North Wales: Snowdon car tour: Caernarfon, Snowdon, Llnaberis

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the menai straight, the pass of llanberis and snowdon

The ancient walled city of Caernarfon is famous for its 13th century castle, scene of the Investiture of the present Prince of Wales (1969). On the south-eastern outskirts of the town lies the remains of the Roman fort of Segontium.

Follow signs to Bangor to leave by the A487 . There are views across the Menai Strait before reaching the former slate port of Y Felinheli. In 1½ miles at the roundabout turn left, signed Holyhead. At the next roundabout turn left again onto the A55. Cross the Britannia Bridge onto the Isle of Anglesey. On the far side keep left , then turn right and continue to the outskirts of Menai Bridge. Follow signs and cross Telford's famous Menai Suspension Bridge, then at the roundabout, join the A5 for Bangor.

Turn left by the railway station, following signs for Betws-y-Coed, A5 and in 2½ miles pass the entrance on left, to Penrhyn Castle (National Trust). Turn right onto the A55 towards Holyhead, then in a mile or so, exit onto the A487 for Caernarfon. Opportunity to visit Caernarfon Castle . From Caernarfon, take the A4086 to Llanberis, the village at the foot of Snowdon. Opportunity to visit Electric Mountain OR the Welsh Slate Museum or take a ride on the narrow-gauge Llanberis Lake Railway which has two miles of track alongside Llyn Padarn. Snowdon Mountain Railway begins at Llanberis.

Continue with the A4086 and pass, on the left, the 13th century native Welsh stronghold of Dolbadarn Castle. At Nant Peris the drive begins the ascent of the Pass of Llanberis, where at the summit (1,169ft) the Pen-y-Pass car park is at the start of the Miners Track nature trail and path to Snowdon summit.

Descend from the pass and after a mile, at the T-junction, turn right onto the A498, signed Beddgelert.

Continue the descent before Llyn Gwynant. Beyond the hamlet of Nant Gwynant the road follows a narrow valley skirting Llyn Dinas on the approach to Beddgelert. Here on the left you will find Sygun Copper Mine, a remarkable and impressive example of how our industrial heritage can be reclaimed, restored and transformed into an outstanding family attraction. In Beddgelert village turn right onto the A4085 for Caernarfon, via Rhyd-Ddu. From Rhyd-Ddu, a footpath to the right leads to the summit of Snowdon.

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