Penmachno is in the Snowdonia National Park and the mountains are a short car journey from the village. There are breathtaking walks, scrambles and climbs to be enjoyed throughout the year with a drying room, log burner and hot bath to welcome you back to the cottage. Alternatively, if you don't want to get in the car, there are a mass of footpaths and bridleways in the Machno valley providing excellent walking.

The valley is home to the Penmachno Trail, a challenging mountain biking trail within the Gwydyr Forest. The trail uses plenty of forest roads and single tracks. There is also some serious Kayaking near by, including 2 km of grade 5 white water through the Fairy Glen. A recently opened high ropes centre, Tree Tops Adventure, great for adrenalin junkies, is a short drive away.

The riding centre at Gwydyr Stables (formerly Ty Coch) offers horse riding, pony trekking or extended day trail rides. The stables are found at the head of the valley about 3km from the village on the Ty Coch farm.

North Wales has a strong historical past with Welsh and English castles, gold, copper and slate mines, standing stones, Roman ruins and ancient churches and towns to explore. Go-below is a very unusual underground mine tour at the head of the valley that is worth considering.

Llandudno and Conwy on the north coast; Porthmadog and the Llyn Peninsula on the west coast provide an excellent alternative day out.

We recommend the following web sites for more information:

Canoe & Kayak

More Dirt

Mountain Biking Wales

Go Below

Tree Top Adventure

National Trust - Snowdonia

North Wales Tourism