Student life in Bangor

Outdoor pursuits

Image of a group of students enjoying outdoor pursuits

Outdoor pursuits...

If you are already interested in outdoor pursuits you will be spoilt for choice by the full range of opportunities available on the University's doorstep. Snowdonia is the adventure capital of the UK with a high concentration of opportunities, from exceptional rock climbing to scrambling and hill walking to abundances of water sports including canoeing, kayaking, surfing, sailing and sea kayaking.

Cycling and Mountain biking

Bangor has numerous on-road and off-road cycle routes in the area. Also, the National cycle route has two routes through north west Wales. Route 5 goes east/west, along the coast and across the bridge to Anglesey and Route 8 called Lôn Las Cymru, goes from Holyhead to Cardiff.

Whether you’re searching for a gentle cycle or an epic and challenging ride, Snowdonia is quickly becoming known as an area ideally situated and resourced for the ultimate mountain biking experience. 

Canoeing and Kayaking

Fantastic rivers and the sea make Bangor an ideal location for Canoeing and Kayaking. The North Wales coastline is among the best in the world for sea kayaking. The combination of rocky cliffs and headlands, long sandy beaches and offshore islands provide you with a superb range of paddling options.

It is also possible for you to paddle with the University’s Canoe club. Members have the opportunity to experience exciting weekends away, trips every weekend, weekly pool sessions and unforgettable nights out.

Fell and marathon running

North Wales is a fantastic training and competing area for both fell and marathon runners. Fell running events take place in North West Wales almost every weekend, especially during the summer.

Paragliding

You can learn how to paraglide and experience a bird’s eye view of our panoramic views and stunning scenery at Mynydd Llandygai or the Snowdonia Sky Sports Club.

Rock climbing

Snowdonia has some of the best and most varied rock climbing in the world, the peaks of Snowdonia are world renowned for the challenges they offer.

Sir Edmund Hilary found Snowdonia the perfect place to practice before his famous ascent of Everest, and climbers have been flocking to the area ever since.

Find out more by visiting the University’s Mountaineering club website (BUMS).

Rowing

There has been a Rowing Club attached to the University since around 1900. The boathouse is situated on the shore of the Menai Strait on the mainland side, between Menai Bridge and Bangor Pier. This gives a tidal stretch of approximately 3.5km of water upon which to train. Between the Menai and Britannia Bridges rage the infamous 'swellies', a turbulent stretch of water renowned for its deep swells and dangerous water.

Find out more by visiting the University’s Rowing club website.

Sailing (dinghy and yacht)

The sheltered waters of the Menai Straits provide superb sailing waters for dinghy sailing. You can receive training at Plas Menai or at any of the local sailing clubs, which are situated in most coastal towns in North West Wales.

Yatch and dinghy sailing is more popular than ever in the Bangor area with the opportunity to explore the North Wales and Irish Sea coast. You can receive training at Plas Menai or at any of the local sailing clubs including the Island Sea School in Bangor, the Conwy School of Yachting and the Abersoch Sailing School. The University also has it’s own Sailing club that works in partnership with Port Dinorwic Sailing Club (PDSC). The club is based on the Menai Straits.

Skiing

If you fancy a little skiing there's no need to go all the way to the Alps. North West Wales has two dry sky slopes where you can try out skiing, snow boarding and ski blading. These can be found nearby at the Llandudno Ski and Snowboard Centre and the Plas-y-brenin National Centre for Mountain Activities.

Surfing and Windsurfing

Gwynedd offers some great surfing locations with exciting waves and impressive views. From the well known and popular Porth Oer (Whistling Sands) on the Llyn Peninsula to the windsurfing and kite surfing at Rhosneigr beach on Anglesey. Find out more by visiting the Bangor University Surf Club or the University’s Windsurfing Club.

Other outdoor pursuit opportunities in the area include

  • Archery
  • Athletics
  • Golf
  • Riding
  • Rowing
  • White water rafting