Conwy to Portmeirion
Distance: 38.5 miles
Beginning your journey at Conwy, home of the famous Conwy Castle, this drive through Snowdonia National Park offers the opportunity to take in some spectacular views on the way to the summit of Snowdon (if you’re feeling fit that is!).
The village of Betws-y-Coed provides an excellent starting point for your drive through the snaking roads that take you through to the Welsh mountains. Betws-y-Coed is within easy reach of a number of tourist attractions, such as Conwy Castle (15 miles) and the bizarre township of Portmeirion (22 miles).
Portmeirion is best known as the filming location of the cult TV show The Prisoner, and the bizarre architecture attracts visitors to this coastal town all year round, just watch out for Rover! (only joking!).
Llanberis is located 17 miles from Betws-y-Coed, and gives you the chance to take a trip to the top of Mount Snowdon by steam train in just one hour.
Mount Snowdon
Take the train, and you’ll ascend 4.7 miles up from Llanberis village to the summit of Mt Snowdon – the highest mountain in Wales and England. The Hafod Eryri visitor centre provides visitors with the opportunity to take in the spectacular views while enjoying a nice cup of tea. Return tickets cost from £25 for adults and £18 for children* Single tickets to the summit are also available, giving you the chance to descend the trails of Snowdon on the way back to your car should you wish to get in a bit of exercise and fresh air.
If you’re feeling energetic and would rather walk up the mountain to the visitor centre, there are a number of trails leading to the summit, bear in mind though that this can take approximately 5 hours on foot if you follow the path that accompanies the railway trail, so be sure to have a good healthy breakfast beforehand.
*prices shown based on a return journey from Llanberis to the Summit.
The Route
Roads: B5106, A5, A4068, A498
Useful postcodes for your satnav: LL48 6ER (Portmeirion) LL55 4TY (Llanberis Lake Railway) LL32 8LD (Conwy Castle).
Guest post by David Collins of Travel Supermarket