30 ideas for an adventure weekend in Snowdonia

Mountain adventures

Those mountains are there to be climbed. Go hiking up Snowdon on the easiest route, Llanberis Path, to the summit, or catch the steam train to the start of the Ryd Ddu path, for a double adventure. If you’re not ready to strike out on your own, try Mountain Walking with a guide. And, if walking is too tame, there are plenty of opportunities for Rock-climbing and Abseiling adventures, or try something completely different, such as Guided Scrambling. These are all provided by our 3rd party partners and can be tailored to your ability.

Coastal adventures

While the mountains are the undisputed stars of the show, the Snowdonia coast offers its own action. Take an Adventure Boat Trip off the coast of Anglesey, with Ribride, where the themed excursions include Puffins and Seals, Castles and Islands, and Bridges and Swellies. It’s worth the trip to Anglesey too, for the thrill of coasteering with Snowdonia Adventures. Described as the most fun you can have in a wetsuit, it’s an adrenaline-fuelled adventure of exploring underwater caves, riding on the swell and jumping from cliff ledges into the surging waves.

Also off the coast of Anglesey, are some great diving spots. For two of the best, explore the wreck of the SS Missouri off Porth Dafarch Bay or head to Trearddur Bay, where the marine life is teeming.

Watersport adventures

It is just possible that North Wales is the outdoor sports capital of the UK. Part of that package is a host of watersports on the lakes and rivers of Snowdonia. Bala is the largest natural lake in Wales, with plenty of room for watersports. Here, with Bala Adventure and Watersports Centre, you can go canoeing, kayaking and sailing, with the clear waters beneath you and the mountains above. Bala Lake is also a great spot for fishing, with perch, roach, pike, trout, grayling, eels and salmon, all found in its waters.

Take things up a level at the National Whitewater Rafting Centre. Here, on the fast-moving river currents, you can throw yourself into white water rafting or, if you are more experienced, an Orca Adventure on a two-person inflatable. Then dispense with your raft and head up to the river gorge for canyoning, where you climb, scramble, slide and swim down a steep mountain river. If that sounds a bit too extreme, try Gorge Walking, which is similar, but you can climb up or slide down the river, negotiating plunge pools, waterfalls and rapids.

Countryside adventures

Our log cabins at Beddgelert are surrounded by scenic walks that are steeped in the legend of the local area, and you could spend a whole weekend just exploring this beautiful corner of Wales. Take the trail to Gelert’s Grave, trek through the forest to Llyn Llywelyn, or follow the beautiful Aberglaslyn Pass and enjoy the views.

If two wheels is more your thing than two feet, there are cycling challenges for every age and ability, from the family-friendly Lon Gwyrfai Path, to the coastal delights of the Sustrans route from Bangor to Barmouth. And for mountain biking enthusiasts, Antur Styniog has seven spectacular trails at Blaenau Ffestiniog.

All change again from two wheels to four legs. Enjoy a gentle spot of horse-riding around the picturesque bridleways of Beddgelert or a more challenging trek through the mountains.

Forest adventures

Back at your snug hot tub holdiay log cabin, the adventures continue with your Forest Ranger. Learn the basics of Forest Survival, building dens and lighting fires, or go wildlife watching the forest at night. Meanwhile take the children on their own Forest Ranger adventure as they become Mini Forest Rangers. 

Man-made adventures

The Zip World adventure park at Blaenau Ffestiniog has transformed this old mining area of Snowdonia and given it a new and exciting lease of life. Sit back for the thrills of Titan, Europe’s largest zipping line, try Bounce Below, an underground trampolining adventure, or dare yourself to tackle the Caverns, where you fly, climb and traverse your way through the old mines.

At Dragon Raiders activity park in Criccieth, a more ‘on the ground’ set of adventures awaits. Choose your teams for Paintball, whizz around the forest on a Segway, or build on the survival skills your Forest Ranger has taught you, at the Bear Grylls Survival Academy.

After your adventures…

That’s 29 all-action adventures. You won’t fit them all into a single weekend break but you can always come back… For your last adventure, slow right down. Back at your cosy cabin at Beddgelert, slide into your own outdoor hot tub beneath the trees and soothe your tired limbs. You have earned it!

What will you choose from our list, for your adventure weekend in Wales? Book your stay today, in our pet-friendly forest cabins at Beddgelert in Snowdonia and get ready for action.