The Fforest Coaster Near Betws-y-Coed: Zip World’s Ride Through the Trees
Betws-y-Coed sits inside Eryri National Park, renamed from Snowdonia in November 2023. For decades, visitors came here for walking, fishing and quiet lakeside afternoons. Today, however, a short walk from Bryn Bella adds a different kind of thrill. The Fforest Coaster near Betws-y-Coed sends riders racing through the forest on a mountain rail track. As a result, it has become one of the village’s most talked about attractions, right on our doorstep.
Riding the Fforest Coaster Near Betws-y-Coed
Zip World built the Fforest Coaster as part of its Fforest site in Betws-y-Coed. Specifically, riders sit in individual two-wheeled sledges that run along a steel rail through the trees. Each ticket includes three runs, and in fact, Zip World describes the ride as the UK’s longest and most recommended alpine coaster.
Overall, the track covers a full kilometre of woodland. First, riders climb 300 metres uphill. Then, they descend 700 metres back down through the forest. Meanwhile, simple brake and accelerator controls let each rider choose their own pace, up to a maximum of 25mph. Because of this, nobody needs experience or special fitness. You just need a sense of adventure.
Who Can Ride?
Zip World sets clear age and height rules to keep every sledge safe. For instance, solo riders need a minimum height of one metre. Children aged three to eight, meanwhile, must share a sledge with an adult. They can also share with another child aged nine or over who meets the height rule. In addition, riders aged nine to seventeen still need a supervising adult nearby. Zip World asks for one adult per five children. There’s also a weight limit: each rider, or a shared sledge together, must stay under 150kg. As a result, grandparents, parents and children can usually all take a turn, even if not every generation rides solo.
Family Adventure at Zip World Fforest
The coaster is only one part of the site. In fact, Zip World Fforest also runs six other courses, from the high wire Zip Safari to the freefall Plummet tower. For younger children, meanwhile, Tree Hoppers offers a gentler introduction. This mini adventure course climbs up to seven metres into the canopy. It also includes balance beams, stepping stones and log bridges, like the one pictured here. Consequently, families with a wide age range rarely struggle to find something everyone enjoys.
For the full run down of every course at the site, therefore, see our guide to zip lining near Betws-y-Coed. Alternatively, compare Zip World’s three North Wales locations in our Zip World days out guide.
Booking Your Visit
Prices for the Fforest Coaster start from £31, plus a £5 booking fee. However, if you book 90 days ahead, you can save up to 15%. Overall, the full experience, from arrival to your third and final run, usually takes under an hour. Zip World, moreover, opens year round, aside from Christmas Day and Boxing Day. So, a coaster run works well in any season, whether frosted trees in January or long evenings in June. Therefore, book directly through Zip World’s Fforest Coaster page before you travel, since weekend slots sell out quickly in school holidays.
Staying Close to the Adventure
Bryn Bella sits only a short walk from Zip World Fforest. As a result, you can finish your last coaster run and be back in your room within minutes. Often, we see guests head out again the next morning for one of the other courses. Others, meanwhile, prefer to explore Eryri National Park‘s wider trails and waterfalls. If you’re planning a family break around the coaster, therefore, book your stay with us directly. You’ll get the best rate and a warm Welsh welcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old do you have to be to ride the Fforest Coaster alone?
Riders need to be at least one metre tall to drive a sledge alone. Additionally, children aged three to eight must share with a taller adult or older child.
How fast does the Fforest Coaster go?
Sledges reach speeds of up to 25mph. However, each rider controls their own brake and can go slower.
How long does a visit take?
Most visits take under an hour, from arrival to your third ride. As a result, it’s easy to fit around other plans that day.
Is the Fforest Coaster open all year?
Yes, Zip World Fforest stays open every day except Christmas Day and Boxing Day, whatever the season.
How far is the Fforest Coaster from Bryn Bella?
It’s a short walk from our door. Consequently, it’s one of the easiest adventures to fit into a Bryn Bella stay.