North Wales has long been one of the bucket list destinations for driving enthusiasts. The land of Dragon's and leeks might not be the petrolheads paradise it once was, but that's only because attitudes have changed. The amazing roads twisting across the Denbigh moors or squeezing through the tight mountain passes of Snowdonia have barely changed since the first road testers sought them out.

What has changed is attitudes and perception - popularity inevitably led to the recklessness of the few. The local inhabitants rightly became less tolerant and tough enforcement quickly followed, backed up by the rise of the safety camera van, average speed monitoring and even prosecution via YouTube uploads. To many, driving in North Wales has become a constant gauntlet of fear around every swooping bend. But pick your moments, leave the thrill seeking to the race track, be mindful and always respect village speed limits - you'll quickly discover you can still have a driving epiphany.

As always, we begin our planning with the all important brimming of the fuel tank in mind. Ruabon Shell is handily located just off the main North to South A483 trunk road/dual carriageway, and being essentially brand new, it has handy additional features such as an on-site Greggs and jet wash should you wish to keep your car looking sharp for any potential photography.

The Best Driving Roads in North Wales - Rush Route

Start/end - Shell Petrol Station and Services, Ruabon LL14 6EQ

Travel time - approx. 3.5hrs

Distance -  approx. 130 miles

Ideal car - Porsche 997.2 911 GTS

The first target of the day is to head towards the pretty Vale of Llangollen and the Horseshoe Pass (A542). It’s a short but cracking way to ease yourself into the drive, with a fast and flowing ascent - save for the signature double hairpin that gives the road its name. At the 1,400ft summit you’ll be rewarded with a picturesque view back down the valley, and if you didn't fancy a Greggs sausage roll for breakfast there's the option to stop at the re-known Ponderosa Café, where there is usually a gathering of interesting metal.

On the descending side the pass switches tactics - undulations and tight turns come thick and fast. From there the link to Ruthin is scenic but tame save for the Nat-y-garth section (A525), which will tie you in knots through the brief forest. Leading out of town is one of our favourite roads in the area - the B5105 - which ticks all the classic B-road hallmarks - fast, smooth and rhythmic one minute, tight, twisty and bumpy the next.

Handily it spits you out at Ceredigion by the starting point of the infamous EVO Triangle, which is now lined with average speed cameras, but enjoyment can still be had along the eastern leg (B4501) where you’ll struggle to break the speed limit. Aim for the Sportsman's Arms taking a left onto the A543 (western leg) which offers some fantastic photography opportunities.