Wales in 6 Days
Wales
Overview
A compact loop covering Wales's strongest contrasts: Cardiff's castle and revitalised waterfront in the south, then a drive north into Snowdonia National Park for genuinely dramatic mountain scenery, finishing at Conwy's near-complete medieval town walls and castle. A rental car makes the north-south drive far easier — the two halves of Wales are otherwise poorly connected by public transport.
- Duration
- 6 days
- Pace
- Balanced
- Transport
- Rental car
- Estimated budget (comfortable)
- £900–£1,200
Route
1. Cardiff2. Snowdonia3. Conwy4. Cardiff
Highlights
- Cardiff Castle's Gothic Revival interiors
- Hiking part of the Snowdon massif
- Conwy's intact 13th-century town walls
- Stopping at Brecon Beacons waterfalls en route north
Worth knowing
- North and South Wales are a long drive apart — this is a lot of road time for 6 days
- Snowdon's summit trails get very busy on clear summer weekends
- Weather in the mountains changes fast — pack for rain regardless of forecast
Day by day
Day 1
CardiffMain activities
- Arrive, settle in
- Cardiff Castle
Optional additions
- Cardiff Bay waterfront
Overnight: Cardiff
Day 2
CardiffMain activities
- National Museum Cardiff
- Cardiff Market
Optional additions
- Principality Stadium tour
Overnight: Cardiff
Day 3
Cardiff → SnowdoniaMain activities
- Drive north via Brecon Beacons (~4h)
- Settle in near Betws-y-Coed
Optional additions
- Waterfall stop at Brecon Beacons
~4 hours · Self-driveOvernight: Snowdonia
Day 4
SnowdoniaMain activities
- Hike part of the Snowdon massif
- Llyn Padarn lakeside
Optional additions
- Snowdon Mountain Railway to the summit
Overnight: Snowdonia
Day 5
Snowdonia → ConwyMain activities
- Drive (~45min)
- Conwy Castle and town walls
~45 minutesOvernight: Conwy
Day 6
Conwy → CardiffMain activities
- Drive back south (~4h)
- Departure
~4 hoursOvernight: Cardiff
Alternatives
Shorter version · 4 days
Drop Cardiff to a single day and skip Conwy, keeping the focus on Snowdonia.
Longer extension · 9 days
Add the Pembrokeshire Coast Path in the southwest for a full lap of Wales.