Wild Wales, North Wales

Drive through Snowdonia National Park and out over the Menai Strait to Anglesey to see some of the most stunning landscapes in the UK. Begin in Betws-y-Coed and go west across Snowdonia, past Swallow Falls. The A4086 will take you past Snowdon, but you may wish to take a detour to explore the mountain. Aside from the breathtaking peaks, North Wales is home to lakes with thrilling watersports facilities. The National White-Water Centre offers white water kayaking on natural rapids.

Outside the park, take the picturesque trip across the Strait by first passing through medieval Caernarfon before crossing the water to discover the lovely Isle of Anglesey. Caernarfon, on the Menai Strait, is one of North Wales' trendiest towns, and it's not to be missed with its sleek shoreline and stunning castle (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Welsh is frequently spoken in Gwynedd and Anglesey, so wow the locals by bringing a phrasebook or learning a few key terms before you go. If you don’t fancy hiking all the way to the top of Snowdon, why not take a train? The Snowdon Mountain Railway runs to the summit and offers spectacular views.

Distance and ideal duration: 50 miles, 1-2 days