Eryri's roads are as spectacular as its footpaths. The national park has some of the finest mountain driving in Britain — narrow roads climbing through dramatic passes, estuaries where mountains meet the sea, and valleys that open to reveal entirely unexpected landscapes around each bend.
Drive 1: The Llanberis Pass (A4086) — 10km
The most dramatic mountain road in Wales. From Llanberis, the A4086 climbs southeast through the Llanberis Pass — a classic U-shaped glacial valley with the Glyderau rising steeply on the left and the Snowdon massif on the right. The pass narrows at the top before reaching Pen-y-Pass at 359m — the highest point on any public road in Wales north of Brecon. The road descends to Pen-y-Gwryd and Capel Curig. Best driven from west to east for the most dramatic reveal of the pass.
Drive 2: Nantgwynant (A498) — 15km
From Beddgelert, the A498 heads northeast through Nantgwynant — arguably the most beautiful valley road in Wales. The road passes Llyn Dinas, then opens into the full length of Llyn Gwynant with Yr Wyddfa reflected in the water, before climbing to the top of the pass and descending to Pen-y-Gwryd. The National Trust campsite at Bryn Gwynant and the start of the Watkin Path are along this route.
Drive 3: The A470 — Heart of Eryri (50km)
The A470 from Dolgellau to Betws-y-Coed passes through the heart of the national park — through the Vale of Ffestiniog, above Blaenau Ffestiniog (with a side trip to Llechwedd Slate Caverns), and down the Conwy valley. This road connects the southern and northern halves of the park. Allow 2-3 hours with stops. The section through the Vale of Ffestiniog — passing Llyn Mair and the Ffestiniog Railway's Dduallt spiral — is particularly fine.
Drive 4: Harlech to Barmouth (A496) — 20km
The A496 south from Harlech to Barmouth follows the coastal shelf between the mountains and the sea — Harlech Castle on its rock to the left, Tremadog Bay to the right, and the Rhinogydd rising steeply inland. The drive ends at Barmouth and the Mawddach Estuary. The walk across the Victorian railway viaduct (pedestrian access) gives the best views.
Drive 5: Bala to Llangynog (B4391) — 22km
One of the least-known but most dramatic drives in Eryri: from Bala at the head of Llyn Tegid, the B4391 climbs southeast over the Berwyn moorland to Llangynog in the Tanat valley. The road reaches over 500m on the open moor, with views extending on clear days to the Shropshire hills in the east and back to the Eryri peaks in the west. Almost entirely without traffic. The descent to Llangynog through limestone gorge country is beautiful.
Drive 6: The Mawddach Estuary Loop — 35km
From Dolgellau, take the minor road along the north shore of the Mawddach Estuary to Penmaenpool (excellent wildlife observation tower), continue to Fairbourne, cross via the Barmouth Bridge (narrow, toll, with passing places — check for wide vehicles), and return along the south shore through Llwyngwril and Arthog. The views of the Cadair Idris ridge from the south bank are exceptional. The estuary is an RSPB reserve and Special Area of Conservation.
Independently written — Snowdon.com