The National White Water Centre

Come and enjoy the country’s best white knuckle ride!

The National White Water Centre, Canolfan Dŵr Gwyn Genedlaethol in Welsh, was the first commercial white water experience provider in the UK when it was established in 1986 and we continue to deliver unrivalled experiences to the public. From beginner-friendly rides down the rapids to safety and rescue courses and first-aider qualifications, we offer the full package.

The centre is set on the Afon Tryweryn, just below the dam that forms the Llyn Celyn Reservoir in Snowdonia National Park. It’s a true beauty spot, where the sloping sides of the valley cradle a rushing river that bubbles, boils and crashes down towards the Bala and the River Dee.

It’s the releases of water from the dam that make white water descents possible on the river throughout the year. We take full advantage of the torrent by Rafting in inflatable vessels and the course is also open to kayakers. In addition, we run Canyoning experiences in nearby gorges which allow you to fully immerse yourself in Welsh waters.

We welcome customers of all kinds. The entry-level experiences are perfect for families or groups of friends - including stag and hen parties. We can host large groups as well, so bear us in mind for corporate events. When it comes to kayaking, most participants are members of clubs who come from all over the country to try out their skills on the challenging Tryweryn waters.

Plan your visit today!

Pitch yourself against the forces of nature!

That’s what we’re all about at the National White Water Centre, where we give you the chance to get stuck into some white water with the extreme sport of Canyoning. If you haven’t heard of it before, it involves finding a route down one of the most challenging features of a landscape - a canyon. You’ll need to swim, scramble, slide and even use zip wires to complete the route.

We’re set in the perfect part of the UK for this activity - the Snowdonia National Park in North Wales. From our base at Fron-goch on the Afon Tryweryn, it’s a short journey to a gorge cut into the steep sloping side of a mountain. We’re able to take both novice and experienced groups to this site, making it perfect for spicing up a holiday in the area, celebrating a special occasion or putting on a team building event.

Our other white water activities are Rafting - available on the dam release torrents of the Tryweryn - and kayaking. We also run training courses for outdoor leaders or advanced watersports practitioners. We’re your one-stop-shop for everything white water!

Let us know when you’ll be in the area!

Some say lightning never strikes the same place twice…

Luckily, at the National White Water Centre, we can deliver a surge of excitement reliably all year round! We are one of the only venues in the UK where you can enjoy white water Rafting of the highest quality all year round. That’s thanks to our position on the Afon Tryweryn, a dam fed river in the magnificent Snowdonia National Park.

There are regular releases of water from the dam and we’re ready to ride the rapids that ensue. We have large inflatable rafts for groups and some special white water “orcas” - two-person inflatables that resemble blow-up canoes. Whichever you choose, you’re guaranteed a ride to remember - get ready for splashes, bumps and plunges!

The white water route between the centre and Bala (where the Trywweryn joins the Dee) is also a paradise for kayakers, and we frequently welcome kayaking clubs to enjoy the waters, as well as hosting training courses for advanced paddlers. Canyoning is another of our passions as we have a natural playground in a nearby gorge for the purpose.

Get ready for a wet and wild adventure!