Snowdonia Explorer Road Trip
This picturesque loop begins and ends in Betws‑y‑Coed, taking you through Llanberis, Beddgelert, and Harlech over roughly 80 miles—a perfect 1–2 day adventure through coastal vistas, mountain passes, lakes and historic villages.
Route: Betws-y-Coed → Llanberis → Beddgelert → Harlech → Betws-y-Coed
Distance: ~80 miles
Recommended Duration: 1–2 days
Driving Time (without stops): Approx. 3 hours total
Parking: Park at marked car parks (e.g. Pen‑y‑Pass, Llanberis) and note paid/overnight restrictions.
Postcodes / Waypoints for GPX or Sat‑nav:
- Betws‑y‑Coed station car park: LL24 0AE
- Llanberis village: LL55 4TU
- Beddgelert: LL55 4YD
- Top of Nant Gwynant / Pen-y‑Pass: LL55 4NT
Tourist attractions
- Pen-Y-Pass
- Snowdonia Mountain Railway
- Harlech Castle
- Blaenau Ffestiniog
Day 1: Betws-y-Coed → Llanberis → Beddgelert
Leg 1: Betws-y-Coed → Llanberis (via A5 & A4086)
Distance: 20 miles | Time: 40 mins (scenic)
Stop 1: Betws-y-Coed
Known as the gateway to Snowdonia, the town is surrounded by Gwydir Forest Park. With clear mountain lakes, winding trails through carpets of bluebells, and roaring waterfalls, this is a magical place that begs to be explored on foot.
Top Sights:
- Swallow Falls: A cascading waterfall just 2 miles away
- Pont-y-Pair Bridge: A photogenic old stone bridge
- Conwy Valley Railway Museum: Miniature trains, ideal for families
- Walks: Short riverside trails or the start of the longer Gwydir Forest Loop
Food:
- Alpine Coffee Shop – Eco-conscious, veggie-friendly
- Olif – Welsh tapas and local produce
Leg 2: Betws-y-Coed → Llanberis
Drive through the Pen-y-Pass, one of Wales’ most dramatic routes. Pen y Pass is on the A4086, 5 miles up the Llanberis Pass from Llanberis.
Stop 2: Llanberis & Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa)
From Llanberis, there are a number of paths leading to the 3,050 foot peak of the highest mountain in England and Wales, or you can take the Snowdon Mountain Railway.
Nearby, in a region known for its rough beauty and scarred with numerous slate mines, the Llanberis Pass is formed by the twin lakes of Llyn Padarn and Llyn Peris, which cut through the mountain range. Llanberis is a popular destination because it is a remarkable city with a rich history and a peaceful atmosphere.
Things to Do:
- Snowdon Mountain Railway: A scenic 1-hour ride to the summit (book in advance)
- Llyn Padarn Lake: Kayaking, paddleboarding, or a relaxing walk
- National Slate Museum: Set in a Victorian quarry workshop, free entry
- Electric Mountain: Learn about hydroelectricity inside a mountain cave (check opening hours)
Walk Options:
- Llanberis Path: Moderate hike to Snowdon summit (~6 hrs return)
- Ceunant Mawr Waterfall: Just a 15-min walk from the village
Food:
- Pete’s Eats: Beloved by climbers; hearty, casual food
- Pantri – A delightful and friendly Welsh Tea and Coffee Shop
Leg 3: Llanberis → Beddgelert (via A4085)
Distance: 13 miles | Time: 30 mins
Stop 3: Beddgelert
Possibly the most picturesque village in Snowdonia, Beddgelert sits at the junction of two rivers and is steeped in myth.
Must-Sees:
- Gelert’s Grave: A legendary story of a loyal dog, with a short river walk
- Aberglaslyn Pass: A dramatic gorge with hiking routes along the river
- Craft & Wool Shops: Browse handmade Welsh goods
Walk Options:
- Lôn Gwyrfai Trail: A gentle multi-use trail connecting Beddgelert and Rhyd Ddu
- Dinas Emrys: A wooded hill where Welsh dragons are said to have battled
Accommodation Suggestions:
- Bryn Eglwys Hotel: Country house charm with mountain views
- Sygun Fawr Country House: Historic stone house tucked into the hillside
- Craflwyn Bunkhouse (National Trust): Great for walkers on a budget
Dinner:
- Tanronnen Inn – Traditional pub classics
- Hebog Café & Bistro – Local meats, excellent desserts
Day 2: Beddgelert → Harlech → Betws-y-Coed
Leg 4: Beddgelert → Harlech (via A498, A4085 & A496)
Distance: 21 miles | Time: 40 mins
Stop 4: Harlech
A striking coastal town famous for its commanding medieval fortress and views over Cardigan Bay.
What to See:
- Harlech Castle (UNESCO): Perched dramatically on a cliff, built by Edward I in the 13th century
- Harlech Beach: 4 miles of golden sand and dunes – Blue Flag awarded
- World’s Steepest Street: Ffordd Pen Llech (confirmed by Guinness World Records!)
Food:
- Llew Glas Deli: Fresh bakes and local produce
- Castle Bistro: Great views with your lunch
Optional Activity:
- Walk down to the beach dunes or try sandboarding
- Visit Llanfair Slate Caverns, a lesser-known stop with underground tunnels
Leg 5: Harlech → Betws-y-Coed (via A496 & A470)
Distance: 27 miles | Time: 45 mins
Stop 5: Blaenau Ffestinog
Once known as the ‘slate capital of the world’, Blaenau Ffestiniog has recently emerged as one of North Wales’s most innovative activity hubs. It is one of the six unique regions of the Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Information on activities at Blaenau Ffestiniog
What To Do
- Antur Stiniog is home to 14 different mountain bike trails
- Zip World Llechwedd at Llechwedd Quarry
- Short walk to Cwmorthin Slate Quarry
- Many shops and cafes
Optional Detour: Coed y Brenin Forest Park
Return through scenic uplands and forests via Coed y Brenin, a top mountain biking and walking forest.
- Waterfall Trail: A 2-hour loop past several cascades
- Visitor Centre: Family-friendly with café and bike rentals