The Castles & Legends of Wales Tour
Ride Through 1,000 Years of Welsh History
A two-day motorcycle journey through some of the most spectacular landscapes and historic locations Wales has to offer.
Explore medieval castles, legendary landscapes and some of Britain's finest motorcycle roads, all while enjoying the confidence and expertise of a SmoothRider guided experience.
Unlike large organised motorcycle tours, SmoothRider keeps groups deliberately small to ensure a more personal experience, better riding flow and meaningful interaction throughout the journey.
Limited to a maximum of 6 riders.
Suitable Motorcycles
This tour is suitable for all road-going motorcycles including:
Adventure bikes
Sports bikes
Touring motorcycles
Naked bikes
Classic motorcycles
Cruisers
The route is designed around enjoyment, comfort and smooth progress rather than outright mileage.
Day One
Shrewsbury → Powis Castle → Lake Vyrnwy → Harlech → Snowdonia
Approx. 220 miles
Start: Shrewsbury
A perfect launch point with immediate access to some excellent border roads.
Section 1: Shrewsbury to Welshpool
A458
A great opening road.
Fast enough to settle into the ride but with plenty of sweeping bends and good scenery as you cross into Wales.
Stop 1: Powis Castle
A spectacular start to the historical theme.
The castle sits above the Severn Valley and provides the first glimpse of the journey ahead.
Section 2: Welshpool → Lake Vyrnwy
Route:
A458
A495
B4393
This is where the tour begins to feel properly Welsh.
Quiet roads, reservoirs and mountain scenery.
Stop 2: Lake Vyrnwy
One of the best motorcycle destinations in Wales.
The road around the lake is superb, and the Victorian dam provides a memorable photo stop.
Section 3: Lake Vyrnwy → Bala
B4391
One of the hidden gems of Wales.
This is exactly the sort of road that makes riders fall in love with Wales:
Sweeping bends
Great visibility
Very little traffic
Incredible scenery
A perfect SmoothRider road.
Stop 3: Bala
Coffee/lunch stop beside Llyn Tegid.
Section 4: Bala → Harlech
Route:
A4212
A470
A496
The A4212 is one of the highlights of the entire tour.
Long flowing corners, mountain views and a feeling of isolation.
Stop 4: Harlech Castle
One of Wales' most dramatic castles.
A medieval fortress with the mountains behind and the sea ahead.
Section 5: Harlech → Betws-y-Coed
Route:
A496
A470
B4391 (optional depending on timing)
This brings us into Snowdonia.
Optional Highlight
EVO Triangle
If the group pace and timings allow:
A5
A543
B4501
This adds one of Wales' most famous motorcycle roads.
Overnight
Recommended:
Betws-y-Coed
Dolgellau
Bala
My preference would be Betws-y-Coed because it gives riders a great evening atmosphere and easy access for Day Two.
Day Two
Snowdonia → Conwy → Elan Valley → Gospel Pass → Shrewsbury
Approx. 220 miles
Stop 5: Conwy Castle
Morning start.
One of Britain's finest medieval castles.
Section 1: Conwy → Great Orme
Route:
A55 (short transfer)
Then:
Great Orme Marine Drive
A unique motorcycle road.
Sea views, sweeping bends and an unforgettable setting.
Section 2: Conwy → Llanberis
Route:
A470
A5
A4086
Stop 6: Dolbadarn Castle
A smaller but atmospheric Welsh castle beside Llanberis Pass.
Section 3: Llanberis Pass
A4086
One of Wales' iconic roads.
This is a road to savour:
Mountain walls
Tight bends
Dramatic scenery
Smooth riding is essential here.
Section 4: Snowdonia → Mid Wales
Route:
A5
A494
A4212
Stop 7: Elan Valley
The perfect finale to the Welsh experience.
The roads around:
Caban Coch Reservoir
Garreg Ddu
Craig Goch
are among the finest motorcycle roads in Britain.
Final Section
Elan Valley → Gospel Pass
Route:
A470
A483
A44
Gospel Pass
Stop 8: Gospel Pass
The highest road in Wales.
A spectacular final viewpoint before returning east.
Return to Shrewsbury
Via:
Hay-on-Wye
Knighton
A488
"Four castles. Seven legendary roads. Two unforgettable days. One thousand years of Welsh history."
Riding Level
Intermediate Riders and Above
You should be comfortable with:
✔ Full days in the saddle
✔ Country and mountain roads
✔ Variable weather conditions
✔ Riding unfamiliar routes
The emphasis is on developing confidence and enjoying the experience.