How long is the North Wales: Castles, Snowdonia and the Llŷn Peninsula route?

This route takes 7 days taking in 7 stops.

Where does this route start and end?

The route runs from Chester to Barmouth in North Wales, Wales, Wales.

When is the best time to travel this route?

The best time to travel this route is May to September; book ahead in July and August.

How active is this route?

Activity level: Active. Moderately active — expect some walking and light physical activity.

What transport do I need for this route?

This route works best with a car.

What budget do I need for this route?

Mid-range spending — expect comfortable accommodation and a mix of dining options.

What type of accommodation suits this route?

Mixed accommodation works well along this route.

What is the pace of this trip?

Balanced — a good mix of sightseeing and downtime.

What type of trip is this?

This route is well-suited to: Scenic, Coastal, Culture, Nature, Classic road trip.

North Wales: Castles, Snowdonia and the Llŷn Peninsula

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The route · 7 stops

5 overnight bases · 1 day trip · 1 stop on the way

Chester

1 night

Gateway from England into North Wales. Chester's intact 3 km Roman wall circuit runs above a centre of half-timbered buildings. The Rows, a two-storey medieval shopping gallery, are unique in Britain. Chester is well served by rail from London and Manchester, making it an easy arrival point before the drive west to Conwy on the A55.Gateway from England into North Wales. Chester's intact 3 km Roman wall circuit runs above a centre of half-timbered buildings. The Rows, a two-storey medieval shopping gallery, are unique in Britain. Chester is well served by rail from London and Manchester, making it an easy arrival point before the drive west to Conwy on the A55.

Recommendations

On to Conwy

Conwy

2 nights

One of Europe's finest walled medieval towns. Conwy Castle (1283-1289) sits on the estuary with eight drum towers intact, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site shared with Caernarfon, Beaumaris and Harlech. Walk the 1.5 km wall circuit for estuary and Snowdonia views. Find Britain's smallest house (3.05 m wide) on the quayside.One of Europe's finest walled medieval towns. Conwy Castle (1283-1289) sits on the estuary with eight drum towers intact, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site shared with Caernarfon, Beaumaris and Harlech. Walk the 1.5 km wall circuit for estuary and Snowdonia views. Find Britain's smallest house (3.05 m wide) on the quayside.

Recommendations

On to Betws-y-Coed

Betws-y-Coed

1 night

Eastern gateway to Eryri (Snowdonia National Park), set where three rivers meet in a wooded gorge. Swallow Falls is a short walk from the village. Riverside paths along the Conwy and Llugwy rivers offer a good first taste of the national park without full hiking gear. Stock up here before heading west; supplies become sparser in the mountains.Eastern gateway to Eryri (Snowdonia National Park), set where three rivers meet in a wooded gorge. Swallow Falls is a short walk from the village. Riverside paths along the Conwy and Llugwy rivers offer a good first taste of the national park without full hiking gear. Stock up here before heading west; supplies become sparser in the mountains.

Recommendations

On to Llanberis

Llanberis

1 night

Main base for Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon, 1,085 m), Wales's highest peak. Reach the summit by the Snowdon Mountain Railway (rack-and-pinion, running since 1896) or the Llanberis Path (15 km return, around five hours). The National Slate Museum beside Llanberis Lake is free to enter and shows the Victorian quarrying industry that shaped the landscape.Main base for Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon, 1,085 m), Wales's highest peak. Reach the summit by the Snowdon Mountain Railway (rack-and-pinion, running since 1896) or the Llanberis Path (15 km return, around five hours). The National Slate Museum beside Llanberis Lake is free to enter and shows the Victorian quarrying industry that shaped the landscape.

Recommendations

Day trip from Llanberis

5
Caernarfon

On to Aberdaron

Aberdaron

1 night

Remote village at the tip of the Llŷn Peninsula, where medieval pilgrims departed for Ynys Enlli (Bardsey Island). In summer the Enlli Charter runs boat trips across the tidal sound to the island's monastery ruin and seabird colonies. The south coast has sweeping sandy beaches; Porth Neigwl is popular with surfers.Remote village at the tip of the Llŷn Peninsula, where medieval pilgrims departed for Ynys Enlli (Bardsey Island). In summer the Enlli Charter runs boat trips across the tidal sound to the island's monastery ruin and seabird colonies. The south coast has sweeping sandy beaches; Porth Neigwl is popular with surfers.

Recommendations

On the way

Barmouth
Quick stop
Final stop, reached via Portmeirion (an Italianate village built 1925-1975 by Clough Williams-Ellis) and Harlech Castle (the fourth UNESCO fortress on this trip). Barmouth is a Victorian seaside town with a wide beach and a timber estuary viaduct (1867). Cambrian Coast Line trains connect to the national rail network.Final stop, reached via Portmeirion (an Italianate village built 1925-1975 by Clough Williams-Ellis) and Harlech Castle (the fourth UNESCO fortress on this trip). Barmouth is a Victorian seaside town with a wide beach and a timber estuary viaduct (1867). Cambrian Coast Line trains connect to the national rail network.
Recommendations

North Wales: Castles, Snowdonia and the Llŷn Peninsula