A Welsh hidden gem - B4401

[Andy665]

Drove this 11 miles of heaven yesterday for the second time, this time in an A110S with fellow A110 owners.

Just off the A5 at Ruug to the A494 at Bala - long sweeping corners, twists, turns - a perfect road for cars like the A110

Never heard / seen anyone mention it before and stumbled across it by accident last year when route planning

[Tupwood]

Look pretty good, thanks for the tip.

I rather like the B4501 from the other side of Bala up to Cerrigydrudion, so could combine them both to bypass Bala completely

[EW109]

That brings back memories. I last drove that road - in glorious summer sunshine - back in the mid-1990s. I must revisit it - as you say, it really is worth it.

[Pentino191]

It sounds wonderful, however how good/enjoyable was the ride up until there?

[BoPettermann]

Excellent suggestions, I always pass by these on the A5 or A4212/B4391 heading for across to the higher roads.

[blue_haddock]

there are some great roads around that area, i always love the drive from Lake Vyrnwy across to Bala and then the A4212 across to Trawsfynyd.

[Andy665]

Pentino191 said:

It sounds wonderful, however how good/enjoyable was the ride up until there?

Brilliant route to that point when coming from Shropshire and keeping off the A5 wherever possible

[Slippydiff]

B4391 Bala to Pen-y-Bont-Fawr road better IMO.

Edited by Slippydiff on Saturday 29th June 15:54

[Andy665]

Slippydiff said:

B4391 Bala to Pen-y-Bont-Fawr road better IMO.

Edited by Slippydiff on Saturday 29th June 15:54

Also far better known and can easily be linked together

Other section of B4391 past Capel Celyn to Ffestiniog is arguably better than the section from Bala to Pen-y-Bont-Fawr

Edited by Andy665 on Sunday 30th June 16:07

[Andy665]

TechSavvy72 said:

The B4401 sounds like a fantastic route to explore! I'm always on the lookout for hidden gems, and this Welsh road seems like a perfect blend of scenic views and local charm. Any specific spots or activities along the way that you'd recommend checking out?

Its only 11 miles long so nothing really to explore on it, well worth a visit though is the Rhug Estate farm shop on the A5 about 1/2 mile away from the turn off on to the B4401

[Pica-Pica]

Andy665 said:

Slippydiff said:

B4391 Bala to Pen-y-Bont-Fawr road better IMO.

Edited by Slippydiff on Saturday 29th June 15:54

Also far better known and can easily be linked together

Other section of B4391 past Capel Celyn to Ffestiniog is arguably better than the section from Bala to Pen-y-Bont-Fawr

Edited by Andy665 on Sunday 30th June 16:07

It’s usually shortened to ‘Stiniog.

[giveitfish]

In all my years of going to Wales I didn't know about this alternative way into Bala so thanks for posting!

We went down there in the setting sun last Friday night, perfect in an Elise.

[Mr Tidy]

I don't think I did the B4401 last time I went to Wales, but then my mate was navigating!

But I do remember the A4212 between the A470 and Bala being so good I turned round and did it again the other way.

[Andy665]

giveitfish said:

In all my years of going to Wales I didn't know about this alternative way into Bala so thanks for posting!

We went down there in the setting sun last Friday night, perfect in an Elise.

Its a perfect road for things like Elise / A110 / Caterham etc

[Andy665]

Mr Tidy said:

I don't think I did the B4401 last time I went to Wales, but then my mate was navigating!

But I do remember the A4212 between the A470 and Bala being so good I turned round and did it again the other way.

I treat the A4212 like the A5, its a link road to get to the really great roads like the B4391, B4407, B4406 etc - classic case f different people liking different things

Edited by Andy665 on Monday 15th July 13:09

[Indecision]

I seem to always be in the van when I’m on that road, wishing I was in the Elise.

If you like a posh hotel, Palé Hall is just off the B4401, wonderful place to spend the night.

[Mr Tidy]

Andy665 said:

Mr Tidy said:

I don't think I did the B4401 last time I went to Wales, but then my mate was navigating!

But I do remember the A4212 between the A470 and Bala being so good I turned round and did it again the other way.

I treat the A4212 like the A5, its a link road to get to the really great roads like the B4391, B4407, B4406 etc - classic case f different people liking different things

Edited by Andy665 on Monday 15th July 13:09

Maybe it helped that I was there in May 2021, so just after the 2nd lockdown. There was hardly any other traffic on it.