The National White Water Centre is the main Welsh white water training centre and the home of white water rafting and kayaking in the UK. Based on the River Tryweryn in Snowdonia National Park, the water levels are dam-controlled so the rapids rage year-round and the river conditions are consistently reliable.
You can rest assured that the staff are well-versed in running safe and enjoyable rafting trips; they’ve been doing so on the Tryweryn since 1985, and the facilities are high quality and comfortable. You can prepare for your day in warm, separate male and female changing rooms with lockers and hot showers are available if you want to warm up after the event.
For any members of your party who don’t fancy the rafting, the beautiful setting of the centre means that there is still plenty to enjoy. The riverside walk provides gorgeous views of the river and beyond, or there is the chance to relax in the café or on one of the many picnic benches with a cup of tea or a spot of lunch.
Your rafting ticket includes safety-approved helmets and buoyancy aids, and you are free to either bring your own wetsuit and footwear, or hire these from the onsite store.
Image source: CC-by-SA 2.0 by Stephen Dawson
Image source: CC-by-SA 2.0 by martin_vmorris
Location
These Grade 3-4 rapids can be found on the Tryweryn River in Frongoch, Bala. Once you enter Bala, turn right on the A4212, drive for 3 miles and the centre is signposted. Where the rafting begins there is plently of parking.
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Somewhere you've never been? What is Nearby?
Bala
The picturesque market town of Bala is situated on the banks of the tranquil Bala Lake. It’s always popular with visitors and definitely worth visiting. “Bala” is a Welsh word that refers a route between 2 areas of wet ground, in this case the river Dee from Llyn Tegid and the Afon (river)Tryweryn. The town is very traditional, and ranks 11th in terms of the highest percentage of Welsh speakers; almost 80% of the community speak the Brittonic language fluently.
Betws-y-Coed
The most popular inland resort in North Wales, partly due to its convenience as a location but mostly thanks to its beauty and splendour. A lot of the village dates back to the Victorians, and their influence still abounds in the buildings. Surrounded by the dense forestry and imposing mountains of the region, Betws-y-Coed feels pleasantly out of the way.
Snowdonia
Snowdonia – known in its native Welsh as Eryri, which is often translated to “place of the eagles” – is a beautiful part of the United Kingdom. Covering 823 square miles of idyllic Welsh countryside, mountains, rivers, lakes, forests and beaches, Snowdonia is paradise for any hiker, climber, fisher, swimmer, sailor, surfer, sunbather, potholer, zip-liner… the list goes on.
Holiday Cottages in Bala
Bala is a pretty market town on the shores of Llyn Tegid (Lake Bala). It's also famous for white water sports, fishing and the Bala Lake Railway. Find a cottage in or near to Bala that's just right for you.
Cottages in Snowdonia
Choose a cottage in the Snowdonia area for qucik access into the Snowdonia National Park. From remote cottages overlooked by soaring mountains to cottages in small villages you can find the right level of "countryside" for you.
Rural Cottages
Escape to the countryside and access nature straight from your front door. These cottages are away from towns and villages but often a short car journey from ammenities.