Satellite map of Cambrian Mountains

Wales · United Kingdom

Cambrian Mountains

A44Penparcau to Llangurig

Distance23.8 mi38 km
Drive time45 minon the road
DifficultyModeratetightness 4 of 10
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A lonely crossing of mid-Wales between Aberystwyth and the headwaters of the Wye.

The A44 climbs from the coast at Aberystwyth across the empty Cambrian Mountains toward Llangurig, through Eisteddfa Gurig under Plynlimon. It is remote and quiet with long gradients; carry fuel and patience, and watch for sheep on the open sections.

The emptiest miles in Wales, and that’s exactly their appeal. Just you, the sheep and a road unspooling beneath Plynlimon, loneliness has rarely felt this good.

Why we picked it

Scenery

MoorlandMountain

Best seasons

SpringSummerAutumn

In these collections

In these guides

Where it runs23.8 mi · point to point

PenparcauStart · Wales
LlangurigEnd · Wales

Character

Corners18bends
Tightness4of 10
Max gradient9%≈ 1-in-11
Climb573 mtotal ascent
Summit437 mhighest point of the line · 1,434 ft

Corners

busiest around mile 8
61218 mi

Elevation

under 4%4–8%over 8%12.6 – 437 m
summit · 437 m 100200300400 m 01224 mi

Points of interest2 stops

  • Nant yr ArianViewpoint
    9.2 mi in
  • Elvis RockLandmark
    16 mi in

Hazards

  • Remote, limited fuel and signal
  • Roaming sheep
  • Long exposed gradients

Sources

Verified route: mapped from real road geometry and fact-checked by a human editor. How roads get checked

Driving the Cambrian Mountains: quick answers

How long does it take to drive the Cambrian Mountains?
Cambrian Mountains runs 23.8 miles (38 km) and takes about 45 min to drive without stops.
How difficult is the Cambrian Mountains to drive?
We rate it moderate: 18 corners, a maximum gradient of 9%, and a tightness of 4 out of 10.
When is the best time to drive the Cambrian Mountains?
Spring and Summer and Autumn are best.

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