Chasing Adventure: My 4-Day Campervan Road Trip to Wales

As a campervan enthusiast, there’s nothing better than hitting the road with a solid plan and the thrill of adventure ahead. This upcoming trip to Wales is extra special because it’s a last hurrah with my friend Sam before he flies off to Australia on a one-way ticket. Also, we'll be tackling this adventure in the trusty Vandango campervan, the perfect adventure vehicle, which is also available to rent for fellow adventurers through our website:

Further details here (Website Homepage)

We’ll set off from the Isle of Man on Monday afternoon, and in this blog, I’ll not only share our journey but also offer the tools and tips you can use to plan your own epic campervan adventure.

The Adventure Begins: Isle of Man to Snowdonia

Route link here.

Our journey kicks off at 3 p.m. when we leave the Isle of Man by ferry, arriving in Liverpool just before 6 p.m. From there, we’ll drive straight to Snowdonia National Park in Wales, aiming to find a cosy spot to park Vandango and spend our first night in the van. The excitement of the open road is real – and I’m already dreaming about the stunning Snowdon summit we’ll hike the next morning.

But let’s dive into how I planned this trip and give you the tools to plan your own.

The Tools I Used for Planning

When it comes to campervan adventures, the planning can be half the fun! Here’s a breakdown of the tools and apps I used to piece together this 4-day Welsh escapade.

1. ChatGPT for Inspiration and Itinerary Building

I kicked off my planning with ChatGPT, using it to bounce around ideas for our trip. It’s like having a brainstorming partner who never runs out of suggestions! ChatGPT helped me discover hiking routes, camping spots, and even suggested white-water rafting, something Sam and I hadn’t initially thought about. If you need inspiration or advice on crafting an itinerary, it’s a great tool to start with.

2. Google Maps for Route Planning

Once the bones of the trip were in place, I turned to Google Maps to figure out driving routes, distances, and travel times. I planned our journey from Liverpool to Snowdonia and scoped out the best scenic routes. Google Maps also helped me find petrol stations along the way and highlighted a few spots where we might want to stop for a break or a quick snack.

3. Park4Night for Finding Overnight Spots

After a long day on the road or hiking, nothing beats finding the perfect spot to park the campervan for the night. That’s where Park4Night comes in. It’s a fantastic app for campervan and motorhome travellers, showing you nearby parking spots, campsites, and wild camping locations. We’re still deciding where to park Vandango for our first night in Snowdonia, but thanks to Park4Night, we’re looking at a mix of wild spots and campsites so we can access amenities like showers after our hike.

4. AllTrails for Hiking and Running Routes

If you love hiking or trail running, AllTrails is a must-have. I’ve planned our ascent of Snowdon using this app. We’ll be tackling the Crib Goch route early on Tuesday morning, aiming for breathtaking sunrise views if the weather allows. (Check out the potential route here). AllTrails is great for providing details on routes, difficulty levels, and reviews from other hikers. I’m also using it to search for a 10km trail run for Thursday morning.

5. TripAdvisor for Activities

Planning activities beyond hiking? TripAdvisor is a treasure trove of ideas. For Wednesday, Sam and I wanted something a bit more adrenaline-fuelled, so we booked an afternoon of white-water rafting at the National White Water Centre in Bala, North Wales. We found it easily through TripAdvisor, which also showed reviews, booking details, and other things to do in the area. Check out the rafting experience we’ve lined up here.

6. Wanderlog for Itinerary Finalisation

Once I had all the details, Wanderlog was my go-to for polishing up the itinerary. It’s brilliant for pulling everything together in one place, including stops, activities, accommodation, and travel times. You can easily make adjustments and visualise your trip timeline, ensuring everything flows smoothly. If you want your trip to be seamless, Wanderlog is a great tool to finalise the details.

Our 4-Day Itinerary

Here’s the rough outline of what Sam and I have planned for our Welsh adventure:

Day 1: Monday – Isle of Man to Snowdonia

• Depart Isle of Man at 15:00, arrive in Liverpool by 18:00.

• Drive straight to Snowdonia National Park.

• Use Park4Night to find a scenic spot to park Vandango for the night.

Day 2: Tuesday – Hiking Snowdon (Crib Goch Route)

• Early morning start for the Crib Goch hike. We’re aiming for sunrise if the weather cooperates.

• AllTrails has been great for planning this challenging hike, and we’re stoked to tackle it.

• After the hike, we’ll find a nearby campsite to freshen up and relax.

Day 3: Wednesday – White-Water Rafting

• After a relaxed morning, we’re heading to Bala for an afternoon of white-water rafting at the National White Water Centre.

• We’ll either stay at a nearby campsite or wild camp somewhere scenic using Park4Night.

Day 4: Thursday – Trail Run and Return to Isle of Man

• Thursday morning, we’ll lace up our running shoes and hit a trail in Snowdonia for a 10km run. I’m still narrowing down the route using AllTrails.

• In the afternoon, we’ll head back to Liverpool to catch the 19:00 ferry to the Isle of Man.

Tips for Planning Your Own Campervan Adventure

If you’re feeling inspired to plan your own campervan adventure, here are my top tips:

1. Use a Mix of Planning Tools: Combining apps like ChatGPT, Google Maps, and AllTrails makes the process easier and more fun. You’ll cover everything from route planning to activities.

2. Stay Flexible: While it’s great to have a plan, leave room for spontaneity. Apps like Park4Night let you decide where to park on the fly, so you can follow your instincts or the weather.

3. Book Activities in Advance: For more popular activities, like white-water rafting, it’s smart to book ahead. TripAdvisor is great for finding and booking activities along your route.

4. Use Wanderlog to Polish Your Itinerary: Once you’ve gathered all your plans, use Wanderlog to finalise your route, timing, and stops. It’ll help make your trip feel well-organised and stress-free.

5. Rent A Vandango Campervan for Your Adventure! If you’re not a campervan owner but love the idea of exploring in one, why not rent Vandango? It’s fully equipped with everything you need for an unforgettable road trip.

I hope this post inspires you to plan your own campervan adventure, whether it’s through the Welsh mountains or somewhere else entirely. And if you’re looking for the perfect van to take you there, Vandango is ready and waiting!

I'll be sure to post a follow-up after the adventure to let you all know how we got on.

See you on the road!