The breathtaking Black Mountain Road is the Top Gear road of Wales

Located in the county of Carmarthenshire in Wales, Black Mountain Road is a famous route that twists, dips, and climbs. It has unrivaled views beyond its hairpin turns, and you’ll want to drive it again and again.

Black Mountain road

Can you drive up the Black Mountains?

Tucked away in the southwestern part of the country, on the Black Mountains, the jaw-droppingly stunning road, also known as A4069, is entirely paved. It’s 23.81 km (14.8 miles) long, running south-north from Glanamman (a mining village in the valley of the River Amman) to Llangadog. For a mountain road, it is in remarkably good order, and the best stretches are combinations of bends and straights with clear visibility for miles ahead. If you are lucky, neither a tractor nor errant sheep will interrupt your pleasure. Remember to watch out for sheep that will cross the road aimlessly in front of your car. There are mobile speed cameras along the route that get hidden in objects such as horse boxes or small trucks.

What is Black Mountain Road in Wales famous for?

Located in the western part of the Brecon Beacons National Park, this challenging route has some of the best corners. Just looking at the map below, you can see that this is one hell of a road to drive. Expect a mix of fast and tight sections and to-die-for views when you hit the hairpins. Beware of bumps if you’re driving a low-slung car. The road tops out by Black Mountain Pass at 495 m (1,624 ft) above sea level.

Is Black Mountain Road in Wales worth it?

It is widely regarded as the best driving road in Wales. The road includes five of the most memorable miles you can drive in any country. This route has become very popular since it was featured on Top Gear back in 2011 and is also known as the 'Top Gear road’ after Jeremy Clarkson was filmed driving it. Now, it has become a firm favorite with car magazine test drivers. This is now a very busy road, and that’s when it often gets crowded. The drive is considered one of the most beautiful roads not only in Wales but in the whole of the United Kingdom.

How long does it take to drive the Black Mountain Road in Wales?

To drive the road without stopping will take most people between 35 and 45 minutes. There is fantastic scenery stretching miles of beautiful countryside. Be sure to take advantage of the several laybys on your way to stop and take in the surroundings. Due to the route being very popular, you will find that it will get crowded on weekends. But for good reason as this is an amazing road, well worth a visit for any driving enthusiast.