Wales Road Trip Itinerary

The Best Adventures for a Roadtrip in Wales

Heading out on a motorhome adventure through Wales is like hitting the jackpot for anyone who loves getting up close with nature, soaking up some history and just having a good time on the road. When you’re plotting your Wales road trip itinerary, think about cruising through the epic mountains of Snowdonia, chilling by the rugged beaches of Pembrokeshire, and taking it easy as you roll through the lush valleys and hills of the Brecon Beacons. Along the way, you’ll bump into friendly towns and ancient castles that seem like they’ve jumped right out of a storybook.

Whether you’re keen on following the laid-out trails of The Wales Way—checking out the Coastal Way, the Cambrian Way, and the North Wales Way—or you’re more about winging it and discovering those hidden spots most folks don’t know about, having your motorhome means you’ve got your home base right with you. You get to wake up to the sound of the waves, hit the trails for some fresh air, and end your days under a blanket of stars. We have taken a blend of places to make your Wales roadtrip a little different.

A road trip in Wales is all about the vibes. It’s the freedom to explore, finding those cool, secret spots along the way, and just enjoying the simple pleasures—like a good meal from a local pub or that perfect sunset spot. You’ll find plenty of spots to park up your motorhome, try out some local eats, and snap some awesome photos.

How to Get to Wales in the UK

Whether you are in your motorhome or looking to hire a motorhome, campervan or car when you get here, these are the key ways to get to Wales for your roadtrip:

Cardiff International Airport

Cardiff Airport is your entry into Wales if you are coming from outside the UK. You can also fly to Cardiff from Edinburgh or Belfast.

Welsh Train Stations

Cardiff, Swansea and Newport for the South of Wales and Bangor and Llandudno Junction for the North of Wales

Key Trunk Roads

The main road from London and the South of England is the M4. From the North, it will be the A55, There are many options to choose from!

Download our Handy Road Trip Planner

Use our handy ready made PDF planner to help you plan your trip. We created a 9 day planner to use to plan a 1 week trip. Simply print out more copies for each week of your travels. Capture everything you need from your start and end points to where you will stay. There is space to write all the things you want to see and more. Plenty of room for jotting down notes as you plan too.

*By downloading our planner, you give us permission to send you our newsletter. We send this approx every 6 – 8 weeks.

The Best Time For Your Wales Road Trip?

Planning the perfect Wales road trip means considering when to hit the road for the best experience. Here’s how each season can shape your roadtrip in Wales, helping you decide the ideal time to explore this stunning part of the world.

Wales in Spring (March to May)

Spring breathes new life into the Welsh countryside, making it a fantastic time for a Wales road trip. The weather starts to warm up, and the landscapes are alive with blooming flowers and greenery. It’s a great season for visiting the national parks like Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons, as the crowds are thinner and the natural beauty is at its peak. Expect a mix of rain and sunshine, so pack accordingly.

Wales in Summer (June to August)

Summer is peak season for a road trip in Wales, thanks to the warmer weather and longer days. This is the best time to explore the Welsh coastlines, like those on the Pembrokeshire Coast or the Gower Peninsula, where you can enjoy beautiful beaches and coastal walks. Tourist spots and campsites are busier, so booking ahead is wise. The summer also brings a variety of festivals and events, adding extra culture and fun to your road trip.

Wales in Autumn (Septemper to November)

Autumn transforms Wales into a palette of warm colours, offering a visually stunning backdrop for a road trip. The weather is cooler, and there are fewer tourists, making it a peaceful time to explore. It’s an excellent season for hiking and enjoying the outdoors, with crisp air and golden landscapes. Late September and October might offer the best balance of mild weather and reduced crowds, ideal for those looking to capture stunning photography or enjoy the serenity of Wales’s natural beauty.

Wales in Winter (December to February)

A winter road trip in Wales comes with its own magic, especially if you enjoy the coziness of quieter towns and the possibility of snowy landscapes in the higher regions like Snowdonia. It’s cold, and days are short, but there’s a unique charm to the Welsh countryside dusted in snow. Some attractions may have reduced hours or be closed, so it’s a time best suited for those looking for a more introspective journey and aren’t deterred by the cold. The winter season also offers the chance for festive markets and events around Christmas and New Year.

The 3 Welsh Road Trips

There are three main road trips when you are looking for traditional road trips in Wales.

The Cambrian Way
The Coastal Way
The North Wales Way

Road Trip in Wales: The North Wales Way

North Wales Way (Red)

The North Wales Way offers an unforgettable road trip experience, stretching about 75 miles along the old trading routes from the border with England towards the Isle of Anglesey. This journey reveals the rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty of North Wales, making it a must-do for adventurers and history buffs alike.

Key Attractions on the North Wales Way Road Trip

Conwy Castle: A World Heritage Site, offering panoramic views and a deep dive into medieval history.
Snowdonia National Park: For breath=taking landscapes and outdoor activities like hiking, climbing, and zip-lining.
Anglesey: Known for its stunning coastline, historical sites, and Beaumaris Castle.
Llandudno: A Victorian seaside resort with a charming promenade, the Great Orme, and a vibrant town centre.

Seasonal Highlights on the North Wales Way Road Trip

Spring and summer are ideal for exploring the beaches and outdoor activities.
Autumn offers beautiful foliage and cooler weather for hiking.
Winter, while chilly, offers unique landscapes and fewer crowds.

Travel Tips for the North Wales Way Road Trip

Plan ahead for accommodations and attractions, especially in peak summer months.
Don’t miss the smaller towns and villages for a taste of local life and cuisine.
Be prepared for variable weather, particularly in the mountains.

Wales Road Trip Coastal Routes: The Coastal Way

The Coastal Way (Blue)

Stretching over 180 miles along the stunning west coast of Wales, from the Llŷn Peninsula down to Pembrokeshire, The Coastal Way is a journey through some of the most spectacular maritime landscapes the UK has to offer. It’s a haven for beach lovers, surfers, and anyone looking to connect with the rugged coastal beauty of Wales.

Key Attractions on the Coastal Way Wales Road Trip

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park: Renowned for its breathtaking coastal paths and beaches.
Aberystwyth: A vibrant university town with a historic promenade and pier.
Harlech Castle: Offering both historical intrigue and stunning sea views.
St Davids: The UK’s smallest city, home to a magnificent cathedral and close to Whitesands Bay.

Seasonal Highlights for the Coastal Way Road Trip in Wales

Spring and summer are ideal for exploring the beaches and outdoor activities.
Autumn offers beautiful foliage and cooler weather for hiking.
Winter, while chilly, offers unique landscapes and fewer crowds.

Travel Tips for taking the Coastal Way Wales Road Trip

Respect the natural environment, especially when exploring beaches and coastal paths.
Check tide times and weather forecasts to ensure safety during coastal walks.
Local seafood is a must-try along this route.

Roadtrip Wales: Cambrian Way

The Cambrian Way (Green)

The Cambrian Way runs through the heart of Wales, covering around 185 miles from Cardiff in the south to Llandudno in the north. This route is a showcase of Wales’s most dramatic landscapes, including national parks, mountain ranges, and a wealth of historical sites, making it an epic journey for nature lovers and adventurers.

Key Attractions on the Cambrian Way Road Trip

Brecon Beacons National Park: Famous for its Dark Sky Reserve, waterfalls, and hiking trails.
Snowdonia National Park: Home to Snowdon, Wales’s highest peak, and a plethora of outdoor activities.
Devil’s Bridge and the Hafod Estate: For stunning natural beauty and folklore.
The Elan Valley: Offering breathtaking views and Victorian engineering marvels.

Seasonal Highlights for the Cambrian Way Road Trip

Spring and summer provide the best conditions for hiking and outdoor explorations.
Autumn brings stunning colours to the landscapes, ideal for photography.
Winter, especially in the mountains, can be challenging but rewards with serene beauty.

Travel Tips for taking the Cambrian Way Wales Road Trip

The route involves mountain roads, so be prepared for varying driving conditions.
Take advantage of the numerous hiking and biking trails to truly experience the natural beauty.
Stay in a mix of towns and rural areas to get the full experience of Welsh hospitality and culture.

Fantastic Hiking Trails in Wales - a Taster

We can’t possibly list all the hikes that you can take in Wales, but these were some we wanted to share with you, all circular routes which is good when you have a motorhome with you:

The Snowdon Horse Shoe is a great hike in the national pass, which starts and ends in Pen Y Pass. Parking is difficult, to get in season, although you should be OK out of season. If you don’t want to leave your motorhome there for the day, catch a bus from nearly Llanberis.

Distance – 12 km.

Ascent – 800 m

Pen Y Fan Horse Shoe Hike, located in the Brecon Beacons National Park as part of the National Trust, is a majestic yet craggy cliff-like face with a couple of other peaks to cover on the way round. It is a fairly quiet hike, which makes it even more blissful. You can feel like you are the only person in the world with views to absolutely take your breath away.

Distance – 30 km.

Ascent – 900m

Rhossili Bay and Worm’s Head Coastal Walk, located as part of the Welsh Coastal Path is a figure of 8 walk. You are effectively combining two walks, starting in Rhossili. Once you have walked to Worms Head, you can walk over the causeway if the tides are right, before looping back along the cliff tops and back into Rhossili. You really must check the tides though as there are fatalities every year. Currents are strong, there is no real footpath and the rocks underfoot are sharp.

Distance – 16 km.

Ascent – 300 m (on return)

Camping and Motorhome Park-Ups

There are loads of wonderful places to stay in Wales, with campsites with beautiful beach views and epic wilderness views, which we detail more in our downloadable roadtrip e-book. However, a couple of our favourites are Caerfai Bay, which is on the Wales Coastal Road Trip and Bron-Y-Wendon Holiday Park, which is on the North Wales Road Trip Route. Our final campsite is Gwerniago Campsite, which is in thon the Cambrian Way Wales roadtrip route. Even though it is on the road trip route that goes from north t south (or south to north!) it still manages to be located very close to the beach, whilst giving you those amazing vistas.

Wild Camping in Wales is not legal, as across the most of the UK. It is possible to wild camp if you have the owners permission. It is however possible to wild camp but you should absolutely be mindful of where you are doing this. make sure you are in discreet locations, that you are fully self sufficient and you leave no trace, as per our usual recommendations. Our article on wild camping rules and the essentials of wild camping will at least ensure you are prepared.

Festivals in Wales

Wales hosts a variety of festivals throughout the year, celebrating everything from music and literature to food and heritage. Here are some notable festivals that capture the spirit and culture of Wales:

Hay Festival (Late May – Early June, Hay-on-Wye): This world-renowned literature and arts festival attracts writers, poets, musicians, and thinkers from around the globe. It’s a celebration of ideas and creativity set in the charming book town of Hay-on-Wye.

Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Cymru (National Eisteddfod of Wales) (Early August, varies locations): The National Eisteddfod is the largest festival of competitive music and poetry in Europe. Celebrating the Welsh language and culture, it features performances, literature, visual arts, and much more, in a different location each year.

Green Man Festival (Mid-August, Brecon Beacons): Set against the stunning backdrop of the Brecon Beacons, the Green Man Festival is a four-day event celebrating music, literature, film, comedy, and theatre. It’s known for its indie, folk, and alternative music lineup, as well as its friendly atmosphere.

International Musical Eisteddfod (July, Llangollen): Since 1947, Llangollen has hosted this international festival which brings together singers, dancers, and musicians from around the world to compete in a spirit of peace and friendship. It’s a vibrant celebration of global cultures and music.

Abergavenny Food Festival (September, Abergavenny): One of the biggest food festivals in the UK, Abergavenny Food Festival showcases the best of Welsh produce and culinary talent, along with international dishes. It features cooking demonstrations, tastings, and markets.

Sŵn Festival (October, Cardiff): This multi-venue music festival in Cardiff showcases emerging bands and artists from Wales and beyond. It’s the perfect event for discovering new music in the heart of Wales’s capital city.

Our Favourite Travel Booking Companies.

These are our useful links for our ‘Go To’ travel booking apps. These are the sites that we use all the time when backpacking or need to spend a few days out of the motorhome (visiting the children or repair work on the motorhome). The Trainline we use for all our train ticket needs in the UK. Booking.com we use for all our hotel, hostel and accommodation needs worldwide (this was a life saver in India!) and finally, Viator for our excursion adventures like walking tours or more specialist activities.

Detailed Road Trip Itineraries for Wales

If you want to explore more about these road trips in Wales, we have broken them down into individual articles, but if you want to get all three road trips, including places to stay, wild camping spots and more, simply purchase our full PDF e-guide which you can view on your phone, iPad or desktop or print out and take with you.

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Wales Road Trip Itinerary

The Best Adventures for a Roadtrip in Wales