Welsh Mountain Road Run - A Two-Day Driving Adventure to Remember

UK Mini Runs
Jul 21
4 min read

14th–15th July 2025

There’s something truly magical about taking a convoy of character-filled cars through a landscape as rugged and beautiful as Wales. And when that convoy consists of eight spirited MINIs, each with its own personality and driver full of excitement for the road ahead, you know you're in for something special.

Our Welsh Mountain Road Run, which took place on the 14th and 15th of July 2025, was exactly that - two days of stunning scenery, proper driving, hearty food, and fantastic company. The kind of experience that reminds you why we love the open road.

A Grey Start, But Spirits High

We met bright and early on Monday morning at the Country Cooks Café on the Horseshoe Pass in North Wales. Even under a blanket of overcast skies, the view was still impressive, rolling hills wrapped in low cloud, setting the tone for a proper Welsh driving experience.

The weather was mixed across both days, mostly cloudy with the occasional burst of sunshine breaking through. But no one let that dampen the mood. In fact, it almost added to the charm — moody skies over misty mountains, the kind of backdrop you only get in Wales.

After a welcome breakfast and a relaxed drivers’ briefing, everyone received their run packs, complete with maps, route links, and a few reminders of the stops and highlights ahead. Then, it was time to fire up the engines and head out.

Into the Mountains

Leaving the café, we immediately dived into the tight, twisting single-track roads that snake through Snowdonia National Park. This was the kind of driving these cars were made for — narrow bends, sudden climbs, and the occasional sheep causing a bit of a traffic jam.

Our first pit stop was at Lake Bala, where the group stretched their legs and took in the peaceful scenery. The lake was calm, the air fresh, and the mood upbeat. A few photos were snapped, bonnets checked, and we were off again.

From there, we made our way toward Barmouth Beach for lunch — and what better way to refuel than with traditional fish and chips by the sea? The weather gave us a brief spell of sun here, just long enough for a bit of beachside banter and some proper seaside nostalgia.

Afternoon Adventures and Winding Roads

After lunch, we continued south along the picturesque west coast of Wales before heading inland again. The roads became more remote and dramatic, winding their way through the hills towards Devil’s Bridge. This was a great spot for a short refreshment break and a few more stories shared between the drivers.

But the real treat was still to come, the drive through the Elan Valley. Often described as one of the most scenic areas in all of Wales, it certainly didn’t disappoint. The route took us across dam walls, along reservoirs, and through open moorland, with sweeping bends and postcard views at every turn. The sun even peeked through again as we crossed one of the higher ridgelines - a moment that felt perfectly timed.

A Warm Welcome in Llandrindod Wells

By the time we rolled into Llandrindod Wells, the group was ready for a proper wind-down. We stopped for fuel before heading to our hotel, a charming Victorian spa hotel that offered exactly what we needed: a warm welcome, a place to park up safely, and a bar to settle into.

Bags were dropped, boots kicked off, and within an hour the group was back together, sharing stories from the day over a drink or two before sitting down to a group meal. There was a real sense of camaraderie, some had come on our tours before, others were new, but everyone got on brilliantly.

That evening was filled with laughter, storytelling, and that relaxed satisfaction you only get after a great day of driving. No pressure, no pretence, just good people and good vibes.

Day Two – Into the South

The next morning began with a hearty breakfast and a slow start. It wasn’t a race; it was about enjoying the day ahead.

We set off south once more, this time heading into the Brecon Beacons. These wide, open spaces offered a different kind of scenery - expansive views, gentle rolling roads, and quiet corners that seemed untouched by time.

A stop at the Owls Nest Tea Room gave everyone a chance to refuel with coffee and cake. The café, popular with bikers and drivers alike, was a perfect choice - laid-back and welcoming, with a few locals coming over to admire the MINIs lined up outside.

From there, we headed for our final stretch: the legendary drive over the Black Mountains. This road, with its dramatic climbs, sudden drops, and sweeping views across South Wales, was a highlight for many. It felt like a grand finale, the kind of road you dream about, made even better by being shared with like-minded enthusiasts.

Reflecting on the Journey

By the time we reached the end point, there was a quiet satisfaction among the group. Not tired, exactly, just content. Over two days we had covered miles of epic roads, taken in some of the UK’s most beautiful scenery, eaten well, laughed often, and shared a genuine experience.

Everyone made the most of the conditions, which were never perfect but always atmospheric. The patchy weather never became a problem — in fact, it gave the tour its character. The grey skies made the greens greener, the mountains moodier, and the photos all the more dramatic.

And the group? Brilliant. There’s always something special about a group of strangers coming together with a shared love of driving, scenery, and the MINI spirit. By the end of the tour, there were no strangers, just new friends.