# 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.

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/guides/wales/

**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. 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 |
| Route | Cardiff → Conwy |
| Countries | United Kingdom |
| Updated | May 24, 2026 |

## 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

1. **Cardiff** (United Kingdom)
2. **Brecon** (United Kingdom)
3. **Portmeirion** (Penrhyndeudraeth, United Kingdom): An Italian-style fantasy village built on the Welsh coast by an eccentric architect.
4. **Llanberis** (United Kingdom)
5. **Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa)** (Llanberis, United Kingdom): Wales’ highest mountain. Walk up, or take the rack railway from Llanberis in season.
6. **Conwy** (United Kingdom)

## 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.