We will be in Wales in late Sept and staying a few nights in Llandudno, then going to St Davids for some nights. We have a car. Google maps pegs it as a 4 1/2 hour drive; without stopping. I had been thinking of looking into Aberystwyth which appears to be about halfway, but several people on this Forum expressed their thoughts it was not worth seeing unless you are taking the steam train to Devils Bridge. We do not plan to do that. Any suggestions for alternative places?
Posted by
Yorkshire
1210 posts
I enjoyed the elenith,the green heart of Wales.
The mountain road out of Tregaron over to Lyn Brianne calling at the hidden chapel.A different landscape to the more rugged Snowdonia.
A place I haven't stayed st yet but its on the list, the Star Inn at Dylife.
No longer a pub sadly but does accommodation
Posted by
2407 posts
The mountain road mentioned by Richard (above) is going a bit off your route and is narrow in places.
Although also going off your route slightly, you may like to consider Aberdovey (Aberdyfi in Welsh). https://www.aberdovey.org.uk
Posted by
Lake District, England
5748 posts
It is never quite clear why some places on this forum get disparaged.
But I am sure that in one of his videos Rick himself doesn't share that view that Aberystwyth is only good for the railway, but he shares the other things in the town- and it has a renewed vibrancy now it is also a University town.
But then if the international tourists don't go there that leaves more room for the domestic tourists, which is fine with me.
Somewhere else you might like to consider is Machynlleth- the next town north.
The question essentially is whether you follow the castles trail down the coast (in some ways the more logical route) or cut straight down the spine of Wales.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
6539 posts
We stayed in Aberystwyth. While it has no must see sights, it was nice for an overnight. Our hotel/room was right on the street overlooking the promenade and beach. We walked out onto the pier and up to the fortress.
Places we stopped along the route included, Pentre Ifan Burial Chamber (along a single track road), St Brynach's Church in Nevern to see the weeping yew, Dyfi Furnace, and Pont Minllyn pack horse bridge and nearby shop.
Posted by
OP
Seattle
4 posts
Thanks for all the comments and suggestions. If anyone else has any, please continue to share I am grateful for the input! As to the comment about "disparaging" please understand that I read all the comments in the Forum for where we will travel. We have traveled throughout the world and I understand that there are places I am not so fond of, but perhaps my wife loves. Different people have different interests. In no way did I mean to slight or insult Aberystwyth. Instead, I simply wanted the collective wisdom of Forum readers and appreciate what I have been given.
Posted by
2407 posts
I don't know how much of north Wales you plan to see when based in Llandudno? You may like to detour when heading south as follows:>
A470 is the main route that you would use to Betws-Y-Coed. Now, you could continue S on A470 but a longer more scenic route is A5 W to Capel Curig & then A4066 & A498 to Beddgelert - go through Aberglasyn Pass and turn L onto A4085 for Minfordd and visit PORTMEIRION.
You could then continue south via the coast road and see HARLECH CASTLE. This would mean continuing S on A496 to BARMOUTH and then along the beautiful Mawddach estuary. Note that this route will take much longer than the more direct A470 so you would need to think of accommodation for a night no further south than Aberystwyth.
If you follow the route on Google Maps, you will find various hotels marked and should find something in your price range. Be sure to check reviews first. Booking direct often can work out cheaper. Also go on street view to see the type of roads you will be driving on.
South of Aberystwyth, Aberaeron is certainly worth a stop.