Llanberis to Cardiff

The 163 miles from Llanberis to Cardiff runs mainly along the A470 through the stunning Snowdonia National Park. Llanberis is a major tourist attraction. From the town you can catch a train up the highest mountain in England and Wales or walk along the many routes to the summit over three thousand feet high. From Llanberis drive south on the A4086 towards Maentwrog.

Maentwrog is a small village in the county of Gwynedd which has a picturesque river flowing alongside it. The village lies on the A496 road from Harlech to Blaenau Ffestiniog built c.1800 by William Oakeley. Back on the A470 drive south 17 miles and you will reach Dolgellau, a bustling town with narrow streets. This was once the junction or three Roman roads. From the town the A470 begins the 1,170ft climb of the Oerddrws Pass, the start of the impressive Cumbrian Mountains.

Once at the peak you can look back towards the 3,000ft Cader Idris, which is apparently haunted. The descent into the Dovey Valley is breathtaking. When you hit Cemmaes Road head south-east.

Twymyn valley runs up to the 730ft Talerddig before following the River Garno down to Caersws and the River Severn. Follow the Severn valley and you will arrive in Llanidloes, a small quaint town with a unique, half-timbered Market House - the only one still standing in Wales.

You will drive through the Wye Valley for 35 miles, where you'll find beautiful open landscapes, wooded areas and lovely villages. You will then leave the Black Mountains behind you at Llyswen, and climb up and over to Brecon. Through rolling countryside and valleys, wide open spaces and the wild beauty of the waterfalls and caves.

Finally you'll drive a mountain road to Merthyr, from there you have a dual-carriage way into the city.