Adventure challenge in North Wales

As much action and adventure as you can handle on your holidays in North Wales - travelbite.co.uk's Kathy Brownlie takes up the challenge in Snowdonia.

"OK - you can do it. It's not far now," I keep repeating with the end of the obstacle course now in sight. I squeeze my hands around the throttle again, the engine roars, and I lurch forward. I tighten my grip.

The quad bike makes the 50 degree gradient look effortless, and I have to quickly remind myself how to change gear, and brake in case I start rolling backwards again when I slow down at the top of the hill.

I do not think I am the first person to try to befriend a quad bike. It's just a machine but there is something comforting about talking to something ever so powerful, even if it can't talk back.

Or maybe I was just reassuring my frightened inner self. I take another deep breath, and carefully manoeuvre myself around the last part of the obstacle course.

The feeling of satisfaction, achievement and relief having survived what I thought originally was not possible is indescribable. My fears are quickly forgotten, and in less than two minutes I'm off again for the next challenge. I am addicted.

When you think of adventure sports in the UK it's often in the Lake or Peak districts. But here I was in North Wales, with an opportunity to try out a smorgasbord of adventure-based activities.

The challenge was set by Adventure North Wales - would I be up to the job?

I came back overwhelmed that such a fantastic door outdoors adventure area in the UK has yet to be truly discovered. Here in North Wales you can experience a wide range of activities catering to all levels of ability and not only experience the great outdoors, but also get a taste of real Welsh culture.

Tree top adventures in Snowdonia

For those who have fond childhood memories of Robin Hood or Tarzan, the North Wales tree top climbing adventure centre is the place for you.

Swinging through trees; clutching desperately at anything that will help you balance; zip wires; trying to walk on moving logs amongst other obstacles - all at a height of often over 5m above the ground - your fear of heights will definitely be put to the test. Fortunately, safety is paramount and the instructors will give you a run down on the equipment.

If hanging out in tree tops isn't your thing (or perhaps this isn't thrill seeking enough) then how about jumping out of the tree tops instead? Let me introduce you to the WORLD'S highest POWERFANTM parachute simulator.

Not unlike a bungee jump, the powerfan uses self belaying principles to ensure that your 50ft free fall is dramatically slowed down before you reach the ground. You fall a total height of 100ft. If you are a theme park buff, this is one ride you won't want to miss.

Go Karting North Wales

From the calm and serenity of the tree tops the next stop was the go kart track. I have often sneered at karting in the past, labelling this sport as big toys for testosterone-loaded boys.

But I was quickly converted. Although I can almost guarantee a toddler could have passed me walking on my first lap around the track, I think I was close to winning on the second.

It soon became apparent how kart racing could become yet another addiction - my turns were becoming tighter, I was taking more risks and I was even overtaking others. I felt like a kid having fun again.

Pony Trekking in North Wales

The third stop was horse trekking. Ironically, I felt more comfortable on a pony than I did in a kart - I am not quite sure what that says about my attitude to motorised sport.

With the picturesque Welsh countryside as a backdrop, the sounds of spring (baby lambs, birds) and the clip-clop of my pony's hooves I felt at total peace. I was already starting to day dream about a move to the country and buying a collection of baby farm animals when I was asked to dismount. It was all too short.

Quad bike riding and all terrain buggy riding in North Wales

Although it initially brought back unpleasant memories of learning to drive, by the end of the quad biking session the instructors had to run after me to stop me from taking the bike home (even though I live 200 miles away). But the best activity was yet to come.

If quad biking is the 4X4 equivalent of mustering on a farm, then all-terrain buggy riding is equivalent to mountain bike riding on a single track. Aside from the two extra wheels that is! All-terrain buggies are built close to the ground, with the driver in a cage-like contraption. I suggest you take a look at the photo to get a better idea.

The best part of this activity was racing against someone else (my competitive instincts coming to the fore) but as the two tracks are separate you have no idea where you are in relation to the other person until the end. That is, if you make it to the end without turning over or getting stuck in the vegetation.

Racing through pools of mud, over uneven gradients, not knowing what is around the corner, super competitiveness - this was definitely my kind of adventure sport.

At lunch it was difficult to stop us talking as we were on a high from the morning's activities. The constant smiles on everyone's faces said it all. It was only half way though the day and we had no idea what other activities Adventure North Wales could throw at us. But we were certainly up for the challenge.

White water rafting in North Wales

After a hearty lunch, we were all quite smug that we had avoided the rain clouds hovering in the distance all morning and remained dry. But as the mini-bus turned into the National Whitewater Centre - Canolfan Tryweryn - we realised that was to be short lived.

Somewhat ignorantly, I had thought proper white-water rafting did not exist in the UK - but I was so wrong. Our friendly and enthusiastic instructor gave us wet suits, buoyancy aids and helmets and started going over the safety brief, which included what to do if we fell out of the boat (apparently a 1 per cent chance). Apparently "freeze" is not the answer.

With nervous anticipation we lifted our raft onto the trailer and drove upstream. The sun had come out and falling out didn't seem so much of a problem until we touched the water. We were all desperately trying to remember the instructions but before we knew it we were moving.

We tried to act like competent adults, following our guide's orders. We thought we were operating like clockwork (well almost anyway): "get in the boat, lean out, lean in, paddle, paddle, paddle, paddle left..no you in the front that's right not left, paddle left strong". With all the screaming it was surprising that we kept facing the right way.

This was definitely the most adrenalin-pumping part of the day. I wasn't quite sure if the river or the guide was playing with us - I did get the feeling that he was purposely steering us into the bigger waves. Fortunately there were no swimmers and suffice to say it was an overwhelming success. Every face was beaming we arrived back at base, even if we were wet.

Sailing and Canoeing in North Wales

It took a while for our heart rates to return to resting after the rafting. So it made sense to follow this up with a rather more sedate activity. Our next stop was Lake Bala where we were going to have a go at some more water sports.

Participation is the name of the game. Our sailing instructor showed us the ropes (literally) and in no time at all we were steering the boat. I temporarily got my lefts and rights mixed up (again), but even after a few wobbles the boat remained on course.

Canadian canoeing involved a little more effort, and co-ordination between two people. It was nice to try something an adventure sport that required a little bit of physical exercise than mental exertion.

After a rather action-packed day, it made sense to retire back to Bala for a well-deserved celebratory dinner.

There is something surreal and daring about taking the power of nature into your hands through a particular mental or physical challenge. Adventure activities give you that very opportunity. And the best part is, it's something that is accessible to all people of all backgrounds, irrespective of their abilities.

To say I was exhausted at the end of the day was an understatement. I left North Wales with some fantastic memories and a strong desire to see more. One thing is for sure, North Wales IS a serious contender for the adventure playground title in the UK. I will be back.

Kathy Brownlie

Adventure holidays in North Wales

Adventure North Wales organise activity short breaks, weekends and events in North Wales. Activities and accommodation are selected to offer clients an exciting programme, giving a real taste of outdoor adventure for groups, clubs and families. All events have been personally visited by the staff at Adventure North Wales to ensure suitability and include specialist clothing, equipment and qualified instruction.

Adventure North Wales is offering the following exclusive offer to travelbite.co.uk readers: Activity weekend for £285 with white water rafting + quad biking + sailing + 2 nights B&B + train (London Marylebone to Wrexham) + transfers to hotel and activities.

This offer is available for weekend breaks in 2009 booked before July 31st 2009. Please contact Adventure North Wales (0870 365 4265) to discuss and mention travelbite.co.uk.

Accommodation in North Wales

The White Lion Hotel in Bala is a recently refurbished 3-star hotel. The bedrooms are smart, individually furnished rooms using local materials such as Welsh slate in the bathrooms.

Travel to North Wales

Travel from London to North Wales (Wrexham) with Wrexham and Shropshire Railways takes approximately four hours.