The incredible A470 road makes it one of the best road trips in the UK (Image: Cineman69 via Getty Images)
The UK is the only way to run the entire country. It starts at a seaside location in the south and ends at another location in the north. At both ends, you are literally rarely approaching the water.
And in the meantime, this stunning route passes by vast mountains, lakes and castles, crossing sideways, and sailing through two national parks. But its starting point remains a mystery to many. Some live there, and others often walk on sunny summer days.
For many, the mere mention of the A470 reminds us of images that destroy the soul of traffic from bumper to bumper at the peak of the time of coming and going from the valley of South Wales to North Cardiff. However, this “city highway” section is just a small part of the road.
Head north from there, the roads blew through iconic Welsh towns such as Pontyprid and Mercer, who helped Wales coal and iron contributed to the British industrial revolution, when it was globally important. Beyond Merthyr, the road enters the Brecon Beacons (now known as the Bannau Brycheiniog of Wales) and the Skirts Pen Y fan, the tallest mountain in South Wales.
The view from the car at this point is breathtakingly beautiful, with drops to stop the heart from the road on one side of the mountain, and on the other is a wall of rock and sturdy hillside grass.
A470 passes through the Brecon beacon near the highest mountain in South Wales (Image: Jax10289 via Getty Images)
To the north of the charming town of Brecon, you can enjoy a few hours on the narrow boat of the Brecon and Monmouthshire canals. This lesser known beauty spot rivals the Lake District with its picturesque scenery and lakes.
Ferrin Fach Griffin is found when hunger strikes just north of Brecon. Ferrin Fach Griffin is a cozy place offering the finest food in Wales, next to a log fire, with comfortable rooms for an overnight stay.
Ferrinfach Griffin at the beautiful Brecon Beacon location (Image: Ferrin Fach Griffin)
As you move north, you're in the heart of the Agricultural Country of Wales, so expect to encounter slow-moving agricultural vehicles. The Royal Wales Show, a major event in the Agricultural Calendar, runs every week in the vicinity of the town of Bilswells.
Further north, the route passes through coed Y Brenin forest and Eliri (formerly known as Sunodonia) national park, translated into King's Forest of Wales. It's not too far from yr wyddfa (or snowdon), the best mountain in Wales and across the UK.
The A470 runs the full length of Wales from coast to coast (Image: Getty Images)
The A470 also passes through the historic slate mining town Blaenau Ffestiniog, which was once a hub for slate exports. Betouz Y-Code, a picturesque village with alpine-like environments with waterfalls, forests and mountains, is another highlight along this route.
Just outside of town, Swallow Waterfall is a must-see. Quaint stone cottages, pubs and one of Wales' most tragic stories, Bedgellat, a charming village that is also nearby, ranked as one of the UK's most beautiful villages.
Betws-y-Coed is a small village in the heart of Eriri National Park (Image: Getty Images)
As you proceed north, the road approaches Conwy, one of Wales's most spectacular castles, part of Edward I's steel ring. Looking down at the mouth of the Conwy Estuary, the castle remains formidable today.
Conway itself is a fun town and, as this writer has discovered, offers plenty of options for food, drinking and overnight stays. The A470 closes with the famous seaside promenade at Llandudno, the British favourite stay and day trip destination since the Victorian era.
Where does the A470 start in the south?
The A470 passes through stunning views including snowy hills and mountains (Image: Getty Images)
Few people will achieve this, but the A470 actually starts at the Mermaid Quay in Cardiff Bay, the Welsh capital's main tourist attraction just outside the Welsh Millennium Centre. It's what everyone in South Wales thinks when they stretch Lloyd Georgia Avenue and then head to North Road in Cardiff and say “A470.”
The original road was built in 1922 and stretched from the Cardiff dock to the Brecon. The modern route is the result of a campaign by the Western Mail Newspaper in the 1970s and is a single route to link North Wales and South Wales. It is 186 miles long and holds the title of Wales' longest road.
The A470 begins (or ends) south, Welsh Millennium Centre in Cardiff Bay (Image: Rob Brown)
When is the ideal time to drive an A470?
Afternoon sun catches mist at Elan Valley (Image: Getty Images)
Simply put, when you have plenty of room. Driving from one end to the other is an epic journey, with many spots pausing for good food, comfortable walks and breathtaking views. However, if it's taking time, try not to get stuck behind a Cardiff traffic jam or a tractor in Mid Wales.
Where to eat with an A470
There are plenty of food and accommodation options for the A470 either going directly to the road or a bit of a detour. Consider stopping in the towns of Conwy or Brecon for lunch or dinner. One of the most enjoyable dining places in all of Wales, Ferrinfach Griffin is conveniently located on the side of the road.
