S4 Pen-y-Pass – Porthmadog

Journey Overview

Provided by Gwynedd Council in association with Transport for Wales.

The S4 bus journey from Pen-y-Pass to Porthmadog is a breathtakingly beautiful experience that will leave you in awe of the natural beauty of Snowdonia National Park. This is the remotest and most serene of bus journeys now, through isolated, rugged but wonderful scenery.

This momentous trip starts in Pen-y-pass, where the scenery is majestic, with the towering peaks of Snowdonia National Park dominating the view. The bus then descends into the spell-binding Nant Gwynant valley, with its crystal-clear lakes (Llyn Gwynant and Llyn Dinas) surrounded by lush green forests and soaring mountains.

The bus continues towards the picturesque village of Beddgelert, where it crosses the stone bridge over the River Glaslyn. Here, customers can catch a glimpse of the 13th-century church of St. Mary’s and the legendary resting place of Gelert, the faithful hound of Welsh prince Llywelyn the Great.

As the bus continues towards Porthmadog, it crosses the historic Pont Aberglaslyn bridge, which dates back to the 17th century. Watch out for the amazing Welsh Highland Railway here, which is a vintage narrow-gauge railway running through the incredible landscapes of the Snowdonia National Park. The bus then passes through the tranquil village of Garreg, with its oak woodlands, and hugely varied bird, plant and other wildlife,  before reaching the village of Prenteg, where customers can view the beautiful Afon Dwyryd river winding its way through the valley.

The final leg of the journey takes customers through the charming town of Tremadog, famous for its unique architecture and connection to the renowned climber and mountaineer, Sir Edmund Hillary. The bus then makes its way into Porthmadog High Street, with its bustling shops, cafes, and restaurants, as well as another connection to the fantastic Welsh Highland Railway.

Gateway to the S4

There are various options available with connections from the S1 service from Caernarfon at Llanberis or Betwys-y-coed. Caernarfon is served by regular buses from Bangor which has rail connections from Chester. Alternatively, customers could try the S4 from Porthmadog which is served by rail from Machynlleth with connections from Wolverhampton, London and the North.

A Fab Day Out!

There’s a great deal to see and do on this wonderful bus route, so with 5 buses each day, maybe spreading the trip over a couple of days is the best way to make use of time. Alternatively, picking and mixing a few stop-offs to make the trip in one day, can be done and we’ve showcased a few of the sights and attractions…

Pen-y-Pass is a popular and fabulous starting point for visitors looking to climb Mount Snowdon, and the surrounding area is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in North Wales. Onto the bus and a stop off at Beddgelert is recommended. It’s a small, traditional Welsh village surrounded by the stunning Snowdonia National Park. Beddgelert is known for its picturesque riverside walks, ancient bridges, and historic buildings. The village also has a rich cultural heritage, with a number of galleries and museums showcasing the work of local artists and craftspeople. Beddgelert is also home to the famous Gelert’s Grave, a monument to a faithful hound who was said to have saved the life of his master’s son.

Onto the bus and to Pont Aberglaslyn which is a stunning stone bridge that spans the River Glaslyn. The bridge is surrounded by spectacular scenery, and customers can take a leisurely walk along the riverbanks or explore the nearby woods and hills.

Back on-board and a stop at Garreg is highly recommended – a small town that is known for its ancient castle ruins and the stunning Garreg Gorge. Visitors can explore the castle ruins, take a stroll along the riverbanks, or simply relax and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the town.

Further along the route is Prenteg which is a scenic village that is home to a number of historic buildings, including the charming St. Cadfan’s Church. Customers can wander round  the village, taking in the stunning views of the surrounding countryside and enjoying the local hospitality at the village pub.

Five minutes along the route from Prenteg is Tremadog, an historic town that is known for its impressive architecture and rich cultural heritage. Checking out the town’s numerous historic buildings and monuments is great, including the stunning St. Mary’s Church and the iconic Tremadog Square.

Finally, at the conclusion of this epic trip is Porthmadog, a charming seaside town that is known for its sandy beaches, historic harbour, and bustling town centre. Visitors can take a stroll along the harbour, explore the local shops and restaurants, or simply relax on the beach and soak up the sun. Alternatively, a trip on the narrow gauge heritage, Welsh Highland Railway through incredible scenery back up to Caernarfon is hugely recommended!

A round-trip can be provided by bus from Caernarfon on the S1 and the S4 to Porthmadog returning on the Welsh Highland Railway to Caernarfon.