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Hi could anyone help as we are towing a caravan from Birmingham to Barmouth in Wales, as we have never been there before we are not sure of best route, if using a satnav will that take you the safest route or through the mountains.

Thanks

Denise & John

 M6 M54 A5 Llangollen 3 mile otherside of Corwen T/L onto A494 straight through Bala to the A470 Dolgellau T/R follow this till you come to the A496 straight down into Barmouth, don,t go over Dinas Mawddy the road through Corwen/Bala lot better road, and easier going.

Our route is A458 to Mallwyd then the A470 to just past Dolgelleau A496 into Barmouth on the odd time we have stopped in the area.

We don't usually go to Barmouth with the caravan but carry on up the A470 to Porthmadog and onto Criccieth.The first time I went up the Dinas with a caravan I was a little nervous but there is really no problem,don't know why I was so bothered.

Still its up to you. Either route is scenic but I think the Llangollen/Bala route is a long way round simply to avoid a hill that in reality is less of a problem than people think.Plus I haven't seen anyone sitting on the bonnet of their car going up there lately.

If you get to Dinas Mawddwy and feel you really should have gone through Bala, then if you turn right in Dinas Mawddwy and follow the narrow road up the 1.7 mile long 1 in 4 hill, it'll eventually take you to the shores of Bala Lake at Llanuwchllyn.

see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bwlch_y_Groes 

Now that's a real hill!

Doesnt really matter which way you go you will have to go through or over the Berwyn Mountains. The easy way in my mind is via Welshpool, Dinas Mawddy and Dolgellau. You will have a good pull at Dinas but Ive never had a problem, just give it some stick before you begin the climb, after that the only other tight bit is entering Barmouth itself. you need to be steady and keep an eye on the mirrors. Also, mind your speed between Dolgellau and Barmouth, the plods are swines in that area and are VERY keen with hand held radar guns and vans. I think they are saving up for a new police social club.
 

Defo the quickest way , I live in Machynlleth wouldn't dream of going the bala way unless you have plenty of time and enjoy the longer ride. The bulk out of Dinas is a steep baby but I have been up it loads of times. ( I did see a Bighorn Isuzu blown up once though towing an Compass Omega 505 )

Ben

 There is 10miles difference from Shrewsbury to Dolgellau 63miles going via Bala and 53 going over Dinas Mawddy, take your pick i know which road i would go with a caravan Bala.

Quote: Originally posted by corrakid on 08/4/2009

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 There is 10miles difference from Shrewsbury to Dolgellau 63miles going via Bala and 53 going over Dinas Mawddy, take your pick i know which road i would go with a caravan Bala.

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