Activities in North Wales
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Llangollen Railway
The 7.5-mile jaunt through the Dee Valley via Berwyn (near Horseshoe Falls) and Carrog on the former Ruabon to Barmouth line is a superb day out for families and heritage rail lovers alike.
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Plas Menai, The National Watersports Centre
The excellent Plas Menai, The National Watersports Centre, 3 miles out along the A487 towards Bangor, offers a year-round range of water-based courses for all interests and ability levels - from sailing to power-boating, plus multi-activity courses suitable for families and youth groups. Advance reservations are mandatory. The centre also offers on-site accommodation with en-suite B&B (rooms around £30) and a bunkhouse (dorms £20).
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Cycle Routes
The tourist office has a brochure-map of Gwynedd recreational cycle routes, established by Gwynedd Council along disused railway lines. Three of these are based around Caernarfon: the 12-mile Lôn Eifion running south to Bryncir (starting near the Welsh Highland Railway station); the 4.5-mile Lôn Las Menai along the Menai Strait to the village of Y Felinheli; and the 4-mile Lôn Gwyfrai to the village of Waunfawr.
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Llangollen History Trail
For walkers, branded signs around town mark out the new Llangollen History Trail, a six-mile, or four-hour, circular trail following the history of the town and the surrounding Dee Valley. The walk offers a chance to spot local fauna, such as birds of prey. Arm yourself with a copy of OS Explorer Map 255 before setting out and see www.deevalleywalks.com for details.
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Dee Valley Way
The Dee Valley Way is a 15-mile trail split into five sections that follows the course of the River Dee from Corwen to Llangollen. Allow one-and-a-half days to cover the whole trail. The walk offer a chance to spot local fauna, such as birds of prey. Arm yourself with a copy of OS Explorer Map 255 before setting out and see www.deevalleywalks.com for details.
reviewed
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B
Mawddach Estuary Trail
The beautiful 11-mile Mawddach Estuary Trail is a flat (and in places wheelchair-accessible) path that's great for walking or cycling. Running through woods and past wetlands on the southern side of the Mawddach Estuary, it begins in town at the car park and runs past the RSPB Information Centre, 2 miles west of Dolgellau.
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JJ Canoeing & Rafting
Less than a mile west of Llangollen on the A5, JJ Canoeing & Rafting offers a range of activities and instruction year round, such as canoeing, kayak instruction and gorge walking. You can bring your own equipment and use the river for a £5 water fee.
reviewed
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C
Conwy River Trips
Conwy River Trips runs 30-minute sightseeing and nature-watching trips from the harbour, both out through the estuary and upstream into the Conwy Valley (adult/child around £5/3). However, note that the River Conwy is tidal here, so the timetable varies.
reviewed
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ProAdventure
For fans of water sports, Llangollen is an increasingly popular activity centre. In town, ProAdventure has kit for sale and offers a range of courses, including a white water kayaking taster day, a rock climbing day and family adventure days.
reviewed
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Great Orme Tramway
The Great Orme Tramway, at the top of Church Walks, takes you up the steep incline in an original 1902 tramcar. It's one of only three cable-operated trams in the world (the other two are in equally glamorous Lisbon and San Francisco).
reviewed
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Precipice Walk
The Precipice Walk is a four-mile hike along a flat stretch running around the steep flanks of Moel Cynwch, which provides superb estuary views. The path starts near Cymer Abbey, a 13th-century ruin located 2 miles north of Dolgellau.
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Menai Ventures
For something with more of an adrenaline kick, Menai Ventures offers one-hour RIB (rigid inflatable boat) rides and arranges water sports activities for groups - enquire for details. All activities depend on current tidal conditions.
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Turbulence
Turbulence is the local specialist for adrenaline sports with kite surfing, kite buggying and kite landboarding the main activities. You can arrange lessons from the shop in Llandudno Junction, which also sells outdoors gear.
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Llandudno Cable Car
The Llandudno Cable Car, the longest in Britain, runs from Happy Valley, above the pier (subject to the weather) and completes the journey to the summit of Great Orme in 18 minutes.
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Queen of the Sea
The pleasure boat Queen of the Sea offers five daily, 40-minute tours up and down the Menai Strait from Slate Quay, beside the castle.
reviewed
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John Nike Leisuresport
John Nike Leisuresport is an artificial ski slope with year-round skiing, snowboarding and toboggan tuition.
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Beics Menai
Hires bikes (including tandems, children's bikes and child seats) and can advise on local cycle routes. Recreational cycle routes include the 12.5-mile Lôn Eifion (starting near the Welsh Highland Railway station and running south to Bryncir) and the 4.5-mile Lôn Las Menai (following the Menai Strait to the village of Y Felinheli).
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Dolgellau Cycles
You can hire a bike from Dolgellau Cycles; the owner can help advise on local cycle routes.
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Conwy School of Yachting
Sailing courses and boat hire are available from Conwy School of Yachting at the harbour.
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Dolgellau Cycles
You can hire a bike from Dolgellau Cycles; the owner can help advise on local cycle routes.
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Great Orme Tramway
The Great Orme Tramway, at the top of Church Walks, takes you up the steep incline in an original 1902 tramcar. It's one of only three cable-operated trams in the world (the other two are in equally glamorous Lisbon and San Francisco).
reviewed
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Purple Moose Brewery
One of approximately 30 microbreweries across Wales, Purple Moose has grown from humble beginnings to employ four people and supply pubs across North Wales. Its award-winning tipples include Snowdonia Ale, Madog's Ale, Glaslyn Ale and Dark Side of the Moose. You can buy these and associated memorabilia from the brewery shop. Tours are given on request, if it's not too busy.
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Puffin Island Cruises
Puffin Island is a hotbed of bird and marine life, designated a Special Protection Area. The (weather-dependent) boat trips take in spectacular views across the Menai Strait to the Snowdonia range and promise encounters with 12 species of sea birds in their natural habitat. Book at the kiosks at the entrance to the pier, or by phone.
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ProAdventure Activity Centre
Home to the Llangollen Climbing Centre with its dedicated indoor climbing wall.
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