Wales: Brecon Beacons to Snowdonia
Across Wales on the A470, up Snowdon and on to Conwy’s castle and Portmeirion.
- Distance
- 287 km (178 mi)
- Driving
- 3 h 58 min
- Suggested days
- 4
- Stops
- 6
- Countries
- United Kingdom
- Updated
- May 24, 2026
At a glance: 4-day road trip of about 287 km (178 mi) with 6 stops, from Cardiff to Conwy. About 3 h 58 min of driving in total.
More road trips in United Kingdom · More road trips from Cardiff
Route description
Start in Cardiff, with its castle in the centre and the redeveloped bay, then take the A470 north past Merthyr Tydfil into the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog). The valleys give way to open grassy mountains around Pen y Fan, the highest peak in southern Britain.
Brecon is a small market town with a cathedral at the edge of the national park. The A470 then crosses mid Wales through Builth Wells and Rhayader, a long, quiet stretch of hills and sheep farms, to Dolgellau and the coast near Portmeirion.
Portmeirion is an Italian-style fantasy village built by the architect Clough Williams-Ellis on a wooded peninsula. From there drive into Snowdonia (Eryri) to Llanberis, below the old slate quarries.
From Llanberis you can walk up Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) or take the rack railway in season, which is worth booking ahead. Finish in Conwy, with its castle and complete town walls. The A470 is slow and winding in places, and car parks at popular trailheads such as Pen-y-Pass need to be booked in advance in summer.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Cardiff
United Kingdom - 267 km
Brecon
United Kingdom - 3147 km
Portmeirion
OdditiesPenrhyndeudraeth, United KingdomAn Italian-style fantasy village built on the Welsh coast by an eccentric architect.
- 429 km
Llanberis
United Kingdom - 58 km
Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa)
NatureLlanberis, United KingdomWales’ highest mountain. Walk up, or take the rack railway from Llanberis in season.
- 636 km
Conwy
United Kingdom
Suggested stages and overnight stops
4 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Cardiff → Brecon · 67 km · 0 h 56 minOvernight nearby, for example: Talybont Farm Camping (9 km); Llangorse Multi Activity Centre Campsite (10 km).
- Day 2: Brecon → Portmeirion · 147 km · 2 h 02 minOvernight nearby, for example: Glan y Mor Camping Park (6 km); Black Rock Sands Camping & Touring (6 km).
- Day 3: Portmeirion → Llanberis · 29 km · 0 h 24 minOvernight nearby, for example: Tyn-Yr-Onnen Farm & Campsite (4 km); Llyn Gwynant Campsite (11 km).
- Day 4: Llanberis → Conwy · 44 km · 0 h 37 minOn the way: Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa).Overnight nearby, for example: Conwy Holiday Park (2 km); Cefn Cae Camping Site (6 km).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and July–September. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- United Kingdom: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Drive on the left. Some bridges and tunnels charge tolls.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is Wales: Brecon Beacons to Snowdonia?
4-day road trip of about 287 km (178 mi) with 6 stops, from Cardiff to Conwy. About 3 h 58 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Wales: Brecon Beacons to Snowdonia?
We suggest 4 days: about 3 h 58 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Wales: Brecon Beacons to Snowdonia start and end?
It starts in Cardiff and ends in Conwy.
Which countries does Wales: Brecon Beacons to Snowdonia pass through?
United Kingdom.
Where can you camp along Wales: Brecon Beacons to Snowdonia?
OpenStreetMap lists 306 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Talybont Farm Camping, Llangorse Multi Activity Centre Campsite and Riverside Caravan Park.
When is the best time for Wales: Brecon Beacons to Snowdonia?
The most pleasant months are usually June. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and July–September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
