Hi Carole, I tow a van allover south, mid and north Wales and often transit from Swansea to the north using a variety of routes (Or vice versa) including Dinas Mawddy.
I think it depends a lot on your outfit, I tow a very light van with a 4x4 and enjoy the trip, always take my time. Be prepared for lots of gear changing and always change down early keeping the revs up. Don't be faint hearted and give it a go........Mick
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I do wonder why people get so worried about the A470 at Dinas Mawddwy. It isn't that steep or long and most modern cars seem to cope perfectly adequately with it. The last time we went over we were more held up by the coaches and artics!!
The only other route would be the road from Machynlleth, through Corris that rejoins the A470 at The Cross Foxes. Don't bother!! It is very narrow and nearly as hilly. Some sections just after Corris Uchaf to the Talyllyn junction are almost single carriageway.
(Without the caravan it is our preferred route)
I have copied and pasted these answers into my "routes through Wales" page that I will read before we attempt our holiday this coming June to "the land of other people's fathers".
Hi, I have been up Dinas Mawddy many times as live in Wales. I have towed a trailer when we used to camp. I only drive a 1.6 auto. So hasn't got the power of a big 4x4. The only reason I'm worrying about it, is that j won't have the pull in my car.
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The A487 takes you to Carnaervon and that's ok. I know where you're coming from, I also drive a 1600cc auto. But I only have a caravan the size of a large trailer!
We are going to Porthmadoc. Jax365, I do only have a really small caravan. I have a Freedom Sunseeker. Just don't want to attempt Dinas, and have too much strain on my engine!
------------- Enjoy life while you can, none of us know what's round the corner!
Carole, you will not have a problem!!
It really isn't that bad.
If it can be driven by a fully loaded 44 tonne truck it can easily be done in a 1.6 auto Focus towing your little Freedom.
I hate the Dinas mawddy am so scared I will fall of the edge We go via Bala so I dont try and sit on Drews knee when he is towing :) ( am fine on the way back lol)
Quote: Originally posted by ferretlady on 01/4/2014We are going to Porthmadoc. Jax365, I do only have a really small caravan. I have a Freedom Sunseeker. Just don't want to attempt Dinas, and have too much strain on my engine!
I can understand that perfectly.
I read the question wrongly, you're are coming from mid wales, then going over to the site at Porthmadoc. I thought the latter was where you were starting from, my mistake.
I had the same fears going to Aberdaron, but I was coming from Chester, down the A55 and then carrying on on the main road south of Caenarfon.
As I'm not sure where you're coming from I think I would go via the A5 to Bangor, then A487 from there.
Thanks Bobsbabes and Jax365. i will get the maps out and look at both of those routes. I know the car would probobly pull it okay, but it doesn't do much for my nerves!!! Lol
Carole x
------------- Enjoy life while you can, none of us know what's round the corner!
Carole.
I'm guessing I don't live very far from you so I do know the area.
Your only way around Dinas would be to follow the A483 north past Newtown, Welshpool and Oswestry to Chirk, then take the A5 through Llangollen and Corwen to the A494 to Bala, then the A4712 past Treweryn to join the A470 again at Trawsfynydd.
That is about 110 miles, as against following the A470 at 65 miles.
Your car will cope easily with towing your little van up Dinas. Don't worry about it!!
Hi.
We came over Dinas on Monday afternoon returning to the Midlands from Barmouth.
We encountered a Eurofighter Typhoon jet flying a couple of hundred feet above the road coming straight at us. I can tell you I was scared.😲
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..............
Bailey GT70 Rimini