Skip to main content

Highlights along the Cambrian Way

Destinations along the Cambrian Way

Enjoy a great Welsh adventure along the Cambrian Way

Strap in for a wild ride along Wales’ mountainous spine. The Cambrian Way (not to be confused with the walking route of the same name) is the ultimate cross-Wales road trip, taking you from the south to north coast via its most iconic cities, coast and countryside.

You can do the 185 mile (300 km) route, following the A470 from Cardiff to Llandudno, in seven fun-filled days. From the cool and cosmopolitan Welsh capital, you’ll wind your way through the mining landscape of the south Wales valleys to Merthyr Tydfil. The Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) soon beckon: Soak up the atmosphere in the buzzing market towns of Brecon and Builth Wells, then follow the Wye and Elan Valleys to Llanidloes. On your way to Blaenau Ffestiniog, make a detour to the colourful Italianate village of Portmeirion, before immersing yourself in the slate-studded scenery of Snowdonia (Eryri). From Betws-y-Coed, it’s a short drive or train journey through the dramatic Conwy Valley to your final destination, Llandudno.

Once you’ve conquered the Cambrian Way, there are two more long-distance routes across Wales to explore: the Coastal Way and the North Wales Way. Together, the three make up the Wales Way and promise one epic Welsh adventure.  

Photo by: VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Location: Snowdonia, Wales

Vintage camper van driving along a country road

Plan your trip along the Cambrian Way

Each bend of the A470 brings new surprises on the Cambrian Way. Stop off at these delightful destinations as you make your way from south to north.

Explore seven Victorian and Edwardian arcades tucked among the biggest brand names of Cardiff’s high street.

Find out more about Cardiff’s Arcades

Photo by: VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

People walking between shops, lit up from inside
Cardiff Arcades

This vast park once formed the grounds of Cardiff Castle – and now hosts nature walks and seasonal events.

Discover Bute Park

Photo by: Crown Copyright

Location: Cardiff

View of Bute Park, Cardiff from above, with green trees in the foreground and blue skies
Bute Park

You’ll find everything from dinosaur bones to contemporary art at this fantastic free museum.

Delve into the National Museum Cardiff

Photo by: Visit Wales Image Centre

People viewing artwork in the National Museum Cardiff
National Museum Cardiff

In Cardiff Bay, the Wales Millennium Centre hosts top-class live music and theatre shows from all over the world.

See what's on at Wales Millennium Centre

Photo by: VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

Person looking up at the front of a bronze building at night
Wales Millennium Centre

Discover Wales’ history, culture and wildlife at this interactive museum, set in wild beech woodland.

Visit St Fagans National Museum of History

Photo by: Visit Cardiff

Location: Cardiff, Wales

A woman in headphones looking out in a garden at St Fagans National Museum of History, Cardiff
St Fagans National Museum of History

Almost plucked straight from a fairytale, Castell Coch is a medieval style castle built by Victorians, and is surrounded by woodland idyll.

Experience the fairytale Castell Coch

Photo by: Cadw Photographic Library

Location: Wales

A juggler in costume juggling balls at Castell Coch in Wales
Castell Coch

Epic mountain biking, hiking, wildlife watching and more: this UNESCO Geopark is full of adventures.

Go green at Fforest Fawr

Photo by: Neil Mansfield

Location: Brecon Beacon

Mynydd Illtyd, near Libanus, Fforest Fawr UNESCO Global Geopark
Fforest Fawr

Just outside Cardiff, step into history at Caerphilly Castle, which dates back to the 13th century.

Discover more about Caerphilly Castle

Photo by: VisitWales

Location: Cardiff, Wales

A woman in sunglasses looking out across Caerphilly Castle
Caerphilly Castle

On clear nights you can spy the Milky Way and major constellations from this International Dark Sky Reserve.

Book your Brecon Beacons group stargazing adventure now

Photo by: Visit Wales

Location: Brecon Beacon

Brecon Stargazing, Black Mountain
Brecon Stargazing

Enjoy the colours and sounds of summer festival music – with performers from around the world.

Tune in to Brecon Jazz Festival

Photo by: Dennis Anguige/Brecon Jazz Festival

Location: Brecon Beacon

Drummer Liz Exell
at Brecon Jazz
Festival 2023,
Brecon, Powys,
Wales
credit: Dennis
Anguige/Brecon
Jazz Festival
Brecon Jazz Festival

One of the finest cathedrals in Wales, this magnificent sanctuary dates back to 1093.

Plan your trip to Brecon Cathedral

Photo by: Visit Wales

Location: Brecon Beacon

Brecon Cathedral
Brecon Cathedral

For one of Britain’s best walks, trek the Beacons Way over hills and hollows in the Brecon Beacons National Park (Bannau Brycheiniog).

Hit the trail on the Beacons Way

Photo by: TOM MARTIN/WALES NEWS SERVICE

Mynydd_Illtyd
The Beacons Way

This tranquil natural waterway is a haven for kayaking, hiking, fishing and paddleboarding.

Learn a sustainable skill at Llangorse Lake

Photo by: Visit Wales

Location: Brecon Beacon

Llangorse Lake
Llangorse Lake

Hike to the top of Pen y Fan mountain in the Brecon Beacons National Park (Bannau Brycheiniog), for breathtaking views of south and mid Wales.

Find your perfect walk on Pen y Fan

Photo by: VisitBritain/Adam Burton

Location: Brecon Beacons

A group of walkers, using trekking poles, in deep snow
Pen y Fan, Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog)

A little slice of the Amalfi Coast in north Wales, this quirky resort looks just like a colourful Italian village.

Discover Portmeirion

Photo by: cat_birch

Location: North Wales

Explore Wales' Italian side
Portmeirion

There are countless hiking routes through Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park, but this is one of the most accessible.

Discover the Mawddach Trail

Photo by: © Crown copyright (2023) Cymru Wales

Location: Wales

Two people running along a coastal path in Wales
Mawddach Trail

Get stuck into surfing, mountain biking, hiking and SUP, or kick back with a pair of binoculars.

Visit UNESCO Dyfi Biosphere Reserve Wales

Photo by: Crown copyright (2023) Cymru Wales

Location: Wales

A landscape view of the Dyfi Biosphere Reserve in Wales
UNESCO Dyfi Biosphere Reserve Wales

Photo by: VisitBritain/Dave Newbould/Snowdon Mountain Railways

Snowdon Mountain Railway, the final ridge with clouds in the background
Snowdon Mountain Railway

Beside the thundering River Llugwy, this is a beautiful spot for picnics, walks and photography.

Visit Rhaeadr Ewynnol (Swallow Falls)

Photo by: VisitWales

Rhaeadr Ewynnol (Swallow Falls) in Snowdonia/Eryri National Park, Wales
Rhaeadr Ewynnol (Swallow Falls)

Conquer a challenging hike up Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa), Wales’ highest mountain, and check out rare species such as lili'r Wyddfa (the Snowdon lily).

Discover more about Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa)

Photo by: VisitBritain/Two For Joy Photography Ltd

Woman and dog on a paddle-board on lake near mountains
Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa)

Enjoy thrilling high ropes courses, underground trampoline parks and the fastest zip line on the planet.

Buy tickets for Zip World

Photo by: @zip_world

Location: North Wales

Zip World, zip lining at Penrhyn Slate Quarry
Zip World

Experience the thrill of the world’s fastest zip wire, try out surfing or steer a canoe through the crashing rapids at one of Britain’s adventure capitals.

Discover Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park

Photo by: VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Couple hiking in the mountains on a cloudy day
Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park

A caving experience like no other! You can bounce, leap and jump through this extraordinary subterranean playground.

Explore Bounce Below, Zip World Slate Caverns

Photo by: Crown copyright (2017) Visit Wales

People in helmets and red jumpsuits at netting trampolines
Bounce Below, Zip World Slate Caverns

This spa’s treatment menu is long and luxurious, featuring massages, facials, scrubs and signature rituals.

Relax at Wave Garden Spa

Photo by: Wave Garden Spa

A couple in a pool as part of a spa treatment at Wave Garden Spa
Wave Garden Spa

This family-owned business makes traditional wool-woven tapestries, blankets, knitwear and accessories.

More about Trefriw Woollen Mills

Photo by: Trefriw Woolen Mills

A weaver displaying a working weaving loom at Trefriw Woolen Mills in Snowdonia/Eryri National Park, Wales
Trefriw Woollen Mills

Set against the backdrop of north Wales’ Carneddau mountains, these pioneering Victorian gardens were home to many of Britain’s horticultural firsts.

Visit Bodnant Garden

Photo by: partycjaandjack

Pink Flowers in Bodnant Gardens
Bodnant Garden

Standing tall for more than 700 years, this medieval fortress overlooks the pretty town of Conwy – both a joy to explore.

Explore Conwy Castle

Photo by: VisitBritain/David Angel

Location: North Wales

A castle lit up at night in winter snow near harbour
Conwy Castle, Conwy

From a 5,500-year-old skeleton to precious Roman coins, which historic treasures will you discover?

Visit Llandudno Museum

Photo by: VisitBritain/Lee Beel

Location: North Wales

Pier built out into the sea in grand Edwardian style at dusk
Llandudno Museum

This contemporary art gallery has serious cultural clout, representing artists from all over Wales – and beyond.

Tour Mostyn Gallery

Photo by: VisitBritain/Lee Beel

Location: North Wales

Pier built out into the sea in grand Edwardian style at dusk
Mostyn Gallery

Your ticket to invigorating walks, picnics and birdwatching – all with breathtaking views of the sea.

Explore the Great Orme Tramway

Photo by: Conwy County Borough Council

Location: North Wales

Great Orme Tramway
Great Orme Tramway

The breathtaking Elan Valley, with its four dramatic dams, is a haven for hikers and bikers, as well as nature lovers.

Explore the Elan Valley

Photo by: VisitBritain/Visit Wales

Two people walking down Elan Valley in Wales
Elan Valley

Explore seven Victorian and Edwardian arcades tucked among the biggest brand names of Cardiff’s high street.

Find out more about Cardiff’s Arcades

Photo by: VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

People walking between shops, lit up from inside
Cardiff Arcades

This vast park once formed the grounds of Cardiff Castle – and now hosts nature walks and seasonal events.

Discover Bute Park

Photo by: Crown Copyright

Location: Cardiff

View of Bute Park, Cardiff from above, with green trees in the foreground and blue skies
Bute Park

You’ll find everything from dinosaur bones to contemporary art at this fantastic free museum.

Delve into the National Museum Cardiff

Photo by: Visit Wales Image Centre

People viewing artwork in the National Museum Cardiff
National Museum Cardiff

In Cardiff Bay, the Wales Millennium Centre hosts top-class live music and theatre shows from all over the world.

See what's on at Wales Millennium Centre

Photo by: VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

Person looking up at the front of a bronze building at night
Wales Millennium Centre

Discover Wales’ history, culture and wildlife at this interactive museum, set in wild beech woodland.

Visit St Fagans National Museum of History

Photo by: Visit Cardiff

Location: Cardiff, Wales

A woman in headphones looking out in a garden at St Fagans National Museum of History, Cardiff
St Fagans National Museum of History

Almost plucked straight from a fairytale, Castell Coch is a medieval style castle built by Victorians, and is surrounded by woodland idyll.

Experience the fairytale Castell Coch

Photo by: Cadw Photographic Library

Location: Wales

A juggler in costume juggling balls at Castell Coch in Wales
Castell Coch

Epic mountain biking, hiking, wildlife watching and more: this UNESCO Geopark is full of adventures.

Go green at Fforest Fawr

Photo by: Neil Mansfield

Location: Brecon Beacon

Mynydd Illtyd, near Libanus, Fforest Fawr UNESCO Global Geopark
Fforest Fawr

Just outside Cardiff, step into history at Caerphilly Castle, which dates back to the 13th century.

Discover more about Caerphilly Castle

Photo by: VisitWales

Location: Cardiff, Wales

A woman in sunglasses looking out across Caerphilly Castle
Caerphilly Castle

On clear nights you can spy the Milky Way and major constellations from this International Dark Sky Reserve.

Book your Brecon Beacons group stargazing adventure now

Photo by: Visit Wales

Location: Brecon Beacon

Brecon Stargazing, Black Mountain
Brecon Stargazing

Enjoy the colours and sounds of summer festival music – with performers from around the world.

Tune in to Brecon Jazz Festival

Photo by: Dennis Anguige/Brecon Jazz Festival

Location: Brecon Beacon

Drummer Liz Exell
at Brecon Jazz
Festival 2023,
Brecon, Powys,
Wales
credit: Dennis
Anguige/Brecon
Jazz Festival
Brecon Jazz Festival

One of the finest cathedrals in Wales, this magnificent sanctuary dates back to 1093.

Plan your trip to Brecon Cathedral

Photo by: Visit Wales

Location: Brecon Beacon

Brecon Cathedral
Brecon Cathedral

For one of Britain’s best walks, trek the Beacons Way over hills and hollows in the Brecon Beacons National Park (Bannau Brycheiniog).

Hit the trail on the Beacons Way

Photo by: TOM MARTIN/WALES NEWS SERVICE

Mynydd_Illtyd
The Beacons Way

This tranquil natural waterway is a haven for kayaking, hiking, fishing and paddleboarding.

Learn a sustainable skill at Llangorse Lake

Photo by: Visit Wales

Location: Brecon Beacon

Llangorse Lake
Llangorse Lake

Hike to the top of Pen y Fan mountain in the Brecon Beacons National Park (Bannau Brycheiniog), for breathtaking views of south and mid Wales.

Find your perfect walk on Pen y Fan

Photo by: VisitBritain/Adam Burton

Location: Brecon Beacons

A group of walkers, using trekking poles, in deep snow
Pen y Fan, Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog)

A little slice of the Amalfi Coast in north Wales, this quirky resort looks just like a colourful Italian village.

Discover Portmeirion

Photo by: cat_birch

Location: North Wales

Explore Wales' Italian side
Portmeirion

There are countless hiking routes through Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park, but this is one of the most accessible.

Discover the Mawddach Trail

Photo by: © Crown copyright (2023) Cymru Wales

Location: Wales

Two people running along a coastal path in Wales
Mawddach Trail

Get stuck into surfing, mountain biking, hiking and SUP, or kick back with a pair of binoculars.

Visit UNESCO Dyfi Biosphere Reserve Wales

Photo by: Crown copyright (2023) Cymru Wales

Location: Wales

A landscape view of the Dyfi Biosphere Reserve in Wales
UNESCO Dyfi Biosphere Reserve Wales

Photo by: VisitBritain/Dave Newbould/Snowdon Mountain Railways

Snowdon Mountain Railway, the final ridge with clouds in the background
Snowdon Mountain Railway

Beside the thundering River Llugwy, this is a beautiful spot for picnics, walks and photography.

Visit Rhaeadr Ewynnol (Swallow Falls)

Photo by: VisitWales

Rhaeadr Ewynnol (Swallow Falls) in Snowdonia/Eryri National Park, Wales
Rhaeadr Ewynnol (Swallow Falls)

Conquer a challenging hike up Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa), Wales’ highest mountain, and check out rare species such as lili'r Wyddfa (the Snowdon lily).

Discover more about Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa)

Photo by: VisitBritain/Two For Joy Photography Ltd

Woman and dog on a paddle-board on lake near mountains
Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa)

Enjoy thrilling high ropes courses, underground trampoline parks and the fastest zip line on the planet.

Buy tickets for Zip World

Photo by: @zip_world

Location: North Wales

Zip World, zip lining at Penrhyn Slate Quarry
Zip World

Experience the thrill of the world’s fastest zip wire, try out surfing or steer a canoe through the crashing rapids at one of Britain’s adventure capitals.

Discover Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park

Photo by: VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Couple hiking in the mountains on a cloudy day
Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park

A caving experience like no other! You can bounce, leap and jump through this extraordinary subterranean playground.

Explore Bounce Below, Zip World Slate Caverns

Photo by: Crown copyright (2017) Visit Wales

People in helmets and red jumpsuits at netting trampolines
Bounce Below, Zip World Slate Caverns

This spa’s treatment menu is long and luxurious, featuring massages, facials, scrubs and signature rituals.

Relax at Wave Garden Spa

Photo by: Wave Garden Spa

A couple in a pool as part of a spa treatment at Wave Garden Spa
Wave Garden Spa

This family-owned business makes traditional wool-woven tapestries, blankets, knitwear and accessories.

More about Trefriw Woollen Mills

Photo by: Trefriw Woolen Mills

A weaver displaying a working weaving loom at Trefriw Woolen Mills in Snowdonia/Eryri National Park, Wales
Trefriw Woollen Mills

Set against the backdrop of north Wales’ Carneddau mountains, these pioneering Victorian gardens were home to many of Britain’s horticultural firsts.

Visit Bodnant Garden

Photo by: partycjaandjack

Pink Flowers in Bodnant Gardens
Bodnant Garden

Standing tall for more than 700 years, this medieval fortress overlooks the pretty town of Conwy – both a joy to explore.

Explore Conwy Castle

Photo by: VisitBritain/David Angel

Location: North Wales

A castle lit up at night in winter snow near harbour
Conwy Castle, Conwy

From a 5,500-year-old skeleton to precious Roman coins, which historic treasures will you discover?

Visit Llandudno Museum

Photo by: VisitBritain/Lee Beel

Location: North Wales

Pier built out into the sea in grand Edwardian style at dusk
Llandudno Museum

This contemporary art gallery has serious cultural clout, representing artists from all over Wales – and beyond.

Tour Mostyn Gallery

Photo by: VisitBritain/Lee Beel

Location: North Wales

Pier built out into the sea in grand Edwardian style at dusk
Mostyn Gallery

Your ticket to invigorating walks, picnics and birdwatching – all with breathtaking views of the sea.

Explore the Great Orme Tramway

Photo by: Conwy County Borough Council

Location: North Wales

Great Orme Tramway
Great Orme Tramway

The breathtaking Elan Valley, with its four dramatic dams, is a haven for hikers and bikers, as well as nature lovers.

Explore the Elan Valley

Photo by: VisitBritain/Visit Wales

Two people walking down Elan Valley in Wales
Elan Valley

Unmissable food and drink experiences along the Cambrian Way

Taste your way through the Welsh countryside with a delectable selection of artisan food producers, tours and festivals. Wales’ growing whisky and wine-producing scene is also in the spotlight on the Cambrian Way.
Cardiff, Wales

Enjoy Cardiff’s best bites on this walking tour, and learn all about Welsh culture along the way.

Photo by: Loving Welsh Food

Location: Cardiff, Wales

A group of people eating and drinking at an outside table at Cosmo, Cardiff
Colwyn Bay, Wales

Head here in the summer for a base camp experience, offering brewery tours or just a relaxed pint to welcome in the weekend.

Photo by: beerguideworldwide/snowdoncraftbeer

A man sat on a beach next to bottles of Snowdon Craft Beer
Llandudno Junction, Wales

From lobster nights to the freshest mullet and flounder, this is a real foodie treat.

Photo by: Enochs Fish & Chips

Fish and chips being served at Enochs Fish & Chips in Snowdonia/Eryri National Park
Brecon, Wales

This award-winning pub and bistro has its own kitchen garden, and works with top local producers.

Photo by: Visit Wales

Location: Brecon Beacon

The Felin Fach Griffin
Llanrwst, Wales

Shop for speciality bites such as buttery Welsh cakes and bara brith, plus wines from nearby vineyards.

Photo by: Blas ar Fwyd Cyf

Members of a wine club toasting the camera at Blas ar Fwyd in Snowdonia/Eryri National Park
Penderyn, Llandudno and Swansea, Wales

With three locations to choose from, you won’t be short of finding a masterclass experience or tour at this Welsh distillery.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Tomo Brejc

A bottle of whisky and a glass standing on an oak barrel
Llandudno, Wales

Award-winning wine in a unique environment, take a journey through the vineyard from pruning to harvest and everything in between.

Photo by: thejackdawconwy

Gwinllan Conwy Vineyard
Machynlleth, Wales

Taste award-winning gins made from foraged Welsh botanicals – such as pine tips, apples and bilberries.

Photo by: Dyfi Distillery

Location: North Wales

Dyfi Distillery
Brecon, Wales

This annual gourmet gathering features over 60 food producers, chefs and experts.

Photo by: Shutterstock

Location: Brecon Beacon

Brecon Beacons Food Festival

Travel back in time along the Cambrian Way

Immerse yourself in centuries of Welsh history at these heritage hotspots along the Cambrian Way.

See the Cambrian Way from a new angle

By air, land or water – how will you explore the landscapes of the Cambrian Way? Soak up a slower pace of life on Wales’ network of canals or hurtle through the trees on a toboggan or zip line.
Brecon, Wales

Boating, hiking, cycling and wildlife-spotting: this tranquil waterway has it all.

Photo by: Visit Wales

Location: Brecon Beacon

Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal
Betws-y-Coed, Wales

For adrenaline lovers and the gently curious alike, head to Conwy Valley’s Zip World Fforest.

Photo by: Matt Cant

NVW-C04-1718-0041
Llangorse, Wales

This family-run company offers everything from beginners’ rides to multi-day trips for experienced equestrians.

Photo by: Hepburn Photography/Ellesmere Riding Centre

Location: Brecon Beacon

Ellesmere Riding Centre, Llangorse, Powys, Wales
Llandudno, Wales

Your ticket to invigorating walks, picnics and birdwatching – all with breathtaking views of the sea.

Photo by: Conwy County Borough Council

Location: North Wales

Great Orme Tramway
Porthmadog, Wales

All aboard! Travel back in time on steam-powered locomotives, through glorious north Wales countryside.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Location: North Wales

Woman looking out of window of traditional railway train

Places to stay along the Cambrian Way

From country hotels to sky-high treehouses, there are plenty of accommodation options along the Cambrian Way to rest up at en route.

More long-distance routes to explore

Lose yourself in acres of ancient woodland, amble among prehistoric Wiltshire, and end with a dip in Roman Bath.

Photo by: VisitBritain/LifewithBugo

Smiling woman, wearing sunglasses and sundress, outside Clevedon Hotel

For centuries travellers have made this epic journey through Britain’s heartlands – and now it’s your turn to tackle The Explorer’s Road.

Photo by: Destination Lincolnshire/ Tony Pleavin

A woman and a man walk up a steep hill in a heritage City

Not found what you’re looking for?

Not found what you were looking for?