Coast to Coast Snowdonia multi activity adventure in Wales, UK and epic self-powered 120km journey by bike, boots in remote sections of the National Park.
Duration
Price
DestinationsHighlights
-Self-powered journey from Barmouth to Conwy across Snowdonia National Park by bike, boots & boats
-Have you got what it takes to tackle 120kms of drover trails, forest track, mountain paths and sweeping rivers
-Discover new landscapes with 70% of this journey being off the beaten track
-Conquer the summit of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), the highest peak in England & Wales at 1,085m
-Merida mountain bike hire included with Shimano 9-speed and disc brakes
-E-bike hire available at an additional cost or bring your own
-Celebrate the finish of your epic adventure at the historic Conwy Castle
Join this Coast to Coast Snowdonia multi activity adventure in Wales, UK. An epic self-powered 120km journey by bike, boots and boats across remote sections of Snowdonia National Park from coast to coast. Over 3 days you’ll venture off the beaten track following ancient drover trails, forest tracks, mountain paths and sweeping rivers as you cross from the seaside town of Barmouth, through forest, moorland, gorges, up Snowdon and arrive at the historic Conwy castle nestled on the North Wales coast.
The carefully curated route takes in many places of natural, cultural and historic interest which will captivate your imagination and let your mind escape from the toughness of this challenge. In the shadows of Dinas Emrys, the site of an old castle and hill fort which stood between Capel Curig and Beddgelert, the gritty determination of the red dragon will be needed. This fortress is the location for the fight under the base of the castle between two dragons, one red and one white, in the Lludd a Llefelys legend. The red dragon survived and this is what is on the Welsh national flag today.
Have you got wait it takes to be the red dragon of this incredible Coast to Coast Snowdonia multi activity adventure in Wales, UK and conquer the challenge?
Arrive in Barmouth, mid Wales
You are welcome to make your own way directly to Barmouth for the start of your Coast to Coast Snowdonia multi activity adventure in Wales, UK. Or you can join the Adventurous Ewe team on a transfer from Conwy to Barmouth to arrive late afternoon.
Barmouth, or Abermaw or even Y Bermo as it is known in Welsh, is southern Snowdonia’s most popular seaside town with breathtaking views of Cardigan Bay and the picturesque harbour marking a spectacular starting point for your journey ahead.
You’re most welcome to join the Adventurous Ewe team in camping this evening or make your own accommodation arrangements. A fill trip briefing will be given this evening as well.
Included:
Transfer from Conwy to Barmouth (this will allow you the option of purchasing a return train ticket from Llandudno Junction or leaving a vehicle in Conwy ready for the finish of your trip).
Not included:
Accommodation
Dinner
Day to day plan for Coast to Coast Snowdonia multi activity adventure in Wales, UK:
Day 1: Barmouth to Beddgelert by bike and boots
Leaving the coast of Barmouth your journey begins along the traffic-free trail from Barmouth to Dolgellau following the Mawddach Estuary. This marks an incredible start to your journey as the trail is one of the most spectacular rides in Wales with wonderful open views north to wooded hills rising 1000 feet up from the water’s edge.
This 10-mile ride takes you across the wooden Barmouth Viaduct and follows the old railway track into the heart of Dolgellau in north-west Wales.
Leaving Dolgellau your route continues along the Mawddach River, climbing 250m over 8kms through Coed Y Brenin, an area steeped in historic gold mines and fantastic mountain bike trails through the forest. The forest trees will open to clear landscapes as your trail takes you around the scenic Llyn Trawsfynydd on gravel paths. This marks a great place for lunch at 43kms where you can enjoy a well deserved break and refuel whilst enjoying the stunning view across the lake.
The route then descends back down to sea level at Maentwrog before the second big climb of the day of 200m. Here you’ll be rewarded with picturesque views of the Welsh coastline and Snowdonia as you wind your way to Croesor, a small village at the foot of Cnicht known as the Welsh Matterhorn.
Leaving Croesor, there’s another short steep climb out of the village where you join an old Drovers Road crossing moorland for 3km to the village of Nantmoor. This 3km trail is a moderate technical section and predominantly downhill. It’s great fun though if you wish you’re more than welcome to jump off the bike if you feel uncomfortable at any time.
Arriving at Nantmoor you’ll then swap your bikes for boots for a short walk following the Fishermans Path through the stunning Aberglaslyn Gorge to arrive in the picturesque Welsh village of Beddgelert. Beddgelert is the resting place of Gelert, the faithful hound of the medieval Welsh Prince Llewelyn the Great.
Activity details:
Cycling distance: 65kms
Cycling terrain: Gravel path, forest track with 3kms of a moderate technical section with the option to walk.
Trekking distance: 3kms
Total ascent: 1800m
Approx. length of time: 7 – 9 hours
Included:
Accommodation: local hostel on a shared room basis
Meals: lunch, snacks and drink refills
Day 2: Beddgelert over Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) to Pen-y-Pass
Leaving the village of Beddgelert your route continues following the Glaslyn River to Llyn Dinas, a stunning lake on the lower slopes of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) in the Nant Gwynant Valley.
Here your trail leaves the valley floor as you start your ascent of Yr Wyddfa, the highest peak in Wales via the Watking Path. An original path to the summit, the Watkin Path has the most height gain with starting near sea level. The route leads through ancient native oak woodland, slowly climbing into Cwn Llan with it’s stunning waterfalls.
The Watkin Path involves 1000m of ascent over a distance of 6.5km the last part of the climb to the summit involves a short scramble section.
On reaching the summit of Yr Wyddfa you’ll have time to relax and enjoy the panoramic mountain views over the Snowdonia National Park before descending via the Pyg Track. This track is a shorter descent of 5.5kms and the rocky path will lead you to Pen Y Pass where you will overnight.
Trekking details:
Trekking distance: 12.5kms
Trekking terrain: Mountain path with rocky sections through ancient woodlands and a short scrambling section.
Ascent: 1000m
Descent: 704m
Total time: 7 – 8 hours
Included:
Accommodation: Local hostel on a shared room basis
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Day 3: Pen Y Pass to Conwy by bike and boat
Your final day starts 350m above sea level at Pen Y Pass at 350m and descends to sea level at the medieval walled town of Conwy.
Your cycle route descends from Pen Y Pass with the chance to take in the magnificent views down the Nant Gwynant Valley and the Moelwyn mountain range as Snowdon disappears into the distance as you free wheel down the pass.
Pedalling past Llyn Mymbyr you’ll arrive at Capel Curig and continue your descent following the Afon LLygwy.
Leaving the Llygwy River you’re greeted with one of our the toughest climbs into the beautiful Gwydir Forest, also know as the forest of lakes and mountains. Leaving the country lanes behind, you’ll slowly wind your way through Gwydir Forest on gravel track passing old tin and copper mines and many picturesque lakes.
Finally you’ll reach your last high point of your journey at LLyn Geirionydd which is a beautiful lake that lies within the forest. There’ll be time for a short break and potentially even a wild swim in the lake. From here onwards the route descends slowly to sea level with a few short sharp climbs just to keep those legs working.
The final section of your cycling route makes its way to the village of Trefriw where once again you’ll leave the country lanes and take a forest track with a fantastic decent passing waterfalls and stunning woodland.
Then it’s time to swap your bikes for boats and board your kayak for the final section as you paddle down the picturesque Conwy Valley. The river flows through stunning green farmlands and as you round the final bend you’ll be greeted with the incredible view of Conwy Castle and bridge spanning the river. Just next to the Castle, you’ll arrive on a small beach to celebrate your epic achievement of conquering the breadth of Snowdonia National Park from Coast to Coast. This is no easy task so some final celebrations are well in order.
At the end of this Coast to Coast Snowdonia multi activity adventure in Wales, UK you can either stay the evening in Conwy and enjoy this fantastic small coastal town or make your way home. Though please bear in mind, we would not recommend driving home on completing this journey without a good rest beforehand. We are more than happy to recommend places to stay, eat and drink in Conwy as it’s worth a visit.
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