Betws-y-Coed is often called the Gateway to Snowdonia, and it’s easy to see why. This small village in the heart of Eryri National Park sits at the meeting point of three rivers, surrounded by ancient woodland, waterfalls and some of North Wales’s best mountain scenery. Whether you’re after an adrenaline-filled day out or simply want to sit by the river and watch the water go by, Betws-y-Coed offers both extremes within a few minutes’ walk of each other, which is part of what makes it so special.
Mountain Biking in Gwydir Forest
Just north of the village, Gwydir Forest is home to what many riders still call the Marin Trail, now officially split into two routes: Gwydir Mawr and Gwydir Bach. Gwydir Mawr is the original 25 kilometre red graded route, weaving through rocky singletrack and open forest fire roads with some serious climbs and descents along the way. If you want something shorter, Gwydir Bach covers 8.7 kilometres and still delivers a proper technical ride. Both are considered classics of the UK mountain biking scene.
South of the village, the gentler Llyn Elsi route offers a 10 kilometre circular ride up to the old reservoir, a good option if you’d rather enjoy the views than chase your pulse rate.
Zip World Betws-y-Coed: Forest Adventures for All Ages
The high ropes centre once known as Zip World Fforest has grown considerably since it first opened, and now operates as Zip World Betws-y-Coed. The star attraction is the Fforest Coaster, Britain’s only alpine coaster of its kind: an all weather toboggan ride on rails that reaches speeds of up to 25mph through the trees, suitable for riders from age three upwards.
Alongside the coaster, families can bounce through the canopy on Treetop Nets, Europe’s longest net walkway, or take on Tree Hoppers, a high ropes course designed for children aged five to twelve. Older thrill seekers can tackle Zip Safari, with 22 zip lines and ten further obstacles suspended high above the Conwy Valley, or brave Skyride, Europe’s highest giant swing, and Plummet, a tandem freefall drop from 100 feet. There’s also a café on site for refuelling between adventures. Zip World Betws-y-Coed
Underground Adventures with Go Below
South of the village, Go Below Underground Adventures offers something rather different: guided trips through Snowdonia’s abandoned slate mines, complete with zip lines, boating and a spot of waterfall climbing. The half day Challenge trip is suited to ages ten and up and doesn’t require any particular fitness, with the more demanding obstacles easy to bypass if you’d rather watch than wade in. For the truly committed, the Hero Xtreme trip combines a full day underground with a guided ascent of Snowdon, though this one is reserved for larger groups. All safety equipment is provided, and Go Below’s small group sizes make for a personal, unhurried experience as you pass ancient mining artefacts still sitting where they were left. Go Below
Pont y Pair and the Village Waterfalls
You don’t need to travel far to find water in Betws-y-Coed. Right in the village, the fifteenth century stone bridge of Pont y Pair, meaning “bridge of the cauldron”, spans the River Llugwy at a point where the water tumbles over smooth, rounded rocks. It’s a favourite spot for a slow wander, with plenty of flat rocks to sit on and watch the river below, and it makes a lovely first stop before heading further out to the area’s larger falls.
Conwy Falls and Conwy Falls Cafe
A short drive south of the village brings you to Conwy Falls, set within nearly ten acres of ancient, SSSI designated woodland. A small turnstile fee gets you into the forest park, where paths lead down through the trees to the falls themselves. Keep an eye out for salmon leaping the falls in August, or otters and crested newts at quieter times of year. Conwy Falls Cafe sits right at the entrance, serving hearty breakfasts, cakes and locally sourced food with a large outdoor terrace looking over the valley, a good reason to linger a while longer.
Swallow Falls
A couple of miles west of the village, Swallow Falls is one of the most visited natural attractions in Wales and the highest continuous waterfall in the country. A viewing platform gives good views for a small admission charge, though many visitors say the finest angle is from the north bank after a short walk. The site is also served by the Snowdon Sherpa S1 bus from Betws-y-Coed, so you don’t need a car to reach it.
Walking Beyond the Village
For longer walks, Gwydir Forest also leads to the peaceful waters of Llyn Elsi, a favourite for a quieter afternoon among the trees. Ambitious walkers can go further still and tackle Snowdon itself, with several route options depending on how much of a challenge you’re after.
Water Sports Nearby
If you fancy getting properly wet, the National White Water Centre near Bala is around 40 minutes’ drive from Betws-y-Coed and offers grade 3 to 4 white water rafting and canyoning on the dam controlled River Tryweryn, a popular add on for an active weekend in the area.
Plan Your Stay
Betws-y-Coed really does offer something for every kind of visitor, from full days of adventure to slow mornings by the river. Wherever your day takes you, Bryn Bella is a peaceful base to come back to.