Wales grand road trip

Wales has long held a special place in the hearts of driving enthusiasts. Few countries offer such an extraordinary concentration of rewarding roads within such a compact landscape. From the twisting mountain passes of the south to the remote moorlands of Mid Wales and the dramatic peaks of Snowdonia, this is a place where the road is every bit as important as the destination.

This three-day New Roads adventure covers almost 470 miles of some of the finest driving roads Wales has to offer. Beginning near Raglan, the route climbs through the valleys of Bannau Brycheiniog before heading north into the Cambrian Mountains, Snowdonia and the famous Evo Triangle. 

Day 1 begins at Raglan, with the B4598 and A465 providing a measured introduction before turning towards Brecon. A stop at Brecon Cathedral offers a chance to explore one of the region’s historic landmarks before the A470 carries the route towards Pont ar Daf, beneath the imposing slopes of Pen y Fan.

And then the driving really begins.

The A4059 leads towards Rhigos, where the A4061 introduces one of South Wales’ most celebrated mountain roads. Climbing above the Rhondda Valley, it delivers sweeping bends, changing gradients and dramatic hairpins. From Rhigos, the road continues towards Bwlch Mountain, another legendary stretch offering expansive views and an almost Alpine sense of scale. 

The route then heads towards Cymmer, where broad mountain roads give way to tighter corners and a more intricate network of valleys. 

The A4069, better known as the Black Mountain Pass, is one of Wales’ most famous driving roads. Climbing across the western edge of Bannau Brycheiniog, it combines open moorland sweepers with tight hairpins and dramatic elevation changes. It’s a road that demands respect, particularly where livestock and changing weather can alter conditions, but one that delivers an extraordinary driving experience.

The first day concludes in Llandovery, where The Castle Hotel provides a welcome opportunity to unwind after more than 100 miles of Welsh mountain roads.

Day 2 takes the adventure into the remote Cambrian Mountains, where the roads become quieter, the scenery more elemental and the sense of isolation increasingly pronounced.

Leaving Llandovery, the A40 and A483 provide a flowing start before smaller roads lead towards the Elan Valley. Here, the landscape transforms into a remarkable network of reservoirs, sweeping hillsides and dramatic stone dams. The roads twist alongside dark water and climb through open countryside, with the surrounding mountains stretching into the distance.

A stop at the Elan Valley Visitor Centre offers an opportunity to appreciate the extraordinary engineering of the reservoir system before continuing towards the Alyn Wallace Art Installation near Craig Goch Reservoir.

Beyond the reservoirs, the route enters one of its most remote sections – The National Cycle Route 81. It’s a road that you will remember forever! Don’t be put off – yes its a single track road – but it has lot’s of passing points and the drive and the views are so worth it!

The mountain road continues towards Cwmystwyth crosses exposed moorland before descending into a dramatic valley shaped by centuries of mining. The road narrows, the bends tighten and the scenery feels wonderfully untouched. 

A photo stop at the Cwmystwyth Phone Box precedes a visit to Devil’s Bridge and The Hafod Hotel, before the A4120 and A487 bring a welcome return to flowing roads towards Machynlleth. From here, the journey heads north towards Bala Lake, where another spectacular photo opportunity awaits for that epic EVO cover shot on the lakes edge.

But there is still one major highlight to come.

The roads towards Pentrefoelas lead into the famous Evo Triangle, a combination of the A5, A543 and B4501 that has long been a favourite of automotive journalists. Across the Denbigh Moors, sweeping bends, broad horizons and undulating stretches of tarmac reward a smooth, measured driving style. The A543 is particularly memorable, while the B4501 adds compressions and surface changes that demand careful chassis control.

Yes, it has average speed camera’s along sections of it but don’t let that put you off. It’s still a road well worth driving!

The second day concludes at Palé Hall near Bala, a magnificent Victorian country house hotel offering exceptional luxury and a welcome contrast to the day’s rugged driving. 

Day 3 begins early, with the promise of dawn light across the mountains of Snowdonia. Leaving Palé Hall, the route follows the B4401 and A494 before picking up the A5 and A4086 towards Llanberis, one of North Wales’ most dramatic mountain roads.

Pen y Pass is one of Steve’s personal favourites.

“The way the road weaves its way up the mountainside as you head north is something special. Open views stretch out to your left, while sheer rock faces rise to your right. The road flows beautifully, each corner leading naturally into the next. Then, as you crest the summit and begin the descent, the landscape opens up before you. It’s one of those moments that leaves you speechless, completely absorbed by the sweeping bends and the breathtaking views through the mountains.”

A stop at The Lake View Hotel offers an opportunity to enjoy the scenery around Llyn Padarn before beginning the long southbound return.

The A487 and A470 form the backbone of the journey, providing a more composed driving experience with flowing corners and changing gradients. After two days of mountain passes and technical sections, there’s something satisfying about settling into a sustained rhythm as the miles unfold.

The journey reaches its conclusion at The Castle Inn, a fitting place to reflect on three extraordinary days behind the wheel.

Almost 470 miles have passed beneath the wheels, taking in some of Wales’ most celebrated driving roads and its most remote landscapes. 

And that’s exactly what New Roads was created to make possible. Not simply a route between destinations, but a journey designed around the roads themselves, the car you’re driving and the experiences that make every mile memorable.