This is my version of the Wales 360 and as a RouteXpert route it is a little different to my other routes in the library.
It concentrates more on following the defined route on spectacular roads and through a landscape that will have you saying WoW around every corner.
I have started this 360 mile round trip route from a fuel station in Bala but even with a free basic MyRoute-app account you can choose to start and end wherever you please. It is also the complete route of 360 miles and although this can be achieved in one day, I suggest stopping for one night in Holyhead.

DAY 1
The route leaves Bala on the A494 and passes the enchanting Bala Lake or Llyn Tegid. Measuring 3.5 miles long and three quarters of a mile at its widest point, Llyn Tegid is Wales’ largest natural lake.
Despite it's 'A' category the A494 is a great road to use as it follows a series of valleys south west to Dolgellau, here you'll be at the northern end of The Mach Loop.
The Mach Loop is another series of valleys but these are notable for their use as low-level training areas for fast aircraft. The valleys lie between the towns of Dolgellau to the north and Machynlleth to the south and that is where you head to next, so keep your eyes open for the fast jets.
You'll soon reach the River Dovey, a beautiful river that historically marked the border between North and South Wales. 10 miles further on and you'll reach it's large estuary and follow it on a superb scenic road to Aberdovey, a small peaceful seaside village nestling on the north side of the Dovey estuary. A popular resort for many years it has a thriving little harbour and sits within Snowdonia National Park, where the river Dovey meets the blue waters of Cardigan Bay. The coastline here is dominated with sand dunes and it changes to a more rugged and rocky one as you head north.
Next is the Penmaenpool toll bridge crossing over the River Mawddach, it has a wooden deck and was built in 1879 to replace a ferry crossing and has been designated a Grade II listed registered landmark along with the toll keeper's cottage and toll booth. It is open between the hours of 8:30am and 4pm the cost for a motorcycle is .50p and a car is .80p.
Following the Mawddach estuary on the twisty and scenic A496 road takes you to the town of Barmouth where I have suggested a coffee stop. Barmouth's location on the west coast of North Wales and lying between a mountain range and the sea on the mouth of the river Mawddach is arguably one of the most beautiful locations in Wales. It rests just within the south west corner of Snowdonia National Park and is steeped in a history rich with connections to the shipping and slate industries.
The A496 now transports you north past the beautiful Harlech Beach where during the summer months leatherback turtles migrate from warmer climes to feed off jellyfish in the waters off this part of the coast. Harlech is also home to Harlech Castle, one of the great castles built by Edward I King of England from 1272 to 1307. The route also visits his other castles at Caernarfon, Beaumaris and Conwy. All four are designated as a World Heritage Sites.
You'll now cross over the man-made embankment known as The Cob and pass through the town of Porthmadog and onto the Llŷn Peninsula.
The Llŷn Peninsula extends 30 miles into the Irish Sea and is often referred to as the Lands End of Wales. Historically, the peninsula was travelled by pilgrims en route to Bardsey Island and its relative isolation has helped to conserve the Welsh language and culture, for which the locality is now famous. This perceived remoteness from urban life has lent the area an unspoilt image which has made Llŷn a popular destination for travellers.
I have suggested a lunch stop at Abersoch, the seaside village has an abundance of great shops, restaurants, cafes, bars and there’s always a superb atmosphere.
Aberdaron is just a few miles further and is the most westerly point of the Wales 360 tour. This fishing village was the last stop for pilgrims on the way to Ynys Enlli, the ‘Isle of 20,000 Saints’ otherwise known as Bardsey Island.
From here the route takes you via the north coast of the peninsular, never far from stunning sea views and onto Edward I's most spectacular castle at Caernarfon.
Caernarfon Castle is recognised around the world as one of the greatest buildings of the Middle Ages. This fortress-palace on the banks of the River Seiont is grouped with Edward I’s other castles but for sheer scale and architectural drama Caernarfon stands alone. The route circles the castle giving you a great sense of the scale.
Onto the Isle of Anglesey next, using the Britannia Bridge.
The Britannia Bridge is both a road and rail bridge. The railway runs below the car deck. The construction of the Britannia Bridge was started in 1846 and completed four years later in March 1850.
The first stop on Anglesey is at the railway station of the village with the longest name in the UK and the second-longest in the entire world with 58 characters; Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch.
It translates into English 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. The village was given this long name as a publicity stunt to bring people to the village.
It seems to have worked!
You could grab a coffee here or just a short ride away is the Anglesey Transport Museum and cafe.
The next stop is on Holy island although strictly speaking, no longer an island since the building of the Stanley Embankment.
You will cross over the Cymyran Strait using Four Mile Bridge, the bridge takes its name from the village that is four miles from the town of Holyhead.
At the north west tip of Holy Island is the South Stack Lighthouse. Not only is it a magnificent lighthouse but it is also an incredible place to watch a sunset from.
The centre of Holyhead is just 3 miles from here and I suggest splitting this route into two by staying the night in Holyhead.
Holyhead, on Holy Island, is the largest town on Anglesey and is a major sea port with a ferry link to Ireland and therefore there are lots of choices for accommodation from camping, B&B or hotels.

DAY 2
You will leave Holyhead over the Stanley Embankment (known locally as the Cob). A railway, road and cycleway embankment that crosses the Cymyran Strait in Wales, connecting the Island of Anglesey and Holy Island. Construction started in 1822 and was completed a year later.
Now that you are back on Anglesey the route takes you first north and then you'll join the coast at Bull Bay with views towards the port of Almwch. This was once a busy port where copper from the local mines was exported all over the world. The output from the mines dominated the international copper market and Amlwch grew from a “small cove between two steep rocks” into the world’s major exporter of copper. The port became so busy and important that an Act of Parliament had to be passed in 1793, enlarging and regulating it. You'll pass the Parys Mountain Copper Mines to your right as you leave Almwch behind you.
The next stop is at Beaumaris.
Beaumaris is a captivating seaside town, with its mix of medieval, Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian architecture. Its name is based on the Norman ‘beau marais’, meaning ‘fair marsh’, a description of the site chosen by Edward 1 for the last of his ‘Iron ring’ of castles, constructed in his bid to control the Welsh. Beaumaris Castle is famous as the greatest castle never built. It was the last of the royal strongholds created by Edward I in Wales – and perhaps his masterpiece. Here Edward and his architect James of St George took full advantage of a blank canvas. By now they’d already constructed the great castles of Conwy, Caernarfon and Harlech. This was to be their crowning glory, the castle to end all castles. I have suggested a coffee stop here before leaving the Isle of Anglesey.
The road from Beaumaris follows the notorious waters of the Menai Strait. The differential tides at the two ends of the strait cause very strong currents to flow in both directions through the strait at different times, creating dangerous conditions.
You’ll leave the island via Thomas Telford’s famous Menai Suspension bridge opened in 1826. The World’s first iron suspension bridge and at the time the biggest suspension bridge in the world. It is 305m long, with a central span of 177m with its roadway set 30m above the water to allow tall ships to sail beneath.
Now back on the mainland the route takes you into the heart of Snowdonia. Passing through Llanberis you head towards Mount Snowdon.
Running for just over 5 miles from Llanberis to Pen-y-Pass the Llanberis Pass provides some of the finest mountain scenery and leads you to the foot of Mount Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales and England at 1085m. The Pen-y-Pass situated is at the high point of the Llanberis Pass at an elevation of 359m The road was built in the 1830s to allow ore from the mines on Snowdon to be transported to Llanberis.
You'll join the A5 at Capel Curig to return to the coast, but don't be put off by the 'A' category, this is a fantastic road which twists and turns as it snakes through the mountain landscape.
After a quick fuel and coffee stop at the services near Bangor, the A55 North Wales Expressway will take you swiftly north with some great coastal views and the giant limestone outcrop known as Great Orme getting closer and closer.
Conwy Castle is next, this magnificent medieval fortress that still towers over the town after 700 years, it’s enough to take your breath away. Especially when you consider that King Edward I and his architect Master James of St George built both castle and walls in a barely believable four years between 1283 and 1287. Conwy takes its place alongside Edward’s other great castles at Harlech, Caernarfon and Beaumaris as a World Heritage Site.
A short ride from Conwy through the seaside town of Llandudno brings you to Marine Drive, the toll road that circumnavigates Great Orme. The Marine Drive toll road takes you around the perimeter of Great Orme, a limestone headland that offers great views along it's entire length. Climb to the top for far reaching views and a lunch stop. The 5 mile toll road is open all year and offers spectacular views over to Anglesey and Snowdonia from the top. Toll charge for a motorcycle is £2.50 and for a car it is £4.50 (2023).
The route now follows the course of the River Conwy upstream to Betws-y-Coed.
Nestled in the heart of Snowdonia National Park, Betws y Coed is a quaint village with a timeless allure. Its history dates back centuries, but its rise came during the Victorian era when it became a destination of choice for those seeking an escape from bustling city life. Betws y Coed’s popularity as a Victorian destination can still be witnessed today in its charming architecture, adorned with intricate Victorian detailing. As you stroll through the village, you’ll come across delightful craft shops, art galleries, and cosy cafes, all contributing to the villages' unique and artistic charm. I have suggested a stop here, the final stop of the Wales 360.
The route now heads towards Blaenau Ffestiniog - 'the capital city of slate' and 'the town that roofed the world'.
The Crimea Pass from Dolwyddelan to Blaenau Ffestiniog climbs to a height of 385m. At one time there was an inn at the summit of the pass, called the "Prince Llewellyn Inn" but it was popularly known as "The Crimea", because of its reputation for fights. Evidence of the prolific slate industry is all around you as you reach the summit. In July 2021 the Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales became the fourth UNESCO World Heritage Site in Wales. The Slate industry revolutionised the quiet, mountainous areas of North Wales with the creation of the quarries and the rubble heaps around them they formed a new visual landscape.
The B4391 from Ffestiniog to Bala is one of those roads that you travel on and are left speechless as it travels through a mixture of rugged mountain ravines, and vast open areas of moorland on a twisty and undulating road. A forest of pine greets you as you reach the summit, the highest point of this Wales 360 route at 463m.
The decent is equally as exciting with views that stretch forever. You'll join the A4212 a pass the Llyn Celyn reservoir on your way back to the start point at Bala.
Enjoy or in Welsh - mwynhau.