My Dream Drive: Betws-y-Coed to Llangollen
A classic slice of rugged Welsh road for our latest Dream Drive
Where: Betws-y-Coed to Llangollen, via Denbigh
Car used:MK Indy R
The route:
"Head south out of Betws-y-Coed and pick up the A5 heading east towards Llangollen - although this is ultimately the journey's end, it's not just a straight drag along a busy A-road. Dive off north on to the A543 at the village of Pentrefoelas and scud on to Denbigh.
"From there, come back south on the A525 to Ruthin and thread your way through the little town, staying on that road until you reach the top of the Nant-y-Garth pass, where you'll then be looking for signs for the A542 - also known as the Horseshoe pass. This final leg is an up-and-over to Llangollen."
Why it's a dream drive:
"There's a reason why North Wales is popular with bikers and car mags, and this route proves it, taking in all different types of roads and making it a real challenge to thread the different sections together. My car's garaged the other side of Chester so it's only a short hop for me, and an early rise on a Sunday can see you out and enjoying the countryside (in a manner of speaking) with little else but sheep for company. Lots of sheep.
"If the road does get busy, the beauty of this route is you can duck off and make a detour at many points, such is the wealth of amazing blacktop in this part of the world. If Carlsberg did B-roads..."
Ponderosa Cafe at Horseshoe Pass - essential!
"Once you're off the A5 (this stretch from your source at Betws-y-Coed acts as a nice run to warm the car through) and onto the A543 you'll (hopefully) pretty much have the road to yourself.
"This is part of the 'Evo triangle' and it's a properly stimulating piece of Tarmac. Fast straights and long, open corners combine with a mix of cambers and more technical, varying radius turns, which will keep your brain busy. There are plenty of gradient changes and visibility is good, so you can carry some decent, erm, momentum...
"The road from Denbigh to Ruthin is busier but can still be a nice brisk and flowing drive, even if it is sort of a link to the more interesting sections - I always find it a good opportunity to catch your breath, too, before trying to traverse a tight Welsh town in a car with no reverse gear.
"Coming out the other side, recalculate your head for tight and twisty as opposed to the more open moorland section of the first leg. A rather large dyke looms large up the left-hand side of the Nant-y-Garth pass on the ascent to focus the mind, but the asphalt is good so you can lean on the grip - just watch for areas of sap and moisture under the trees if it's been raining.
"The Horseshoe pass is more open, with a lovely section culminating in a fast right-left dipper as you approach the summit. The road then slithers its way down into Llangollen. Cool the brakes, park up, and you're done.
"The great roads and equally breathtaking views can be tempered by traffic on occasion during summer, but get up early enough and this shouldn't be a problem. As always in North Wales, there's the local Heddlu to look out for - I know an unfortunate biker who was actually served a speeding ticket by a helicopter around these parts.
"There are plenty of cattle grids, too, which means there's potential for an errant kamikaze sheep to spoil your day, big time. Back off if you see one on the verge."
Keeping a car like this nearby is incentive enough
"If you've brought a flask with you (it's an important addition when your car has no weather protection) then make a diversion onto the B4501 and stop for a brew on the banks of the Llyn Brenig reservoir. It's also a good detour if you happen to get baulked by a tractor - even more open than the first section, the vistas are great and swooping through the pine forest you can't help but think WRC or Le Mans, depending on your persuasion.
"Other cuppa stops include the Ponderosa Cafe at the top of the Horseshoe pass - it's usually a good spot to take in some two-wheeled machinery, too - as well as numerous cafes in Denbigh and Ruthin. The two towns are also good for a fill-up if you're running low on juice."
Follow the route here.
[Photos: craggyisland21 and diluviene via Flickr and under Creative Commons licence]
Looking for inspiration? Check out the latest Dunlop Pure Driving Experiences video here.
) pleasures.
On a busy day the Ponderosa can be, errrmm, an eperience to say the least! Imagine the days when everyone used to take a day trip to Watford Gap services and you're not far off... It's best of enjoyed on a weekday when quiet.
On a busy day the Ponderosa can be, errrmm, an eperience to say the least! Imagine the days when everyone used to take a day trip to Watford Gap services and you're not far off... It's best of enjoyed on a weekday when quiet.
It's fun in the winter...
It was a good three foot deep in places that day!
http://goo.gl/maps/fgC3a
Brilliant roads best caught early on a sunny day especially the blast up to ruthin and around Blaenau Ffestiniog
Also while short the B4501 is good too.
This IS my favourite road anywhere, but I can't decide which section is best. Both sections have their charms, challenges and epic views... Maybe I should get up early this Sunday!
Your challenge (motorbikes excepted): Maintain exactly 60mph for the _entire_ road (except for one corner, just before (northbound) or after (southbound) Bryneglwys - best slow down for that one, or you'll end up in a field). Yes, it's tempting to do >60 on some of the straighter bits..
Can I do it? Hell no, I bottled on several corners, but then I _am_ driving a barge.
Dear PH article writers, please STFU.
Happy memories!
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff