Few road trips capture the wild beauty of Wales like the Snowdonia and Llyn Peninsula loop. Stretching roughly 80 miles through rugged mountains, peaceful lakes, and sweeping coastal scenery, this route combines the best of both worlds — the drama of Snowdonia National Park and the serenity of the Welsh coast.
For campervan owners and dog lovers, it is one of the UK’s most rewarding journeys. You can hike up a mountain one day, stroll along a quiet beach the next, and camp each night under some of the darkest skies in Britain.
Overview of the Route
Distance: Around 80 miles
Recommended duration: 7 days
What to Expect: Mountain scenery, coastal drives, hiking, great campsites, quaint towns with plenty of dog friendly amenities.
The route typically starts in Betws-y-Coed, winding through Snowdonia National Park before following the coast around the Llyn Peninsula and looping back inland. It can be driven in a a few hours, but we fully recommend taking at least a day at each of these amazing stops, giving your time to explore its trails, villages, and secluded beaches with your dog.
Expect scenic mountain passes, charming Welsh villages, and a coastline packed with natural beauty and dog-friendly stops.
Key Stops and Highlights
1. Betws-y-Coed and Swallow Falls
Betws-y-Coed is often called the gateway to Snowdonia and is a perfect place to start your journey. It sits within ancient woodland, surrounded by rivers and trails that are ideal for a first stretch of the legs.
Highlights:
- Swallow Falls: A spectacular series of cascades on the River Llugwy, accessible by a short woodland path.
- Fairy Glen: A peaceful gorge just outside the village, great for photography and dog walks.
- Betws-y-Coed Village: Lined with outdoor shops, cafés and bakeries, many of which are dog-friendly.
Campsites nearby:
- Riverside Touring Park: Central and dog-friendly with good facilities.
- Cwmlanerch Caravan Park: Scenic riverside setting a few minutes outside the village.
2. Mount Snowdon and Beddgelert
No trip through Snowdonia would be complete without a visit to Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon). The surrounding area is filled with trails suitable for a range of fitness levels, and dogs are welcome on most of them.
Highlights:
- Snowdon (Llanberis Path, Pyg Track or Miner’s Track): There are some dog-friendly routes up Mount Snowdon, with varying difficulty levels.
- Beddgelert: A picturesque riverside village named after a legendary dog, complete with a memorial to Gelert.
- Llyn Dinas: A peaceful lake walk just outside the village, ideal for an easy stroll.
Campsites nearby:
- Llyn Gwynant Campsite: Lakeside site popular with campers and paddleboarders.
- Beddgelert Campsite: Forested National Trust site with river access and plenty of space for dogs.
3. Porthmadog and Criccieth
Leaving the mountains behind, the route heads southwest to the coast. Porthmadog makes a great mid-point stop, with access to beaches, steam railways and seaside towns like Criccieth.
Highlights:
- Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway: Ride through stunning valleys; dogs welcome on board.
- Black Rock Sands: Huge open beach where dogs are allowed year-round. You can even drive your vehicle onto the sand.
- Criccieth Castle: Overlooks the sea and makes a great viewpoint at sunset.
Campsites nearby:
- Black Rock Sands Touring Park: Beachfront location ideal for campervans.
- Greenacres Holiday Park: Family-friendly and directly behind the dunes.
Wildpack Recommendation: Treat yourself to a meal away from the camping stove in Criccieth and dine at Dylan’s Restaurant, a fantastic art deco restaurant right on. the beach serving the freshest seafood. And of course, the restaurant has ample dog friendly seating.
4. Abersoch and the Llyn Peninsula
Continuing along the coast, the Llyn Peninsula offers a slower pace and plenty of coastal charm. The roads narrow as you head west, but the scenery becomes increasingly spectacular.
Highlights:
- Abersoch: A popular surf and sailing hub with sandy beaches and a relaxed feel. Dogs are welcome on parts of the beach outside peak season.
- Porth Neigwl (Hell’s Mouth): A four-mile beach that is dog-friendly all year.
- Plas yn Rhiw: A small National Trust manor house with gardens overlooking Cardigan Bay.
Campsites nearby:
- Tyn-Y-Mur Touring & Camping Park: Elevated views over Abersoch and easy access to town.
- Cae Du Campsite: Wild coastal site near Rhiw, right on the edge of the cliffs.
5. Nefyn and Porthdinllaen
The northern tip of the Llyn Peninsula is quieter and wilder, offering a glimpse of traditional Welsh coastal life.
Highlights:
- Nefyn Beach: Sheltered bay with golden sand and calm water for dogs to splash in.
- Porthdinllaen: Reachable by foot from Morfa Nefyn, home to the famous Ty Coch Inn, one of the most scenic beach pubs in the UK.
- Llyn Coastal Path: A long-distance trail following the entire peninsula, offering countless short walking sections.
Campsites nearby:
- Aberafon Camping Site: Set beneath cliffs with direct beach access.
- Ty Mawr Holiday Park: Dog-friendly and well-equipped for longer stays.
6. Caernarfon and the Return Loop
From Nefyn, the route loops back toward Caernarfon, home to one of Wales’ most impressive castles and a great place to end the journey.
Highlights:
- Caernarfon Castle: UNESCO World Heritage Site, dogs welcome in the town grounds outside the castle.
- Menai Strait Walks: Gentle coastal walks with views toward Anglesey.
- Lôn Eifion Trail: A cycle and walking route following a disused railway line between Caernarfon and Bryncir.
Campsites nearby:
- Plas Gwyn Caravan Park: Quiet, well-located site with views of the Menai Strait.
- Snowdonia Parc Campsite: A great final stop close to Beddgelert for those looping back inland.
Suggested Itinerary
| Day | Route | Key Stops | Overnight Suggestion |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Betws-y-Coed to Beddgelert | Swallow Falls, Fairy Glen | Llyn Gwynant Campsite |
| 2 | Beddgelert to Porthmadog | Mount Snowdon, Llyn Dinas | Black Rock Sands Touring Park |
| 3 | Porthmadog to Abersoch | Criccieth, Porth Neigwl | Tyn-Y-Mur Camping Park |
| 4 | Abersoch to Nefyn | Plas yn Rhiw, Porthdinllaen | Aberafon Camping Site |
| 5 | Nefyn to Caernarfon | Llyn Coastal Path, Menai Strait | Snowdonia Parc Campsite |
Tips for Travelling the Snowdonia and Llyn Peninsula Route
- Pack for all weather: Conditions change quickly in the mountains, even in summer.
- Mind narrow roads: The Llyn Peninsula has tight lanes and blind corners. Drive slowly, especially in larger vans.
- Check campsite dog rules: Some sites limit the number of dogs per pitch.
- Plan fuel stops: Once you leave the main towns, fuel stations become sparse.
- Check Beaches: There are plenty of dog friendly beaches in the Llyn Peninsula, explore which ones might be great for you
- Respect access codes: Follow local rules for parking and wild camping, especially within Snowdonia National Park.
- Book Campsites: There are loads of fantastic dog friendly campsites across Snowdonia, but it’s worth booking in advance to avoid disappointment.
Explore Even More of the Area
Snowdonia and the Llyn Peninsula have so much to offer that it couldn’t all be encapsulated into a single road trip. There are hundreds of dog friendly walks across Snowdonia to explore, whereas the Llyn Peninsula has many dog friendly beaches where your pup can let off steam.
This road trip might take a week, but if you’re anything like us, it will have you coming back time after time and discovering even more of this beautiful area of the UK.
If road trips are your things though, there’s plenty more where that came from. Explore the best road trips the UK has to offer and never stop adventuring with your dog.