Scenic drive around Snowdon

If you come for a holiday or a short break in Porthmadog, a lovely way to see more of the area is to take a long, scenic drive down winding country lanes where you will come upon breathtaking views and can sample the local hospitality along the way.

We’ve pulled together a suggested journey for you around Mount Snowdon taking in some lovely countryside, spectacular views of Snowdon, photo opportunities and pit stops along the way!

Porthmadog to Beddgelert

First drive from Porthmadog up to Beddlegert along the A498. This takes in some lovely countryside. Although it’s a main road, there’s plenty to see and there’s lots of views of mountains and green space.

Once you get to the village, take a walk to Gelert’s Grave; where legend tells the story of the fated hound Gelert who saved his master’s child from a wolf but was wrongly slain when his master thought the dog was trying to kill his son.

Stop for a coffee in Caffi Colwyn or Caffi Gwynant which is also at the summit of the Watkin Path to Snowdon.

So you could stop there, and take the Watkin path up to Snowdon if you feel energetic. It’s the most scenic of the paths, but it’s quite a climb.

Otherwise head back to the car ready for the next leg of your journey.

Beddgelert to Llanberis

From there, you’ll drive along the A498. The Sygun Copper Mine is a short drive out of Beddgelert. When you get to Pen y Gwryd you’ll be turning left onto the Llanberis Pass, onto the A4086. There’s a car park on the Pen y Pass, on the left, and its well worth a stop to take in the amazing scenery, take some photo’s and perhaps even a selfie with Snowdon!

Continue on to Llanberis where you could make a stop for lunch at Lodge Dinorwig or Caban Cafe or you could take a visit to the National Slate Museum where you can find out more about the story of the Welsh slate industry.

Llanberis to Caernarfon

When you’re ready to get back in the car, make the journey along the A4086 over to Caernarfon.  There’s so much to see and do in Caernarfon you can spend a lot of time here. The highlight has to be the spectacular Caernarfon Castle, which sits regally on the waterfront.  The castle really is worth a visit, so take some time to stop there, and perhaps stroll along the harbour side.

If shopping is your thing there’s lots of independent shops in the town, so you can potter around the streets and buy a souvenir or two.

Caernarfon to Porthmadog

From Caernarfon head down the A487. If you want a Welsh souvenir, stop on the way at Inigo Jones for a workshop tour, or to buy some Welsh slate in the show room. From there motor past fields, stone walls and glorious countryside back to us in Porthmadog, where you can find delicious home cooked food, an ice cold beer and a cosy fire waiting for you to unwind after your day.

To book accommodation in Porthmadog for you holiday or short break, please contact us.