Eryri National Park — better known by its English name Snowdonia — contains some of the most challenging driving roads in Wales. Narrow lanes, steep gradients, tight hairpin bends, waterfalls spilling across the tarmac, and weather that can change from sunshine to ice fog in minutes. Your tyres need to be up to it.
The Roads to Know
The Llanberis Pass (A4086) climbs 359 metres through a glacial valley, with steep gradients and rock faces that block the sun and keep the road icy well into spring. The Pen-y-Pass car park at the top is the starting point for Snowdon ascents — on busy weekends, drivers make this approach in all weather.
The Crimea Pass (A470 between Blaenau Ffestiniog and Betws-y-Coed) and the road over the Horseshoe Pass near Llangollen are similarly demanding. Winter closes some of these routes entirely.
Tyre Requirements for Mountain Driving
- Tread depth: The legal minimum is 1.6mm, but on steep, wet mountain roads you want at least 4mm. The drainage channels in deeper tread push water out from under the tyre and maintain grip.
- Tyre condition: Any existing damage — sidewall cracks, bulges, cuts — is magnified on mountain roads where tyre temperatures rise on long descents.
- Correct pressure: Mountain driving creates heat. Check your pressure is correct before heading into the mountains.
Descending Safely
Long descents overheat brakes when drivers ride the brake pedal. Use engine braking — lower gears — to control speed, and apply brakes intermittently rather than continuously. This protects both your brakes and your tyres.
If You Get a Flat in Snowdonia
Mobile signal can be unreliable deep in the mountains. If you do get a flat in a remote area, try to reach a viewpoint or lay-by before stopping if it’s safe to do so. Logistic Move covers Betws-y-Coed, Llanberis, Beddgelert and surrounding areas for mobile tyre fitting. Call 07768 491888.