A470 by Motorcycle: Llandudno to Cardiff, plus the Evo Triangle

The A470 runs the length of Wales, about 300km (186 mi) from Llandudno on the north coast to Cardiff in the south. It is the country's longest road and, on a bike, the best way to see Wales in a day: mountain passes in Snowdonia, empty sweepers through mid Wales and a high crossing of the Brecon Beacons. Add the Evo Triangle on the Denbigh Moors near the start and the whole ride comes to about 330km (205 mi).

Llandudno to Betws-y-Coed, and the Evo Triangle

From Llandudno the A470 follows the Conwy valley south to Betws-y-Coed. Here, detour east along the A5 to Pentrefoelas for the Evo Triangle, named after the magazine that made it famous. Take the A543 north-east across the open Denbigh Moors, turn south on the B4501 past Llyn Brenig to Cerrigydrudion, and come back west along the A5 to Pentrefoelas, about 32km (20 mi) in all. The roads are fast and open, with crests, dips and long sight lines, and that has given them a poor accident record. They are heavily policed with speed enforcement, so ride the Triangle for the views and the flow, not to set a time.

Snowdonia: Betws-y-Coed to Dolgellau

Back on the A470, climb south over the Crimea Pass to Blaenau Ffestiniog, a town surrounded by mountains of slate waste. The road continues past Trawsfynydd lake and down to Dolgellau under Cadair Idris, with a long run of well-sighted bends along the way.

Mid Wales: Dolgellau to Builth Wells

South of Dolgellau the A470 climbs past Cross Foxes and through the hills to Mallwyd, then crosses the quiet heart of Wales via Llanidloes to Rhayader. This is the least crowded part of the route and some of the most enjoyable: wide valleys, sweeping bends and very little traffic. From Rhayader, the Elan Valley road past the reservoirs and the mountain road west to Cwmystwyth are well worth a detour. The A470 then follows the Wye valley to Builth Wells, home of the Royal Welsh Show.

The Brecon Beacons to Cardiff

From Brecon the A470 climbs into the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog), past the reservoirs and the Storey Arms, below Pen y Fan, the highest peak in southern Britain. This is a fast, open section with big views. South of Merthyr Tydfil the road becomes a dual carriageway through the valleys to Cardiff, so most riders finish at Merthyr or turn off for the Black Mountains.

The roads

The A470 varies from fast two-lane main road to slow town streets, and it carries lorries and caravans in summer. Wales has a default 20mph limit in most built-up areas, and the many villages on the route add up, so allow plenty of time. The mountain sections catch wind and rain from the west, and the high ground can be much colder than the coast. Speed cameras and police patrols are common on the popular biking roads.

When to go

April to October. May, June and September give the best mix of long days and quiet roads. Mid Wales is quieter than Snowdonia even in high summer. In winter the high sections can be icy and exposed.

Where to stay

Betws-y-Coed is the natural base for the north and the Evo Triangle; Dolgellau, Rhayader and Brecon split the rest of the route. See all Welsh biker-friendly stays. For a day of mountain passes from Betws-y-Coed, see our Snowdonia loop.