Anglesey and the Llŷn peninsula

Route description

From Conwy take the A55 west and cross the Menai Strait to Anglesey, either on the A55 Britannia Bridge or on Telford’s suspension bridge of 1826, which has a 7.5-tonne limit and roadworks planned until 2027. The A545 follows the strait to Beaumaris, a Georgian town beside Edward I’s last and most symmetrical castle. Parking on the green by the seafront is close to both the castle and the pier, and it takes most vehicles.

Return to the A55 and head west across the island to Holyhead, about 45 minutes. South Stack lies on Holy Island’s western cliffs, signposted from the town. The RSPB reserve has a car park and clifftop paths; about 400 steps lead down to the bridge and the lighthouse, but only on days when it is open, so check before you go. Come in spring and early summer for the seabirds.

Cross back to the mainland on the Britannia Bridge and follow the A487 to Caernarfon, where the grand castle stands over the harbour and the town walls are nearly complete. The A499 and B4417 then run down the north coast of the Llŷn. Park at Morfa Nefyn and walk out to Porthdinllaen, a fishing hamlet on the sand where cars are not allowed.

Narrow lanes lead on to Aberdaron near the end of the peninsula; Bardsey Island lies just offshore beyond the headland. Head east along the south coast via Abersoch and Pwllheli to Criccieth, where the castle stands on a headland between two beaches. Porthmadog is ten minutes on; the Ffestiniog Railway starts here and Portmeirion is just outside town. Lanes on the Llŷn are narrow, so larger motorhomes should keep to the A and B roads.