Critique my Wales weekend
Discussion
Hi, this weekend we're off to Wales. Saturday is a dawn raid from Leeds with 5 cars ranging from my Elise to an M3. The group then splits around Oswestry with 2 cars heading home and the rest of us overnighting at Aberystwth. Shame the weather looks like it's going to let us down, but hey.
I know a little of Wales, but it's more complicated and crowded than my usual weekend on the west and north of Scotland. Some of the single tracks look good, but lack passing places? We want to make progress and enjoy the scenery, we don't want to break any speed records but at the same time not spend hours stuck behind dawdlers with no hope of passing.
I'd be grateful for constructive criticism of my routes from those of you who know the area?
Day 1: 5am start from Leeds
https://goo.gl/maps/qZ7ufVoDN2w
Day 2: 9am start after a fry-up (probably)
https://goo.gl/maps/XYxrUYV7cz92
At the moment Sunday looks either too long, too dull, or both. It's too late to change the overnight location now though, and I don't want to miss out on the A4069.
I know a little of Wales, but it's more complicated and crowded than my usual weekend on the west and north of Scotland. Some of the single tracks look good, but lack passing places? We want to make progress and enjoy the scenery, we don't want to break any speed records but at the same time not spend hours stuck behind dawdlers with no hope of passing.
I'd be grateful for constructive criticism of my routes from those of you who know the area?
Day 1: 5am start from Leeds
https://goo.gl/maps/qZ7ufVoDN2w
Day 2: 9am start after a fry-up (probably)
https://goo.gl/maps/XYxrUYV7cz92
At the moment Sunday looks either too long, too dull, or both. It's too late to change the overnight location now though, and I don't want to miss out on the A4069.
Thanks guys, I'll check out your suggestions this evening 
I know Wales a little from previous hoons, canoe trips and following Rally GB. My experience already tells me that passing is hard and enjoyment is very traffic dependant. We don't mind long days though.
I've not been on the A4069 since the limits were applied. One of my best driving memories is following a couple of Rally GB competitors down this road on a clear night on a liaison section - they were motoring on but sooo smooth and clean, a joy to follow.
I know Wales a little from previous hoons, canoe trips and following Rally GB. My experience already tells me that passing is hard and enjoyment is very traffic dependant. We don't mind long days though.
I've not been on the A4069 since the limits were applied. One of my best driving memories is following a couple of Rally GB competitors down this road on a clear night on a liaison section - they were motoring on but sooo smooth and clean, a joy to follow.
Red Devil & waterwonder - excellent thanks for that. I'll def. fit in the route across the ranges, I remember that from spectating on the Halfway rally stage. That's the road with the fake German village on it isn't it?
Tickle & mr pg - Consider the B4391 added, looks great!
This is exactly the sort of advice I was hoping for, thanks very much.
Tickle & mr pg - Consider the B4391 added, looks great!
This is exactly the sort of advice I was hoping for, thanks very much.
Well that was a great weekend. Made a few changes on the fly and cut out the section to Hundred House simply because it was getting later and later, but what a trip - despite the long "commute" from West Yorkshire. 670 miles and around 20 hours driving over 2 days.
Thanks again for the route advice everyone.
Thanks again for the route advice everyone.
Wow, is it a year since my trip?
From my experience I'd drop the Llanberis Pass and the rest of the lap around Snowdon on day 1 and go straight to Beddgelert. It's a beautiful location but if you're not there at dawn it's just too slow and busy to be a good drive, with no chance of an overtake.
This place was great for a late breakfast: http://www.cafesnowdon.co.uk/
The route around Lake Vyrnwy was very slow too and full of families walking and cycling. However the run there from Bala made it worthwhile, as did the views on the route out.
On day 2 the run from Aber to Elan is just great!
From my experience I'd drop the Llanberis Pass and the rest of the lap around Snowdon on day 1 and go straight to Beddgelert. It's a beautiful location but if you're not there at dawn it's just too slow and busy to be a good drive, with no chance of an overtake.
This place was great for a late breakfast: http://www.cafesnowdon.co.uk/
The route around Lake Vyrnwy was very slow too and full of families walking and cycling. However the run there from Bala made it worthwhile, as did the views on the route out.
On day 2 the run from Aber to Elan is just great!
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