- Overview
- Map & Itinerary
- Essential Info
- Pics & Vids
- Dates & Prices
Highlights
- Come and meet your wild side on our brand new Snowdonia SUP & Summit Weekend
- SUP the less visited and picturesque lakes of Eryri (Snowdonia)
- Hike to the summit of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), the highest peak in Wales at 1085m
- Experience the quieter trails of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) via The Ranger and Watkin Paths
- Opportunity to take a dip in picturesque waterfall pools
- Camp under the stars in bell tents with vast views over the mountains and lakes of Eryri (Snowdonia)
- Meet the friendly farm animals at our family owned campsite
- All fully supported by local leaders and equipment provided.
Overview
Join a group of like-minded people on this wander-ful weekend in the heart of Snowdonia. Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) along the picturesque and less visited lakes in the national park. Whether you’re new to SUP’ing or wish to gain a few tips, this is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in nature whilst improving your core strength and general well-being.
Then hike to the summit of Snowdon l Yr Wyddfa meaning ‘Snow Hill’ at 1085m. Ascend via the quieter route of the Snowdon Ranger Path with beautiful views down towards Llyn Cwellyn and the slopes of Mynydd Mawr rising steeply from its shores and even stretching to the coastline on a clear day. On reaching the summit you’ll be rewarded with views over Snowdonia, Anglesey, Pembrokeshire and even Ireland (on a clear day) and a great sense of achievement. It’s then time to descend via the scenic route of the Watkin Path passing through the ruins of an old slate quarry before having the chance to take a dip in the Watkin Path waterfall pools. The final stretch sees you walking through charming woodlands before emerging at the finish of your trek. Time permitting, you may have the chance to pop into Caffi Gwynant, a local café in a converted chapel, for a well-earned post-trek homemade cake or dessert, tea, coffee or a local ale.
Staying at our family owned & operated farm and campsite perched on the mountainside in the heart of Eryri (Snowdonia) from your bell tent your view stretches across farmland, lakes and mountains. Plus you can meet Harriet the Herdwick sheep (Chief Herdwick), Frank the donkey (resident groundkeeper), Poppy the miniature Shetland pony (Frank’s best friend) and Edwardo the peacock (Head of Security). You may even catch the two goats, Madonna & Toggs, being milked for locally produced goats cheese as they are milked twice a day.
This wander-ful Welsh weekend packs a lot in amid a friendly and supportive environment where you’ll experience the wonderful Welsh landscapes, cymraeg language, way of life and culture!
So join us – soak up the atmosphere, the change in environment, learn some new skills, re connect with nature, experience the less visited patches of Eryri (Snowdonia) and all with some some new found adventure friends.
Arrival, welcome and briefing
Make your way to our family owned campsite in the heart of Snowdonia (Eryri), Pen Y Bwlch, and meet your hosts and the local farm animals. Enjoy the views of the Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) and Glyderau mountain ranges with your fellow like-minded adventurers and local leaders in the early evening for a chat through your weekend adventure that lies ahead. You’re most welcome to go to the friendly local village pub for dinner (Y Glyntwrog Inn) before settling in to your bell tent for a night under the stars.
Included
Accommodation: Bell tents (share basis). Please bring your own sleeping bag & sleeping mat. These can be hired if needed.
Meals: Not included
Summit Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) at 1085m
Following a camp breakfast on the farm, your adventure starts with a hike to the summit of Snowdon l Yr Wyddfa meaning ‘Snow Hill’ at 1085m. You’ll ascend the highest peak in Wales via the quieter route of the Snowdon Ranger Path. A rocky and scenic trail up the eastern slopes with beautiful views down towards Llyn Cwellyn and the slopes of Mynydd Mawr rising steeply from its shores and even stretching to the coastline on a clear day.
On reaching the peak with one of the most famous and regonisable summit landmarks you’ll be rewarded with views over Snowdonia, Anglesey, Pembrokeshire and even Ireland (on a clear day) and a great sense of achievement.
It’s then time to descend via the scenic route of the Watkin Path, originally opened in 1892 as a donkey track, which winds its way down the south side of the mountain almost to sea level. On your descent, you’ll pass through the ruins of an old slate quarry before having the chance to have a dip in the picturesque Watkin Path waterfall pools. The route then takes you through charming woodlands before emerging at the finish. Time permitting, you may have the chance to pop into Caffi Gwynant, a local café in a converted chapel, for a well-earned post-trek homemade cake or dessert, tea, coffee or local ale.
Following a full day in the mountains, you’ll return to Pen Y Bwlch campsite to rest those weary legs. You’re most welcome to go to the friendly local village pub for dinner (Y Glyntwrog Inn) or grab a take-away pizza from The Bakehouse and enjoy your local homemade pizza back at your campsite with views stretching across Snowdonia.
Included
Transfers: private vehicle
Accommodation: Bell tents (share basis). Please bring your own sleeping bag & sleeping mat. These can be hired if needed.
Meals: Breakfast and a packed lunch (local produce)
SUP Snowdonia (Eryri)
Following your final camp breakfast on the farm, it’s time to grab the paddleboards for a morning on the water. Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) along the picturesque and less visited lakes in the national park. Whether you’re new to SUP’ing or wish to gain a few tips, this is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in nature whilst improving your core strength and general well-being.
Accompanied by your local SUP instructor, you’ll visit the best lake/s in the area to make the most of the weather conditions on the day. Rest assured the lakes we visit are ideal for paddleboarding and set amongst the spectacular mountainous backdrops in Snowdonia National Park.
We use O’Shea International Paddleboards, a locally based company in Abersoch owned by Farrel one of Britain’s leading windsurfing wave sailors. The O’Shea brand focused on high quality hardware, with extensive product testing by Farrel himself.
Following your SUP’ing sessions, it’s time for lunch and the chance to grab a final wild swim before your adventure comes to end and you head home, refreshed, rejuvenated and with some new adventure friend-sheeps being made.
Included
Transfers: private vehicle
Meals: Breakfast and a packed lunch (local produce)
Homegrown adventure for like-minded women
Since the COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on local communities and livelihoods, we’re keen to promote adventures on home ground particularly to help support the local tourism industry here whilst also giving you the chance to get out and explore our incredible Snowdonian landscapes. With being a Gold Level Snowdonia National Park Ambassador, we’re delighted to do our part to improve your experience of Snowdonia in an educational, sustainable & fun manner too.
Want to improve your balance, stability and core strength? Or learn a new skill?
These are just some of the benefits of stand-up paddleboarding… Whether you’re gliding calmly along a tree-lined lagoon or tackling the glacial formed lakes, stand-up paddle boarding gives you opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while getting a whole-body workout in at the same time. Whether you’re new to the world of SUP’ing or wish to improve your skills and learn some techniques, our qualified local SUP Instructors will accompany you on your paddleboard adventure.
We’ve crunched the numbers to work out the total carbon footprint of the Snowdonia SUP & Summit weekend.
What’s the number?
It works out on average at 29kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, leaders, crew and office operations.
The only thing not included is travel to Snowdonia (Eryri). Given that our beloved guests travel from all parts of the UK for this adventure we have no way of reliably knowing their travel plans therefore we’re unable to include an individual number in the figure on display here.
What does the number mean?
To give some meaning to the numbers:
- Driving 20 miles in the car: 6kg CO2e
- The average UK person per day: 41kg CO2e
- A typical Dubai hotel room for the night: 99kg CO2e
- An economy ticket from London to Ibiza: 206kg CO2e
- An economy ticket from London to Vietnam: 1,352kg CO2e
- A business class ticket from London to Vietnam: 3,922kg CO2e
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air over a period of 5 – 10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our adventures are relatively low-carbon by design, and we’re working to develop long term carbon reduction plan. Following much research into climate change organisations, we carefully selected to support the environmental charity, Cool Earth. They’re a sustainable operation and work with rainforest communities across the globe to halt deforestation and it’s impact on climate change. We invest 1% of our revenue into supporting critical conservation projects world-wild with Cool Earth.
On a local level, we’re an ongoing business member of the Snowdonia Society, plus Jim and Sue, together with some of our local leaders, also help the Society with their local projects such as planting native trees in Snowdonia. This is to help preserve the landscape and enhance wildlife habitat here in Snowdonia.
Want to know more?
We believe that with great travel, comes even greater responsibility. Tourism is one of the most important and largest industries on the planet. It employs more people worldwide than any other, with millions of families relying on tourism for their daily needs. At Adventurous Ewe we believe that our type of small scale, positive impact tourism can bring benefits to many communities, help preserve the environments we travel to see, and provide real and positive social exchanges. Here is our plan to do our part towards helping reduce factors that we can contributing to climate change as part of Tourism Declares a Climate Emergency.
On booking the Snowdonia SUP & Summit weekend, you will receive all the exciting trip info via our free travel app. You’ll have access to your itinerary, trip countdown, live updates, contact info, weather forecasts, know before you go trip info, kit lists and much more at the touch of a button 24 hours a day via your mobile phone. No more unnecessary use of reams of paper to benefit the environment and the need of carrying around documents with you. A’ppy days.
With being a small family business we pride ourselves with providing personal, professional and friendly service. We appreciate that everyone has different levels of experience and reasons for wishing to embark on the Snowdonia SUP & Summit weekend and therefore require varying levels of support and guidance. We’re here to help you every step of the way from the moment you join the flock all the way through to completing the challenge and beyond. Jim and Sue’s knowledge and expertise stems from dozens of years of travelling and exploring the UK in order to fully support you in the lead up to your adventure.
Plus having created this adventure, both Jim and Sue are best placed to answer any questions you may have, no matter how big or small. We’re here to help every step of the way.
Adventurous Ewe puts the safety and well-being of you, our leaders & crew and the communities we visit at the centre of all our operations, always. Your safety and well-being is our top priority.
The Snowdonia SUP & Summit weekend will require preparation as the adventure is designed to take you out of your every-day comfort zone and achieve something great. Rest assured we have a thorough Safety Management System, indepth risk assessments and risk management systems in place. Your safety and well-being is our top priority at all times.
For more info, please visit our Safety and Well-being page.
You will be accompanied by certified and local Adventurous Ewe Leaders and SUP Instructors throughout your Snowdonia SUP & Summit weekend.
They’re a friendly bunch with a huge level of care and a great sense of humour. Rest assured they are fully experienced and remote first aid qualified. They will be ultimately responsible for the running of the itinerary and the safety of your group.
Leaders will carry safety equipment and first aid kits with them at all times. Please note, these kits are for emergencies only so please come prepared with your own personal first aid items.
Please note, the itinerary is there as a guide and may change due to unusual weather patterns, the strength of the group, and other unpredictable factors. We will do our very best to keep to the set itinerary; however we cannot be held responsible for any last minute changes that may occur. In all such circumstances, your Leader will have the final say.
We pride ourselves in small group adventures to minimise the impact on the environment, to maximise your safety & well-being and to make your experience more authentic.
The minimum group size for this trip to run is 8 people. The maximum group size is 12 people.
Our adventures are typically made up of a mix of solo travellers and small groups of two or three friends who simply love adventure, pushing themselves and meeting awesome like-minded people. Over 50% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
If you have a group of over 8 people, we would be more than happy to run a private weekend for you.
For any further info or to chat about running a bespoke weekend, we’d love to hear from you at info@adventurousewe.co.uk or call 01492 588 069.
The Snowdonia SUP & Summit is a team event and not designed to be an individual competitive race. You will be taking as a group and with a dedicated Leader. We encourage team spirit and support of each other to ensure everyone has the best opportunity to complete the challenge and enjoy the journey along the way too. These events are a fantastic way to meet like-minded people and share an incredible adventure whilst being accompanied and supported by friendly and experienced Adventurous Ewe Leaders and Crew.
The Snowdonia SUP & Summit is graded as ‘Moderate’ dependent on weather conditions. Preparation is key to help you get the most enjoyment and reward from this adventure. A good level of fitness, endurance and some gritty determination will help you conquer each of the activities.
Trekking: the route follows established paths which are rocky and uneven. There are no technical climbing sections. Hiking boots are highly recommended given the uneven terrain and mountainous weather conditions. The trek should take approx. 6 hours to complete.
Paddleboarding: previous paddleboarding experience is not required as full instruction and support will be provided. As a safety precaution we recommend that you’re able to swim 25m in distance. If you are not a confident swimmer please let us know so we can make the necessary plans.
A bepsoke training programme will be provided when you join this trip to help you with your preparations. We also have exclusive offers with our Training Partners and Communities – Her Spirit and Strength & Movement Coach, Peter Lant. For more info, please visit our Training & Preparation page.
The more you are prepared, the more you will enjoy the challenge.
Our motto is: Train hard, smile harder and enjoy the journey!
A full kit list will be provided when you book on this trip. In summary:
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Paddleboard, paddle and leash
- Buoyancy aid
- Wetsuit (if needed)
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
BAGS
Soft duffel bag or rucksack for all your kit
Daypack (20-25 litres) for the trek
SLEEPING
Sleeping mat
Sleeping bag (three season)
Pillow
(These can be hired if needed)
CLOTHES
Waterproof jacket with hood
Waterproof trousers
Fleece jacket or similar
Trousers/shorts/skirts for hiking (not jeans)
T-shirts (merino wool or wick fabric)
Underwear and socks
Sunglasses
Sunhat
Warm hat
Something to sleep in
Waterproof hiking boots (worn-in)
Lightweight shoes for around camp
PADDLEBOARDING
Wetsuit supplied (or if you want to use your own in the lake – we suggest 3-5mm)
Swim-suit
Board shorts and swim vest if forecast for warm weather
Neoprene gloves and socks (optional)
Towel, changing robe or dryrobe
OTHER
Power bank or solar charger
Suncream
Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
Quick-dry towel
Alcohol hand-gel
Headlamp
Reusable water bottle (x1 litre)
Water bladder/camelbak or similar for trek (2 litre capacity)
Favourite snacks and electrolytes
OPTIONAL
Earplugs
Energy bars and snacks
Camera
To help you get the very best from your multi activity adventure we will provide you with an exclusive Adventurous Ewe discount code to use in independent UK outdoor retailers both online and in store. They offer a large choice of kit that the staff themselves use while climbing, hiking, mountaineering, running, travelling or enjoying expeditions across the globe and they pride themselves on sharing their experience and knowledge of equipment so you can choose the right gear to suit you and your adventure.
The weather in the mountains in Snowdonia can change rapidly so it is essential that you are prepared for all conditions including rain, wind and heat. In the week leading up to your trip we recommend checking the Mountain Weather Information Service. You will also receive weather updates via our mobile travel app.
Please note, the Leader/s reserve the right to change the itinerary at any time should the conditions require it as your safety and wellbeing is our top priority at all times. In these circumstances we will make the best alternative arrangements possible that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Nestled in the spectacular Caernarfon countryside, Pen y Bwlch is our family owned and operated camspite and farm which overlooks the mountains, lakes and coastline on the edge of Snowdonia National Park. This is a secluded retreat with lots of space and an off-grid feel, but it’s also just a 15-minute drive from Llanberis, at the foot of Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa). Simple facilities include eco-composting toilets, shower and drying facilities in the barn. You’ll stay in bell tents which typically sleep up to 4 people. You’ll need to bring your own sleeping bag, sleeping mat and pillow however these can be hired if needed.
UPGRADES
There are not enough bell tents to offer a private bell tent, however, your we can provide a solo tent if you prefer to sleep alone. The cost is £50 for 2 nights including tent hire, put up and take down. To request a single tent, please email us at info@adventurousewe.co.uk
Starts
Pen Y Bwlch campsite
Briefing at 18:00 at Pen Y Bwlch campsite. You are welcome to arrive earlier if you wish.
The campsite is a 20 minute taxi journey from Bangor train station.
Ends
Pen Y Bwlch campsite at approximately 15:00 / 16:00
Transfers
Private vehicle transfers are included from the campsite to the activities. If you need a transfer from and to Bangor train station, please let us know and we can arrange this for you at an additional cost. If travelling by train, please ensure you purchase an open ended return train ticket.
Travel options
If you are making your own way to Pen Y Bwlch campsite, you can take a train to Bangor train station and then a taxi from there to Pen Y Bwlch. There is onsite parking for any guests who drive their own car to the site.
Breakfasts at camp are filling with generous portions of cereal, porridge, toast, pastries with tea and coffee. Home-made packed lunches include sandwiches, crisps, flap-jack and fruit. You’ll need to bring your own snacks and drinks for the activities each day. Dinners are not included; your host will arrange a trip to the Glyntwrog Inn – a friendly local village pub in the heart of the Welsh countryside, offering a great selection of drinks and serving hearty food made using locally sourced ingredients. You should budget around £20 for dinner and a drink – extra if you fancy a few post-activity pints!
All dietary requirements including vegetarian and vegan can be catered for: please just let us know on your booking form or email us at info@adventurousewe.co.uk.
Please bring your own water bottle/s and water bladder/camelbaks to refill. This avoids the purchase of single use plastic water bottles. You are also welcome to bring a flask so you can make a hot drink to take with you on the trek or paddleboard activities.
The impact of single use plastic is having on our landscape, wildlife and oceans, it is now more important than ever that we all make changes in order to help our planet. We may not be a huge global company but we’re passionate about playing our part and trying to make a huge difference collectively. Together we can dramatically reduce our consumption of single use plastics and support our responsible travel ethos of ‘Take nothing but photos, leave nothing but boot-prints, keep nothing but memories.’
You can make a difference too with taking part in this Multi Activity and purchasing one of these environmentally friendly reusable alternative bottles compared to single-use plastic water bottles. Grab a Water-to-Go bottle through Adventurous Ewe and receive a 15% discount. Even better, Water-to-Go will donate a further 15% to our charity partner, Cool Earth. For more info please click here or email us at info@adventurousewe.co.uk to buy your Water-To-Go bottle.
Deposit: £75 per person required on booking.
Remaining balance: £320 per person due for payment no later than 4 weeks prior to the trip start date.
Monthly payment plan
A monthly payment plan can be arranged for this trip. Please contact us for more information or to set up your plan. Simply email info@adventurousewe.co.uk or call 01492 588 069.
Book & Travel with Confidence
As well as carefully crafting amazing and meaningful adventures across the planet, we’ve made booking them as flexible, safe and as simple as possible.
For the latest info regarding booking and travelling with Adventurous Ewe, please visit our website.
All your trip info will be sent to you through our free mobile travel app. You will receive an email from Adventurous Ewe with your personalised log in code for this app.
For the latest and greatest from the land of adventures, simply follow us at:
Facebook: @adventurousewe
Instagram: adventurousewe
LinkedIn: Adventurous-Ewe-Ltd
Youtube: Adventurous Ewe
You are most welcome to use the hashtags
#ewecandoit #thisflockrock #adventurousewe #letsgoadventure
Your Adventurous Ewe Leader/s and Crew will have a mobile phones and radios communications in case of emergencies. The team are trained to deal with these situations. Please ensure you listen to your Leader during these times and refrain from putting any posts on social media during this time. Should you find yourself unable to continue with the trek, your Leader and crew will make the necessary arrangements. Depending on the situation, you will be met by the support vehicle (depending on access) and you will be transferred back to your accommodation or nearby medical facility as required. Your Emergency Contact at Adventurous Ewe HQ is Jim Young on 07747 346 588.
| Departure & Return | Duration | Availability | Deposit | Total Cost* | (*Total cost includes the deposit) |
What's Included?
Pre-adventure:
- Personalised support in the lead up to your trip from Adventurous Ewe
- Exclusive discount on personal kit from a specialist outdoor retailer
- Multi Activity Training guide
- All trip info supplied via our free mobile travel app
- Public liability insurance
- Risk assessment and safety management.
On your adventure:
- 2 nights accommodation in shared bell tents
- Mountain Leaders and Paddleboard Instructors
- O’Shea paddleboard hire
- Paddles and buoyancy aids
- Paddleboard briefing, instruction & support on the lake
- Full back-up support including first-aid qualified staff and first-aid supplies
- Entrance permission to national parks & lakes
- Camp breakfast x 2 and packed lunch x 2 (local produce)
- Water bottle refilling
- Transfers between camp and the activities
- All challenge management and hygienic cleaning procedures of equipment before, during and post event.
What's Not Included?
- Clothing and equipment listed on your Kit List
- Getting to the start and finish of the campsite
- Dinner x 2
- Single tent supplement @ £50 per person for 2 nights, dependent on availability
- Personal spending money.
SUSTAINABLE AND RESPONSIBLE TRIP MANAGEMENT
As part of the Snowdonia National Park Authority Partneriaeth Yr Wyddfa Partnership, we are an accredited Snowdon Visit Specialist and Gold Level Snowdonia Ambassador. We are also a corporate partner of the Snowdonia Society and help support their vital work who since 1967 continue to work tirelessly to ensure that Snowdonia is well-protected, well-managed and enjoyed by all.
Adventurous Ewe is committed to delivering adventures in a responsible and ethical manner with sustainability as a core focus. We respect and aim to operate our adventures and events to benefit local people, their economy and the environment!
Some of the ethical event management features embedded in our AITW Snowdonia SUP & Summit Weekend are:
- Using local crew who are qualified Leaders and who are all extremely knowledgeable and experienced
- Our lunch packs are home-made by local providers using local produce wherever possible and do not contain any plastic packaging
- Minimising plastic waste wherever possible as we refill water bottles and flasks
- We do not use route markers on the mountain
- Where possible, our Leaders collect any rubbish scene on the mountain
- We recycle and reuse wherever possible
- We record our recycleable and general waste from the adventure with the review to measure and reduce
- We always operate by our ‘Leave no travel ethos’ – Take nothing but photos, leave nothing but boot-prints, keep nothing but memories.
- By taking part in this trip you are helping us support the climate change charity, Cool Earth, and local environmental charity, the Snowdonia Society.
- Please see our Responsible Tourism Policy for more info and some top tips.
TIPS FOR SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL ON THIS TRIP
- Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish behind in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same.
- Plastic waste reduction: Please bring your own re-usable water bottle/s on this trip.
- Your packaging waste: If bringing some snacks or new items/clothing from home, please remove as much packaging as possible and recycle or responsibly disregard this rubbish.
Together, we can all make a difference in helping preserve this precious and wonderful planet.
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