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Great Adventures to Have in North Wales, UK

View of Conwy Castle and harbour, Conwy, North Wales, UK
View of Conwy Castle and harbour, Conwy, North Wales, UK | © Ian Dagnall / Alamy Stock Photo

From the peaks of Snowdonia to the rugged coastal beauty of the Isle of Anglesey, the great outdoors in Wales will challenge even the most seasoned adventurers. We’ve rounded up the best adrenaline rushes to be found here.

Tackle a range of peaks in Snowdonia

Famous for mountains, Snowdonia National Park offers one of the most remarkable outdoor experiences in the UK. If you don’t feel like a hike you can always take the Snowdon Mountain Railway up to the top and enjoy the views. There are also plenty of peaks for the more adventurous to enjoy. We have more adventures around the world with our series of Mini Trips you can book right now.

Trek the mountain peaks of the Nantlle Ridge in Snowdonia National Park

Live out Lewis Carroll’s real Wonderland

The Victorian seaside resort of Llandudno was home to Alice Liddell, the inspiration behind Lewis Carroll’s famous character. Immerse yourself in this beloved tale by following the Alice Town Trail. The journey starts next to a magnificent marble White Rabbit and takes you past spectacular views in the Happy Valley, into the Haulfre Gardens and finishes in the Diamond Quarter.

Visit Llandudno to follow the Alice Town Trail

Experience extreme kayaking

Embrace open waters on the Isle of Anglesey with Sea Kayaking UK. From sheltered bays to tidal races, there’s an opportunity for every type of kayaker to embrace the sport. Alternatively, explore with BLUEsky in Conwy who specialise in rockhopping.

Test your endurance on a 12-mile trail

Adventure unfolds more readily in the wild, and the Lôn Eifion cycle trail is an exhilarating way to experience the outdoors. Starting near Caernarfon Castle, the trail allows you pit yourself against a 12-mile stretch of North Wales. Cycle alongside the Welsh Highland Railway and then try to keep your balance as you enjoy knockout views of Caernarfon Bay and Snowdonia.

Cycle alongside the Welsh Highland Railway

Expand your tastes on the ultimate gastronomic voyage

Those who prefer a serving of domesticity can head to the Bodnant Welsh Food Centre where you can experience bee-keeping demonstrations, create new dishes in cookery classes, or buy great Welsh produce. Keep your eyes peeled for Halen Môn sea salt; sourced from the sea around the Isle Of Anglesey.

Figure out how to pronounce Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch

The Isle of Angelsey was the last place in Wales to resist the Roman invasion, and burial mounds from the Neolithic and Bronze Age communities remain to this day. As well as exploring its cultural history, visitors to the isle can also enjoy a linguistic adventure, as this is home to the longest place name in Europe: Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch (translation: Saint Mary’s Church in the hollow of the white hazel near the rapid whirlpool and the Church of Saint Tysilio of the red cave).

Stop at Beaumaris Castle on the Isle of Anglesey in North Wales

Explore the River Dee on a horse-drawn boat trip

This Unesco World Heritage Site is an impressive feat of engineering. Nicknamed ‘the stream in the sky’, it was built in 1805 and is the largest aqueduct in Britain. Those with a taste for heights may choose to test their endurance and walk across the 19-pillar structure, but if you want a unique experience why not take in the clear waters of the River Dee on a horse-drawn boat trip along the beautiful Llangollen canal?

For a unique experience, take a horse-drawn boat on the Dee

Investigate the greatest castles and tiniest houses

In Conwy, explore the beautiful 700-year-old Unesco World Heritage Site Conwy Castle, one of Edward I’s greatest defences during his reign. You can also explore the 21 towers along the walls that enclose Conway town. After this medieval expedition, squeeze yourself into Quay House. At only 10ft x 6ft (3m x 2m), it is the smallest house in Britain.

Tackle mile-long zip wires

Zip wires aren’t just for children; everyone will struggle to contain their excitement while soaring along the longest zip wire in Europe. Located in Bethesda, just outside Snowdonia National Park, the aptly named Zip World Velocity invites adventurers to hurtle a mile across a quarry while hanging 500ft (152m) in the air.

Walk along the Edge Of Wales

The Edge of Wales route is a coastal path that runs along the top of the Llŷn Peninsula and follows the pilgrims’ routes to Bardsey Island. For other adrenaline-filled walks in North Wales, try the Mary Jones walk in the Snowdonia National Park, or explore along the Taith Ardudwy Way.

Walk the Edge of Wales route, which runs along the top of the Llŷn Peninsula

About the author

A contributor to titles including Vogue, the Guardian, KEIN, Rollacoaster, Wonderland and Twin magazine, India Doyle joined Culture Trip to help launch their fashion section for the EMEA region, where she focussed on giving emerging designers across the globe a platform to reach international audiences. Now based between London and Greece, she is one of Culture Trip's Greek contributors and covers cultural life in Athens.

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