High and lows of Wales

There's more to Snowdonia National Park than just climbing Wales's highest mountain.

And with the destination being in easy reach of Shropshire, a trip to take in the breathtaking scenery and all the activities on offer is an easy thing to do.

Visitors can find themselves standing at the top of a mountain, zip wiring over a slate quarry, undertaking a tree top adventure or on an exploring extraordinary history of the area's deepest and most complex slate and copper mines.

And that's exactly what we did during our stay in Beddgelert — in just three days.

Our trip began in the self-catering Coed Gelert Holiday Cottages in Beddgelert centre —and it proved to be an ideal spot with views of the Glaslyn Valley and surrounding mountains.

From our self-contained and accessible base, which is ideal for families, friends and couples, we visited Sygun Copper Mines, King Arthur's Labyrinth and the Corris Mines in Machynlleth.

Not to forget the fact we faced our fears and took on the exhilarating Zip World Titan — the first of its kind as the only four person zip line in Europe.

This adrenalin-fuelled attraction, described as the "nearest thing to flying", offers a totally unique experience — it's £50 per person and £180 for a group for four.

It opened at Llechwedd Slate Caverns last year and riders have three individual zip lines to complete.

It's well worth having a go. The first zip line gives panoramic views of the whole of Snowdonia. The second has a 500ft drop and is also the quickest line, while the third finishes at the top of the hill, overlooking nearby town Blaenau Ffestiniog.

After this, and in the same location, we headed to the world's first subterranean playground... Bounce Below.

Think giant trampolines, walkways, slides and tunnels all made from netting. Then imagine this suspended in a slate cavern hidden underground. Put simply, it's just simply brilliant fun.

Also for adventurers of all ages, a booked session at Tree Top Adventure near Betws-y-Coed is a must.

We donned our harnesses and hard hats and took to the branches.

Not only did we have to overcome the height but also negotiate over 30 obstacles including balancing beams, zip wires and rope bridges.

Then you can scale the knee quaking height of the Tree Top Tower before a descent on the jaw-dropping Powerfan Plummet (parachute simulator), as well as the Sky Ride, Europe's highest and first 5-seater Giant Swing.

A real hidden gem on the edge of Snowdonia National Park is the Corris Mine.

Explorers can take on a two-hour, one hour taster or half a day expedition into the the old Braich Goch slate mine in Machynlleth.

It was first worked in 1836 and abandoned by the miners around 40 years ago.

More than 130 years of history can be navigated inside — and our guide Mark knew the mines inside out.

All of the Corris Mine explorations start from the Corris Craft Centre where we met Mark and was kitted up with special safety equipment.

Inside, machinery, tools, even the candles and discarded cigarette packets are still in place as the miners left them.

From 1836 onwards tunnels were driven through the hillside to reach the seam of slate deeper in the mountain.

Over the years, seven different levels of the mine had been excavated and Mark will lead explorers to hidden corners, caverns and passages.

During the Corris Mine Explorers visit you explore levels 4, 5 and 6. Part of the lowest level of the mine, level 6, is used by King Arthur's Labyrinth.

The Labyrinth saw us swept underground by a mysterious hooded boatman and through a magical waterfall to the life and times of King Arthur.

Just up the road from our self-catering accommodation lies Sygun Copper Mines and we enjoyed a self-guided tour exploring the old workings of a Victorian Copper Mine.

It's colourful chambers show off magnificent Stalactite and Stalagmite formations and above ground sits the chance to pan for gold or take a lakeside walk.

It's safe to say there's a lot to do in Snowdonia — for all ages and without travelling too far.

After jam-packed days out there was nothing better than heading back to Beddgelert to sit by the river looking at the surrounding mountains with a meal and drinks.

Travel facts

Coed Gelert Holiday Cottages, Beddgelert. Five high-quality, modern cottages, fully equipped, bed linen and towels included.

Ideal for active or relaxing breaks with friends or family. Each sleeping up to 4 to 6 adults. For prices visit www.snowdonia-cottages.net

Sygun Copper Mines www.syguncoppermine.co.uk

Tree Top Adventure www.ttadventure.co.uk

ZipWorld Velocity www.zipworld.co.uk

Bounce Below www.bouncebelow.net

King Arthur's Labyrinth www.kingarthurslabyrinth.co.uk