Activities & Adventure
Aside from being the perfect base for kayaking, canoeing or white water rafting on the River Tryweryn, Tyn Cornel Camping is ideally located for outdoor adventure and activities in North Wales and Snowdonia National Park. We also have e bikes for hire at Tyn Cornel speak with Ben from E-bikes Eryri.
Here’s a taste of just some of the activities you can do in the area.
White Water Rafting
We’re going to stick our neck out here and say that Tyn Cornel Camping is the best located campsite in the UK if you want to go white water rafting.
We’re located at the finish of the exhilarating rapids of the Upper River Tryweryn in Snowdonia National Park. From the campsite the river continues down to Bala, following the scenic twists and turns of the Lower Tryweryn. The river is dam controlled so the rapids run predictably, including through the summer when other rivers might not be in condition.
River grades range from 2 to 4 and there is an excellent choice of local raft guiding companies to choose from. We have a river access ramp on site, which means the distance from your pitch to raft is just a few steps. Plus nice hot showers to use after your day of fun on the river.
You really can’t go wrong with a white water rafting experience followed by a stay at Tyn Cornel!
If you’d like advice on rafting or kayaking in the area, please give us a call or drop us a line and we’ll be more than happy to help.
Kayaking and Canoeing
Tyn Cornel Camping has long been a favourite place to stay for kayaking and canoeing. The location is ideal for running the dam controlled River Tryweryn and the campsite is just a few hundred yards from the National White Water Centre.
The Tryweryn provides continuous grade 3 to 4 white water in its upper section and then a twisting scenic run of grade 2 to 3 (with one section of 4) on the lower.
There’s a river access ramp at Tyn Cornel Camping so after a day on the river or for a break at lunchtime you can stroll back to your pitch or over to our heated amenities block for a nice hot shower in a matter of moments. Our covered picnic benches also provide a convenient spot for drying out your wet kit before your next session on the river.
If the water levels are high enough and other rivers in the area are in condition Tyn Cornel is only a short drive from a wide variety of high quality river runs for kayaking or canoeing. The concentration of excellent white water rivers in the area makes it a brilliant destination for river users of all levels of experience and abilities.
If you are just starting out, would like to learn how to kayak or canoe or just fancy a more sedate paddling experience, head down to Bala lake for flat water and easy spots to launch from.
Road Cycling
Cycling routes near Frongoch offer a wide range of experiences, from peaceful lake rides to challenging mountain climbs. The Bala to Llanuwchllyn route follows the scenic shoreline of Llyn Tegid, Wales’ largest natural lake, with views of Aran Fawddwy and Cader Idris. Along the way, you can visit attractions like the Bala Lake Railway, where bikes are welcome on board.
For experienced cyclists, the route to Llyn Efyrnwy climbs through the stunning Berwyn mountains to Bwlch y Groes, Wales’ highest road pass, offering breathtaking views of glacial valleys and moorland wildlife, including rare birds.
The ancient drover’s road from Llanuwchllyn to Trawsfynydd challenges riders with steep ascents through rugged terrain, crossing Roman roads and passing sites like the Rhinog mountains and Llys Ednowain Heritage Centre.
Shorter loops, such as the Dolhendre route, reveal hidden gems like Carndochan Castle ruins and a statue of scholar O.M. Edwards amid lush countryside. Even hilly routes like Bala to Parc provide a great introduction, with dramatic views of rolling hills, Llyn Tegid’s waters, and uplands home to curlews and buzzards. From historic landmarks to untouched natural beauty, cycling here promises something special for everyone.
Mountain Biking
As a base for a mountain biking holiday, Tyn Cornel Camping would be hard to beat. We are located less than 30 minutes’ drive from some of the best mountain bike trail centres in the UK. If you prefer your trails less man-made you can head east into the Clwydians or look to bag a peak within the national park, riding the spectacular bridleways of Snowdon or Cadair Idris. There are also fantastic options for downhillers if uplift days are your thing.
Within a 25 mile radius and roughly half an hour drive away:
- Penmachno Trails
- Coed y Brenin Trail Centre
- Gwydir Mawr & Bach Trails, Betws y Coed
- Llyn Brenig & Alwen Trails
- Antur Stiniog Bike Park
- Revolution Bike Park
- Foel Gasnach DH Tracks
Slightly further afield but less than an hour drive:
- Coed Llandegla, One Planet Adventure Trail Centre
- Dyfi Bike Park
- Dyfi Forest Trails and Climachx Trail
We are keen bikers and love chatting about cycling so please let us know if you need any recommendations of where to ride in North Wales.
Walking
Snowdonia and North Wales have amazing terrain for walking. There is so much walking and hiking in the area that it would be impossible to cover it all here.
There are many local walks close to the campsite for all levels and abilities.
The closest peak is Arenig Fawr. From the summit it is possible to see several notable Welsh mountain ranges: the Rhinogydd and Snowdon to the west, the Clwydian Hills and Berwyns to the east and north plus the Arans and Cadair Idris to the south. It is one of the finest panoramas in Wales and really highlights the possibilities for world class walking in the region.
We sell Ordnance Survey maps in reception and would be happy to point you in the direction of some of our favourite walks in the area.
Wild Swimming
You can’t beat that afterglow after a spot of wild or open water swimming and Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake) is just down the road from Tyn Cornel Camping.
Four miles long, one mile wide and surrounded by gorgeous scenery, it is surely one of nature’s best swimming pools, if a little bracing at times (but that’s all part of the fun). Triathlons are hosted here regularly.
The gorge at Fairy Glen and plunge pool at Rhaeadr Mawddach are also not far away, as well as countless crystal clear lakes nestled amongst the Snowdonia mountains – we’ll be happy to give you directions to some of our favourite wild swimming venues.
Rock Climbing
Tyn Cornel Camping is a relatively short drive from a wide range of impressive rock climbing venues, such as:
Limestone sport climbing in the Dee Valley or on the rugged North Welsh Coast.
Mountain routes or bouldering in Llanberis pass or the magnificent Ogwen Valley.
Classic cliff climbing near the West coast at Tremadog.
If you want to give rock climbing a try for the first time whilst staying in the area or just brush up on your existing skills there are some great outdoor centres in North Wales who can help.
We offer a 10% discount off the pitch price for British Mountaineering Council members.
