Hillwalking

Being located where we are, there really is no other place to start than the fabulous mountains and hills of Snowdonia.

The magnificent local mountain ranges, including the Carneddau, Glyderau and Moelwynion, have attracted visitors to this area of north Wales for decades.  Whether you are a seasoned rock climber or a novice rambler, there is adventure to be enjoyed for all in the local hills.  Just remember to make sure that you are properly equipped.

Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) itself is a hugely popular destination and even offers an alternative route to the summit (the highest peak in England & Wales) via the mountain railway.

In all there are 15 peaks within the Snowdonia range which stand at over 3,000 feet which provides a unique challenge to the more experienced rambler.  There really is no better way to enjoy this area of outstanding natural beauty.

Views from Y Wyddfa (Snowdon)

Lakes and Rivers

As well as its stunning mountain scenery, Snowdonia also boasts a multitude of beautiful lakes and rivers providing a wealth of opportunities for walking, watersports and fishing, and don’t forget the waterfalls!!

The popular lakes of Llyn Alwen and Llyn Brenig are very close to our base at Porth Eryri Glamping, whilst Llyn Tegid, in Bala, is Wales’ largest natural lake and is a short 20 minute drive away.  The lake is very popular for fishing, but also presents plenty of opportunities for watersports such as windsurfing, paddleboarding and canoeing whilst the National Whitewater Centre is situated on the outskirts of the town for those who enjoy their watersport at a higher rate of knots!

For the wildlife enthusiast the aforementioned Llyn Brenig is also home to the Brenig Osprey Project, whereby you can take the opportunity to witness these magnificent birds of prey in their natural habitat.

Llyn Gwynant (near Beddgelert)

Beautiful Beaches

Whilst the magnificent mountain landscapes dominate the locality, it is well worth noting that North Wales also boasts a total coastline stretching over 250 miles, and has some of the most beautiful beaches in the whole of the British Isles.

Porth Eryri Glamping provides a fantastic base for days out at the seaside, with numerous popular resorts and also hidden gems within a short drive of us.  Days out at resorts such as Llandudno, Colwyn Bay, Pwllheli, Abersoch and Barmouth are easily accessible, whilst the vast expanses of beaches such as those at Harlech and Newborough, on Anglesey, are well worth a visit.

Whether you’re planning a day lazing and building sand castles or walking the rugged coastline, the choices are endless.

The lighthouse at Llanddwyn (Newborough, Anglesey)

Picturesque Towns and Villages

Although many visitors flock to North Wales to discover the natural beauty surrounding us in our hills and on our beaches, there are also a multitude of beautiful villages and towns which are well worth exploring.

One of the most famous villages in the whole of North Wales, Betws-y-coed, lies just 10 minutes away from us here at Porth Eryri Glamping.  Known as “The Gateway to Snowdonia” the village is a buzzing hive of activity all year round, with its abundance of outdoor and craft shops, hotels and bars.  A further 10 minutes up the Conwy Valley lies the historic market town of Llanrwst and its famous triple arched bridge.

Some of the most popular towns and villages in the area lie in the shadows of their historic castles, with Conwy, Caernarfon and Harlech being amongst the most popular, whilst ancient Welsh folklore can also lead you to the incredibly picturesque village of Beddgelert (directly translated as “Gelert’s Grave”).  We’ll leave it to you to research the tale!

Conwy Castle

Bont Fawr Llanrwst

Family Days Out

In addition to the beautiful beaches, North Wales has an abundance of other attractions which are designed to provide the whole family with a memorable day out.  From forest-based theme parks to rabbit farms, aquariums and zoos, miniature railways, museums and more.

A particular favourite for families with children of all ages is Greenwood Forest Park, just outside Caernarfon.  This environmentally friendly theme park has consistently been voted family attraction of the year in north Wales, and it is easy to see why with so much to see and do.  A day can disappear in this magical land!

The Welsh Mountain Zoo, in Colwyn Bay, has been a popular day out for families since the early 1960s and as such is the oldest and most established zoo in Wales.  The zoo aims to educate people of all ages about wildlife and conservation, and enjoys a fantastic location from which to do so.  Whatever the weather, there is plenty of family fun to be had from your base at Porth Eryri Glamping.

Greenwood Forest Park

Action and Adventure

Heralded as the “Adventure Capital of Europe”, North Wales is unrivalled in its offering for the adrenaline junkie! Much of the boom in the industry locally can be attributed to the Zip World franchise which enjoys its roots in the Conwy Valley, local to Porth Eryri Glamping.  The Zip World brand itself now offers a huge range of adventures with high speed zip lines, underground trampolining, forest coasters, tree top safari, underground golf, quarry karts and more.

Adventure Parc Snowdonia is another destination which is evolving at a rapid rate.  Having launched the worlds first inland surfing lagoon a few short years ago, the site now offers a multitude of activities for all ages, with an indoor assault course, outdoor climbing wall, inflatable aqua park and indoor caving.

Add into the mix other local companies offering whitewater rafting, go karting, underground caving, high speed rib rides and so much more, it really is a thrill-seeker’s paradise!

Mountain Biking

North Wales, and Snowdonia in particular, has also long been a mecca for lovers of mountain biking.  The Snowdonia National Park is home to some of the very best mountain biking trails in the whole of the UK, with the rugged landscape and deep forestry providing mile upon mile of off-road enjoyment.

Coed y Brenin’s extensive trail network is famous for being the first dedicated mountain bike trail centre in the UK, and provides routes for riders of all abilities as well as housing its own visitor centre and cafe.  The Marin trail is situated in the Gwydyr Forest surrounding Betws-y-coed and Llanrwst, and boasts incredible views of the Snowdonia mountains.  Similar spectacular scenery can be enjoyed on the Penmachno trails which have been described as the “hidden gem of North Wales mountain biking”, whilst in nearby Blaenau Ffestiniog, the Antur Stiniog centre provides an adrenaline rush for lovers of downhilling with all trails accessed by the centre’s uplift service.