Could someone critique this map for Wales?

[AdvocatusD]

Hi Chaps

I'm considering doing the following route on Day 1 of a 2 day trip in Wales in November (could snow be an issue?). We start Day 1 in Bala and end it in Llandrindod Wells (just off the bottom of the map)

Day 1 - 200 miles



Unsure about Day 2, but considering simply heading to the Black Mountain road, enjoying the Brecons a bit and then heading back to London.

Day 2 - 100 miles and then back home miles



I'd be grateful for any comments. In particular, am I doing anything that is particularly dull, or missing something particularly interesting?

Suggestions for hotel in Bala with parking for a few cars?

[mr pg]

That's some pretty good driving there, although day one is going to be a long day covering that distance in Wales. I'd add the B4391 from Ffestiniog if you can, it's one of my favourites.

[bearman68]

As above, the road from Bala to Ffestiniog is stunning.

Decent B&B outside Ffestiniog called Cae Du - would be safe parking for a few cars. Mrs Williams is lovely.

[dazren]

mr pg said:

That's some pretty good driving there, although day one is going to be a long day covering that distance in Wales. I'd add the B4391 from Ffestiniog if you can, it's one of my favourites.

This the B4391, east out of Festiniog, then drop SW back onto the A470.

[bearman68]

Prefer it the other way myself. The view from above ffestiniog looking west is absolutely superb.

[Freddie44]

Hi there,
Freddie here, we spoke about your blue GT3 for sale 6 months back..?
I ended up buying one recently and headed to Wales myself.
This road is an absolute cracker: http://goo.gl/maps/vHKEJ - just keep driving for 20mins+

What car are you going in now?

[AdvocatusD]

Cheers Fred, glad you're enjoying the car. Replacement in my profile.

Sold the GT3 to lovely chap, who will probably join me on trips such as these on occasion.

[Freddie44]

Ah Ah very nice

[AdvocatusD]

Revised day 1 - still looking for a place to spend first night on arrival from London. Either in Bala itself or 15 minutes from Bala heading East. The suggestion above is lovely, but is about 21 miles from Bala, and at the end of the day adds a little too much to the commute to Wales.

Day 2 has a tiny modification (going back on itself) to enjoy Brecons a bit more - Does anyone have some pointed suggestions for day 2? Eating, photo-stops, etc.

Edited by AdvocatusD on Friday 20th December 15:57

[Zed 44]

Thank you very much for this thread. At first glance it looks good.

Sorry I can't critique it but will probably use large parts of it as myself and a friend are planning a trip in early May.

[Gary C]

You will love it. Maybe just drive some sections without the map. Grew up in Shrewsbury and spent all my early driving years thrashing about throughout wales. Becoming a bit murky now but some good roads around Newtown and Rhayader. From Bala across the rhinogs on the b4391 to Pennybontfawr was always a favourite with a nice fast terrace section.

Some great single track too with slippy, pine needle strewn roads.

Also down the ogwen valley.


Memories of a mk1 Astra SR

Edited by Gary C on Saturday 21st December 00:01

[Zed 44]

AdvocatusD said:

Hi Chaps

I'm considering doing the following route on Day 1 of a 2 day trip in Wales in November (could snow be an issue?). We start Day 1 in Bala and end it in Llandrindod Wells (just off the bottom of the map)


I'd be grateful for any comments. In particular, am I doing anything that is particularly dull, or missing something particularly interesting?
Suggestions for hotel in Bala with parking for a few cars?

Any chance you could put the links up in Google maps please so I can view and/or modify?

Thanks

[AMArchie]

Interesting post. I have worked up a similar route through N Wales, and am planning to do these roads in Spring / early summer. As for a place to stay to the east of Bala, I suggest this:
http://tyddynllan.co.uk
It is really a (very good) restaurant with comfortable rooms, and I have stayed and eaten there 6 or 7 years ago.
It is located on the B4401 just to the west of LLandrillo. It's under 10 miles and 15 mins from Bala (according to Google maps)

[Slippydiff]

AdvocatusD said:

Revised day 1 - still looking for a place to spend first night on arrival from London. Either in Bala itself or 15 minutes from Bala heading East. The suggestion above is lovely, but is about 21 miles from Bala, and at the end of the day adds a little too much to the commute to Wales.

Day 2 has a tiny modification (going back on itself) to enjoy Brecons a bit more - Does anyone have some pointed suggestions for day 2? Eating, photo-stops, etc.

Ah, driving too much like real work for you soft Southerners ?

Not a massive fan of the Ruthin to Denbigh road. Personally I'd take the B5105 towards Clocaenog and onto Cerrigydrudion Turn right in Cerrigydrudion onto the B4501 towards Lake Brenig. You'll meet your originally proposed route at Point I.

Personally I'd avoid the A5 and A470, they tend to be a bit dull.

Make the effort to take the B4391 and the B4396 to Lake Vyrnwy (they're brilliant roads) See if there are rooms available at the Vyrnwy Hotel, plenty of parking space and awesome views across the lake if the weather is good.

http://www.lakevyrnwy.com/

[Red Devil]

Slippydiff said:

Make the effort to take the B4391 and the B4396 to Lake Vyrnwy (they're brilliant roads) See if there are rooms available at the Vyrnwy Hotel, plenty of parking space and awesome views across the lake if the weather is good.

http://www.lakevyrnwy.com/

OP if you want to stay near-ish to Bala on your first night why not make this Hotel the starting point? Then head west from Lake Vyrnwy here on the unclassified road to Dinas Mawwdwy. This will take you to Bwlch-y-Groes at the top of the Hellfire Pass which is the second highest mountain road in Wales (after the Gospel Pass near Hay-on-Wye). You can take a run down it and back up again or head north straight to Llanuwchllyn and Bala.

Day 2 omits the excellent B4519/B4520 between Garth on the A483 west of Builth Wells via Upper Chapel to Brecon but I can't see any easy way to incorporate it into your planned route.

Edited by Red Devil on Saturday 21st December 15:53