5 days exploring the Cambrian Way

Your trip begins in Cardiff. As well as a host of shopping opportunities, there’s also the city’s impressive castle to explore or you could tour the home of Welsh rugby – the Principality Stadium. Alternatively, just west of the city is St Fagans National Museum of History, an open-air museum detailing the historical lifestyles, culture and architecture of the Welsh people.

Just 20 minutes away there’s an unusual visitor attraction that’s all about making money – in the hands-on literal sense. The Royal Mint at Llantrisant reveals all you need to know about coins, how they are made, and why they make the world go around (The Mint supplies coins to 100 countries worldwide).

Continue north and you’ll soon be in the South Wales Valleys. The Rhondda Heritage Park’s Black Gold Experience near Pontypridd recalls the days when the ‘home of coal’ fuelled the Industrial Revolution. Guided underground tours and interactive displays at the former Lewis Merthyr Colliery re-create the harsh, heroic world of the Welsh miner.

Iron, not coal, was the industry of choice at Merthyr Tydfil. Cyfarthfa Castle, a 19th-century mansion built by an all-powerful ironmaster, is now a museum and art gallery with diverse collections that include a replica of the world’s first steam locomotive and the work of two Merthyr-born fashion icons, Laura Ashley and Julien McDonald.

Overnight: Merthyr Tydfil

Next, plan a day devoted to exploring the Brecon Beacons National Park and the huge tracts of land cared for by the National Trust. Explore the Brecon Beacons the easy way on the narrow-gauge Brecon Mountain Railway. Restored steam locomotives run from Merthyr’s northern outskirts to the foothills of South Wales’ highest summits, a return journey of 9 miles/14km.

Drive north, taking a short detour off the A470 at Libanus for the Brecon Beacons National Park Visitor Centre, which offers panoramic views, exhilarating walks, local information and a tasty tea room.

The Beacons’ wide open spaces are made for horse riding and pony trekking. Cantref Adventure Farm near Brecon offers a variety of treks, including a half-day Brecon Beacons Explorer.

Overnight: Llandrindod Wells 

Rhayader is on the doorstep of the Elan Valley lakes, a string of reservoirs created over 100 years ago. Call in at the Elan Valley Visitor Centre before following the scenic mountain road that threads through these lovely lakelands. You don’t have to drive to experience them either, as the centre provides bike hire and walking information.

You’re a little way off the A470 now, but it’s worth the detour. The snaking Cwmystwyth mountain road takes you to Devil’s Bridge Falls. The legendary medieval ‘Bridge of the Evil Man’ is hidden away in a deep, wooded gorge, accessible by a steep footpath.

Overnight: Machynlleth

Shopping is made easy at Corris Craft Centre on the A487 north of Machynlleth. Its nine craft studios specialise in everything from jewellery and pottery, to handmade chocolates and exceptional artisan gin (voted ‘Best in the UK’ at the Great British Food Awards in 2017 and 2018).

Rejoin the A470 at Cross Foxes, where you’ll find a welcoming bar and grill that is a modern take on the traditional coaching inn. Beyond Dolgellau, the forest gives way to open, rugged moorland and mountains. At Trawsfynydd, there’s a poignant memorial to Welsh World War One poet, Hedd Wynn, who was killed in the Battle of Passchendaele in 1917. He died before knowing he’d won the greatest prize in Welsh literature, the National Eisteddfod Chair. You can see his ‘Black Chair’ at Yr Ysgwrn, his renovated farmstead, along with other memorabilia.

Another detour off the A470 takes you to Plas Brondanw Gardens, near the village of Garreg. Along with Italianate Portmeirion, the gardens were the creation of Sir Clough Williams-Ellis. His talent for working with landscape reached a high point here, and there are an abundance of picturesque views to enjoy from among the yew trees, lawns and iron works.

Overnight: Betws-y-Coed

Llanrwst, the historic ‘capital’ of the Conwy Valley, was once the domain of the influential Wynn family. Their ancestral home, Gwydir Castle, is a grand Tudor courtyard mansion with a palpable period atmosphere – and, apparently, quite a few ghosts.

Looking for some more gifts from Wales to take home? Then stop off at Trefriw Woollen Mills, a long-established working mill that manufactures Welsh tapestries and tweeds. Visit the mill museum before browsing the well-stocked shop.

Next on the journey through the Conwy Valley is a visit to the world’s first inland surfing lagoon. Adventure Parc Snowdonia is a big lagoon (around 1,000ft/300m long) with waves that – unlike sea surf – are guaranteed to arrive, and keep on coming. 

Finish this tour at the seaside resort of Llandudno, with its immaculate seafront that is framed by two striking headlands. Venture up the Great Orme for spectacular views of the bay before wandering along the pier, where you can enjoy the fresh sea air and shop for traditional souvenirs.

You are encouraged to always check individual websites for the latest information, as details are subject to change.