Wales is home to some of the most thrilling and picturesque drives in the UK — from mountain passes with hairpin bends to peaceful lakeside cruises. Whether you’re chasing panoramic views or empty country roads, these routes deliver both beauty and brilliant driving.
Motoring experts have handpicked five of the most scenic routes for motorists looking to explore Wales from behind the wheel.
1. Black Mountain Pass (A4069 – Llandovery to Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen)
A true favourite among motoring purists, the Black Mountain Pass winds its way through the Brecon Beacons with a dramatic mix of tight corners, open straights, and cliffside climbs.
Made famous by Top Gear, it offers adrenaline and epic views in equal measure. Expect roaming sheep, sweeping valleys, and no shortage of Instagram-worthy moments.
Best for: sporty handling, sharp curves, and dramatic hilltop views.
2. Abergwesyn Pass (Abergwesyn to Tregaron)
Often called “the Welsh Highlands”, this remote and wild mountain road is as dramatic as it gets. The route cuts through moorland, dense forests, and past waterfalls — and includes the steep and infamous Devil’s Staircase.
There’s no phone signal, barely any signage, and rarely another car. It’s as raw and untouched as road trips come.
Best for: isolation, adventure, and raw natural beauty.
3. Llanberis Pass (A4086 – Capel Curig to Llanberis)
Threading between the rugged peaks of Snowdonia, the Llanberis Pass delivers one of the most scenic alpine-style drives in the UK. Sheer rock faces, glacier-carved valleys and towering slate mountains dominate the landscape.
Perfect for a sunrise drive or post-hike cruise, this route feels like something out of the Alps — without leaving Britain.
Best for: dramatic mountain scenery, photography stops, and highland driving.
4. Elan Valley Drive (Rhayader to Devil’s Bridge)
This peaceful and underrated route through mid-Wales follows the Elan Valley’s iconic dams and reservoirs. Expect quiet bends, lush forest backdrops, and mirror-like lakes flanking the roadside.
Great for a slower, reflective drive — with plenty of places to pull over, enjoy a picnic, or take in the views.
Best for: relaxing drives, nature lovers, and peaceful pit stops.
5. North Wales Coastal Route (A55 – Chester to Holyhead)
This route hugs the north coast of Wales, offering rolling sea views, access to beaches, castles, and the striking Menai Suspension Bridge en route to Anglesey.
While it’s a more modern A-road, the scenery and sea breeze more than make up for it — especially at golden hour.
Best for: coastal cruising, long-distance road trips, and scenic sunset drives.
Final word from the experts
A spokesperson from Show Plates World, who were behind the research, said:
“Wales has some of the most rewarding drives in the UK — routes where the landscape constantly changes, and the road itself becomes part of the experience. Whether you’re here for the thrill or the view, these roads have both.”
