The Active Destination...Sponsored content
Surrounding the famous peak of Wales’ loftiest mountain are leafy paths winding through lush forests, rugged mountain trails, white-water rapids channelling through narrow gorges, tranquil deserted sandy beaches and dunes, and placid lakes reflecting the vast open skies – so, what’s not to like?
And with an astonishing range of fresh-air pursuits for all ages and abilities on offer at the region’s numerous activity centres, with their friendly, qualified instructors and guides, you’re guaranteed a high-energy adventure that’s truly breathtaking, in every sense of the word.
Come out to play here in the magnificent natural wildernesses of Snowdonia, the UK’s most famous National Park – and bring your friends and family along for the ride, to join in the fun and games. This ‘great outdoors’ experience will get the adrenalin pumping, and your heart beating faster – and that’s just from gasping in amazement at the awe-inspiring scenery!
Before we look at some of the most popular outdoor pursuits, it’s worth remembering that this part of the world is also rich in cultural treasures and places of historical interest to discover. Don’t miss its famous castles, such as Conwy, near the walled medieval town of the same name, or mighty Caernarfon Castle, looking out across the Menai Straits to the Isle of Anglesey, the setting for the investiture of Charles, Prince of Wales in 1969.
The Snowdonia National Park lies at the heart of Gwynedd, largest county in Wales, and one of the most sparsely populated - apart from the amazing abundance of wildlife! The few settlements within the Park boundaries, as you might expect, are pretty-as-a-postcard villages like Betws y Coed and Beddgelert, which are an absolute joy to explore at your leisure.
The Park's entire coastline is a Special Area of Conservation and the Llyn Peninsula on is a hidden gem, with beautiful beaches and its own micro climate.
Another unmissable delight is taking the scenic route (and how!) on the steam-driven Snowdon Mountain Railway up to Hafod Eryri, the granite and glass ‘eagle’s lair’ Visitor Centre opened in Summer 2009, to enjoy the panoramic views through its wall of glass ‘window on the world’. Spectacular!
Ready for a piece of the action? Let’s take a whistle-stop tour of some of the top outdoor activities Snowdonia has to offer. Choose your favourite sport, or combine several into one great big adventure...
White Water Rafting
If you've never experienced the sheer thrill of white water rafting, now's your chance! We kit you out in a wetsuit, buoyancy aid and helmet, then run through the basic manoeuvres on dry land before launching onto the river. The course runs a kilometre and a half through swift rapids with names like Ski Run, Graveyard and Donkey's Kick. Talking of kicks, this trip kicks your average theme park white-knuckle ride straight into touch. It's the most fun you'll ever have with something inflatable (yes, even including that)! Accept no poor imitations, this is the place to raft.
More Information: http://www.adventure-northwales.com/AdrenalineActivities/white-water-rafting
Canyoning
Canyoning or gorge scrambing as it is also known, is an activity for those of you looking for adrenalin thrills and spills. The canyoning activity follows the course of a river through gorges and waterfalls with much of the time spent in the water leaping in and out of rock pools and down water chutes. To enjoy the activity, we recommend a basic level of fitness.
More Information: http://www.adventure-northwales.com/AdrenalineActivities/canyoning
Quad Biking
Thrilling off road riding with spectacular views of the surrounding area.
Our quad bike activities are a new and exciting way to appreciate the dramatic landscape of North Wales. The chunky off road bikes are perfect way to see the challenging terrain. Full protective clothing is available and full safety equipment is provided.
More Information: http://www.adventure-northwales.com/AdrenalineActivities/quad-bikes
Clay Pigeon Shooting
Clay pigeon shooting is a personal and team activity challenge.
The thrill of watching a clay shatter in flight is so overwhelming, you?ll probably miss the next one! Under the watchful eye and expert guidance of our instructor, hopefully you?ll soon be hitting far more than you miss! Not the real thing, but definitely fair game!
More Information: http://www.adventure-northwales.com/AdrenalineActivities/clay-pigeon-shooting
Rock Climbing
Rock climbing is one of today's fastest growing sports, and courses can be tailored to suit all abilities, so you always rising to your own personal challenge. Don't worry if you've never climbed before - our fully qualified instructors will show you the basic techniques of planning a route, rope work and foot and hand holds. All equipment is
included.
More Information: http://www.adventure-northwales.com/AdrenalineActivities/rock-climbing
Coasteering
Coasteering is the activity adventure of the moment perfect for those of you seeking a full on adrenalin buzz.
Through your coasteering activity session you will traverse the ledges and crags of a coastal rock face. Jump and leap into the sea waters and scramble over boulders. It's a big kids playground! To enjoy the activity, we recommend a basic level of fitness.
More Information: http://www.adventure-northwales.com/AdrenalineActivities/coasteering
Go Karting
Go karting is a superb activity that never ceases to thrill the driver, however often you may have raced. The surge of excitement racing only a few centimetres above the ground and the thrill of the chase are an enthralling combination to get the heart pumping.
More Information: http://www.adventure-northwales.com/AdrenalineActivities/go-karting
Pony Trekking
This pony trekking activity is a brilliant way to explore beautiful North Wales countryside from the saddle. Led by local guides, you follow tree-lined trails riding placid Welsh Cobs known for their easy going manor and love of polo mints! Don?t worry if you?ve little or no riding experience - by the end of the day you?ll wonder why it took you so long to try.
More Information: http://www.adventure-northwales.com/AdrenalineActivities/pony-trekking
Team Challenge
Team Challenge - OK team, listen up! This is not just your run-of-the-mill communication and bonding romp in a muddy field... it's much wetter than that! A timed competitive event over a Lakeland course, this 2-hour exercise tests the physical and mental resources of individual team members, with bonus and penalty points awarded by the judges. The event starts in Canadian canoes, paddling towards a pile of junk - which turns out to be your DIY Robinson Crusoe sailing kit! All you have to do is make it float long enough to take the team downstream to a specified point. Having landed on one bank, you then have to transfer the whole team over the stream without getting wet. Finally, running back to the canoes you head for the finishing line, coming home together as a team.
More Information: http://www.adventure-northwales.com/AdrenalineActivities/team-challenge
4x4
4x4 Off Road Driving is for everyone who enjoys the challenge and exhilaration of driving. The locations in North Wales is one of the most challenging in the business and is used by many of the leading off road manufacturers for product launches. It's your not-to-be-missed opportunity to drive off-road in a selection of vehicles including the Mercedes ML, Toyota Rav4, the mighty Landcruiser and the sporty Suzuki Vitara.
More Information: http://www.adventure-northwales.com/AdrenalineActivities/4x4-offroad
High Rope Adventure Course
Tarzan training is high on the agenda with this popular activity. Thrilling challenges that start at low level walkways and progress to high level ladders, swings, cargo nets, rope bridges. Get together with friends or come with a Jane and enjoy the challenge. The course consists of rope ladders, swings, bridges and cargo nets.
More Information: http://www.adventure-northwales.com/AdrenalineActivities/high-ropes
Mountain Biking
Welcome to peddlers paradise! This is not your ordinary run of the mill mountain bike getaway. Gear yourselves up for a rugged two-wheeled adventure with top notch kit, staying in a stunning self catering lodge in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park, surrounded by magnificent tracks and trails that have only recently been opened.
More Information: http://www.adventure-northwales.com/LeisureWeekends/mountain-bike/weekend
