There are some beautiful drives in Wales, from the mountain road you’ve probably never heard of to the mini-road trip with a gorgeous country pub practically around every corner. But one amazing route known as the Coastal Way has just been named as being one of the best in the world and has been listed before famous routes in the likes of Italy, Canada and Australia.
The stunning route has been named the ninth best in a list of the world’s best road trips by travel insurance company, InsureandGo, and it is so stunning it is impossible not to understand why. The route runs along the entire length of Cardigan Bay in a 180-mile journey which intertwines between striking blue seas and mountains.
Running from Aberdaron at the top of the Llŷn Peninsula, down to Pembrokeshire, it is best known for the rare sea life people have encountered while en route, as well as enjoying the jaw-dropping views from the natural landscapes to magical craggy castles. For the latest Welsh news delivered to your inbox sign up to our newsletter.
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There’s a huge amount to take in, from dolphins hotspots like Cardigan Bay, a Special Area of Conservation, to hidden coves and amazing restaurants which are perfect for taking a welcome pit-stop in. And, depending on how you want to enjoy the journey, there are plenty of harbour towns and fishing villages with vast stretches of sand and towering cliffs to stop in along the way or stay in for a couple of days if you want to really make the most of the scenery.
Aberaeron – one of the many coastal towns you could visit along the route -Credit:Getty Images
New Quay is famous for being a dolphin hotspot – so if you’re heading along the Coastal Way it’s well worth strolling along the coast or taking a boat ride to see if you can see them up close -Credit:Joshua Pedley
Writing about the route on the InsureandGo website, a spokesperson for the travel insurance company said: “Hugging the beautiful west coast of Wales, this route is a scenic drive that stretches over almost 300km of rugged coastline, the Irish Sea and even dolphin watching hotspots. With UNESCO World Heritage sites like Harlech Castle too, this epic drive offers travellers beautiful scenery and Welsh culture galore.”
There is so much going on, whether you’re the adventurous type, a foodie lover or prefer taking it a little more slowly with a game of golf, Visit Wales notes in its extensive guide to the impressive route.
Abersoch on the Llŷn Peninsula is a haven for splashy sports like surfing, bodyboarding and stand-up paddleboarding. And at Dragon Raiders Activity Park near Criccieth you can enjoy the paintball range, explore trails by Segway and quad bike, or learn how to live in the wild at the Bear Grylls Survival Academy.
View of Barmouth viaduct across the Mawddach estuary -Credit:Ian Cooper/North Wales Live
Dylan’s Restaurant in Criccieth -Credit:Daily Post Wales
Harlech Castle -Credit:Tom Parry & Co, Harlech
Some of the standout landscapes Visit Wales also points to include the likes of the majestic Mawddach Estuary, which also acts as the perfect spot for watching the gulls and different types of birds. For food lovers, Dylan’s Restaurant in Criccieth is the place to be if you are wanting to “enjoy a taste of the sea”, or Bwyty Mawddach near Dolgellau for more local flavour. Here, there are also some incredible views of the local area.
If you prefer to take in the scenery from a different perspective, Visit Wales also recommends Royal St David’s, which is described as being a “king among golf courses” as it sits in the shadow of the famous Harlech Castle. So, with dramatic views and a sea breeze, this is an ideal place to spend a few hours.
If golf’s not your thing, you could also travel some of the area by bike, along quiet routes like Ystwyth and Rheidol Valley trails, which, according to Visit Wales, are “mostly traffic free.” Or if you prefer to take things in at a slower pace and want to enjoy soaking up some culture, you could set out on the Ceredigion Art Trail, which gives you a glimpse into the studios and galleries of local artists and craftspeople making everything from pottery and paintings to glassware and jewellery, Visit Wales recommends.
For more information about the route and advice on what to do, click here.
Have you travelled along the Coastal Way? Let us know what hidden gems you came across on your journey in the comments below.