3 Day Wales Road Trip. FiestaST / FocusST / 900 Miles.
Discussion
So Thursday morning arrives and we are up early (5am), wanting to miss the M25 traffic we decided this would be a good time to get going. 300 miles and a good 6 hours would see us at our hotel destination (with a quick loop of the evo triangle).
Now we had no real plans on exactly how our days were going to go, however my buddy who led throughout had waypoints set up on his tomtom with help from his brother who had been before and marked some go to places and the best roads on route. Roughly we had decided once we got there the first day would north Wales/evo triangle staying at Bangor premier inn. Second day would see us around Snowdonia heading south throughout the day to stay at Haverfordwest premier in, then spend the third and final day around the blackrock mountain pass before we would set off for home in the evening along the M4.
IMG_2681 by Adam Powell, on Flickr
IMG_2677 by Adam Powell, on Flickr
The drive up wasn't too sad, hit a small patch of rain which didn't leave the cars too dirty due to them both being detailed the day the before and having fresh protection applied. We made a few stop offs for breakfast (Mcdees) and a few toilet breaks. As soon as we entered into Wales could already tell it was going to be a good trip, the roads just change. National speed limit, wide, bendy and twisty and can see pretty far ahead. Was struck by stunning views pretty early on which triggered us to pull over and take some of it, grab a few snaps and again another toilet break.
Heading on taking in all the views, the roads and surprisingly lovely day we soon came close to the Evo triangle, the way the Snowdonia mountains hit you as they come over the crest is something else. They are visually stunning to look at, we had bright blue sky and the mountains were covered in thick white snow, looked like something out of Lord of The Rings.
IMG_3335IMG_ by Adam Powell, on Flickr
IMG_3347IMG_ by Adam Powell, on Flickr
IMG_3345IMG_ by Adam Powell, on Flickr
Now this is where the fun began. Having watched videos and read about the Evo Triangle I was so eager to get onto it and take it all in. What a dam good road, I think it's something like 20-30 miles long but it goes by so fast. 60mph speed limits, long, bendy/twisty roads with fantastic views in all angles. It was such a joy to drive, we did it twice before going back round to stop and take some photos/let the cars cool down.
IMG_3377 by Adam Powell, on Flickr
IMG_2800 by Adam Powell, on Flickr
IMG_3395IMG_ by Adam Powell, on Flickr
IMG_2801 by Adam Powell, on Flickr
IMG_2801 by Adam Powell, on Flickr
IMG_2866 by Adam Powell, on Flickr
There is a brilliant little stop off point, which you can see the Snowdonia mountains from, along with the stretch of roads either side. We sat here for a good 20 minutes before another car drove past, being Thursday around midday probably contributed to this, but it was so peaceful to sit down and reflect on what has been a brilliant start to the day.
IMG_3460IMG_ by Adam Powell, on Flickr
After we had done 4 total laps of the evo triangle we decided to push on and head towards our hotel, but not before we found more visually stunning locations where you just had to get out and take plenty of photos. Never seeing mountains, or even views like this before it would of been sacrilege to not stop and take in the beauty.
IMG_2865 by Adam Powell, on Flickr
IMG_3502IMG_ by Adam Powell, on Flickr
IMG_3530IMG_ by Adam Powell, on Flickr
IMG_2867 by Adam Powell, on Flickr
IMG_2867 by Adam Powell, on Flickr
IMG_2843 by Adam Powell, on Flickr
A further drive from these stops we were soon at Bangor, where we checked into our room and then went and got some grub from a Burger King about 6 miles down the road, handy if you choose to stay here.
Now we had no real plans on exactly how our days were going to go, however my buddy who led throughout had waypoints set up on his tomtom with help from his brother who had been before and marked some go to places and the best roads on route. Roughly we had decided once we got there the first day would north Wales/evo triangle staying at Bangor premier inn. Second day would see us around Snowdonia heading south throughout the day to stay at Haverfordwest premier in, then spend the third and final day around the blackrock mountain pass before we would set off for home in the evening along the M4.
IMG_2681 by Adam Powell, on FlickrIMG_2677 by Adam Powell, on FlickrThe drive up wasn't too sad, hit a small patch of rain which didn't leave the cars too dirty due to them both being detailed the day the before and having fresh protection applied. We made a few stop offs for breakfast (Mcdees) and a few toilet breaks. As soon as we entered into Wales could already tell it was going to be a good trip, the roads just change. National speed limit, wide, bendy and twisty and can see pretty far ahead. Was struck by stunning views pretty early on which triggered us to pull over and take some of it, grab a few snaps and again another toilet break.
Heading on taking in all the views, the roads and surprisingly lovely day we soon came close to the Evo triangle, the way the Snowdonia mountains hit you as they come over the crest is something else. They are visually stunning to look at, we had bright blue sky and the mountains were covered in thick white snow, looked like something out of Lord of The Rings.
IMG_3335IMG_ by Adam Powell, on FlickrIMG_3347IMG_ by Adam Powell, on FlickrIMG_3345IMG_ by Adam Powell, on FlickrNow this is where the fun began. Having watched videos and read about the Evo Triangle I was so eager to get onto it and take it all in. What a dam good road, I think it's something like 20-30 miles long but it goes by so fast. 60mph speed limits, long, bendy/twisty roads with fantastic views in all angles. It was such a joy to drive, we did it twice before going back round to stop and take some photos/let the cars cool down.
IMG_3377 by Adam Powell, on FlickrIMG_2800 by Adam Powell, on FlickrIMG_3395IMG_ by Adam Powell, on FlickrIMG_2801 by Adam Powell, on FlickrIMG_2801 by Adam Powell, on FlickrIMG_2866 by Adam Powell, on FlickrThere is a brilliant little stop off point, which you can see the Snowdonia mountains from, along with the stretch of roads either side. We sat here for a good 20 minutes before another car drove past, being Thursday around midday probably contributed to this, but it was so peaceful to sit down and reflect on what has been a brilliant start to the day.
IMG_3460IMG_ by Adam Powell, on FlickrAfter we had done 4 total laps of the evo triangle we decided to push on and head towards our hotel, but not before we found more visually stunning locations where you just had to get out and take plenty of photos. Never seeing mountains, or even views like this before it would of been sacrilege to not stop and take in the beauty.
IMG_2865 by Adam Powell, on FlickrIMG_3502IMG_ by Adam Powell, on FlickrIMG_3530IMG_ by Adam Powell, on FlickrIMG_2867 by Adam Powell, on FlickrIMG_2867 by Adam Powell, on FlickrIMG_2843 by Adam Powell, on FlickrA further drive from these stops we were soon at Bangor, where we checked into our room and then went and got some grub from a Burger King about 6 miles down the road, handy if you choose to stay here.
DAY 2
After an OK sleep (beds a bit hard, pillows abit naff) we were up early, had our all you can eat breakfast for £8.99 and off we went.
IMG_2871 by Adam Powell, on Flickr
Again there were no real plans other than a few waypoints/set destinations and an end goal of getting to our hotel in the evening. This next part of the trip was possibly the best for views, driving up through the mountains was unreal, I've never seen anything like it before, it was as if we were in another country in Europe somewhere!
IMG_3570IMG_ by Adam Powell, on Flickr
IMG_3566IMG_ by Adam Powell, on Flickr
IMG_3579IMG_ by Adam Powell, on Flickr
IMG_3579IMG_ by Adam Powell, on Flickr
IMG_2888 by Adam Powell, on Flickr
Forgive me that I do not know the names of the roads, it would be a big help to others but my mate was the leader he set pace and I just followed. Being hit with views and roads like this, get's any petrol head raring to go, the car a Ford Fiesta ST with stage two REVO package suits these down to the ground. Loads of torque through the gears, can grip the roads round the sharp bends and the brakes are decent enough for no real drama.
IMG_2997 by Adam Powell, on Flickr
By the time we reached the bottom yet again you were hit by mountains and views that you just cannot pass by without taking a picture and a mental memory.
IMG_2998 by Adam Powell, on Flickr
IMG_3002 by Adam Powell, on Flickr
Once we had took our photos we jumped back in and headed further, eventually came to a viewing point with a little car park. Which again with views that words and photos just can't do justice.
IMG_2917 by Adam Powell, on Flickr
IMG_2918 by Adam Powell, on Flickr
IMG_2920 by Adam Powell, on Flickr
IMG_3591IMG_ by Adam Powell, on Flickr
The sun was out, weather was warm and it seemed we had picked the perfect weekend for this road trip. However, the cars were looking rather filthy due to the moisture in the morning and the fact that the roads are pretty dusty, plus had been gritted so carried plenty of salt. We thought it'd be a good idea to try to find a garage with a Jetwash. The cars had recently had a full detail which saw them getting fresh protection, which made the cleaning process an absolute doddle and well worth the £5.
IMG_2943 by Adam Powell, on Flickr
IMG_2944 by Adam Powell, on Flickr
IMG_2965 by Adam Powell, on Flickr
IMG_2947 by Adam Powell, on Flickr
Being clean freaks the brush went nowhere near our paintwork, yet it shot out some warm foam which we just dangled it around the car and got what we could onto the surface of the paintwork. The roofs were fine, lower halves, wheels, rear and the front were the messy parts which saw most of the focus. Now for being a notouch wash, whatever prewash the jetwashes use must absolutely eat at your protection, but it's fine when you use it on a one off like this, did a pretty dam good job due to the protection on the car which shows how it's worth doing.
There are not many better feelings than driving around on a road trip in a clean hot hatch with no worries other than where is the next food/toilet break. Makes taking photos more worthwhile when they're clean too as you get the reflections which really add to the photos.
IMG_3610IMG_ by Adam Powell, on Flickr
IMG_3611IMG_ by Adam Powell, on Flickr
IMG_3613IMG_ by Adam Powell, on Flickr
Moving on again we came across the bridge which charge you 70p to cross, it took us onto the Mach Loop. My mate being into planes, told me about this place where if you are lucky enough you get hawks/jets fly through. We parked up and swapped my jeans over to some joggers, put a old pair of trainers on and off we went up on of the hills in the valley. We came across a few photographers who were camping there throughout the day, beginners luck within our 10 minutes of being up the top we were lucky enough to experience TWO flybys of the jets.
Being at eye level with these machines ripping through the valley was some experience I wont forget, the noise of the engines echoing throughout the valley was utterly fantastic. We managed to get a couple of views and then some screenshots from the videos, only on our iPhones but decent to be fair!
IMG_2981 by Adam Powell, on Flickr
IMG_2968 by Adam Powell, on Flickr
IMG_2970 by Adam Powell, on Flickr
IMG_2978 by Adam Powell, on Flickr
IMG_3638IMG_ by Adam Powell, on Flickr
Machloop Flyby - YouTube
Was getting fairly late by the time we left the Mach Loop and was a good 3 hour drive iirc towards our next hotel. We found a mcdonalds near Abyerstwyth to grab some quick dinner before setting off trying to make the most of the remaining daylight. It soon came dark and we were on some wicked dark country roads, which had a real creepy vibe, came across some sheep in the road (obviously) and some patches of fog. Feeling pretty exhausted we checked into our room and went to bed lol.
IMG_2987 by Adam Powell, on Flickr
After an OK sleep (beds a bit hard, pillows abit naff) we were up early, had our all you can eat breakfast for £8.99 and off we went.
IMG_2871 by Adam Powell, on FlickrAgain there were no real plans other than a few waypoints/set destinations and an end goal of getting to our hotel in the evening. This next part of the trip was possibly the best for views, driving up through the mountains was unreal, I've never seen anything like it before, it was as if we were in another country in Europe somewhere!
IMG_3570IMG_ by Adam Powell, on FlickrIMG_3566IMG_ by Adam Powell, on FlickrIMG_3579IMG_ by Adam Powell, on FlickrIMG_3579IMG_ by Adam Powell, on FlickrIMG_2888 by Adam Powell, on FlickrForgive me that I do not know the names of the roads, it would be a big help to others but my mate was the leader he set pace and I just followed. Being hit with views and roads like this, get's any petrol head raring to go, the car a Ford Fiesta ST with stage two REVO package suits these down to the ground. Loads of torque through the gears, can grip the roads round the sharp bends and the brakes are decent enough for no real drama.
IMG_2997 by Adam Powell, on FlickrBy the time we reached the bottom yet again you were hit by mountains and views that you just cannot pass by without taking a picture and a mental memory.
IMG_2998 by Adam Powell, on FlickrIMG_3002 by Adam Powell, on FlickrOnce we had took our photos we jumped back in and headed further, eventually came to a viewing point with a little car park. Which again with views that words and photos just can't do justice.
IMG_2917 by Adam Powell, on FlickrIMG_2918 by Adam Powell, on FlickrIMG_2920 by Adam Powell, on FlickrIMG_3591IMG_ by Adam Powell, on FlickrThe sun was out, weather was warm and it seemed we had picked the perfect weekend for this road trip. However, the cars were looking rather filthy due to the moisture in the morning and the fact that the roads are pretty dusty, plus had been gritted so carried plenty of salt. We thought it'd be a good idea to try to find a garage with a Jetwash. The cars had recently had a full detail which saw them getting fresh protection, which made the cleaning process an absolute doddle and well worth the £5.
IMG_2943 by Adam Powell, on FlickrIMG_2944 by Adam Powell, on FlickrIMG_2965 by Adam Powell, on FlickrIMG_2947 by Adam Powell, on FlickrBeing clean freaks the brush went nowhere near our paintwork, yet it shot out some warm foam which we just dangled it around the car and got what we could onto the surface of the paintwork. The roofs were fine, lower halves, wheels, rear and the front were the messy parts which saw most of the focus. Now for being a notouch wash, whatever prewash the jetwashes use must absolutely eat at your protection, but it's fine when you use it on a one off like this, did a pretty dam good job due to the protection on the car which shows how it's worth doing.
There are not many better feelings than driving around on a road trip in a clean hot hatch with no worries other than where is the next food/toilet break. Makes taking photos more worthwhile when they're clean too as you get the reflections which really add to the photos.
IMG_3610IMG_ by Adam Powell, on FlickrIMG_3611IMG_ by Adam Powell, on FlickrIMG_3613IMG_ by Adam Powell, on FlickrMoving on again we came across the bridge which charge you 70p to cross, it took us onto the Mach Loop. My mate being into planes, told me about this place where if you are lucky enough you get hawks/jets fly through. We parked up and swapped my jeans over to some joggers, put a old pair of trainers on and off we went up on of the hills in the valley. We came across a few photographers who were camping there throughout the day, beginners luck within our 10 minutes of being up the top we were lucky enough to experience TWO flybys of the jets.
Being at eye level with these machines ripping through the valley was some experience I wont forget, the noise of the engines echoing throughout the valley was utterly fantastic. We managed to get a couple of views and then some screenshots from the videos, only on our iPhones but decent to be fair!
IMG_2981 by Adam Powell, on FlickrIMG_2968 by Adam Powell, on FlickrIMG_2970 by Adam Powell, on FlickrIMG_2978 by Adam Powell, on FlickrIMG_3638IMG_ by Adam Powell, on FlickrMachloop Flyby - YouTube
Was getting fairly late by the time we left the Mach Loop and was a good 3 hour drive iirc towards our next hotel. We found a mcdonalds near Abyerstwyth to grab some quick dinner before setting off trying to make the most of the remaining daylight. It soon came dark and we were on some wicked dark country roads, which had a real creepy vibe, came across some sheep in the road (obviously) and some patches of fog. Feeling pretty exhausted we checked into our room and went to bed lol.
IMG_2987 by Adam Powell, on FlickrDAY 3
Again up early, all you can eat breakfast £8.99 (totally worth it considering there aren't many places to find food) we had some slighty drizzle in the morning which after having two days of full spring sunshine was a bit of a downer, however it didn't last and the roads stayed dry!
IMG_3009 by Adam Powell, on Flickr
IMG_3011 by Adam Powell, on Flickr
First stop was to find a Shell using the Shell locater app, which comes in handy as there are not too many of these about!
IMG_3014 by Adam Powell, on Flickr
A full tank of VPOWER later and off we went towards the Black Mountains!
IMG_3019 by Adam Powell, on Flickr
Before we actually hit the Black Mountains, we had a Z4 follow us towards them, driver must of been local as he kept up and seemed to carry good speed! Being pushed along by the Z4 hitting the Black Mountain pass road towards to the top was a pretty bum clenching moment, the road is twisty, tight and a look to your right you see a drop, one mistake and you come off the road you are absolutely done for, made for a wicked thrill and adrenaline rush!
IMG_3641IMG_ by Adam Powell, on Flickr
IMG_3644IMG_ by Adam Powell, on Flickr
IMG_3026 by Adam Powell, on Flickr
IMG_3646IMG_ by Adam Powell, on Flickr
We hit the top, pulled into the parking area, was given a farewell toot and wave by the Z4 who appreciated the drive up. Decided to yet again, get out and take in the scenery and take some photos whilst it was empty!
IMG_3046 by Adam Powell, on Flickr
IMG_3035 by Adam Powell, on Flickr
We spent the remainder of the afternoon, driving the pass, taking photos and watching/listening to other cars and bikes tackle the road. Brilliant place for driving/car enthusiasts to visit, a must! Driving the road bottom to top and top to bottom has you feeling alive.
IMG_3054 by Adam Powell, on Flickr
IMG_3096 by Adam Powell, on Flickr
IMG_3107 by Adam Powell, on Flickr
IMG_3104 by Adam Powell, on Flickr
IMG_3123 by Adam Powell, on Flickr
Before heading off towards the M4 and the 5 hour journey home, first stop was fuel(again).
IMG_3113 by Adam Powell, on Flickr
We made decent time on the way home, saturday evening didn't see us hit any traffice, after a stop for burger king halfway we were soon on the m25 crunching the miles before finally reaching home and feeling a little sad that it had all came to an end.
IMG_3117 by Adam Powell, on Flickr
IMG_3125[1] by Adam Powell, on Flickr
Would recommend this to anyone, a few days, a few hundred quid and a roadtrip that you will never forget. The roads are so fantastic it's hard to explain, we only saw 2 sets of traffic lights throughout the whole journey. Almost all the roads are national speed, which views for miles, you come across villages/towns which has you reduced to 30/40 for a couple of seconds before shooting off again for some more fun packed roads.
The scenery and views were like nothing I've ever seen before. Never knew you could stay in this country and get views and an experience such as this.
£160 total on fuel, 900 miles and I still have half a tank, not bad at all!
The cars performed spot on, they were such thrills to drive on these roads, lowered with good tyres saw me having tons of grip, whilst the power and torque from revo stage two had me plowing through the gears and eating the road up in front.
We enjoyed the trip so much we are thinking about returning each year!
Hope you enjoyed reading.
Loads more photos and a few videos I think can be found on my Flickr if you're interested!
https://www.flickr.c.../131929160@N07/
Again up early, all you can eat breakfast £8.99 (totally worth it considering there aren't many places to find food) we had some slighty drizzle in the morning which after having two days of full spring sunshine was a bit of a downer, however it didn't last and the roads stayed dry!
IMG_3009 by Adam Powell, on FlickrIMG_3011 by Adam Powell, on FlickrFirst stop was to find a Shell using the Shell locater app, which comes in handy as there are not too many of these about!
IMG_3014 by Adam Powell, on FlickrA full tank of VPOWER later and off we went towards the Black Mountains!
IMG_3019 by Adam Powell, on FlickrBefore we actually hit the Black Mountains, we had a Z4 follow us towards them, driver must of been local as he kept up and seemed to carry good speed! Being pushed along by the Z4 hitting the Black Mountain pass road towards to the top was a pretty bum clenching moment, the road is twisty, tight and a look to your right you see a drop, one mistake and you come off the road you are absolutely done for, made for a wicked thrill and adrenaline rush!
IMG_3641IMG_ by Adam Powell, on FlickrIMG_3644IMG_ by Adam Powell, on FlickrIMG_3026 by Adam Powell, on FlickrIMG_3646IMG_ by Adam Powell, on FlickrWe hit the top, pulled into the parking area, was given a farewell toot and wave by the Z4 who appreciated the drive up. Decided to yet again, get out and take in the scenery and take some photos whilst it was empty!
IMG_3046 by Adam Powell, on FlickrIMG_3035 by Adam Powell, on FlickrWe spent the remainder of the afternoon, driving the pass, taking photos and watching/listening to other cars and bikes tackle the road. Brilliant place for driving/car enthusiasts to visit, a must! Driving the road bottom to top and top to bottom has you feeling alive.
IMG_3054 by Adam Powell, on FlickrIMG_3096 by Adam Powell, on FlickrIMG_3107 by Adam Powell, on FlickrIMG_3104 by Adam Powell, on FlickrIMG_3123 by Adam Powell, on FlickrBefore heading off towards the M4 and the 5 hour journey home, first stop was fuel(again).
IMG_3113 by Adam Powell, on FlickrWe made decent time on the way home, saturday evening didn't see us hit any traffice, after a stop for burger king halfway we were soon on the m25 crunching the miles before finally reaching home and feeling a little sad that it had all came to an end.
IMG_3117 by Adam Powell, on FlickrIMG_3125[1] by Adam Powell, on FlickrWould recommend this to anyone, a few days, a few hundred quid and a roadtrip that you will never forget. The roads are so fantastic it's hard to explain, we only saw 2 sets of traffic lights throughout the whole journey. Almost all the roads are national speed, which views for miles, you come across villages/towns which has you reduced to 30/40 for a couple of seconds before shooting off again for some more fun packed roads.
The scenery and views were like nothing I've ever seen before. Never knew you could stay in this country and get views and an experience such as this.
£160 total on fuel, 900 miles and I still have half a tank, not bad at all!
The cars performed spot on, they were such thrills to drive on these roads, lowered with good tyres saw me having tons of grip, whilst the power and torque from revo stage two had me plowing through the gears and eating the road up in front.
We enjoyed the trip so much we are thinking about returning each year!
Hope you enjoyed reading.
Loads more photos and a few videos I think can be found on my Flickr if you're interested!
https://www.flickr.c.../131929160@N07/
Great write-up. Planning to nip over to North Wales one morning over Easter. I went at Christmas but the roads were quite soggy out on the Denbigh Moors even though roads on the run over were dry.
Nice pictures too, although the one of the Focus getting a wash with a yard brush made my teeth itch a little!
Nice pictures too, although the one of the Focus getting a wash with a yard brush made my teeth itch a little!
Tickle said:
Great write-up. Planning to nip over to North Wales one morning over Easter. I went at Christmas but the roads were quite soggy out on the Denbigh Moors even though roads on the run over were dry.
Nice pictures too, although the one of the Focus getting a wash with a yard brush made my teeth itch a little!
You will be glad you too, truly amazing place!Nice pictures too, although the one of the Focus getting a wash with a yard brush made my teeth itch a little!
No no no! We merely held the brush a few inches from the paint work and let the foam onto the car! The brush would never touch the paint lol!
really good write up, its the sort of thing i want to be doing alot more - just taking in the scenic routes the country has to offer be england/wales/scotland - im lucky in the fact that i live in the northwest so not too far from the lake district/peak district/northwales and a 3 hour run would see me into the borders which is supposed to have cracking roads!
Great write up and pictures. I'm sure I've seen pics from your friend somewhere...
Anyway, I'm fortunate to be only 30 (ish) minutes away from the triangle and often have to pop to Wrexham for work. So plenty of excuses to go. There are a lot of great roads around there, some are barely travelled on at all. Weekdays is quieter than weekends and less likely to see the BiB there.
Might have to have a trip over this month
Anyway, I'm fortunate to be only 30 (ish) minutes away from the triangle and often have to pop to Wrexham for work. So plenty of excuses to go. There are a lot of great roads around there, some are barely travelled on at all. Weekdays is quieter than weekends and less likely to see the BiB there.
Might have to have a trip over this month
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