A spectacular North wales itinerary (part 2): snowdonia to Anglesey
This is part 2 of our 10-Day North Wales Road Trip Itinerary. If you missed the first half of this adventure, make sure you check out our Ultimate 10-Day North Wales Road Trip: Part 1. If you have longer to spend in Wales, you might find our guide to visiting Skomer Island to see puffins in beautiful Pembrokeshire useful.
The second part of this road trip delves into some absolutely gorgeous scenery in Eryri and Anglesey. Think dreamy beaches teeming with wildlife, views of misty, heather-clad mountains, ancient castles in charming towns and hiking routes that you won’t forget for a very long time. This Wales road trip is one of our favourites – an absolute dream trip which can be as adventurous or as relaxed as you choose.
We travelled with 3 kids, 2 parents and one grandparent and can confidently say this itinerary suits all age groups. There were so many highlights on this trip, but visiting Ynys Llanddwyn was particualrly special.
Dive in below and let us know any questions in the comments.
North Wales Itinerary Day 6 – Beddgelert: Scenic Trails, River Paddling & The Best Ice Cream in Wales
Spend the day hiking one of Eryri’s most picturesque trails with mountain views, secret tunnels, and riverside boardwalks. End the day with Beddgelert’s famous ice cream.
Hiking Beddgelert’s riverside Trail
This is one of our favourite walks in Eyri (Snowdonia), starting with a steep hike through the Aberglaslyn Woods, before emerging to a view that literally made us gasp in delight. From the summit of Bryn Du the hike heads back down into the valley, through lush green fields and surrounded by mountains.
When you arrive in the valley, the walk passes Gelert’s Grave on the way to the beautiful town of Beddgelert. Once you’ve finished exploring this lovely little town, the walk continues along the Afon Glaslyn River. There are lots of little rocky river beaches where you can paddle and cool off. The river walk includes some boardwalks right along the river and there are even a few tunnels to explore if you’re feeling brave (bring a torch).
We parked in the National Trust Car park and followed this route, however you could also start the circular walk from Beddgelert. It took us about 3 hours including lunch and ice cream stops.
The best Ice Cream in Wales
Whilst in Beddgelert, don’t miss stopping at Glaslyn Ice Cream and Pizza Parlour. The ice-cream is made on site using predominantly Welsh ingredients in a family business with a strong commitment to sustainability. We sampled several delectable flavours and it was so delicious that we will be making sure we return on every North wales trip.
The Wild Cherry ripple was incredibly good and it is very easy to see (and taste) why the company have won so many awards.
North Wales Itinerary Day 7 – Anglesey Highlights: Menai Bridge, Beaumaris Castle & South Stack Lighthouse
Leaving the Eryri National Park behind, it’s time to cross the iconic Menai Bridge to Anglesey. Spend the day exploring Beaumaris Castle or Plas Newydd house and gardens, then watch a breathtaking sunset at South Stack Lighthouse.
Menai Bridge
The Menai Suspension Bridge, built in the 1800s by Thomas Telford, remains an impressive sight to this day. The bridge connected Anglesey to the mainland, allowing trade all the way to Ireland, via Hollyhead.
The town of Menai Bridge is also lovely. We stopped at Clustia Mul Cafe on the High Street which we highly recommend for breakfast, lunch, coffee or cake. Park in town and wander down to the strait for the best views of the bridge.
Other Places to visit in the east of Anglesey
On the East side of Anglesey, just 5 miles from Menai Bridge you will find Beaumaris, a seaside town complete with a seafront pier. Another world heritage castle dominates the town. The last of Edward I’s castles, Beaumaris Castle was never completed. It does, however, remain an impressive and fascinating site to visit.
As an alternative to visiting the castle, Plas Newydd House and gardens provide a tranquil place to explore and relax. Enjoy wandering the gardens and parklands and if you are lucky you might spot a red squirrel.
South Stack Lighthouse
South Stack Lighthouse stands on a tiny island on the west coast of Anglesey. You can brave the steps and visit the lighthouse (children must be 1.1m tall, sensible shoes essential, no dogs or picnics). In the evening, this is one of the best places to catch the sunset. Park in one of the car parks along the coast and enjoy views of the lighthouse, wildflower-strewn cliffs and even distant views of Ireland on a clear day.
Day 8 – Trearddur Bay & Rhoscolyn: Beaches, Watersports & Seal Spotting in Angelsey
Spend the day on Trearddur Bay’s sandy shores. Enjoy swimming, kayaking or paddleboarding, then head to Rhoscolyn to look out for seals as the sun sets.
Trearddur Bay and around
Trearddur Bay has something for everyone. Traeth Trearddur is a large, sandy beach with clear waters and fantastic views. You’ll find parking, toilets and a few cafes and shops here catering to all your possible needs. The bay is quite sheltered, so perfect for little ones or hire a paddleboard, bodyboard or kayak from Blu Chameleon for an hour or a full day. Prices are very reasonable, ranging from £5 per hour for a body board to £50 per day for a paddleboard or kayak.
For those that prefer a quieter experience, follow the road North out of town for half a mile and you will find Porth Isallt Bach, a quiet, rocky cove with few facilities and incredible scenery. We spent a gorgeous afternoon exploring the numerous rockpools where the clear waters exposed an underwater world of red tentacled anemones, shoals of tiny fish and miniscule crabs. The calm, sheltered bay made for great swimming (water shoes recommended), paddling and hours of stone skimming competitions. We were lucky enough to see the scarlet sails of a fleet of sailing boats serenely make their way across the bay.
Eating in Trearddur Bay
Ocean’s Edge restaurant has wonderful views of the bay and a varied menu (book ahead). Nearby, the Sea Shanty Cafe has good food, quirky decor and frequent live music.
Rhoscolyn
The coastline and bays around Rhoscolyn are quiet, ruggedly beautiful and a wildlife paradise. Visitors should be warned that visiting the beach here is an epic adventure in itself and car parking is extremely limited.
There are toilets but no other facilities so you will need to bring everything you need and be prepared to take all your rubbish home with you to help protect this little slice of paradise. The road is the narrowest I have seen, barely single track and with few passing places. Instead, you could walk along the coast path or road to get here. The coast path boasts many rock formations and sublime views over the bay and beyond.
We visited in the evening, when the setting sun cast magical golden light across the bay. A plethora of seabirds swept in great arcs across the sky, landing for fleeting moments before taking off again in search of food. Just when the moment seemed perfectly magical, we heard the distinctive noise of a pair of seals playing in the bay. We watched them play for an hour, disappearing below the surface then reappearing moments later, before reluctantly heading home as the sun disappeared behind the horizon.
Day 9 – Newborough Beach & Ynys Llanddwyn: Forest Trails and breathtaking Coastal Beauty
Wander through Newborough Forest, relax on the soft sands of Newborough Beach, and explore the fairytale-like island of Ynys Llanddwyn.
How to visit Newborough forest, beach and Ynys Llanddwynn
This area is without doubt one of the most beautiful areas of Wales, and possibly all of the UK. Newborough forest blends into the beach: a huge sweeping arc of soft, pale sand with views of the Eryri mountains silhouetted beyond the indigo sea. We spent an evening and had the most magical time exploring the beach and island, but very much wished we had longer to explore.
Here’s everything you need to know before you visit.
Parking for Newborough Beach and Ynys Llanddwyn
There are 3 car parks, the main car park is Beach Car Park (what three words location: ///farmer.wider.barbarian). Payment is made on exit from the forest road, using cash or contactless payment.
The car park and narrow road through the forest can get very busy and fill up quickly at peak times. Consider visiting earlier or later in the day.
There are toilets at the beach car park, which close between 4pm and 6pm.
What to do in Newborough Nature Reserve and Forest
- Relax and enjoy the gorgeous stretch of coastline, strewn with shells and beautifully soft sand. This is a nature reserve so no fires or camping. The beach is a Blue Flag beach but has no lifeguard.
- Follow one of the walking trails ranging between 0.2 and 5 miles to explore the area
- Go for a run, following the parkrun route or a longer 8.5 mile route
- Go mountain biking on one of the many trails
- Follow the family trim trail with 11 exercise stations along a 1.7 mile route.
- Test your map reading skills on one of the 3 graded orienteering trails.
- Admire the extensive sand dunes and watch the local wildlife including many species of birds and red squirrels.
Visiting Ynys Llanddwynn Island
After parking at the Beach Car Park in the Newborough Nature Reserve, follow the beach or trail through the forest north for about 1 mile, until you see a spit of land jutting out into the sea.
This tidal island is Ynys LLanddwyn, full of secrets, stories and incredible beauty. Once you reach the island, follow any of the sandy paths to discover the islands secrets. The island is exposed so remember protection from the sun, wind or rain as needed. The entire island is gorgeous and you will want to take your time exploring and soaking up the atmosphere.
Things to see on Ynys Llanddwynn island
- The ruins of St Dwynwen’s Church, where you can discover Dwynwen’s melancholy and wildly romantic story
- Picture perfect Tŵr Mawr Lighthouse
- Pilots’ cottages near to Tŵr Mawr
- St Dwynwen’s Cross
- Tŵr Bach tower
Day 10 – Caernarfon Castle & Town: Edward I’s Fortress and a town bursting with charm
On your final day depart from Anglesey and explore Caernarfon Castle. Browse local shops and enjoy lunch before crossing the swing bridge for castle views over the water.
Visiting Caernarfon Castle
Caernarfon Castle was comissioned and built for king Edward I as part of his plan to take control of Wales. This impressive fortress is perhaps the jewel of Edward’s castles and a fascinating place to visit. It was designed both as an impenetrable structure and a display of immense wealth.
Explore the castle walls, climb the towers and find yourself lost inside this enormous building. There are often extra talks which really help bring the history to life. Our children loved hearing about medieval weapons and armour.
Car parking is available right outside the castle, or around town.
Other things to do in Caernarfon
- Cross the swing bridge to the other side of the harbour for the best view of the castle surrounded by the harbour boats. Continue along the path here for views across the Menai Strait.
- Wander the medieval streets, full of independent, pastel coloured shops under fluttering flags.
- Take a trip on the Welsh Highland Railway
North Wales is an incredible road trip destination. The sheer variety of landscapes and history make for an unforgettable break. Remember to read Part 1 for the full 10-day North Wales Road trip itinerary.
FAQ about North Wales Road trip
What is there to do in Beddgelert?
Beddgelert offers scenic Eryri (Snowdonia) walks with mountain views, riverside trails, and tunnels. Don’t miss a riverside paddle or a visit to its famous ice cream shop.
Is Caernarfon Castle worth visiting?
Yes, spectactular Caernarfon Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Edward I’s ‘iron ring’ fortresses. It makes a great day trip from Snowdonia or Anglesey.
Can you see seals in Rhoscolyn?
Yes, seals are often spotted swimming in the waters around Rhoscolyn, especially in the evening or early morning.
How long is the walk from Newborough Beach to Ynys Llanddwyn
The walk to Ynys Llanddwyn from Newborough Beach takes around 30–40 minutes, depending on the tide and pace.
What is Caernarfon Castle famous for?
Caernarfon Castle is famous for its massive polygonal towers, UNESCO status, and role as the site of the Prince of Wales’ investiture.
