GORGE WALKING IN SNOWDONIA
Explore the gorges of Snowdonia for the ultimate outdoor adventure.
Guided by an experienced instructor, make your way up the fresh-water mountain river and experience these unique natural environments as never before. Scramble across boulders, climb cascading waterfalls and scale rock faces.
Make your way down with the current as you slide down the rapids into refreshing pools, abseil down the waterfalls and clamber between gaps in the boulders. Experience nature’s very own water park in the heart of Snowdonia , it’s certainly one not to be missed.
surrounded by spectacular coastlines and breath-taking scenery
BOOK YOUR ACTIVITY
What makes it so good?
A lot of people ask ‘what does this involve?’ Well, a whole lot of fun for starters! The answer is making your way either up or down a ‘gorge’ – this has been formed over thousands of years, by water very slowly wearing it away a channel to create a trench in the bedrock. Over time, these trenches get bigger and bigger, and are full of waterfalls, slides, boulders, pools and steep sides. This is what we know as a gorge or a canyon. Gorge scrambling or walking usually means making your way up through these obstacles, and canyoning usually means going down through the obstacles. Which style you do depends on the gorge or canyon you go to.
All these obstacles are challenges! During the session, you might need to jump across gaps, scramble up waterfalls, slide down and across pools, duck under branches… The list goes on. There are loads of great features all along the way. We sometimes use ropes as well to make it even more exciting!
BOOKING YOUR ADVENTURE
Click the ‘Book Now’ button to check availability/pricing. If you don’t see a session to suit your group there is the option to request a time/date. We also run private activity sessions! Locate the ‘Private Coasteering’ through the ‘Book now’ and request a time/date and we will get back to you as soon as we are off the water!
Gorge Walking - what you need to know
Who can go gorge walking and where do you do it?
It’s a very friendly sport, so just about anyone over 8 years old can do it – however it is a physical activity so a reasonable level of fitness is useful. Gorge Walking is a popular choice for a team building day as it involves good team work as well as tackling your own physical challenges.
We have a few gorges around that we use: One is a fantastic upwards journey suitable for all ages but the very youngest, with a great selection of different challenges along the way even for the most boisterous of adult groups too! Another is ideal for younger people (under 11’s), with the same types of challenges but in a friendlier setting. The third is like visiting a waterpark… A downward journey, slide after slide into deep pools, with a couple of jumps. A very, very wet activity and huge fun. It’s quite short in length, but you can do it a good few times and you won’t get bored!
If you are staying onsite with us on Anglesey, the drive to the Gorges in Snowdonia takes around an hour.
What do I need to bring?
We will provide you with a super warm winter wetsuit to keep you warm, a buoyancy aid, and a helmet.
You would need to bring:
- Shoes. These will obviously get wet. They need to be stiff soled and you need to be able to swim in them without them coming off! Stiff soles are really important as the rocks are knobbly and you don’t want to feel all the knobbles through the sole of your shoe, so it needs to be robust. Jelly shoes, pumps, wetsuit boots and other floppy shoes are not suitable at all. Astroturf shoes are really slippery on wet rock so avoid them too. Your best bet is a good, robust trainer shoe.
- Long socks, the wetsuits will come down to your ankles, and there will usually be a gap between your shoe and the wetsuit, leaving your ankles exposed. So you need to wear a long pair of socks to cover this area.
- Baggy shorts to cover the wetsuit. You might look a bit like superman but when people move about with their bum on the rough rocks, our wetsuits get trashed, so we cover this area with shorts to save the kit. So don’t wear your very best ones.
- Swimsuit. Wetsuits are worn next to skin, and definitely work best like this. You should only wear your swimming costume underneath, be it trunks, bikini or swimming costume. (Baggy shorts under a wetsuit aren’t ideal)
- You’ll need a towel to get changed at the end. For outdoor changing bigger towels are better to cover up with.
- Spare clothes for afterwards (if you arrive in swimming costumes, underwear etc).
- Sun cream and any medication you would usually carry.
Duration of activity?
Our Gorge Walking activities are a half-day session – approximately 3 hours in total. Please do remember to add on travel time to the Gorge in Snowdonia.
How many can participate?
We work with 10 people to one instructor, if you are a few more than this we can always get a second member of staff too.
When do you go gorge walking?
We can do it year-round, but obviously some times of year are a lot warmer than others… A lot. May through to September tends to have warmer air temperatures and better weather so that’s the prime time. To keep you warm we have full winter weight wetsuits that are designed for cold water, plus wetsuit hoods if it’s particularly chilly, most people are fine even at colder times of the year. A couple of the gorges we use you can stay reasonably dry in so you go in the depths of winter and still have a great time.
Why choose Anglesey Outdoors?
The Activity providers we work with have excellent working knowledge of the Gorges and Canyons in Snowdonia. The instructors are highly qualified and experienced, so you’ll be in good hands.
Is it safe?
With the right choice of venue and weather conditions, Gorge Walking is made very low risk, and you can trust the experienced instructors that they will choose the right venues and look after you well. We provide all the necessary safety kit for you too, so rest assured, you’re in good hands! The activity provider is AALA licensed, meaning they meet and exceed very high standards of safety for adventurous activities.
FAQs ABOUT YOUR STAY
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Booking Information
Booking Accommodation
If there is a particular time you wish to visit we strongly recommend that you book in advance to avoid disappointment. During peak times we have a 2 night minimum stay in our indoor accommodation and glamping units with bedding. We do get cancellations though, so you can always try for a last minute booking.
- All prices include VAT at 20%.
- Over Bank Holidays a minimum 3 night stay applies.
- Low Season: 1st October to 31st March exc Bank Holidays. High Season: 1st April to 30th September inc Bank Holidays.
- Check in from 3:00pm (Just let us know if you need to be much earlier or later).
- Check out is by 10:30am
Booking the Entire Centre
We can rent out the Centre for sole use, though there are other businesses on-site who, obviously, will continue to trade during your stay. These are mostly based away from the accommodation and camping area and will not affect your visit.
Booking Camping
Camping is only bookable by phone or email as we have limited pitches.
Activity Booking Information
Is it safe
Absolutely! You’ll be guided through the whole experience by a qualified and well experienced instructor, they’ll make sure your equipment is all perfectly fitted, and that you’re belayed (held by teammates) properly. Safety is our number one consideration, so you’ll be in good hands. We use AALA licensed activity providers, meaning we meet and exceed very high standards of safety for adventurous activities.
What do I need to bring?
We will provide the key safety items, these are: Helmet, harness and ropes
You would need to bring:
- Trainers or something good for climbing. The best shoes for climbing are specific rock climbing shoes, if you have these then great! Bring them. If not trainers are good, walking boots are good, even school style pumps are good for this. I would avoid Astroturf shoes, stilettos, crocs, flip flops and sandals.
- Flexible clothing. You’re going to be busting out some moves, the last thing you want is clothing that restricts you. Fairly loose fitting clothes work well, or leggings and sportswear work great too. Shorts are best avoided as there are some scratchy plants on the walk in to our most popular venues.
- Warm and windproof clothing, sometimes... This is of course based on the weather, if there is a bit of a breeze a blowin’ then it could get chilly so have full length clothing and a jacket of some sort.
- Rucksack. You’ll need this to put your climbing gear in for the short walk to the cliffs, as well as a drink, lunch and other bits and bobs you might carry.
- Something to tie long hair back if you have long hair, whatever you choose needs to fit under a helmet, so hairbands work best.
- Sun cream and any medication you might generally carry.
We can rent out the Centre for sole use, though there are other businesses on-site who, obviously, will continue to trade during your stay. These are mostly based away from the accommodation and camping area and will not affect your visit.
Who can go rock climbing?
Because we have a wide range of different areas we can use, we can take real young'uns for their first rock climbing experience (age 8 upwards) as family groups. Through to anyone else on all different levels of difficulty. You don't need to be strong, have a head for heights or any existing skills. It's a real 'challenge by choice' activity, and we can pitch it at a good level for you.
Distance to Activity Location?
In North Wales we have loads and loads of great cliffs which we can use. Our ‘local’ is less than a 5 min drive away and is often the best crag to go to as it generally has good weather and has everything you would want from a cliff to climb on. So we use that most of the time. There are numerous other cliffs to use that are about a 40-60 min drive away on the main land. Some of these are perfect for a whole day out climbing and are well worth the extra drive.
How many can participate?
We take a minimum group of 4 at a time and work with groups of 10, though we can take more with a second member of staff. If you are a smaller group or by yourself then get in touch and we will bring you along with another group.
Duration of activity?
In a half day obviously you’ll have less time to do each part of the activities. As the roped climbing is the main event then the bouldering may be missed out. If you choose a full day more time is spent working on movement skills whilst bouldering, enabling you to get the most out of your rock climbing experience. We will have more time to master the rope work skills involved and of course more time climbing meaning more routes to tackle and time to work up to the harder routes. If we have the time we might even combine it with an abseil at the end of the day, depending on what people fancy. A full day also gives the option to visit further away cliffs and mix it up a little more.
I'v rock climbed before, will this challenge me enough?
Well this will totally depend on how much you have done before. If you’ve just done a day or so, then we can definitely challenge you enough to make it a great day out. If you are an experienced indoor climber but not climbed outside, then again we can make it challenging enough for you and you’ll learn something new. Real rock is quite different to indoor climbing, and you’ll enjoy the tougher routes where your existing skills will be very useful. If you are an experienced rock climber then we can offer guiding or instruction on any routes, single or multi-pitch, learn to lead courses or anything you like. Please contact us for further information.
Can you climb if the weather isn't great?
You can do, you would just choose slightly less demanding routes and you can still have a great day out. Where we’re based we have a top quality indoor climbing wall only 20 mins away, so there would be an option to go to this if it was too grim outside to climb outdoors. If we end up indoors we can get plenty of bouldering done and there are dozens of roped climbs too, so you’ll easily get your climbing fix for the day.
Why choose Anglesey Outdoors?
Rock climbing, and rock climbing skills are at the heart of most of our activities, and therefore our staff predominantly come from a rock climbing background. They are very experienced and lots of them hold the highest level of qualification available in climbing! So not only will they take you to some of the UK's finest crags in sunny Holyhead or beyond and look after you well and teach you everything you need to know, but you'll have the added bonus of their own tales and stories of climbing across the world.
Who can stay at Anglesey Outdoors?
We welcome a wide variety of visitors, whether you are looking for just one bed or to hire the whole complex. For more information see:
- Clubs and Groups
- Schools and Colleges
- Exclusive Use
- Sole Occupancy
- Families
- Field Trips
- Activity Day Trips
- Activity Residentials
Under 18 year olds can stay unaccompanied, but parents need to have completed the parental consent form before arrival and that a good behaviour bond is paid.
Check-in/Check-out times, & what site facilities are available?
Check-in/Check-out Times
You may check in anytime after 3pm. We operate a self-check in system so please check your emails for codes, check-in procedure and to obtain information relevant to your stay.
Check out time for all accommodation is 10:30am. If you are not leaving until later please contact Reception if you would like to leave your luggage.
Facilities
- FREE WiFi – Available in the Main Centre and The Paddlers Return, our on-site bar & bistro.
- Drying Room – With a mangle and ample hanging space. There is also a washing machine that is £2 per use.
- The Paddlers Return – The on-site Bar & Bistro offers Breakfasts and Evening Meals. Local beers, homecooked food, games, pool table and a warm welcome. Seasonal Opening Times. Daily during school holidays and weekends. View website
- Gear Store – A storage area for bikes, surfboards, etc.
- Overnight electric car charging points – (Type 2, 7 kW). Nominal charge for residents, please reserve in advance.
- Recycling Facility – You will find these facilities, both inside and out, allowing you to separate your waste. It is now law in Wales to separate waste for recycling and so during your stay, you are required to recycle where possible. Please help us to comply with the new rules which are important to our sustainable ethos at Anglesey Outdoors.
- Parking – You will find ample FREE parking but we ask that you park with consideration for others especially if you have a trailer or rib. If you are camping, feel free to park next to your tent, weather dependent. At all times we request that you drive carefully. View Site Map .
- Shower Block – Free hot showers for campers and activity guests. 4 x male and 4 x female cubicals.
- Washing-up area – Small washing up room, with hot water and dish washing facilities for campers and general use.
Other on-site businesses
- Paddlers Return Bar
- Mouse Sails
- Sea Kayaking Anglesey
- Anglesey Adventures
Can I bring my dog?
Well behaved dogs are welcome to stay at Anglesey Outdoors in our glamping units, camping and in the Ty Pen Annexe if rented as an exclusive booking. We regret, dogs are not permitted in any units with communal accommodation. All dogs must be on a lead at all times. Please also be aware that our local beach, Porthdafarch, and part of Trearddur Bay do not allow dogs from late May to September.
Can we have a campfire?
Yes – but only in the designated areas. Campfires are permitted by permission only and must be raised off the ground. Fire blankets are available from the onsite shop if required.
Is there public transport nearby?
The nearest bus route ends about 1 mile away. The nearest train station is in Holyhead . If you are arriving late or have a lot of luggage, we would recommend getting a taxi, as the road is unlit and there is no pavement. Taxis cost around £4.00 from Holyhead .