One of the best ways to see Wales is by driving coast to coast. The A470 runs all the way from Cardiff in the south to Conwy in the north, taking in two national parks.
Start in the Welsh capital, then head up through the South Wales Coalfield to the Brecon Beacons. As you reach the heartland of Wales, you’ll pass the gorgeous Llyn Clywedog reservoir and market town of Dolgellau, before heading over the majestic northern mountains of Snowdonia to Conwy.
Jeremy Clarkson fans may recognise the A4069 Black Mountain Pass – the route otherwise known as ‘Top Gear road’ is a favourite with motorists including the outspoken presenter. Those looking for a slice of culture are spoilt for choice with Carreg Cennen Castle and Dinefwr Castle both nearby.
Brecon Beacons road trip stop offs
Wander along the canal in Brecon and enjoy a lazy lunch at a cosy pub in mountainous Betws-y-Coed.
Top tip: Some parts of the road can be hazardous in bad weather so make sure to check your tyres and wiper blades before setting off.
Distance and ideal duration: 186 miles, 4-5 days.
Did you know?
The exact mid-point of Wales is Llanidloes, the first town on the River Severn.
Dragon’s Back Route
The Dragon’s Back Race follows broadly the same route each year, taking racers southwards through Wales from Conwy Castle to Cardiff Castle.
The course engulfs almost all of the stunning mountainous region Wales has to offer.
The first day encompasses all the Snowdon Horseshoe, while Cadair Idris greets runners on day three and the empty Elan Valley hills on day four.
The route then delves into the Brecon Beacons, before the final stretch to Cardiff Castle where runners camp within the walls after the final night’s celebration.
Date, start time and live tracking in The Dragon’s Spine
The Dragon’s Back Race 2024 will start on Monday 4 September 2024 at 6:00am BST and continue across six days until Saturday 9 September.
Racers will run each day until they reach a designated overnight camp checkpoint, the course closing at 22:00pm daily and restarting with staggered starts the next day between 6:00am and 9:00am the next day.
All finishers will complete the race on September 10, with the first finishers expected around 13:00pm.
How to enter the Dragon’s Back Route
The Dragon’s Back Race follows broadly the same route each year, taking racers southwards through Wales from Conwy Castle to Cardiff Castle.
The course engulfs almost all of the stunning mountainous region Wales has to offer.
The first day encompasses all the Snowdon Horseshoe, while Cadair Idris greets runners on day three and the empty Elan Valley hills on day four.
The route then delves into the Brecon Beacons, before the final stretch to Cardiff Castle where runners camp within the walls after the final night’s celebration.
Entry for the 2024 edition is available here.
In total, it will cost entrants £1599 in the form of a £199 non-refundable deposit, two payments of £500 and a final payment of £400.
Dragon’s Back Records
In 1992, Martin Stone and Helene Diamantides won the ‘Pairs’ category and John Redmayne claimed the ‘Solos’.
The fastest official time for a single individual was the 2019 winner Galen Reynolds with 37:48:06, although the course changes slightly most years.
Dragon’s Back Kit List
There is a mixture of basic, mandatory kit without which you will not be able to compete as well as other equipment it is highly recommended a racer has.
Mandatory
- Ortlieb dry bags
- Running rucksack/vest of your choice
- Waterproof jacket or smock
- Survival bag
- Long sleeve base layer
- Spare synthetic warm layer(s) – min. 300g
- Compass
- Headlamp and spare batteries or spare torch
- Whistle
- Sufficient food for on the course each day
- Two pairs of gloves (one for poor weather and one for mild weather)
- Hat
- Water bottle and / or hydration system (minimum 1.5L capacity)
- Fell, mountain or trail running shoes
- Money
- Mobile phone
- Satellite tracker (supplied)
- Map (supplied)
Recommended ‘Poor’ Weather Equipment:
- A proper heavy-weight mountaineering style waterproof jacket
- An additional long-sleeve base layer
- A waterproof cap
- A second waterproof jacket
- Full-length or three-quarter length tights
- Spare gloves
Recommended ‘Hot’ Weather Equipment:
- Additional water carrying capacity
- Sun hat
- Sunblock (factor 50 and waterproof)
- Loose-fitting and lightweight long sleeve top
- Sunglasses
- Headband
- Very thin socks
- There is also required and recommended camp equipment
Mandatory Camp Equipment
- A complete change of clothing
- Spare shoes
- Warm Jacket
- Warm sleeping bag
- Sleeping mat
- Plate/bowl, mug and cutlery
- Sponge and cloth for washing and drying dishes
- Suncream / sunblock
- Midge head net and insect repellent
- Personal first aid kit
- Personal blister treatment kit
Recommended Camp Equipment
- A power bank (ca. 10,000-20,000mAh) for recharging devices
- Travel pillow or pillowcase (to stuff with clothes)
- A fresh set of running clothes for each day
- Personal washing things and towel
- Ear plugs
- Anti-chaffing / lubrication ointment
- Any luxury food items
What you’ll do The Dragon’s Spine
You could spend a whole week ogling this turrety porn. Don’t. Timewaster. Instead you’re going to want to head to West Canal Wharf. There’s a multi-storey antique and vintage market in an old warehouse. Check the Facebook page, there are rooftop and basement parties.
For eats it’s got to be Street Food Social or Depot. These are pop-up markets and stalls. You’ll want to chow down on sticky beef from Brother Thai. Finish your day at a 47-seater pub theatre in Porter’s bar. This place champions new writers and fringe theatre.
Everybody hikes in the Brecon Beacons. It’s a no-brainer. Once you’ve finished abusing your calves head to the Geopark. It’s got four of the longest limestone caves in Britain and you can crawl around inside them. Newbs can go caving with an instructor and learn how to roam about underground like a regular Indiana Jones. You’ve wriggled about like an earthworm… now it’s time to fly. Your next stop is Snowdonia, which happens to have the longest zip wire in Europe. Get involved.
By this point you should be realising that Wales is catnip for adventurous types. North Wales Active do something called Canyon Extreme. You’ll be scrambling, climbing, abseiling, rockhopping and – wait for it – jumping into water and swimming down a canyon. Sweet baby Jesus.
Where to stay Dragon’s Spine
The Jury’s Inn, Cardiff
Jury’s Inn is a stumble from Cardiff’s best bars and restaurants. The rooms are modern, sleek, and simple. Ideal for face-planting after eating your bodyweight in street food. There’s also a swanky hotel bar and generous buffet brekkie.
Stable Lodge, Brecon Beacons
So wholesome it’d make Oprah weep. This cosy Brecon Beacons cottage is smooshed between lakes and mountains but just 10 mins from town. There’s also a 50″ TV. SOLD.
Coach House, Snowdonia
A stupid big 16th century Coach House close to Snowdonia. You’ll be resting your pegs in the super luxe barn. There are views of the mountain range, horses grazing in the field, and the ocean in the distance. Ideal. A full Welsh breakfast can be served in the main house.
The Erskine Arms, Conwy
The main draw of The Erskine Arms is the locally sourced meals. The Sunday roasts are especially good. Rooms are cosy and breakfast is served in the bar area in the morning. Breakfast pint? Be rude not to.