Stafford to Cardigan, interesting route?
Stafford to Cardigan, interesting route?
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JB434

Original Poster:

178 posts

164 months

Thursday 24th May 2012
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A week on Saturday I'll be heading from Stafford to Cardigan in Wales and I'm wondering if there are any good roads which I could use on the way rather than just blindly following the satnav.
Thanks in advance

willp1987

21 posts

163 months

Friday 25th May 2012
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Can't comment on the earlier stages of the journey but if you are going Shrewsbury, Newtown way (as opposed to Hereford, Brecon way), it's well worth following the A44 to Aberystwyth. A great road through the mountains which opens up some fantastic views as you get towards Aberystwyth. You can then follow the coast road to Cardigan which is a nice drive but can be a bit busy during the summer season and at peak times.

Google suggests Newtown, Aberystwyth way which is probably what I would go with but having said that the roads around Brecon are great too but don't know these so well.

Trefy5

459 posts

168 months

Saturday 26th May 2012
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JB
Like Willip i can't say about pre-Shrewsbury but after.... would avoid a few places as much as possible
including Newtown (godforsaken bottleneck of a place)

On the A5(Shrewsbury by-pass) turn south on A488 to Minsterley and continue along to (by-pass) Bishop's castle (nice stopping point) - Clun - New Invention(yes really) - Knighton- Bleddfa - Penybont where you join the A44.
Right
Knills is a useful Cafe Stop popular with bikers and drivers in general
Fuel is a bit pricey but cheaper than Rhayader
Enjoy the more open road of the A44 to Rhayader.
At the cross straight on into Cwmdeuddwr and turn right on to the Aberystywth Mountain road that will take you to the upper part of the Elan valley (missing the dams... but do the dams if you have time)
On to Cwm Ystwyth - as you exit the 30mph turn LEFT >> Tregaron via Pontrhydfendigaid [if you like old ruins, Strata Florida is a short diversion]
Run on down to Lampeter and on to Cardigan
I've not done the latter road but i'm pretty sure it'll be enjoyable