This year, Visit Wales announced 2020 as the ‘Year of the Outdoors’ for Wales, and what a better way to celebrate this than heading outdoors for some fun! This list is a guid to some of North Wales’ best outdoor adventures…
Coed y Brenin Forest Park – Dolgellau
Like mountain biking? This is the place for you! Coed y Brenin was the first purpose-built mountain bike North Wales centre, opening in the 1990’s.
There are eight exciting biking trails, a skills area, and a bike shop. However, the visitor centre welcomes many others who come to enjoy the forest for walking, orienteering, trail running, and geocaching. For children, there are three playgrounds to choose from, including a ‘free play’ area, where they can run around, build dens and make dam streams.
As well as all of the adventures, Coed y Brenin has a café, and a number of picnic sites which allow barbeques if you’d prefer to dine amongst the trees.
Coed y Brenin was awarded the Gold Award by Visit Wales for its attractions which create an enjoyable and memorable experience for its visitors!
Adventure Park Snowdonia – Dolgarrog
Set against a backdrop of the forests and mountains of Snowdonia, is Adventure Park Snowdonia. It is home to the world’s first inland surf lagoon – a man-made body of water with a guaranteed surf! The shape and technology of the lagoon means there is a different variety of waves, so the beginners can surf alongside the pros! Surf lessons are available to people all off experiences.
Adventure Park Snowdonia also offers outdoor activities led by expert local instructors including; stand up paddle boarding, mountain biking, coasteering, climbing, gorge walking, and abseiling – there’s something for everyone.
After a day of activities, there’s no doubt you’ll have an appetite. Adventure Park Snowdonia has a Surf Side deli and Surf Side bar and kitchen serving food made with local ingredients!
National White Water Centre – Bala
The National White Water Centre offers fantastic activities on the natural rapids of the River Tryweryn in the Snowdonia National Park. The rapids are formed from the dam of Llyn Celyn releasing, offering an average of 200 days out the year of impressive white water.
A calmer option called the ‘rafting safari’ is available to anyone from the age of 10, taking you on a tour round the lower river in the beautiful valley, facing you with a few challenging rapids, boulder gardens and surf waves.
For those a little older (12 and above) you can experience the full thrilling rafter sessions. This will take you on the exhilarating runs of the white water rapids! Be prepared to get soaked! Alternatively, you can go ‘canyoning’. You’ll be taken off site to experience a local gorge that will test your climbing, sliding, and scrambling skills.
If you’re looking for a full experience of the outdoors, and want to go camping Bala Henstent Holiday Park is nearby, welcoming campers to its beautiful secluded corner from the 1st of March until the 31st of October.
Beuno’s Huts – Tremeirchion
For those looking for a more relaxing experience of the outdoors, and want glamping North Wales, Bueno’s huts is a great choice. They offer a unique ‘off-grid’ experience in the beautiful Clwydian valley (an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), with stays in luxury shepherds huts. The area of the Clwydian range is a paradise for cyclists, walkers, and riders. The chain of purple heather clad summits are topped by dramatically situated hillforts for you to explore!
The stunning glamping huts can get you away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. You can turn off your technology and your worries at the same time.
Both of the huts available at Beuno’s Huts have their own private field for you to enjoy, with the addition of an ensuite bathroom and toilet, decked area, kitchen, and a luxury bed and bedding.
Dragon Raiders Activity Park – Cricceth
This one is for those after something a little different! Based in the lovely woodlands of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Dragon Raiders Activity Park North Wales offers quad biking, paintballing, and Segway adventures.
The paintball grounds are across 30 acres of prime forest. These zones have been designed to give you the ultimate outdoor experience! Alternatively, you can pick from 2 routes of the Segway adventure, a calm track through the trees, or an adrenaline fuelled off roading route. The quad bikes treks offer a thrilling activity, mixing testing environments and tough challenges.
There is a snack shop for refuelling, a covered safe area for resting and picnics, and winter warming fire!
