Rich's Amazing Wales Road Trip 2013
Discussion
Thanks nta - all the input is appreciated, it's a work in progress and the itinerary is being adjusted fairly often to try and include as many awesome roads as possible!
I'll have a look over these and any other suggestions and integrate as many of them as we can realistically fit in.
Cheers again
I'll have a look over these and any other suggestions and integrate as many of them as we can realistically fit in.
Cheers again
will do later but bear in mind these are roads for those that like to use their steering wheel and gears (and brakes) rather that looking for high numbers on the speedo and will take a little long per mile (but not that much if you're into sensible spirited driving)
turning off the B4501 on the white road towards Rhydlydan is an interesting end to the day, I in my humble Midget would loose my mate in his Supra as I could keep my speed and dart through gaps if a car was coming the other way where he'd have to slow - so over wide cars are at a disadvantage on these roads but they just have to work a bit harder at the back
turning off the B4501 on the white road towards Rhydlydan is an interesting end to the day, I in my humble Midget would loose my mate in his Supra as I could keep my speed and dart through gaps if a car was coming the other way where he'd have to slow - so over wide cars are at a disadvantage on these roads but they just have to work a bit harder at the back
yeap S2000 isn't wide for a modern car but still a bit wide across the beam compared to a Midget
ah, the joys of computers, I see an original post and then a repeat of it
on the repeat post, on Day 1 map you go to point F on the B4403 and then turn back to go up the other side of Llyn Tegid on the A494 - up to you of course but if you're running short on time as Point F is so far up the B4403 I'd continue up the short distance of that road and turn left on to the B4391, the right/left/straight-on to A4212as it's a lake near a town and the road is narrow with few pull-ins
by coincidence my wife was in Wales last long weekend in a cottage in the woods Barmouth way (and the weekend before that on the beer bus stopping at Llandrindod Wells)
which has now reminded me - if you take Dinas Mawddwy to Pandy you could save time and avoid sitting in a traffic jam as she said last weekend there was a very long queue on the A470 going west towards Dolgellau and it stretched back to the hill which is about 4 miles from the town centre, the queues are because the road is being altered and the work may still be going on when you're out that way (good job I kinda remembered)
ah, the joys of computers, I see an original post and then a repeat of it
on the repeat post, on Day 1 map you go to point F on the B4403 and then turn back to go up the other side of Llyn Tegid on the A494 - up to you of course but if you're running short on time as Point F is so far up the B4403 I'd continue up the short distance of that road and turn left on to the B4391, the right/left/straight-on to A4212as it's a lake near a town and the road is narrow with few pull-ins
by coincidence my wife was in Wales last long weekend in a cottage in the woods Barmouth way (and the weekend before that on the beer bus stopping at Llandrindod Wells)
which has now reminded me - if you take Dinas Mawddwy to Pandy you could save time and avoid sitting in a traffic jam as she said last weekend there was a very long queue on the A470 going west towards Dolgellau and it stretched back to the hill which is about 4 miles from the town centre, the queues are because the road is being altered and the work may still be going on when you're out that way (good job I kinda remembered)
Just a suggestion for one of my favourite roads that you are right by on Day 3. The A525 Nant-y-garth pass - its a tight, twisty, tree covered river gorge.
Then do a U-turn at the college junction at the other end of the pass, wait for a large gap in the traffic, and do it again in the other direction on your way back towards Horseshoe Pass
Then do a U-turn at the college junction at the other end of the pass, wait for a large gap in the traffic, and do it again in the other direction on your way back towards Horseshoe Pass
nta16 said:
yeap S2000 isn't wide for a modern car but still a bit wide across the beam compared to a Midget
ah, the joys of computers, I see an original post and then a repeat of it
on the repeat post, on Day 1 map you go to point F on the B4403 and then turn back to go up the other side of Llyn Tegid on the A494 - up to you of course but if you're running short on time as Point F is so far up the B4403 I'd continue up the short distance of that road and turn left on to the B4391, the right/left/straight-on to A4212as it's a lake near a town and the road is narrow with few pull-ins
by coincidence my wife was in Wales last long weekend in a cottage in the woods Barmouth way (and the weekend before that on the beer bus stopping at Llandrindod Wells)
which has now reminded me - if you take Dinas Mawddwy to Pandy you could save time and avoid sitting in a traffic jam as she said last weekend there was a very long queue on the A470 going west towards Dolgellau and it stretched back to the hill which is about 4 miles from the town centre, the queues are because the road is being altered and the work may still be going on when you're out that way (good job I kinda remembered)
Thanks - I've removed the duplicate first post and updated the day 1 route again.ah, the joys of computers, I see an original post and then a repeat of it
on the repeat post, on Day 1 map you go to point F on the B4403 and then turn back to go up the other side of Llyn Tegid on the A494 - up to you of course but if you're running short on time as Point F is so far up the B4403 I'd continue up the short distance of that road and turn left on to the B4391, the right/left/straight-on to A4212as it's a lake near a town and the road is narrow with few pull-ins
by coincidence my wife was in Wales last long weekend in a cottage in the woods Barmouth way (and the weekend before that on the beer bus stopping at Llandrindod Wells)
which has now reminded me - if you take Dinas Mawddwy to Pandy you could save time and avoid sitting in a traffic jam as she said last weekend there was a very long queue on the A470 going west towards Dolgellau and it stretched back to the hill which is about 4 miles from the town centre, the queues are because the road is being altered and the work may still be going on when you're out that way (good job I kinda remembered)
We'll go up the one side of Lake Tegid with the option to spin back round if we feel like seeing the other side rather than looping it.
We also now go through the road I think you're talking about through Pandy which cuts out that piece of the A470.
mr_fibuli said:
Just a suggestion for one of my favourite roads that you are right by on Day 3. The A525 Nant-y-garth pass - its a tight, twisty, tree covered river gorge.
Then do a U-turn at the college junction at the other end of the pass, wait for a large gap in the traffic, and do it again in the other direction on your way back towards Horseshoe Pass
Great info - thanks for that, updated day 3 route to include this Then do a U-turn at the college junction at the other end of the pass, wait for a large gap in the traffic, and do it again in the other direction on your way back towards Horseshoe Pass
Cheers
RichwiththeS2000 said:
We also now go through the road I think you're talking about through Pandy which cuts out that piece of the A470.
that's the one (I use a road atlas so the markings are different to the US version of Britain)if you don't enjoy that road I'd be surprised, plenty more like that around there but you wont have the time
general notes about Day 2
first time we went up the Llanberis pass it was heavy drizzle and had been raining there for weeks before and small streams were running across the road in several places, next time dry and warm but the wet time was more dramatic and fun driving
the town with the railway is very busy and you can’t even stop to use a toilet without paying so just drive through as quick as possible, if anyone is interested in trains they can stop at Waunfawr
personally I’d avoid Porthmadog as it’s busy but of course it does have the Purple Moose brewery, if you see their ales on your travels they are good
of course if you’re “not a number” you might visit Portmerion
Diversion(?) on Day 2
Going down to Point D may involve you in those road works queue to Dogellau – if it does you can work round it by turning right (instead of left) back on to the A470 (thus not in the queue) and then very shortly left and keep left on a short back road to turn right back on to your route on the B4416
Day 3
I think this is still current with your latest update but you’ll have to check as I’ve got to drive my wife to drink
Instead of turning off the A470 at Llyswen (was on to A479) stay on the A470 until the A40 roundabout and turn left on the dual towards Abergavenny but after about half a mile turn on to the B4558 to Llangynidr to rejoin the route (near enough at Point E)
Hi Rich
Just replying to your email, presumably you found my write up on my blog?
The picture below was taken on the Great Orme Marine Drive at Llandudno. Honestly, it's worth a drive if you're going to Llandudno but I probably wouldn't make the diversion especially for it. It's a one way toll road (costs a pound or two) but it's only a couple of miles long and not suitable for fast driving - it's more of a scenic tour
Everything that you've already got planned looks great, the only road you've missed, that I'd try and squeeze in on one day is the B4391 between Penybontfawr and Bala (in that direction), it's one that really sticks in my mind from my drive last year, quiet, quick, lovely corners and breathtaking scenery
Just replying to your email, presumably you found my write up on my blog?
The picture below was taken on the Great Orme Marine Drive at Llandudno. Honestly, it's worth a drive if you're going to Llandudno but I probably wouldn't make the diversion especially for it. It's a one way toll road (costs a pound or two) but it's only a couple of miles long and not suitable for fast driving - it's more of a scenic tour
Everything that you've already got planned looks great, the only road you've missed, that I'd try and squeeze in on one day is the B4391 between Penybontfawr and Bala (in that direction), it's one that really sticks in my mind from my drive last year, quiet, quick, lovely corners and breathtaking scenery
topalwaysdown said:
Hi Rich
Just replying to your email, presumably you found my write up on my blog?
The picture below was taken on the Great Orme Marine Drive at Llandudno. Honestly, it's worth a drive if you're going to Llandudno but I probably wouldn't make the diversion especially for it. It's a one way toll road (costs a pound or two) but it's only a couple of miles long and not suitable for fast driving - it's more of a scenic tour
Everything that you've already got planned looks great, the only road you've missed, that I'd try and squeeze in on one day is the B4391 between Penybontfawr and Bala (in that direction), it's one that really sticks in my mind from my drive last year, quiet, quick, lovely corners and breathtaking scenery
Thanks mate - yep I found you when google imaging for some of the roads above! Just replying to your email, presumably you found my write up on my blog?
The picture below was taken on the Great Orme Marine Drive at Llandudno. Honestly, it's worth a drive if you're going to Llandudno but I probably wouldn't make the diversion especially for it. It's a one way toll road (costs a pound or two) but it's only a couple of miles long and not suitable for fast driving - it's more of a scenic tour
Everything that you've already got planned looks great, the only road you've missed, that I'd try and squeeze in on one day is the B4391 between Penybontfawr and Bala (in that direction), it's one that really sticks in my mind from my drive last year, quiet, quick, lovely corners and breathtaking scenery
Thanks for the tip - I've updated the day 2 route so we can shoot down the B4391 towards Penybontfawr after we get to Bala - sounds good to me!
nta16 said:
===general notes about Day 2===
first time we went up the Llanberis pass it was heavy drizzle and had been raining there for weeks before and small streams were running across the road in several places, next time dry and warm but the wet time was more dramatic and fun driving
the town with the railway is very busy and you can’t even stop to use a toilet without paying so just drive through as quick as possible, if anyone is interested in trains they can stop at Waunfawr
personally I’d avoid Porthmadog as it’s busy but of course it does have the Purple Moose brewery, if you see their ales on your travels they are good
of course if you’re “not a number” you might visit Portmerion
Diversion(?) on Day 2
Going down to Point D may involve you in those road works queue to Dogellau – if it does you can work round it by turning right (instead of left) back on to the A470 (thus not in the queue) and then very shortly left and keep left on a short back road to turn right back on to your route on the B4416
I think this is still current with your latest update but you’ll have to check as I’ve got to drive my wife to drink
Instead of turning off the A470 at Llyswen (was on to A479) stay on the A470 until the A40 roundabout and turn left on the dual towards Abergavenny but after about half a mile turn on to the B4558 to Llangynidr to rejoin the route (near enough at Point E)
Thanks! I was on the fence with Porthmadog as I've heard it can be good to go on the beach, but I think it depends how early we (want to) get up. If we make good time and it looks quiet we might pop in, otherwise may well carry on past it. first time we went up the Llanberis pass it was heavy drizzle and had been raining there for weeks before and small streams were running across the road in several places, next time dry and warm but the wet time was more dramatic and fun driving
the town with the railway is very busy and you can’t even stop to use a toilet without paying so just drive through as quick as possible, if anyone is interested in trains they can stop at Waunfawr
personally I’d avoid Porthmadog as it’s busy but of course it does have the Purple Moose brewery, if you see their ales on your travels they are good
of course if you’re “not a number” you might visit Portmerion
Diversion(?) on Day 2
Going down to Point D may involve you in those road works queue to Dogellau – if it does you can work round it by turning right (instead of left) back on to the A470 (thus not in the queue) and then very shortly left and keep left on a short back road to turn right back on to your route on the B4416
Day 3
I think this is still current with your latest update but you’ll have to check as I’ve got to drive my wife to drink
Instead of turning off the A470 at Llyswen (was on to A479) stay on the A470 until the A40 roundabout and turn left on the dual towards Abergavenny but after about half a mile turn on to the B4558 to Llangynidr to rejoin the route (near enough at Point E)
I've done Llanberis pass before, it's a fun stretch but normally busy with cyclists and rock climbers so 'wasn't expecting to go too mad anyway! Although the stone walls make for some nice "sound checks"
I've updated the day 3 route to include that recommendation - wasn't too sure about the best way to attack Brecon on the way back so will go with this recommendation. Thanks again all, appreciate the input!
the thing is as the saying goes "I wouldn't start out from here if I was going there" the fact that your start and finish are south and location is north means you might not have the time to fit in some of the roads and need to stay on the 'bigger' roads but having modern quicker cars those 'bigger' roads will suit your cars more than mine
same with the suggestion of the B4391 as it's recommended by a S2000 owner that confirms it but it wasn't a special drive with my old car, courses for horses
some of the narrower minor roads have better road surface (fresh laid smooth surface 2 years ago) and more room, because a lot of the time you have the full width of the road to yourself, than some of the 'bigger' roads
when we go we have a lot more time and no real plans so if I find a good road I turn round and drive the other way and at the other end turn round again to repeat where I was originally going, they're like different roads if you go in both directions as there are so many features on them
I'll see your new routes later when I have more time, be careful not to cram too many roads in or you'll be rushing too much at times to take in the spectacular scenery
same with the suggestion of the B4391 as it's recommended by a S2000 owner that confirms it but it wasn't a special drive with my old car, courses for horses
some of the narrower minor roads have better road surface (fresh laid smooth surface 2 years ago) and more room, because a lot of the time you have the full width of the road to yourself, than some of the 'bigger' roads
when we go we have a lot more time and no real plans so if I find a good road I turn round and drive the other way and at the other end turn round again to repeat where I was originally going, they're like different roads if you go in both directions as there are so many features on them
I'll see your new routes later when I have more time, be careful not to cram too many roads in or you'll be rushing too much at times to take in the spectacular scenery
AdvocatusD said:
nta16, please do look at the other days. I'd be grateful for all the info.
if you want later when I get a chance I could PM you a list of other roadsbear in mind I go there in a MG Midget (but I'd be happy to take a narrowish low revving V8 car) and I enjoy turning the steering wheel and gear changing rather than seeing how high (or low) the speedo needle gets (or digits for S2000, try switching to kph if you want to see higher numbers
)Exactly We won't be rushing as we have pretty much 3 full days of driving!
I'm looking forward to filming a lot of it as I've always wanted to make a road trip type video, so I expect the format will be a lot of;
Drive down a road
Turn around to drop of camera man at a nice/interesting location
Drive back to film that section and then grab camera man and carry on!
A couple of people have GoPro type cameras too, so I'm hoping to edit together some nice sections. Should be interesting to see what we can come up with
We won't be rushing as we have pretty much 3 full days of driving!I'm looking forward to filming a lot of it as I've always wanted to make a road trip type video, so I expect the format will be a lot of;
Drive down a road
Turn around to drop of camera man at a nice/interesting location
Drive back to film that section and then grab camera man and carry on!
A couple of people have GoPro type cameras too, so I'm hoping to edit together some nice sections. Should be interesting to see what we can come up with
sorry I might(?) have had a brain f*rt and got the wrong road with the following -
in my mind we'd barely got into Wales when this photo was taken
nta16 said:
same with the suggestion of the B4391 as it's recommended by a S2000 owner that confirms it but it wasn't a special drive with my old car, courses for horses
perhaps if topalwaysdown could confirm if it's the B4391 in the photo below as I got that road confused before, cheersin my mind we'd barely got into Wales when this photo was taken
Edited by nta16 on Wednesday 10th July 13:26
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