Driving the Abergwesyn Pass: A Scenic Route in Wales

We keep finding ourselves drawn back to Wales time and time again—and for good reason. Its scenic beauty, winding roads, and quiet, untamed landscapes never fail to impress. On one of our past trips, we took a detour that turned out to be one of the most memorable drives we’ve ever done: the mountain road from Tregaron to Abergwesyn, often called the Abergwesyn Pass.

It was a fantastic experience—remote, dramatic, and breathtakingly beautiful.

I recently came across the photos while sorting through an old image album, and the memories came flooding back. So I thought: why not share this incredible drive with my readers? If you’re someone who loves scenic routes, solitude and a touch of adventure, this one’s for you.

The Abergwesyn Pass Scenic Drive

The Abergwesyn Pass is a narrow, single-track road that winds its way through the Cambrian Mountains, connecting the quiet town of Tregaron with Abergwesyn and eventually Llanwrtyd Wells. It’s only about 12 to 14 miles long, but what it lacks in length, it more than makes up for in drama and beauty. This is not your average country drive—it's the kind of road that makes you slow down, look up, and just take it all in.

The route is wonderfully remote, cutting through moorland, wooded hillsides, rushing streams and sheep-dotted valleys. With no villages or shops along the way, and hardly any traffic, it feels like you've stepped into a different world. The road itself is narrow and twisty, with passing places to let other vehicles through and occasional steep climbs, including the famously sharp bends of the Devil’s Staircase. It’s a drive best taken slowly—with windows down, camera ready, and eyes wide open.

Highlights Along the Abergwesyn Pass

One of the biggest highlights of this drive is the Devil’s Staircase. It’s a short but steep part of the road with sharp bends and a big drop on one side. It can feel a bit scary when you’re driving up, but it’s also exciting and fun - especially if you enjoy mountain roads. Once you reach the top, the views all around are amazing and completely worth the climb.

Another lovely stop is Soar y Mynydd Chapel, often called the most remote chapel in Wales. It sits quietly in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by hills and sheep. We pulled over here for a short break and were surprised by how peaceful it was. You might also spot little streams, stone bridges, and even wild ponies along the way. Every corner brings something new, and it’s hard not to keep stopping for photos!

Keep an eye out for wild ponies, buzzards soaring overhead, and plenty of sheep grazing freely along the road. If you're lucky, you might even spot a red kite gliding across the sky - one of Wales’s most beautiful birds of prey.

 

Driving Experience Along the Abergwesyn Pass

This road is not for fast driving. It’s narrow, winding and has a few steep sections, so it’s best to take it slow and steady. You don’t need to be an expert driver, but you do need to be confident on single-track roads. There are passing places along the way to let other cars through, but most of the time, it’s just you and the hills. The quietness adds to the magic of the drive.

The best time to go is in late spring, summer, or early autumn when the weather is more stable and the views are green and full of life. In winter, the road can be icy or foggy, which makes it harder and less safe to drive. Make sure your car has enough fuel before you start, as there are no petrol stations along the route. It’s also a good idea to check the weather forecast and take extra care on the Devil’s Staircase if the road is wet or slippery.

Tips for Your Drive Along the Abergwesyn Pass

If you’re planning to do this drive, start with a full tank of fuel and bring some snacks and water, as there are no shops or cafés along the way. Take your time, stop safely in passing places to enjoy the views, and be ready for sheep wandering across the road! A paper map or offline GPS can be useful too, as phone signal is patchy in some areas. Most of all, go with a relaxed mindset - this drive is all about enjoying the journey, not rushing to the destination.

We highly recommend this drive to anyone who loves quiet roads, big views, and a bit of adventure. It’s a chance to slow down and enjoy the wild beauty of Wales at its best. This part of the country often gets overlooked, but it has so much to offer. After the drive, you can explore the charming town of Llanwrtyd Wells, visit the peaceful Llyn Brianne Reservoir, or head further to the stunning Elan Valley. If you're up for a walk, don’t miss the Hafod Estate, which offers beautiful woodland trails, waterfalls, and historic landscapes just a short drive from Tregaron. Whether you’re planning a longer stay or just passing through, the Abergwesyn Pass is one of those special places that stays with you long after the journey ends.