach from places across the UK.

On a current journey to Wales we rented a automotive from Enterprise as they’d a location close to Cardiff’s essential prepare station, which made choose up and drop off straightforward. Nonetheless, we’d usually first advocate utilizing a value comparability service like Uncover Vehicles, which compares costs throughout quite a lot of suppliers, to see if there’s a greater possibility to your journey.

For those who would favor to not drive, then we’d as a substitute counsel wanting into taking a tour of Wales. These will be completed as personal excursions or you’ll be able to be a part of a gaggle tour and the excursions.

 

Excursions of Wales

For those who like the thought of visiting Wales however would quite not drive, then your only option is to take a tour. While there may be some public transportation, lots of the sights and points of interest are somewhat off the overwhelmed observe and aren’t properly served by public transport.

There are nonetheless some glorious excursions we are able to advocate. While none of them will precisely mirror our urged Wales highway journey itinerary, a whole lot of them do embody no less than a number of the essential points of interest we cowl.

You’ll be able to be a part of a guided tour or when you have an even bigger funds or a big group, you may additionally contemplate a non-public tour. The longer Wales excursions usually depart from London, Bristol, or Cardiff.

Some we recommend are as follows:

• This 5 day highway journey with Rabbies could be our first choose of obtainable excursions. We’ve taken an amazing many excursions with Rabbie’s and we love their educated driver guides and small group sizes. This tour departs from London and canopy a whole lot of the identical floor as our route, from Snowdonia all the way down to south west Wales.
• This 8 day tour from Cardiff follows an analogous 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. If in case 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 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 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 highway journey round Wales! The explanation we are saying this highway journey is 7 – 10 days is as a result of I’ve added a few days in Cardiff originally.

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

There’s definitely sufficient right here to fill no less than two days. Nonetheless, when you have much less time or would quite simply hit the highway and never give attention to metropolis points of interest, you might want to give attention to the highway journey part of this itinerary quite than the time in Cardiff. It’s as much as you!

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

Elements of this highway 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 spotlight a number of the finest surroundings and points of interest that Wales has to supply.

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

Word that this itinerary covers a whole lot of floor and every day has quite a lot of urged points of interest. Relying in your pursuits it would be best to alter it to go well with what you actually need to see and do quite than making an attempt to do completely the whole lot.

In order for you a extra slower paced journey, we’d counsel seeing much less every day and spending no less than 2 nights at every location. You possibly can 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 simple to get to from places across the UK and overseas, with rail, highway, and air hyperlinks that can allow you to get right here in the best way that most closely fits your journey.

We’d counsel that to your time in Cardiff you get round both on foot or by public transport. Nearly all of points of interest within the metropolis centre are straightforward to stroll to, or to go to by bus. I’d advise in opposition to driving across the metropolis centre as you’ll must cope with navigation and discovering parking.

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

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

Subsequent, we’d advocate popping throughout the highway to the Cardiff Market. It is a 2 storey Victorian shopping center, opened in 1891, the place you’ll discover quite a lot 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 highway journey, you will see fairly a couple 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. 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 just’re not going to see something fairly like Cardiff Citadel wherever else in your Welsh highway journey.

Cardiff Citadel takes you on a journey of chateau constructing by way of the ages. There was some kind of fortified building right here for the reason that 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 big stone preserve atop the hill that can 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 reveals that vary from world struggle two air raid shelters to a regimental museum. We’d advocate planning on spending no less than two or three hours right here as there may be heaps to see right here.

You’ll be able to stroll by way of the grounds of Cardiff Citadel without spending a dime, however to go inside, stroll the partitions, or go to the reveals you will want 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 an additional sight. If that’s the case, we’d counsel strolling over to the Nationwide Museum Cardiff. This huge free museum (donations welcome) has reveals of artwork, pure historical past and geology, and is an effective approach to end off your first day in Wales.

 

 

Day 2 – Cardiff

For those who’d want to go out of city at present you’ll be able to after all try this, and spend extra time on the highway. 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 the town heart space is a couple of mile away. Nonetheless, you’ll be able to simply attain this space in a 20 minute stroll or a brief bus experience.

The Baycar bus (service 6) runs from central Cardiff to the Cardiff Bay space 4 or 5 occasions an hour and the journey is just some minutes. Alternatively, you would possibly want 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 may be a lot to see. First, you’ll seemingly see the big 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 the whole lot 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 reveals occurring whenever 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 creator who was born in Cardiff (books embody Charlie and the Chocolate Manufacturing facility, James and the Large Peach, and Matilda), this sunken plaza typically performs host to varied gala’s, festivals, and dwell music performances.

You’ll now be close to the waterline. For those who head east, you’ll first go the Pierhead constructing, an enormous crimson brick constructing with a clock tower which is tough to overlook. That is residence 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, residence of the Welsh parliament. It is a hanging trendy constructing which you’ll be able to go to in case you are eager about studying concerning the technique 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 presents 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 best way 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, quite than stroll all the best way again, you’ll be able to as a substitute hop on a ship that can take you again to the Quay space. You’ll undoubtedly need to test the working timetables upfront, which you are able to do right here. You’ll be able to ebook tickets on-line upfront right here.

In fact, as a substitute of (or in addition to!) strolling all the best way to the barrage you’ll be able to discover the realm across the Senedd, referred to as Mermaid’s Quay. Right here you’re going to search 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 points of interest within the space. First is the quite eclectic Ianto’s Shrine. If you’re not acquainted with the TV present “Torchwood”, which was set in Cardiff, then this may seemingly be considerably complicated. The shrine is to Ianto, a personality who dies within the present.

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

The opposite attraction within the space is Techniquest, which is a family-friendly science museum. If you’re visiting Wales with youngsters, then this paid attraction will certainly preserve them entertained for a while as there are over 100 hand-on reveals to see, contact, and discover.

That looks like sufficient to your second day in Cardiff, though there may be nonetheless a lot to see together with extra museums and loads of outlets. Cardiff can 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 current go to to Cardiff we loved watching a dwell efficiency at Porter’s Cardiff for instance.

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

For those who’re into historic pubs, a number 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 chew to eat!

Talking of meals, if you wish to strive some conventional Welsh dishes reminiscent of Lamb Cawl or Welsh rarebit, The Welsh Home in Cardiff is a favorite of ours. They often 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 highway! If you’re selecting up a rental automotive, you’ll need to ebook this for earlier within the morning as you’re going to have a busy day at present.

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.

It is 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, discovered, and performed through the years.

There are farmhouses, schoolhouses, pubs, and union buildings, the vast majority of which you’ll be able to go inside and discover. It’s additionally a dwelling 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 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 scorching drinks. There’s a big carpark on website with a modest payment 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’d advocate you do. In fact, when you would favor a extra scenic route be happy to observe the roads as much as Glynneath and throughout. Simply pay attention to timing as you have got so much to see at present.

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 properly well worth the effort.

Fairly a little bit of the fortress survives, together with lots of the towers, partitions and preserve. There are data panels on website and there’s a wonderful 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 Citadel does have an entry payment. It’s managed by Cadw, a department of the Welsh Authorities chargeable for preservation of historic websites in Wales.

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

Loads of the sights you’re going to be seeing on this journey are going to be coated by the membership and when you go to the vast majority of them you’ll undoubtedly avoid wasting cash. You should purchase this on-line right here, or in particular person at most Cadw websites.

We expect 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 really two sights, the seventeenth century Newton Home and the twelfth century Dinefwr Citadel, discovered round a mile aside.

If the climate is sweet, we are able to 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 approach by way of lovely mature woodlands.

You too can go to Newton Home itself after all, which has a separate entry payment (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 best way, and you actually love castles, be happy to detour to Laugharne Citadel, though we really feel you’ll 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 big seashore and curved harbour. There are many locations to eat, store ,and keep. If you’re not too drained, we’d advocate a stroll to the headland to see the ruins of Tenby Citadel and a stroll on the seashore.

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

 

Day 4 – Tenby to St. David’s

Right now you’re going to be exploring the far southwestern nook of Wales, residence 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 Citadel & Tidal Mill. Because the identify suggests, right here you’re going to search out two points of interest in a single place.

The primary is Carew Citadel, a fortress which dates from the Norman conquest of Britain within the eleventh century. Over time 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 not working however it’s open for excursions.

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

From Carew Citadel you have got a couple of choices, all of which contain visiting the Pembrokeshire Nationwide Park. This Nationwide Park stretches throughout the Pembrokeshire coast and presents 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 high stroll, and there are nice views of some rock stacks in addition to a rock arch right here.

That is additionally a great place to see seals and seal pups within the breeding season (often August by way 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 when you’d want to spend extra time on the seashore could be to drive additional west to Freshwater West seashore. It is 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 flicks 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 highway.

There are after all many different walks that you may do at present 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 might 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 at present.

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 just some 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 an amazing 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 numerous photograph stops and was properly well 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. 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. The town is tiny, and it doesn’t take lengthy to stroll round and discover.

For those who nonetheless need to discover, then we’d counsel strolling the 20 minutes or so out of city to St. Non’s Chapel and Properly, 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 gorgeous seashore of Whitesands, which makes for a great 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 an amazing pub meal at The Bishops, however the Farmer’s Arms can be a well-liked possibility for pub meals.

We’d advocate asking your native lodging supplier for suggestions as they’ll know the most effective native choices open throughout your go to.

 

 

Day 5 – St. David’s to Aberystwyth

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

We’d counsel selecting some sights that sound probably the most attention-grabbing to you from our ideas as there may be undoubtedly extra to see than you are able to do in a day! Or contemplate doing this over 2 days if you wish to do and see the whole lot. For those who choose to do this, we’d counsel 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 12 months outdated tomb has a 16.5ft capstone rigorously balanced atop three uprights. It’s a few minutes stroll from the free parking place on the highway and entry is free. Simply remember that there the parking spot is kind of small and the highway right here is kind of slender.

From Pentre Ifan, return to the principle highway. If you’re eager about studying about life within the Stone Age, then undoubtedly contemplate a go to to Castell Henllys Iron Age Village.

This attraction contains a sequence of Iron Age roundhouses, constructed the place they initially stood 2,000 years in the past. On website you can see 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 couple of sights you would possibly contemplate stopping at, relying in your pursuits.

Nature lovers will seemingly need to go to the Welsh Wildlife Centre, the place there’s an interpretive heart, varied trails, and fowl watching hides. It’s free to go to however there’s a small payment for parking. A great location for birdwatching on the Tefi Marshes.

A 5 minute drive from the Welsh Wildlife Heart is Cilgerran Citadel. This Norman age fortress initially dates from 1108, though the construction at present 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 payment 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 advocate stopping in Cardigan itself. The community-run Cardigan Citadel right here is properly price a go to for a small payment.

You’ll be able to really keep in a single day right here, which we have now completed, and it has a great cafe on website as properly. If in case you have extra time, or just need to alter your schedule, it makes for a great in a single day keep possibility.

From Cardigan, proceed alongside the A487. If you want to take a stroll at present, we’d counsel heading as much as Mwnt. There’s a small automotive park at Mwnt head seashore (payment) and you’ll go to fairly Holy Cross Church. There’s additionally a brief path up the hill right here which presents good views of the coast.

Different good spots alongside the coast to cease as you proceed north embody Penbryn Seashore and the gorgeous 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 scorching plate of fish and chips.

Simply past New Quay you can see the Nationwide Belief property of Llanerchaeron. It is a pretty Georgian villa which additionally presents strolling trails, a walled backyard, and a farmyard residence to varied Welsh breeds of cattle. There’s a payment 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. It is a mid-size coastal city which is thought for its college. There are additionally quite a lot of glorious points of interest within the city itself which you’ll be able to both go to at present 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 kinds of issues, protecting native life, artwork, geography, and tradition throughout the ages. It’s additionally free (donations beneficial).

We are able to 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 payment to make use of it, we’d counsel 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 midst of city can be properly price a couple of minutes of your time. It’s free to go to.

 

Day 6 – Aberystwyth to Porthmadog

Right now you’re going to proceed touring up the Welsh shoreline, and also you’re going to have choices at present for issues to do which can depend upon whether or not you need to do a mountain hike or not. Or when you’d want wildlife watching and coastal cities as a substitute.

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

This big constructing has some glorious reveals 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 resolve between coastal exploration and wildlife viewing, or a hike up a mountain.

If you wish to hike up a mountain at present, 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 every 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 might say that it is a pretty demanding hike, particularly if tackled from the Minffordd aspect as I like to recommend. Nonetheless, it’s actually price it when you have 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’d advocate bringing a map and dressing appropriately for 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’ll be able to 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 typically you cease.

In fact there are a great deal of different hikes on this space that you may do as a substitute. If you’re on the lookout for a a lot simpler and shorter hike right here, contemplate the Dôl Idris path which is an all-abilities path that’s a couple of 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 quite not deal with a giant hike at present (there shall be extra alternatives in a while within the itinerary!), then there are a whole lot of choices to think about as you head as much as Porthmadog.

We’d counsel selecting these choices which attraction most to you from the choices out there as you gained’t be capable to match the whole lot 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. If you’re fortunate, you may be on the town on one of many days the Borth Station Musuem is open.

It is 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 way of the dunes, that are a number of the largest within the space.

There’s additionally a pleasant customer heart right here the place you’ll be able to find out about what you’re more likely to see, in addition to a store and cafe promoting snacks and drinks. Count on to spend round an hour right here when you do the round dune stroll.

From Ynyslas head again to the A487 and proceed north. We’d counsel 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 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 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 payment to go to, with entry free for RSPB members.

One other wildlife heart you might contemplate visiting is Cors Dyfi, just a bit additional alongside the highway. It is a nature reserve and wildlife heart which can be residence to the Dyfi Osprey Undertaking. There’s a small payment to go to.

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

North of Machynlleth are two fashionable points of interest. The primary is the Centre for Various Know-how, the place you’ll be able to be taught 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, it is a guided story telling tour which takes you thru the story of King Arthur. It’s a whole lot of enjoyable however make sure you costume warmly because the mine is a cold place! There’s additionally a very nice artwork and craft heart on website right here, in addition to a restaurant with good native meals.

Persevering with on to Porthmadog you’ll go by way of 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 beautiful sandy seashore 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 best examples of late thirteenth century army structure in Europe. So we are able to extremely advocate a go to to this, or one (or all!) of the opposite three. There’s a payment 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 essential suggestion at present is to take one of many scenic slender gauge rail journeys that depart from Porthmadog. These provide spectacular views of the Snowdonia Nationwide Park, and you’ll 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 really operated by the Ffestiniog Railway Firm, so the expertise may be very comparable. The primary distinction is the route.

This 25 mile stretch of observe goes from Porthmadog all the best way to Caernarfon, and you can even do a visit to and from the gorgeous village of Beddgelert on this prepare.

There’s no “finest” possibility actually, each trains provide 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 be properly 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 may promote out.

One other fashionable attraction close to Porthmadog that you could be contemplate is Portmeirion Village. It is 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 have got left Wales fully.

While it is a fashionable attraction, I’ll admit that Jess and I didn’t fully fall for it. It was a reasonably expensive place to go to, and aside 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 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 when you spend the evening. There are a number of varieties of lodging right here and close by when you resolve to remain the evening.

Relying on what you have got chosen to do at present, you might or could not have extra time to spare. If you’re on the lookout for extra to do, then I’d counsel taking a highway journey across the Llŷn Peninsula.

This presents beautiful shoreline views, cute seaside villages, and extra castles to discover. As an example, you’ll be able to go get ice cream at Cadwaladers in Criccieth, go to Criccieth Citadel, 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 gorgeous Caernarfon Citadel which you must undoubtedly go to when you have time and nonetheless have an urge for food for Welsh castles!

It is a fairly spectacular late eleventh century motte and bailey type fortress. Free to CADW members, in any other case there’s an entry payment.

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

 

 

Day 8 – Caernarfon to Conwy

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

One extremely popular possibility is after all to deal with the best mountain in Wales, Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa in Welsh). You’ve 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 most well-liked because it’s thought to be the simplest, 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 couple of different walkers, even when the summit is busy.

Whichever route you select, it would be best to permit 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 seemingly be exhausted after your hike.

Word that the automotive parks within the space are all pay and show, and a few require advance bookings. Make sure to test 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 test 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 approach to get to the highest of Snowdon is to take the prepare. Sure, there’s a prepare that can 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 an exquisite approach to attain the highest, with epic views all the best way up.

It is a paid service, and you’ll select to go a technique or return. If you wish to do that we strongly advocate reserving tickets upfront because it’s a extremely popular 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 prepare experience is round 2.5 hours, which incorporates half-hour on the high. In order that’s a great possibility if you wish to match extra in at present.

Talking of which, there may be a lot 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 advocate visiting the superb 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 reveals protecting all features of slate mining in addition to dwell demonstrations of varied slate mining processes.

We are able to additionally extremely advocate heading throughout the bridge over the Menai Straits to the island of Anglesey. There are two fashionable points of interest 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 crimson cave”.

The signal identify was fully 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 wonderful and big memento retailer right here the place you should buy 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. Apparently, the fortress was by no means really accomplished, however there may be nonetheless a lot to see and do. Free for CADW members, in any other case there’s a payment.

Lastly, if you want to do a stroll however would favor one thing somewhat 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 trouble 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 highway and requires solely a really temporary 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 residence to a surprising fortress, which can be price visiting though we’d counsel in all probability shortlisting a couple of castles from this itinerary, so that you don’t get castled out!

Conwy Citadel is free to CADW members and there’s a payment for visiting in any other case. It’s proper in the midst of Conwy and there’s no on-site parking, however you’ll be able to simply stroll right here from a lot 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 advocate climbing to the highest of the tower staircases for the most effective 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

Right now 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, ensure you go to any points of interest you haven’t but seen in Conwy and surrounds. Nationwide Belief members will seemingly need to take a look at Penrhyn Citadel and Backyard for instance.

Now you have got two totally different route choices at present, 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 resolve to observe the northern shoreline, then your first cease shall 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 beautiful little waterfall.

The following cease alongside the northern shoreline that we advocate is St Winefride’s Properly & 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 individuals 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 find out about St. Winefride. A small payment 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’d head south passing by way of by way 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 components of the journey have you ever leaving Wales.

A second possibility is to go south immediately, skipping the northern shoreline and as a substitute visiting extra of japanese Wales. Highlights alongside this route embody 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’ll be able to peruse all method of unique merchandise that may make for a wonderful memento or present. There’s free parking and a restaurant on website as properly.

We’d additionally extremely advocate 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 outdated 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 positioning. Extra data on the official CADW website right here. It’s free to go to.

Persevering with on, one other good cease at present 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 consuming water for the town of Birmingham.

There’s a customer heart 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 heart.

Nonetheless, you can even stroll or drive to quite a lot of viewpoints when you want. Word the customer heart 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 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 evening.

 

 

Day 10 – Hay-on-Wye to Cardiff

We now have reached the ultimate day of your Welsh highway journey! Right now 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 at present appears to be like will after all rely in your schedule. If in case you have an early prepare or flight, then it would be best to head straight again to Cardiff, which is round a 90 minute drive away.

Nonetheless, when you have time to spare then there are some good choices for stops alongside the best way.

First, head immediately south alongside tiny nation lanes from Hay on Wye to Llanthony Priory. This spectacular Grade I listed 900 12 months outdated 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. Right now the positioning is free to go to.

Persevering with on to Cardiff, you have got 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 shifting memorial you’ll be able to go to when you want to pay your respects.

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

Protecting 30 acres, the positioning options big defensive partitions, towers, gatehouses and a spread of water defenses. It’s really a website to behold, and a very good approach to end off your Welsh highway journey. There’s a payment to go to, and it’s free for CADW members.

Now, on to Cardiff the place this highway journey wraps up! If in case you have extra time in Cardiff, you’ll be able to go and go to any of the points of interest you didn’t have time to go to originally 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’ll be able to 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

 

Additional Studying

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

• For those who’re on the lookout for extra highway 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 the most effective day journeys from Edinburgh to get you began.
• We now have a two week UK highway journey itinerary and a one week UK highway journey itinerary
• We even have a one week Cornwall itinerary
• For those who’re not acquainted with driving within the UK, see my information to driving within the UK for useful suggestions.
• 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 have got something you’d add to the above? Simply tell us within the feedback beneath, and protected travels!