List of mountain passes of Wales facts for kids

A mountain pass is like a natural doorway through mountains! Imagine you're trying to get from one side of a big mountain range to the other. Instead of climbing straight over the highest, steepest parts, a pass is a lower, easier path that winds its way through the hills. These special routes have been used for thousands of years by people, animals, and even roads to travel across tricky landscapes.

Wales is a country famous for its beautiful mountains and valleys, especially in places like Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons. Because of all these mountains, Wales has many important passes. They help connect different towns and regions, making travel much simpler. Some passes are busy roads, while others are quiet tracks used by hikers or even old drovers' routes for moving animals.

Famous Mountain Passes in Wales

Wales has many passes, each with its own story and features. Here are some of the most well-known ones:

Gospel Pass

The Gospel Pass is very special because it's the highest paved road pass in all of Wales! It climbs up to 549 meters (about 1,800 feet) above sea level. This pass is found in the beautiful Brecon Beacons National Park, connecting the town of Hay-on-Wye to the lovely Vale of Ewyas. The Welsh name for it is Bwlch yr Efengyl. Driving or cycling over this pass gives you amazing views of the surrounding hills and valleys.

Bwlch y Groes

Known as the "Pass of the Cross" in English, Bwlch y Groes is also famously called Hellfire Pass. It's the highest paved pass in North Wales, reaching 545 meters (about 1,788 feet). This pass is in the Snowdonia National Park and connects the villages of Llanuwchllyn and Dinas Mawddwy. It's a challenging but rewarding route, especially for cyclists and drivers who love steep climbs and stunning scenery.

Horseshoe Pass

The Horseshoe Pass is a very popular and scenic route in North Wales. Its Welsh name is Bwlch yr Oernant, meaning "pass of the cold stream." It gets its English name from the horseshoe shape of the road as it winds its way through the hills. Located in Denbighshire, this pass reaches 417 meters (about 1,368 feet) and is part of the A542 road. It's a favourite spot for motorcyclists and tourists, offering fantastic views over the Vale of Llangollen.

Pen-y-Pass

Found in the heart of Snowdonia National Park, Pen-y-Pass is one of the most famous starting points for climbing Snowdon, Wales's highest mountain. It sits at 359 meters (about 1,178 feet) and is often called the "Llanberis Pass" in English. The A4086 road goes over this pass, and it's a busy hub for hikers and climbers heading into the mountains. There's even a youth hostel there, making it a great base for adventures.

Crimea Pass

The Crimea Pass, or Bwlch y Gorddinan in Welsh, is another important pass in Snowdonia. It's part of the A470 road, which is a main route through Wales. This pass reaches 385 meters (about 1,263 feet) and connects parts of Caernarfonshire and Merionethshire. The name "Crimea" might make you think of the Crimean War, but it's actually believed to be named after a local pub called the "Crimea Inn" that was built around the time of the war.

Nant Ffrancon Pass

The Nant Ffrancon Pass is a dramatic and beautiful valley pass in Snowdonia. The A5 road, a historic route built by Thomas Telford, runs through it. This pass connects Bethesda in Gwynedd with Llyn Ogwen in Conwy. It's a relatively lower pass at 312 meters (about 1,024 feet), but its steep, rocky sides and glacial landscape make it incredibly impressive. It's a popular spot for rock climbers and hikers.

Other Notable Passes

Many other passes help people travel across Wales:

Bwlch y Cloddiau

Sometimes called 'the Mohican Road', Bwlch y Cloddiau is a right of way in Powys. It reaches 533 meters (about 1,749 feet). Part of the path is paved, but other sections are unpaved, making it a more adventurous route.

Bwlch ar y Fan

Also known as 'the Gap Road', Bwlch ar y Fan is a restricted byway in the Brecon Beacons. At 599 meters (about 1,965 feet), it's a high and rocky track, popular with those looking for a challenging walk or off-road adventure.

Sychnant Pass

The Sychnant Pass is a lower pass at 158 meters (about 518 feet) near the coast in North Wales. Its Welsh name, Bwlch Sychnant, means "dry stream pass." It's a minor road connecting Dwygyfylchi and Conwy, offering lovely views as it winds through the hills.

Milltir Gerrig

Meaning "mile of stones" in English, Milltir Gerrig is a pass on the B4391 road between Llangynog and Bala. It reaches 486 meters (about 1,594 feet) and is located in Snowdonia National Park.

Bwlch Penbarras

This pass, also called 'Old Bwlch', is a minor road in Denbighshire. It goes through the Clwydian Range at 362 meters (about 1,188 feet), offering a scenic route through these beautiful hills.

These passes are not just roads; they are important parts of Wales's history and geography, connecting communities and offering incredible views for everyone who travels through them.