Back Roads Great Britain (Eyewitness Travel Back Roads)

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DRIVE 14: Through Snowdonia National Park

Above The redoubtable Harlech Castle, site of many

long sieges, see p151

Above Barmouth seen in the distance on the

drive from Cadair Idris to Harlech Castle, see p151

PLAN YOUR DRIVE

Start/finish: Machynlleth to Llandudno.

Number of days: 4, allowing time to

explore Snowdonia National Park and

walk on Anglesey Island.

Distance: Around 295 km (183 miles).

Road conditions: Well-paved and

signposted – the roads below Cadair

Idris are narrow but have passing places.

When to go: Summer is best for

outdoor activities, some places in the

north close in the winter.

Opening times: Museums and

attractions are generally open 10am–

5pm, but close earlier (or are closed

altogether) Nov–Easter. Shop times are

longer. Churches are usually open until

dusk.

Main market days: Dolgellau (near

Brithidir): Farmers’ Market, 3rd Sun of

month; Porthmadog (near Harlech):

Fri; Anglesey (at Menai Bridge, near

Llanfair PG): 3rd Sat of month;

Conwy: Farmers’ Market, Wed.

Shopping: Local crafts, including

traditional double-weave blankets.

Major festivals: Llanberis:

Snowdonia Marathon, Oct; Anglesey:

Oyster and Welsh Food Festival, Oct;

Beaumaris: Arts Festival, May; Conwy:

Honey Fair, Sept; Feast, Oct.

DAY TRIP OPTIONS

For photographers, stay at Machynlleth,

see glacial lakes, then Brithdir’s church

and on to the peaks of Cadair Idris. Stay

at Caernarfon for the castle, then go to

Llanberis and take the thrilling train ride

up Mt Snowdon. Tour huge tunnels

inside a mountain and then see the

pretty village of Beddgelert. Discover

Anglesey from Beaumaris – enjoy the

castle and a cruise; see Moelfre’s

maritime memorials and then tour the

stately home of Plas Newydd. For family

fun, stay at Llandudno with its sandy

beach, tramway and Great Orme

Neolithic mines. Head to Conwy for the

castle and then Betws-y-Coed for some

tree-top fun. For full details, see p157.