North Wales road trip in a VW Camper: 3 Epic Days of Mountains & Coastlines

sneakcampers
Jul 15
5 min read

Mountain landscape with a rocky path winding through green hills, trees dotting the slopes, under a cloudy blue sky. Peaceful and scenic. — Views from the spectacular Watkin Path

A road trip into North Wales in a VW campervan feels like the start of something wild, and honestly, we LOVE it. Towering peaks, glacial lakes, winding roads, surf-ready beaches—it’s all packed into a corner of the UK that somehow.. still feels like a secret?

Our most recent trip, was a classic sneak. adventure as we squeezed in as much as we could over 3 days. Thinking hiking, fresh sea air, great eats, and unforgettable overnight spots that make full use of freedom that comes with a VW camper.

Boots in the back; bucket bbq ready to go; paddleboards packed, and playlists on full - here's our 3 day itinerary..

Day 1: Snowdonia – Lakes, Forests & a Mountain Base

☕️ Morning: Coffee & Supplies in Betws-y-Coed

We started our trip in Betws-y-Coed. This is the gateway to Snowdonia - nestled in and just STUNNING. Think tree-lined winding roads, a river running through, plenty of little shops and snack stops - it's an ideal jumping off point for your trip. Stocking up on Welsh Cakes (essential tbh) and mountain snacks for the jaunt up the Watkin path, we grabbed a black americano for that caffeine hit, and prepped for the day ahead.

🥾 Afternoon: Hike the Watkin Path to Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon)

Forget the tourist-packed Llanberis Path—Watkin Path is our absolute favourite. Starting in Nant Gwynant, this route is steep, scenic, and ends at the highest point in Wales. It offers stunning waterfalls, ancient woodland, and ridge-line views make it a real leg-burner with serious pay-off. We OBVIOUSLY had a quick dip in the famous Watkin pools as we headed down, but be warned they're deep and very, VERY cold - a perfect tonic for a achey legs (the Watkin route is approx 8 miles so don't underestimate the challenge!), but make sure you're able to warm up afterwards because the cold can catch you out!

🚐 Evening: Camp at Llyn Gwynant Campsite

We parked up right beside the lake at Llyn Gwynant Campsite. Honestly this is arguably one of the most beautiful camp spots in Snowdonia - you're literally right on the water, and so it makes for epic views all round. We also love that they're open to fire pits, you've got mega lake access for the paddleboards, and a view of the stars like you wouldn't believe once the sun has set.. It’s campervan heaven.

Sheep beside a clear stream cascading through rocky terrain, surrounded by green and purple heather on a cloudy hillside. — Mountain pools nestled amid the heather and rocky slopes of Snowdon, creating a serene and picturesque landscape.

Day 2: Anglesey Adventure – Bridges, Beaches & Sunset Pizza

📍 Morning: Snowdonia ➝ Anglesey (via Llanberis Pass & Menai Bridge)

We opted to take the scenic route through Llanberis Pass, (Sim used to take this route all the time when he was a child visiting family in North Wales and so it holds a nostalgic place in his heart!). We stopped for coffee at Pete’s Eats in Llanberis because we simply don't function without coffee and then headed on towards Anglesey, our final destination for the day. The vibes shift instantly when you cross the Menai Bridge - suddenly it's island life, and whilst the views back to Snowdonia are off the scale, you're very much on island time now, with stunning coastline all around.

🏄‍♀️ Afternoon: Beach time at Rhosneigr

We love an afternoon at Rhosneigr - it's a firm favourite with families, kite surfers and everyone in between to be honest so we pitched up and made the most of this epic sunny weather. Rhosneigr is wide, clean, and easy to find somewhere to park up for a few hours. We often park outside of the town, in one of the beach car parks, and then head via the beach - grabbing an ice cream (or a pint) on arrival.

🍕 Evening: Pizza + Live Music at The Oyster Catcher, Rhosneigr

Set in the dunes with a massive deck and sea views, The Oyster Catcher is unbeatable at sunset. We always try to drop in when we visit as their wood-fired pizza is excellent, and honestly never misses the mark (especially if you've had one too many camp meals or you left it too late to get any supplies in!). We managed to time it perfectly as we caught a live acoustic set (previously we've been treated to ibiza style sunset DJ sets). If you do head over there, we fully recommend grabbing a pint and watching the sunset.

🚐 Camp: Bodowyr Campsite or wild park near Newborough Forest

There are a couple of options here - one is in-land and camper friendly campsite giving showers and creature comforts, but this time we opted to free-camp (we got lucky with a spot!).

Bodowyr Campsite – relaxed, camper-friendly, and just inland from Rhosneigr. Showers, fire pits, peaceful vibes.
Newborough Forest (wildish) – check for local rules during high-season, but there are a few tucked-away legal overnight parking spots near the forest’s edge. Wake up to birdsong and forest trails.
Heading through the dunes at Rhosneigr Beach

Day 3: Coastlines, Castles & a Dip Before Home

📍 Morning: Explore Newborough & Llanddwyn Island

We started early on day three, knowing that the Sunday scaries were kicking in and we were heading home later in the afternoon. We headed to Newborough Beach, one of the best coastal walks in Wales that sees you wandering through pine forest trails to Llanddwyn Island, a tidal island steeped in legend and surrounded by jaw-dropping views across to the Snowdonia range. This is honestly one not to miss. We took a little dip, (because rude not to!) and if you've bought the paddleboards with you, it's also a stunning spot with crystal clear water on a calm day.

🏰 Midday: Stop by Beaumaris Castle

On our way back across Anglesey, we swang into Beaumaris for coffee and a quick wander around its picturesque medieval castle (UNESCO-listed and very photogenic). Beaumaris is very cute, with stunning views over the mainland and more than a few little shops to poke your head in. We were on a tight timeline so didn't stay for long, but previously visits have coincided with the annual Food Festival on Beaumaris Green which is thoroughly recommended.

🍽 Lunch at Dylan’s, Menai Bridge

We finished our North Wales road trip in style at Dylan’s, perched right on the water - it's a bit spendy but worth is for the crab linguine and the Welsh Gin and Tonic. We've often spent the night down in Y Felinheli watching the dinghies sailing on the strait - there's a perfect little pub for your sundowners that we definitely recommend.