Drive the Cambrian Way

Across the UK there are some amazing driving routes, full of fantastic scenery. This month we travel one of the most famous routes in Wales...

Cambrian the way

Snowdonia National Park

Distance:

200 miles

Driving time:

5 hours

Recommended travel time:

5 days Known for: The Cambrian Way is one of the most famous driving routes in Wales, beginning in Cardiff and following the mountainous spine of the country all the way up to Conwy. This all-encompassing drive is full of historic stops, scenic roads and the rugged countryside for which Wales is so well known.

The route

Your route will start in the lively Welsh capital of Cardiff. If you have some time to spare before your Welsh driving route gets underway, try a visit to the Blackweir Bridge; this is an interesting viewpoint, made only more fascinating by the fact it was designed by students at the nearby university.

Once you’re ready to depart from Cardiff, follow the A470 north. Just under 14 miles into your journey, you might want to take a small detour to The Royal Mint. If you’re interested in another tour of Welsh history, The Welsh Coal Mining Experience is only around a 7-mile drive from here. Coal mining was a huge part of the Welsh Industrial Revolution, so this visit is a great way to learn more about the history of South Wales. To take the tour, you’ll need to book your visit in advance.

Your route will continue along the A470, where you’ll pass the beautiful Cyfarthfa Castle and Gardens located on the outskirts of the Brecon Beacons. Here, you can take a tour of the

Castle Museum and Art Gallery, or stretch your legs with a walk around the impressive 160-acre park. You can also take a trip to the Brecon Beacon Railway, which is only a few miles away from the castle. From here, your driving route will wind its way through the majestic Brecon

Beacons. Your drive through the mountains will be entirely on the A470, so luckily there are no challenging roads or hairpin bends to watch out for. Instead, take your time to stop off and admire the scenery as you drive past the mountain range; you might even be able to catch a glimpse of Pen y Pen y Fan Fan, the highest peak in www. shutterstock.com/Phil Darby the Brecon Beacons and one of three mountains in the Welsh Three Peaks Challenge. From the Brecon Beacons, your route will pass through a number of idyllic Welsh villages and towns, with beautiful countryside views along the way. Around an hour’s drive from the Brecon Beacons, you’ll reach the small town of Cyfarthfa Castle Rhayader, home to Welsh Royal Crystal: the only crystal cut in Wales. Just a few miles away, >>

CAMPING & CARAVANNING PARK

Betws Garmon, Caernarfon, Gwynedd LL54 7YY

Snowdonia 01286 650216

• Heated, luxury toilet and shower blocks • Disabled facilities • Super pitches with all-weather hardstanding & hook-up • Shop • Free wi-fi • Riverside BBQ area • Launderette • Designated dog walk • Children’s play area, mini-golf • Fishing onsite • Pub nearby www.northwalescamping.co.uk

Dolbryn Caravan and Campsite is a peaceful family run and family friendly campsite, in the heart of the Teifi Valley in beautiful West Wales. We offer fully serviced pitches, grass pitches, charming facilities, dog walking areas, an on-site bar and fishing lake, and we’re just a 20 minute drive from the coast. www.dolbryn.co.uk 01239 710683

T HMidWales Guide TMidWales Guide EH G F E A T E W A F O R E S T G A T E W A F F O R E S T Y F Y F T O W A I E L D S T O W A L I E L D S L E ES S

Wake up to this unique rural area in the Heart of Wales. Our awardwinning site is perfectly situated as a base for adventures with Wake up to this unique rural area in the Heart of Wales. Our awardwinning site is perfectly situated as a base for adventures with fantastic access roads through the breathtaking scenery. For those who like to pitch up and stay put you'll be in the middle of our 500acre farm; with woodland, waterfalls, open moorland, lakes and fantastic access roads through the breathtaking scenery. For those who like to pitch up and stay put you'll be in the middle of our 500acre farm; with woodland, waterfalls, open moorland, lakes and walks to local pubs to explore straight from your pitch. Dogs very welcome. Open all year. walks to local pubs to explore straight from your pitch. Dogs very welcome. Open all year. www.fforestfields.co.uk www.fforestfields.co.uk

you’ll also fi nd the popular Elan Valley, famed for its breath-taking reservoirs and impressive dams.

As you continue your drive north, you may want to take a detour to Devil’s Bridge, a popular tourist attraction in Mid-Wales and famous thanks to its unusual appearance. Interestingly, the bridge comprises three separate bridges; a medieval bridge, an 18th century bridge, and one built in 1901. As none of the bridges were demolished when a newer bridge was built, the bridge today is a fantastic example of historic Welsh architecture.

On your way north, your route will take you past the Llyn Trawsfynydd reservoir. This is a beautiful place to stop off and stretch your legs, or even take a picnic to enjoy by the water’s edge, with parking available at Trysfynydd Car Park.

The fi nal stretch of your driving route will be through the Snowdonia National Park, where you’ll fi nd Gwydir Castle within easy reach of the road. Built in the 16th century,

the castle was considered to be one Devil’s Bridge of the fi nest Tudor houses in Wales, and is well worth the stop if you have a couple of hours to spare. Please note parts of this journey may not be suitable for motorhomes, please check route Brecon Beacon Railway before departing. This article was kindly supplied by Heritage Car Insurance, www.heritagecarinsurance.co.uk

Gwydir Castle

Caravan and Camping Park West Wales

Moelfryn is a beautiful family-run Caravan and

Camping Park in Carmarthenshire with stunning views across the Teifi Valley. Perfect base for exploring the beauty and culture of West Wales. Our stunning coastline and nearby

National Park provide many activities for the outdoor enthusiast from walking the coastal path, caving, surfing, climbing, cycling, kayaking, horse riding and much more. 3 Level Site 3 25 Pitches 3 Shave Socket (Gents) 3 Washing Up Area 3 Free Hot Showers 3 Refurbished WC Block 3 Laundrette 3 Electric Hook-ups 3 Chemical Disposal Point 3 Dogs Allowed on Lead

Tel: 01559 371231 www.moelfryncaravanpark.co.uk Ty Cefn, Pant Y Bwlch, Newcastle Emlyn, Carmarthenshire SA38 9JE FISHGUARD BAY FISHGUARD BAY

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Testing the build The ‘e’ in e-Bike

During the review of the Muto, writer Matthew Beedham discovered that the build of the Muto was slightly different than that of normal Bicycles. However, like so many people who enjoy the Muto, he found the Muto durable and intuitive.

” A clean looking frame with no visible welds. What’s more, when welded alloy frames fail, it tends to happen around tube joints and welds. In other words, I’m confident the Muto frame will withstand the rigors of abuse and life about town for many years to come.”

The Muto is refreshingly well-equipped. It has 8-speed Shimano Nexus hub gears which require virtually no maintenance and operate flawlessly. The faultless hydraulic disc brakes, an absolute must for consistent year-round braking when fully loaded, are also supplied by the Japanese cycling giant.

Easily transportable

Easy riding Easy riding

The motor’ power delivery is smooth and progressive, there was no unexpected jerking or surging. Coupled to the big tires, the whole thing rides with a planted yet cloud like feeling.

Coasting effortlessly over pavement, cobbles, tarmac, and whatever else lay in its path.

Convenience

With the range of accessories like the large rear basket, the Muto was easily able to carry my laptop, sports kit, and racket without hassle. When I wanted to pop around town a day later, I took off the basket for a more refined appearance and to remove some bulk.

Pricing

A competitive price for such a well-built and equipped machine. So much so, it’s the ebike I’d recommend to people looking for something simple, to the point, reliable, and capable of carrying tonnes of luggage.

Where to buy one?

EcoMove based in Bristol is the top Muto dealer in the UK, they also offer free nationwide delivery and a fantastic service.

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Muto Score: 9

The pros The cons

Innovative Click & Roll accessory system Control panel requires too firm a press at times Might not accommodate very short riders