I was recently travelling up to North Wales for lunch at the very lovely Pale Hall. You can read more about that experience in this blog.
Now, I’ve been to North Wales many times and absolutely love driving here—aside from the stretch through Hereford when travelling up from Cardiff. It can be frustrating at times, particularly when you find yourself stuck behind slower-moving vehicles. However, I always remind myself that once I break away from that section and start heading further north, the driving experience transforms into something truly special.
On this particular trip, I decided to let the sat nav dictate the route, as I had a specific arrival time to meet. What I hadn’t realised at the time was that this decision would lead me to one of the most exciting and engaging driving roads I’ve ever experienced. Not just because of the flowing national speed limit (60mph) stretches, but because of where it took us.
The road I’m talking about? The B4391.
Had I been more prepared, I would have captured a lot more images—though the ones my wife snapped from the passenger seat do a good job of showing just how stunning this route is. That said, they don’t quite do it justice, which gives me the perfect excuse to come back.
A Route Through the Mountains
The B4391 can be tackled from either direction, travelling westward or eastward. On this trip, we took the southeast to northwest route as we headed towards Bala. The road officially starts in Llanfyllin and ends in Blaenau Ffestiniog, though oddly, the section we travelled seemed to momentarily vanish on Google Maps as we reached Bala.
Once you enter Llanynog, the real fun begins. Here, you’re greeted with the Berwyn Mountains, and from this point onwards, the B4391 delivers a stunning and exhilarating drive through the Berwyn mountain pass, offering breathtaking views at every turn.
The Driving Experience
The B4391 takes you through multiple counties in Mid and North Wales, including Powys, Denbighshire, and Gwynedd. Along the way, you’re treated to an incredible variety of driving conditions:
- Sweeping bends that allow you to carry speed through the corners.
- Technical hill climbs that test both driver and machine.
- Tight, winding hairpin turns that demand precision and focus.
- Beautiful open spaces where the road stretches out ahead of you.
- Narrower sections hugging the hillside, adding a thrilling sense of elevation and exposure.
At times, you’re high in the hills with uninterrupted views for miles—vast, open landscapes that remind you just how stunning Wales truly is. It’s a road that keeps you engaged from start to finish, offering a perfect blend of challenge and reward.
Worth a Return Visit?
Without a doubt. I already know I’ll be heading back to this route again, camera at the ready this time. The B4391 is the kind of road that sticks in your memory long after the drive is over. It’s a hidden gem in the heart of Wales, and if you love driving, it’s one you absolutely need to experience.
Next time, I might even detour slightly to explore some of the connecting roads—who knows what other hidden driving treasures lie in wait?
Have you driven the B4391? Or do you have your own favourite Welsh driving road? Let me know in the comments below!
