Outdoor activities Antur Stiniog

This not-for-profit enterprise is based just outside of Blaenau Ffestiniog in Gwynedd; that is where the “Stiniog” in the name comes from. Antur is the Welsh word for adventure, so their name translates rather literally to “Adventure Ffestiniog”. And an adventure is exactly what you will get! Famous for mountain biking they offer other adventures too...

A large majority of serious mountain bike riders will have heard of Antur Stiniog already, but plenty may not have done, so allow us to explain! We have given you a hint already in that first sentence – Antur Stiniog is a downhill mountain biking company.

Antur Stiniog was founded in 2007 with a mission statement: to develop the Ffestiniog area’s outdoor sector in an innovative and, more importantly, sustainable way. Blaenau Ffestiniog is located in a small section of developable land within the Snowdonia National Park, meaning that the conservation of the natural environment is particularly important here.

The main trail centre finally opened in 2012, and has been proving incredibly popular ever since, attracting riders from all around the world, never mind the country. It is one of only a few operators in Wales with an uplift service, which means you can spend more of your day flying downhill and less of it trudging uphill.

The trails offered are fantastic, easily some of the best in Wales, and so it is no surprise that Antur Stiniog is rocketing upwards in popularity among the downhill scene. And it is even okay for complete newbies to mountain biking – they offer coaching and guidance to riders of all levels, covering everything from how to set up your bike and the fundamental skills necessary to ride well, to how to choose the best possible line and how to take corners like a pro. You will even get video feedback of your performance, as well as a professional analysis, so you know what still needs a bit of work.

Even if you don’t have your own bike, you can still enjoy the trails. Antur Stiniog offer a bike hire service for either a half-day or the full day, allowing you to take as much time as you like on the courses. They also offer electric road bikes to hire for up to a week, which means you can enjoy the surrounding countryside at your own pace. It makes for a lovely holiday!
There are five major trails here, ranging in difficulty from blue (novice) to black (severe), meaning all ability levels are catered for. In fact, one of them – Y Du (“the black”) – is rated double-black, so it is sure to provide a serious challenge, no matter how confident you may be. Expect high speeds and big jumps. If you book the uplift service in advance you can squeeze in anywhere up to 20 separate runs in a single day!

And once you’ve worn yourself out, you can relax and refuel in the on-site café. It really is the ideal place for any keen mountain biker, so if you feel like a challenge and a thrill, click here to find out where to stay in the area. Oh, and don’t forget to bring a helmet!