Snowdonia activity ideas

Elite bikers need no introduction to Coed-y-Brenin. For the rest of us Britain’s best mountain bike centre provides beginner rides as well as Black Trail rollercoasters. You’ll see mountains on the child-friendly Yr Afon loop and the brutal Tarw trail. But do the pros discover deserted gold mines and lakes too? Thought not.

Find out more about mountain biking at Coed-y-Brenin

Zip World Velocity is the longest zip line in Europe and the fastest in the world! It soars for a mile over the Penrhyn Quarry, which was once the biggest quarry in the world. Lying flat in a special harness, riders fly solo through the skies at over 100mph, 500ft above a lake, experiencing the nearest thrill to flying.

The most famous walk in Wales and not just for high tea in the summit cafe. Attempt Yr Wyddfa, the highest mountain in Wales and England, for views and a challenge on six routes: from the Llanberis Path alongside the summit train to the Snowdon Horseshoe via Crib Goch ridge. Guidance on safety is essential. 

Search for walking operators in the Snowdonia National Park

This is the only 4 person zip line in Europe, with over 8km of zip lines. There are three runs, each getting progressively faster, and because there are four wires running parallel on each run, you can share the experience (and screams) with friends and family as you soar together over the amazing landscape of moor, mountain and mine, reaching over 60mph.

Deep inside the Llechwedd slate caverns, in a massive underground chamber, there’s the world’s most extraordinary bouncing experience, Bounce Below. Three huge trampolines have been set up, one above the other, in a space that’s like an alien cathedral, all connected with slides and ladders, and lit by psychedelic multi-coloured lights. 

The Tryweryn isn’t just a pretty river in the National Park. A dam release transforms its upper reaches into Olympic-grade rollercoaster rapids managed by the National Whitewater Centre. It’s fast, exhilarating – and not for younger children. Fortunately for them a gentle paddle descends through oak woods to Bala.

Search for white water rafting operators in the Snowdonia National Park

Park by Llyn Ogwen and walk up for about a mile to plunge into this popular cobalt-blue glacial lake. It’s not just the water that’s breathtaking – you’re dwarfed on three sides by high crags and slabs – but the lake is open to sunshine. Who knows, you might even see some.

Find out more about walking to Llyn Idwal

Royal St David’s provides an alternative Snowdonia challenge over a par 69, 6,300-yard championship course. It’s one of Britain’s finest links courses but great rounds are rare: with the sound of the sea after the 13th and a backdrop of Harlech Castle and mountains, distraction from your game is everywhere.

Find out more about playing golf at Royal St David’s Golf Club

If you’re a fan of zip lines and underground attractions try the newly opened Zip Below® Xtreme experience at Go Below Underground Adventures. Located in an old Victorian slate mine near Blaenau Ffestiniog, 1,300ft down is the longest and deepest underground Zip ride in the world! Featuring 9 zip lines and 14 traverses it’s a personally guided extreme underground challenge, finished with a 70 ft free fall jump. Scary stuff.

Saddle up, easy riders. Because we don’t gallop on the rough terrain, the freedom and horizon-busting mountain panoramas of the national park are enjoyed slowly on horseback. Accredited operators will lead all ages onto traffic-free bridleways in the foothills of Snowdon and countryside of Penmachno and Maentwrog. 

Search for horse riding operators in the Snowdonia National Park

Not long ago walkers in Snowdonia were happy just to admire the gorges deep in the mountains. Now they want to wear wetsuits, lifejackets and helmets, pull on old trainers and scramble through canyons, slip down weedy waterchutes and abseil into plungepools. Walking has never been so much fun. 

Find a canyoning activity operator in Snowdonia

An introduction to climbing shouldn’t be a gym wall. So, begin in the mountains where the sport was born and Edmund Hilary trained for his 1953 Everest ascent. Accredited activity providers show beginners the ropes on tasters or short courses. And if it rains, Wales’s finest indoor climbing is here too.

Search for climbing operators in Snowdonia National Park

The most magical family bike ride in Wales if not Britain (though we’re biased). On this cycle from Dolgellau to the beach at Barmouth, Cader Idris and the Rhinogs rise on either side. The estuary spreads and winks in the sun. Birdlife twitters in reserves and the miles slip by on smooth tarmac. 

Find out more about cycling the Mawddach Trail