Where there’s Wales, there’s a ‘way’: your guide to three classic holiday routes

Against the backdrop of winter, the Welsh landscape – from towering fortresses to windswept coastlines – seems to really come alive. Without the summer crowds, you may even find you often have this raw-natured countryside to yourself. With such a bounty of riches, we’d understand if you can’t make up your mind where to start. So, we’ve curated highlights of Wales’ three national routes – the Cambrian Way, the Coastal Way and the North Wales Way – to put together three trips that’ll be sure to leave you relaxed, inspired and invigorated. Be it for a leisurely week off or a weekend break, there’s a “way” for you.

The Cambrian Way
Ranging from Cardiff in the south to Conwy in the north, the Cambrian Way was originally chartered in 1967. Today’s route follows the winding branches of the A470 and has become the ultimate road trip through the rugged, mountainous heart of Wales.

Begin your journey at Cardiff Castle. A short drive north to the Royal Mint Experience at Llantrisant reveals how our country’s coins are created, while in the south valleys, A Welsh Coal Mining Experience’s underground tours are full of fascinating knowledge about the industry that once dominated the region.

Wintry weather only heightens the spectacular landscapes of the Brecon Beacons national park; the beautiful Sgwd yr Eira, for example, is a remote waterfall that often freezes mid-cascade in January and February. Explore the vast lakelands of the Elan valley by bike or on foot. The local craft centre is a great stop for souvenir shopping – showcasing everything from handmade chocolate, pottery, and jewellery to the award-winning Dyfi Distillery gin.

Much like the many inns you’ll find along this route, Cross Foxes, to the south of Snowdonia national park, serves hearty meals using fresh local ingredients – highlights include a cockle, leek and Caerphilly arancini, or a Welsh lamb burger with a cheddar and mint mayo.

Set up camp in Betws-y-Coed before setting off to the impressively imposing Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). At 1,085 metres, the highest peak in Wales is an awe-inspiring sight, even if looking on from ground level and when cloud covered. With plentiful accommodation throughout the Cambrian Way, ranging from youth hostels and bed and breakfasts to four-star rooms, you won’t be short of options.

The Coastal Way
From St Davids in the south to Aberdaron in the north, the Coastal Way is a 180-mile stretch of road that traces Cardigan Bay, taking in secluded beaches, towering limestone cliffs and colourful villages along the way.

Begin your drive at the pristine sands of Barafundle Bay, exploring the walking trails leading to clifftop vistas over sheltered coves. Dotted along the Coastal Way are eclectic accommodation options, including Manor Town House in Fishguard Bay, a renovated Georgian-era guesthouse with superb winter sunset views over the Pembrokeshire coast – or the welcoming Denmark Farm eco lodge, about 30 minutes from Aberaeron. It’s common to find old stone guesthouses, boutique hotels and even luxury glamping experiences designed to blend into nature with minimal disruption.

In Barmouth, take a slow walk across the old wooden railway bridge over the estuary mouth – a particularly beautiful sight when the clouds are threatening rain. By contrast, the collection of white, indigo and ochre-coloured buildings that make up the Italianate-style village at Portmeirion, on the banks of the Dwyryd estuary, is a cultural highlight.

With its glassy bay and coastal views, the fishing village of Aberdaron is postcard perfect. Join local families for a spot of crabbing along the sea walls or indulge in the local culinary scene: at the Potted Lobster in nearby Pwllheli, where the creamy seafood linguine topped with half a Llŷn peninsula lobster gets an emphatic thumbs up.

The North Wales Way
Following an old trading route leading to the island of Anglesey, the 75-mile-long North Wales Way is a heritage-packed route furrowed with villages. The charming 700-year-old fortress, Chirk Castle, opens the tour on the English-Welsh border near Wrexham.

From here, the A5 meanders through the Horseshoe Pass into Snowdonia and the Ogwen valley, where the dramatic Carneddau and Glyderau ranges theatrically sandwich the road. Marvel at cascades tumbling prettily down through crevices as you pass.

At Colwyn Bay, chef Bryn Williams cooks up a seafood storm at his bistro Port Eirias, combining seasonal ingredients with the freshest catch from local fishers. For something less formal, stop in at On the Hoof, on the Rhug Estate near Corwen – the organic bison burger is worth the visit.

Cross the Menai Strait either via Thomas Telford’s Menai suspension bridge, completed in 1826, or the contemporary alternative, Britannia. Hint: the latter provides beautiful views of the former. From there, the stunning Beaumaris Castle – otherwise known as the greatest castle never built, because funds ran out – is great for exploring and clambering in all its unfinished glory.

Get in tune with the relaxed Anglesey way of life, take a behind-the-scenes look at how sea salt is hand-harvested at Halen Môn, and pop in to the town with the famously long name to try your hand at pronouncing Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch (translated as “St Mary’s church in the hollow of the white hazel near a rapid whirlpool and the church of St Tysilio near the red cave”).

In Anglesey, charming B&B-style cottage accommodation awaits. Book in at Tyddyn Crythor or cosy Red Robin cottage in Brynsiencyn for stunning views of mountain scenery.

Find inspiration for your winter break at Visit Wales