As winter approaches, we'll begin to see the colour slowly sapped from much of the scenery surrounding us before it is replaced with white snow and frosty hues. But like any season, the wintry scenes have their own charm that heightens the drama of some of our more majestic areas.

For many of us, it may soon be too cold to brave the outdoors but that's not to say they can't be enjoyed altogether. You don't have to set too much time aside to enjoy them either.

If you're travelling on a section of the A55 for example, you'll be able to take it in from the comfort of your warm car with a simple detour that won't add more than 30 minutes to your journey. North Wales is famed for its scenic drives and there are many to choose from - and some are more popular than others.

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But the run up to Christmas is a busy time, so we've chosen the A5 through Ogwen Valley and Betws-y-Coed and onto the A470 through Llanrwst as it can be done within less than an hour and only adds around 30 minutes to your journey if you're travelling on the A55 from Bangor to Conwy or vice versa.

The route

For those travelling east on the A55, take the exit at junction 11 which leads to the A5 towards Bethesda. Continue through the town and you'll end up on the stunning Nant Ffrancon Pass where you'll have the Carneddau on the passenger's side and the Glyderau on the driver's side.

Continuing through the glacial valley you will see Llyn Idwal to your right, followed by Llyn Ogwen as you enter Ogwen Valley. This will be the most dramatic landscape you will encounter on the journey in the heart of Eryri, engulfed by majestic snowy mountains and the still lakes and their frosted shores.

As you continue deeper into Eryri you will pass through Capel Curig. When you come to the iconic Tŷ Hyll (Ugly House), you then cross the bridge over Afon Llugwy and continue on the A5 past Gwydir Forest and Rhaeadr Ewynnol (Swallow Falls), and then the Miners' Bridge on Afon Llugwy through Pentre Du.

Shortly afterwards, you arrive at the picturesque Betws-y-Coed where you can either cross Pont-y-Pair on the left-hand side as you enter the town, which will take you onto the B5106, or you can continue through Betws and cross Waterloo Bridge onto the A470 - both roads lead back to the A55.

But before you get back onto the expressway, a few more Eryri landmarks await, including Llanrwst where you will see the famous Pont Fawr bridge and the idyllic and instantly-recognisable ivy-covered cottage, Tu Hwnt I'r Bont, next to it. You then follow the A470 along Afon Conwy through Pentreflin and Llansanffraid Glan Conwy before you finally return onto the A55 at junction 19 in Llandudno Junction.

So rather than taking the A55 for the umpteenth time, you've been able to enjoy the majesty of Eryri in winter and several famous landmarks along the way, all from the comfort of your car and at the expense of just an extra 30 minutes to your journey.

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