Explore the Area

Circular · from Tywyn

Dolgellau Circular

Coast, dramatic pass & hidden valleys

Beginning in Tywyn, this circular route follows the coast north along one of the most atmospheric stretches of coastal road in Wales. It turns inland at Llwyngwril and passes through Dolgellau before climbing into the mountain pass towards Talyllyn — the highlight of the loop, with steep bends, wide-open mountain views and a real sense of height. The descent brings you to the still waters of Talyllyn Lake before the road winds through Abergynolwyn and back to Tywyn.

Short drive · above Aberdyfi

The Back Ridge

Estuary views above Aberdyfi

A short but spectacular hillside road above Aberdyfi. On one side the land falls steeply to the Dyfi Estuary, with wide views across tidal water and sandbanks towards Cardigan Bay. On the other lies Happy Valley, a quiet wooded valley of an entirely different character.

Please note: The road is very narrow and single-track throughout, and it isn't a through route — the Google Maps link marks the right place to turn round.

Upland road · from Machynlleth

The Dylife Road

South of Machynlleth

Heading south from Machynlleth, this historic former mining route climbs quickly into wide-open upland. Rolling moorland, steep-sided valleys and ridgelines stretching to the horizon give a genuine sense of remoteness and scale — particularly dramatic in shifting weather.

Full day · Eryri National Park

Heart of Eryri Loop

Valleys, peaks & classic stops

A full day's drive into the heart of Eryri. The route passes through Betws-y-Coed before climbing into the Ogwen Valley, then on to Llanberis and the spectacular Llanberis Pass — one of the finest mountain roads in Wales — and ends at the riverside village of Beddgelert and the legend of Gelert's Grave.