Watersports in Wales
As a rightfully popular tourist hotspot, and an area of incredible landscapes and terrains, there is unsurprisingly a million different water activities available in North Wales, so we’ve compiled a summary of our favorites and where to find them! Please note that all of the following activities are hosted in or around water, and therefore we fully recommend that you and anyone joining you are strong swimmers, and keep extra care when taking part. Please follow the guidelines provided on activity websites and do not enter water if you cannot swim.
Coasteering
Did you know coasteering started in Wales? There’s no better way of exploring the Welsh coastline than scrambling over rocks, jumping from high cliffs and swimming through the crashing waves, all while amazing marine wildlife roam around you! Coasteering is especially great on Anglesey’s coastline- the rocky terrain and varied wildlife means it’s a truly incredible day out for all abilities- try to spot a puffin during your adventure.
White Water Rafting
White water rafting is a thrilling sport perfect for those craving adventure! Using an inflatable raft, you and your group will paddle through the rough waters of a fast-flowing river- it’s essentially a natural rollercoaster. But not all white water rafting experiences have to be intense, most rafting centers also offer a calmer route, focused more on scenery and nature spotting, so make sure to ask if you’d prefer this option! Tryweryn River near Bala has some fantastic rapids- Upper Tryweryn is one of the most intense sections of white water rafting in Wales, while just 4 miles down the river, Lower Tryweryn is far calmer while still having enough fun rapids to keep you entertained, otters have often been spotted in this area too! The River Dee in Llangollen is also one of the best rafting rivers in the UK, with plenty of twists and turns to explore you certainly won't be bored!
Use code RobBrew24 at the National White Water Centre, Tryweryn for 10% off activities!
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Fishing
Whether you’re a professional or complete beginner, if you’re interested at all in fishing, Wales is the best place to give it a go! With designated fisheries across North Wales there’s something for everyone, from a relaxed family day away from the screens to competitive fly fishing. Well known for trout fly fishing, LLyn Brenig in Corwen is a great spot for both boat and peg fishing with pike as large as 30ibs being caught here! Boats are available to hire on-site, including accessible wheelyboats for those in wheelchairs. Eisteddfa Fishery in Criccieth is an area made up of five, tranquil lakes- the family lake, pleasure lake, new carp lake and old carp lake. Fishing tutors are available upon request and family packages are only £26 for 4 people!
Aqueduct Canoeing
Did you know that the world’s highest aqueduct is in North Wales? Based in Llangollen, Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is located 38m above ground, crossing two major river valleys and has some truly spectacular views! Canoers will feel like they’re floating on the edge of the world while looking down at the huge drop of this World Heritage Site- it’s a fantastic one for those who enjoy some risk while also having a relaxing journey along the canal.
Canyoning & Gorge Walking
Gorge walking is essentially following a river or river bed, exploring and climbing over rocky terrain, sliding down smooth slopes or jumping into deeper parts of the river – any way to get to your final destination. Canyoning on the other hand is like Gorge Walking but far more intense, focusing specifically on the faster flowing and trickier terrain, involving riskier leaps of faith, abseiling and swimming under heavy waterfalls- it’s definitely one for the adrenaline seekers. Activities are available at the Prysor Canyon near Blaenau Ffestiniog, Afon Tryweryn near Bala and Glyn Calland in Caernarfon.
Wind, Kite & Wave Surfing
The Llŷn Peninsula is the perfect area for wind chasers, with some of the windiest shorelines on the west coast, wind and kite surfers can have a field day planing across the waves! If you’re looking to learn how to kite or wind surf, there are some great schools in both Rhyl and Rhosneigr. Although the peninsula’s waves are far from the constant shores of Hawaii, there are often enough waves for wave surfing beginners and with schools in Abersoch and Pwllheli it’s a great place to learn! If you’re going out alone make sure to check out Surfline for the wind, wave and swell forecasts!
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Paddleboarding & Kayaking
If you love the water but don’t want anything too fast-paced, paddleboarding and kayaking are great ways of exploring coastlines, rivers or lakes. You can take it at your own pace, observe the surrounding wildlife, explore caves and even jump in for a swim when you’re ready. We advise booking a guided session, especially if you’d like to explore open water as your guide will know the area and it’s most interesting sites as well as having proper safety training as the Irish Sea can be rough! Tours are available in Llangollen, Llanberis, Llyn Padarn, Llyn Tegid, Llyn Gwynant and across Anglesey.