Turn left on to the A487 by the Oakeley Arms and left again onto the A496 to Ffestiniog, turning left onto the B4391/B4407. The landscape becomes more rugged and isolated as you climb from the village, but softens towards Betws-y-Coed on the A5. Pause on the A4086 for photographs of 3,560ft Mount Snowdon in the distance next to the waters of Llynnau Mymbyr and from the Pass of Llanberis; the views are heart-stopping.
Whizz past – or, better still, climb – Mount Snowdon before a 20-minute drive to macho, muscle-bound Caernarvon Castle, standing defiantly at the mouth of the Seiont River.
Top tip: If you want to climb Snowdon, break your journey at Betws-y-Coed first, perhaps staying at Craig-y-Dderwen Riverside Hotel (01690 710293; snowdoniahotel.com), set in 16 acres of gardens on the banks of the River Conwy; rooms from £140.
More information: visitwales.com
10. The Peak District
Best for: History lovers.
Why do it? For an educational tour of stately homes, a gracious spa town and feats of Victorian engineering.
What to expect: The route encompasses 60 or so miles of exciting views, challenging bends, steep climbs and heartbeat-raising descents, with lots of opportunities to learn about historic buildings, bridges and viaducts along the way.
The route: Start at Holmfirth – to the north of the Peak District – then follow the A6024 as it soars over Holme Moss to plunge down towards Woodhead Reservoir on the A6024, right on to the A628 then left on to the B6105 to Glossop. Whizz high above Torside Reservoir then, at Glossop, take the A57 to tackle aptly named and thrilling Snake Pass.
Turn right on to the A6013 to Bamford, then take the A6187 via Hathersage and The Dale to wild beauty spot Stanage Edge. Follow the B6521 to Grindleford, then the A625/A623 past fetching Baslow, following the signs to Chatsworth House, the “palace of the Peaks”, then to secluded medieval Haddon Hall along the B6012 and A6.
Continue through Bakewell, turn right on the A6020 then left to Ashford-in-the-Water to admire ancient Sheepwash Bridge, where lambs were put in a pen on one side of the river and ewes were washed as they swam across to them. Take the B6465 and meander to Monsal Head to view distant Headstone Viaduct, then take your time along the B6465/A623, dropping down via Dove Holes and following the signs to the gracious spa town of Buxton.
Top tip: Don’t go too fast on Snake Pass, where there are speed traps.
More information: visitpeakdistrict.com
