subject: Active Things To Do In Betws Y Coed, Snowdonia [print this page] Betws y Coed, the gateway to Snowdonia, is a popular destination for weekend getaways. Not often can you find a single location where you can reach the two extremes of therapy that Betws y Coed offers, and this is part of the reason why it has such appeal. Suitable for long walks, cycling, climbing or just relaxing, Betws imposes no restrictions to a single activity.
The Marin trail, a short ride out of the village, brings new meaning to biking. The 25km route is suited to the more active visitor, with its challenging route and out of the ordinary track. The single track through Gwydir Forest varies from rough and rocky to smooth open paths, with outstanding views along the way. The route takes 2-4 hours to complete and with its exhilarating terrain, it's considered a mountain biking heaven. Within the village of Betws is Beiciau Betws (Betws Bikes), a bike hire facility that's been established for 22 years. It hires out top of the range bikes, designed for the Marin terrain so you're sure to get the best out of your experience.
Tree Top Adventure Snowdonia, a fully equipped high ropes centre, is also located just outside Betws y Coed. Since establishing in 2007 it has introduced new adventures including the Tree Top Tower which offers the highest Powerfan plummet in the world (106ft), just to get your heart racing. Their high ropes course moves through over 30 obstacles including balancing beams, zip wires, ropes bridges and parachute simulator, to put your balance and skill to the test, whilst being attached to a safety line the entire time of course. For children there's a Junior Tree Trail. Children as young as four, accompanied by an adult, can take part, crossing beams and lines with a full safety system.
The same centre offers more adventure activities in the way of water sports, climbing and abseiling. If heights arent really for you, you can still expect to see an action packed time in Betws y Coed with canoeing, white water rafting and coasteering. Visit the centre in Betws, pick up your specified kit and meet your allocated instructor, and then make your own way to the location or venue; a 5 to 30 minute drive away depending on your activity. When youre there youll be given detailed instruction and advice which is catered to the needs of groups and individuals, and then spend about half a day enjoying your activity.
Just south of Betws y Coed is Go Below Underground Adventures. Go Below offer exciting half day adventures, which take you through some of Snowdonias caves, abandoned mines, and underground lakes. You'll be challenged with zip lines, boating and climbing over fascinating obstacles, including a waterfall. You'll also see artefacts and learn about the industrial history which shaped the environment in which you'll be exploring. Go Below provides all safety equipment including harness, helmet, lamps and wellington boots and caters to adults and children aged ten years and up. You don't need to be extremely fit, and obstacles can be bypassed. Group sizes are kept small so your time with Go Below is a safe and personal experience.
Go Belows kit room is located right next to Conwy falls Cafe. This cafe prides itself on homemade, local and fresh produce. Also open in the early evenings on Fridays and Saturdays, the cafe hosts pizza and tapas nights whilst also catering to group and business bookings. Now comes the best bit: to the rear of the cafe are acres of woodland leading down to Conwy Falls. Down at the falls you can often see salmon in August trying to make their way up the falls, and during the rest of the year you might just see an otter or crested newts, or adorable ducklings in spring.
If Conwy falls is for you, you might also like to see Swallow Falls. This is also one of the more undisturbed attractions of Betws, drawing people in with its natural beauty. The falls sits on the River Llugwy and is the highest continuous waterfall in Wales. Visitors can watch the falls from a platform for a small charge, but the best views can be seen from the north bank. After a short walk to get there, you'll enjoy stunning views of the falls, a photographers heaven. There are plenty of other walking routes, one of which will take you through Gwydir Forest to visit the more peaceful waters of Llyn Elsi, or if youd prefer something a bit more challenging you can always attempt Snowdon, where you could choose some steep and ambitious routes.
Betws-y-Coed really is an ideal break away for everyone. The sights of the beautiful backdrop of forestry, water and stone buildings make for a peaceful little haven.
