Hello Lykkers! Looking for a scenic route full of charm, history, and sweeping coastal and mountain views? The Wales Way might just be your next dream adventure.
This unique journey is divided into three stunning routes, each offering a perfect mix of landscapes, heritage landmarks, and delightful villages. Here's your friendly guide to everything you need to know about the Wales Way — a memorable road trip that blends authenticity with wonder.
The Three Routes of the Wales Way
1. North Wales Way
This route starts in the town of Mold and stretches westward along a path filled with historic sites and picturesque views.
Flint Castle
- Opening Hours: 9 AM – 6 PM (April to September), 9 AM – 4 PM (October to March)
- Tickets: £6.50 adults, £4.00 children, family tickets available
Saint Winefride's Well
- Open Year-Round; free entry
Anglesey Island & Llanfairpwllgwyngyll
- Crossing the Menai Strait by bridge is free. Local buses cost around £5 for a day pass.
Rhuddlan Castle
- Opening Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM
- Tickets: Free entry, donations welcome
Coastal Towns & Conwy Castle
- Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 6 PM
- Tickets: £10 adults, £6.50 children
Accommodation: Budget guesthouses start at £50/night; mid-range hotels from £90.
Dining: Expect £10-£20 per person for a meal in local cafes.
2. Cambrian Way
Running from Cardiff to the northern reaches of Wales, this route climbs through highlands and open countryside. Along the way:
Cardiff & Castell Coch
- Opening Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Tickets: £9 adults, £5.50 children
Brecon Beacons National Park
Free to enter; some paid activities like Brecon Mountain Railway cost around £15-£20 per ride.
Wye Valley & Lake Llanbwchllyn
- Parking fees may apply (~£3-£5), boat rentals from £10/hour.
Rhayader
- Small town with free access; local cafes offer meals from £8.
Accommodation: Hostels start at £35/night; charming B&Bs from £70.
Dining: Cafés serve meals averaging £12-£18.
3. Coastal Way
For those who love the sea, this route runs along the western edge of Wales from St Davids to the Llŷn Peninsula.
St Davids:
The smallest city in Great Britain and a peaceful spot for exploring quiet streets and grand architecture.
Pembrokeshire Coast & Whitesands Bay
Beach access is free; parking £4-£6 per day.
Abersoch
Free access to beaches; dining costs range from £15-£25 per person.
Wool Mill near Fishguard
- Opening Hours: 10 AM – 4 PM.
- Tickets: £7 adults, £4 children.
Cardigan Castle
- Opening Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Tickets: £8 adults, £5 children.
New Quay & Portmeirion Village
- Opening Hours: 9 AM – 7 PM.
- Tickets: £11 adults, £7 children.
Accommodation: Coastal cottages and hotels from £80-£120 per night.
Dining: Seafood restaurants offer fresh dishes around £18-£30.
Travel Tips and Natural Highlights
Start From Cardiff
The capital is a practical and cultural entry point. From here, it's easy to head into the Cambrian Way and beyond. The capital offers train and bus links with fares ranging from £10-£30 to key points on the Wales Way.
Brecon Beacons and Usk Valley
This area is perfect for nature lovers. The Usk Valley is green, peaceful, and filled with scenic walking paths and fields. Parking is £3-£5.
Lavender Fields of Builth Wells
During summer, the hills bloom with purple fields. Local farms offer demonstrations on essential oil production and handmade lavender goods. Best in summer; workshops cost £5-£10.
Llanidloes
At the base of the Cambrian Mountains lies this quaint town. Its open-air markets and quiet atmosphere reflect old-world charm.
Snowdonia National Park
A paradise for those who enjoy walking, mountain views, and clear lakes. Trails wind through heathlands and up to high-altitude viewpoints like Bwlch y Groes, a mountain pass at 545 meters above sea level. Most trails are free; guided tours are around £20-£40.
Gwydir Castle and Bodnant Estate
Near the towns of Trefriw and Llanrwst, these sites showcase fine architectural styles and peaceful gardens. Bodnant's stone cottages are available for overnight stays, surrounded by blooming landscapes. Bodnant cottages are available for stays from £100/night.
Entry: £12 adults, £6 children; gardens open 10 AM – 5 PM.
Final Stop: Llandudno
This beachside town offers long sandy shores and a rich past. Once a favorite of Queen Victoria, it's still a popular destination. Just a short drive away is the fortified town of Conwy. Don't miss the chance to walk along the old walls for panoramic views.
- Llandudno Beaches: Free entry, parking £4/day
- Conwy Walls: Tickets £7 adults, £4 children
- Accommodation: From budget hotels at £50/night to luxury stays around £150.
- Dining: Local restaurants offer meals between £12-£25.
Conclusion: A Journey Worth Taking
Dear Lykkers, the Wales Way isn't just a route — it's a collection of stories carved into cliffs, castles, and coastlines. With three thoughtfully planned paths, it invites all travelers to slow down and enjoy the scenery, heritage, and timeless charm of Wales.
Whether it's a quiet seaside escape, a mountain adventure, or a step back in time through historic towns, the Wales Way offers a little something for everyone — and leaves unforgettable memories in every direction.
