Wales’ longest road is a majestic route with eccentric sections and a mystery end

Ending at two seafronts, it’s the UK’s only A road that runs the entire length of a country. In between, the A470 passes through two national parks and several mountain passes, giving drivers spectacular view of lakes, valleys and castles.

The road also has an air of mystery. Despite being a main conduit between north and south, few people know its southern terminus. Starting from Llandudno in Conwy, the country’s longest road ends at an iconic location visited by thousands of people often unaware of its A470 connection.

For motorists in Cardiff, the 186-mile road conjures traumatic visions of slow-moving rush hour commutes to and from the south Wales valleys. Those further north mostly lack dual-carriageway sections but can revel in the majesty of Eryri’s landscapes as they head south.

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The original A470 ran only from Cardiff to Brecon. It became a trans-country route following campaigns mounted in the lead-up to the 1979 Welsh devolution referendum. At first, until Llanidloes and Dolgellau were bypassed, it still ran through the narrow streets of both market towns, reports WalesOnline.

Its northern end could not have a more impressive start, threading out from Llandudno’s promenade via Vaughan Street before joining a short stretch of two-lane carriageway linking up to the grandly named Royal Welsh Way.

Before the road passes under the A55 and down the Conwy Valley, there’s a chance to see one of Wales’ most impressive castles. Looking out across the Conwy estuary, Edward 1’s “Ring of Steel” castle presides over the beautiful town of Conwy and its many attractions and eateries. Even today, after 700 years, the medieval fortress remains a formidable and imposing structure.

After passing through the Glan Conwy the road arrives at the pinchpoint market town of Llanrwst. Here, it skirts past the town’s famous stone bridge and Tu Hwnt I’r Bont Tearooms before heading down to Betws-y-Coed, which feels almost Alpine with its surrounding waters, woodland and mountains. For waterfall hunters, Swallow Falls waterfall lies just outside the town. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now

Just after Waterloo Bridge, the A470 becomes the A5 for a short distance before a right-turn sees the road resume its name. From here, the countryside becomes more forested and hilly as the road climbs up through the ancient community of Dolwyddelan, home to Llywelyn the Great’s part-ruined castle.

The A470 then descends into slate country via the Crimea Pass to Blaenau Ffestiniog, whose historic mining attractions have now been supplemented by adrenaline activities. The road continues to Trawsfynydd, passing its redundant nuclear power station, as it follows the ancient Roman track of Sarn Helen past Coed-y-Brenin, the UK’s first dedicated mountain biking centre.

From the high plateau of the Cambrian dome, the A470 drops down to Dolgellau, once a centre of the region’s wool industry and, briefly, a 19th century gold rush. It’s now a launchpad for climbers heading to Cadair Idris, whose eastern foothills carry the A470 further south.

After turning at Cross Foxes Inn, it continues through Dinas Mawddwy before dropping down to Commins Coch. Here, the river bridge is so narrow and set at such an angle that only one vehicle at a time can pass.

The road climbs again along a relatively new stretch of road. This replaced a set of roadworks that was traffic-light controlled for more than 10 years due to an unstable hillside. Next stop is Llanbrynmair as the road continues through Caersws and Carno in the heart of Powys.

Further south, the road travels past Rhayader and through Builth Wells, home to the Royal Welsh Show. The route continues via the stunning Elan Valley, a beauty spot which rivals the Lake District for its scenery and lakes. The road to Brecon becomes narrow and twisty before opening up into a short three-lane stretch.

In the Brecon Beacons, the A470 runs right past the highest mountain in south Wales, Pen y Fan, then down to historic mining towns like Merthyr and Pontypridd which fuelled Britain’s industrial revolution.

A high-speed section runs 15 miles before passing under the M4 and into Cardiff, where the pace of travel slows on an urban dual-carriageway. This is where everyone in South Wales thinks the A470 starts: in fact it continues right to Mermaid Quay in Cardiff Bay via Lloyd George Avenue. It means the terminus is actually just outside the Wales Millennium Centre, the country’s national arts centre.

Driving the route can be a curse or a blessing, depending on the conditions, traffic and your frame of mind. Best time to travel the road is when you have time on your hands. Driving it from end to end is a glorious road trip and there are so many places to stop and enjoy good food, lovely walks and incredible views.

Just be prepared to be caught behind the occasional tractor in Mid Wales or snared in a Cardiff traffic jam. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox

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