In North Wales, Snowdonia National Park (Eryri in Welsh) offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the UK. With its rugged mountains, glacial lakes and stone villages, this wild region attracts nature lovers, hikers and road-trippers in search of authenticity.
A road trip in Snowdonia is an opportunity to drive on winding roads lined with sheep, climb to the summit of Mount Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa), and sleep facing a lake of absolute calm.
Why choose Snowdonia?
Snowdonia is often overshadowed by Scotland or Cornwall, but it has a unique charm:
- Raw, unspoilt nature: heather-covered mountains, deep valleys and impressive waterfalls.
- A strong Welsh heritage: medieval castles, slate villages, bilingual English-Welsh signs.
- Mythical roads: the A5, Llanberis Pass and Beddgelert Road are among the most beautiful in the UK.
- Lakes and hikes within easy reach: wherever you are, nature is never more than a few minutes away.
This is a nature trip par excellence, perfect for 3 to 5 days, and can be combined with the Isle of Anglesey or the Welsh coast.
Detailed itinerary for a road trip in Snowdonia (3 days)
Day 1: Bangor → Llanberis → Mount Snowdon
Depart from Bangor, university town and gateway to the park. Take a detour via the Menai suspension bridge, then head for Llanberis, on the shores of Lake Llyn Padarn.
Take the Pen-y-Pass road, a mythical climb leading to the Mount Snowdon trailhead. The more adventurous can climb on foot (3 h to 4 h walk), or take the Snowdon Mountain Railway, a small cogwheel train to the summit (1085 m).
Where to sleep: Overnight recommended in Llanberis – mountain atmosphere and friendly inns.
Day 2: Llanberis → Beddgelert → Betws-y-Coed
Head for Beddgelert, a charming stone village with two rivers running through it. Take a stroll to the grave of the legendary Gelert dog, then follow the Llyn Dinas lake.
Continue on to Betws-y-Coed, nicknamed the gateway to Snowdonia. Don’t miss Swallow Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Wales.
Where to sleep: Overnight in Betws-y-Coed – ideal for walks and typical pubs.
Day 3: Dolgellau → Barmouth → Harlech
Take the road to Dolgellau, surrounded by green hills. Continue on to Barmouth, a seaside resort with retro charm, then finish off in Harlech with its UNESCO-listed castle overlooking the Irish Sea.
Where to sleep: Overnight stays can be arranged in Harlech or on the coast for a more oceanic feel.
When to go on a road trip in Snowdonia
- Summer: the ideal time. Mild temperatures (15 – 22°C), long days and accessible trails.
- April and October: wilder atmosphere, morning mist, fewer tourists.
- In winter: mystical landscapes, but beware of closed roads and changing weather conditions.
Tip: avoid British bank holiday weekends, which are very busy in the national parks.
Snowdonia’s must-sees
- Mountains and lakes: Mount Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa), Llyn Gwynant, Llyn Padarn, Llyn Dinas
- Nature and waterfalls: Swallow Falls, Aber Falls, Dolgoch Falls
- Heritage and villages: Harlech Castle, Beddgelert, Betws-y-Coed, Dolgellau
- Unique experiences: Snowdon Train, Zip World Velocity (giant zip line), Snowdonia 360 Route
- Photo points: View from Pen-y-Pass, Beddgelert Bridge, Snowdon summit at sunrise
Pre-departure formalities
Since the Brexit, traveling to the UK requires a few extra checks:
- Passport required: European identity cards are no longer accepted. The passport must be valid for the entire duration of the stay.
- No visa required for tourist stays of less than 6 months (EU citizens, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein), thanks to an eTA travel authorization.
- Health insurance: the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is no longer valid in all cases, so it is advisable to take out travel insurance to cover medical treatment in the UK.
- Driving licenses: EU licenses are valid for a short period. If you are staying longer, an international license may be required.
Tip : If you do end up needing a tourist visa, you’ll need to allow several weeks for the UK visa procedure.
