Hello, we are a family of five driving from the Cotswolds to Conwy and northern Wales in early July. Can anyone recommend a scenic route that would allow for a stop or lunch and a taste of Snowdonia along the way? Many thanks in advance.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32745 posts
where in the Cotswolds - it is a big place?
Posted by
Tunbridge Wells
6113 posts
The Cotswolds covers nearly 800 sq miles - where is your departure point?
Snowdonia is on a very slow route from the Cotswolds and is likely to be 6-7 hours of driving, which doesn’t give much option for exploring anywhere.
I would take the quicker M54 and the A5, where you could stop and visit Chirk Castle then walk over the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Ah, sorry for being vague! Can you tell I have never been before?! We are staying in Chipping Campden. Appreciate the quick replies.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
6534 posts
As already stated, it’s a decent drive for one day. Shrewsbury is nice to walk around if you wanted a break from driving, and the aqueduct Jennifer mentioned is very much worth stopping at.
Posted by
2404 posts
Here is a route that takes in places of interest but does use winding roads so can take some time! I suggest you try and look at the roads on Google Streetview & see if you think it is right for you.
Leave Chipping Campden & join A44 going towards Evesham - which you loop around on the by-pass. Then B4084 towards Pershore
& pass south of Worcester to rejoin A44 going towards Bromyard. (It is very bendy). As you approach Bromyard, look out for signs directing you R to LOWER BROCKHAMPTON HALL. It is a bit of a drive but at the bottom of the hill you will find the Hall. (Everything you expected Ye Olde England to be).http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/brockhampton-estate/
Return to A44 & continue W to join A49 heading N. Do not take Ludlow by-pass but drive into this small town and take a look around.
http://www.ludlow.org.uk
Now back onto A49 going N (towards Shrewsbury). About 10 minutes up the road is this:> http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/stokesay-castle/
If you are running late - stay on A49 heading for Shrewsbury & then A5 going NW into Wales via Llangollen (try & see the Pontcysyllte Aquaduct). However, if you have time, you may wish to fork left just N of Craven Arms & follow A489 to Church Stoke & then A490 towards Welshpool in order to visit Powis Castle. http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/powis-castle/
On leaving Powis Castle - take A483 towards Oswestry / Chirk for A5 into Wales via Llangollen (as before).
In the Conway area , you could visit Bodnant Garden. In addition to Bodnant, I would prioritise driving back to Betws-Y-Coed & then A5 to Capel Curig > A4086 > via Beddgelert & A4085 via Garreg to PORTMEIRION.http://www.portmeirion-village.com
Alternatively, if the weather is clear, you may wish to prioritise going to Llanberis and up Snowdon via the mountain railway. You can then add Caernarvon Castle to the Saturday trip before returning to Conway.
http://www.greatorme.org.uk
You might wish to fly on this zip-wire:> http://www.zipworld.co.uk
PS> Chester is worth a look.http://www.visitchester.com