The A470 is the only A road in the UK that spans the entire length of a country, beginning at a seaside location in the south and concluding at the water’s edge in the north. Along its route, it traverses vast mountains, lakes, castles, and two national parks.
However, its starting point remains a mystery to many, even those who reside on it, despite being a bustling and well-known spot where thousands flock during the summer. The mere mention of the A470 can trigger distressing memories of bumper-to-bumper traffic during peak commuting hours into or out of North Cardiff from the South Wales valleys for many.
Yet, this urban motorway-like section represents just a small fraction of the road. Heading north, it winds through iconic Welsh towns such as Pontypridd and Merthyr, which played pivotal roles in Britain’s industrial revolution when Welsh coal and iron dominated globally.
Just beyond Merthyr, it ventures into the Brecon Beacons, skirting past Pen y Fan, the highest mountain in South Wales. At this juncture, the views from your car window are breathtakingly beautiful, with heart-stopping drops from the road down a mountainside on one side.
North of the charming market town of Brecon, where you could spend a few hours on a narrowboat on the Brecon and Monmouthshire Canal, the road leads through the stunning rural mid Wales and the breathtaking Elan Valley. This little-known beauty spot rivals the Lake District with its picturesque scenery and lakes, reports Wales Online.
If you’re feeling peckish, just north of Brecon, you’ll find the Felin Fach Griffin, a cosy spot serving some of the finest food in Wales alongside roaring log fires. You can also stay overnight in their snug rooms.
As you continue northwards, don’t be surprised if you find yourself trailing behind slow-moving farming vehicles – you are now in the heart of Welsh farming country, home to the Royal Welsh Show which takes place over one week every summer near Builth Wells. Further north, the route takes you through the Coed y Brenin forest (Welsh for Forest of Kings) and the Eryri (formerly Snowdonia) national park, passing not too far from Yr Wyddfa (or Snowdon), the highest mountain in all of Wales and England.
The route also traverses the historic slate mining town of Blaenau Ffestiniog, which, like Pontypridd and Merthyr, was instrumental in exporting Welsh resources to the world. The picturesque village of Betws-y-Coed, with its Alpine-like surroundings of water bodies, woodlands, and mountains, is another highlight along the way.
A detour to the Swallow Falls waterfall just outside the town is highly recommended. The charming village of Beddgelert, known for its quaint stone cottages, pubs, and a river running through it, is also nearby.
This village is associated with one of Wales’ most tragic tales. As you continue northwards, the road skirts Conwy, home to one of Wales’ most magnificent castles from King Edward I’s Ring of Steel.
Overlooking the Conwy estuary, the castle remains an imposing structure even today. Conwy is a delightful town, offering plenty of options for dining, drinking, and overnight stays, as this writer can attest.
The A470 concludes at the renowned seafront promenade of Llandudno, a favourite staycation and day trip destination for Brits since the Victorian era.
But where does the A470 begin or end in the south?
A little-known fact about the A470 is that it actually begins at Mermaid Quay in Cardiff Bay, right outside the Wales Millennium Centre. It then proceeds up Lloyd George Avenue before heading up North Road in Cardiff and transforming into what most South Wales residents recognise as the A470 – the dual carriageway that stretches from Cardiff through the valleys.
The original road was constructed in 1922, running from Cardiff Docks to Brecon. However, the modern route we know today was born out of a campaign by the Western Mail newspaper in the 1970s for a single route to connect North and South Wales.
At a whopping 186 miles, it holds the title of Wales’ longest road.
When’s the best time to drive the A470?
Simply put, when you’ve got some spare time. Travelling from one end to the other makes for a fantastic road trip, with plenty of opportunities to stop for delicious food, scenic walks and breathtaking views. But if you’re pressed for time, avoid getting stuck in a Cardiff traffic jam or behind a tractor in mid-Wales.
As for dining and accommodation options along the A470, there are plenty either directly on the road or just a short detour away. Consider popping into the towns of Conwy or Brecon for a meal, and one of the finest places to eat in all of Wales, the Felin Fach Griffin, is conveniently located by the roadside.