Ogwen Cottage Outdoor Centre

Outdoor residentials in the heart of Eryri (Snowdonia)

Our Ogwen Cottage Centre sits in the dramatic foothills of Glyderau and Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), where rugged peaks rise straight from the valley floor.

You don’t have to go far to feel a world away. Step outside Ogwen Cottage and you’re surrounded by lakes, woodlands and mountains. It’s a place full of new sights, new sounds, and new experiences – all waiting just beyond the doorstep.

Here, you’re minutes from wild swimming spots, climbing routes, and trails that lead straight to the summits. Every day brings something new. Each challenge builds confidence, teamwork and self-awareness – with the mountains as your classroom.

The landscape

Ogwen is shaped by water and rock. The centre is right beside Llyn Ogwen, with views up into the Carneddau and Glyderau ranges.

Group of young people with backpacks walking along a lush, green hillside near large rocky cliffs in a misty, expansive landscape.

A misty mountain landscape with a small lake surrounded by grassy slopes and rocky outcrops under a cloudy sky.

A person pointing at ancient petroglyphs carved into a large rock, with other individuals standing nearby on a gravel surface outdoors.

What you'll do

Ogwen gives you a real taste of adventure. Expect hikes, scrambles, climbs - and a whole lot more.

Get to grips with real rock. At Ogwen Cottage, you’ll learn to climb using ropes, harnesses and trust. It’s about problem-solving, balance and backing yourself, one move at a time.

Climb, crawl and splash your way through mountain streams and rocky gullies. It’s challenging, refreshing and seriously good fun.

A young person smiling and wearing a yellow helmet, climbing through a narrow rocky crevice with flowing water during a gorge scramble activity.

Pack your kit, plan your route and head into the hills. You’ll camp out under canvas, cook your own meals, and learn how to navigate by map and compass – all with your team beside you.

Four young people stand near tents by a lake during sunset, laughing and holding snacks with mountains and cloudy sky in the background.

Where you’ll stay

Ogwen Cottages sleeps up to 36 young people and four staff in simple, comfy rooms.

You’ll stay in shared dorm rooms with up to seven other young people. Each room has sturdy bunk beds and enough space to settle in. It’s simple, practical and designed for rest. All your bedding is provided, so there’s one less thing to pack. Group leaders sleep nearby, and our instructors are always on hand if you need anything.

Three teenage girls in sportswear smiling and chatting in a brightly lit room with a bunk bed, large window, and red curtains.

You’ll eat well here! Our team prepares hot, home-style meals to keep you going in all weathers – from a hearty breakfast to fuel your day, to a well-earned evening meal with plenty to choose from. Lunches are packed and ready to grab before you head out. We cater for all sorts of diets and allergies – just let us know what you need and we’ll make sure you’re looked after.

Group of children eating snacks and chatting at a table in a bright indoor setting.

When the day’s done, there’s plenty of space to slow down in our shared social spaces. You can play a game, chat with friends, watch a film, or just sit back, take in the incredible views and reflect on what you’ve done that day.

a group of young people relaxing on a rock

Step inside

Take a virtual walk around the centre with Rich and Boo.

Village with houses beside a river, surrounded by green hills and mountains under a partly cloudy sky.

What adventure looks like here

Ogwen Cottage adventures in action - from rope to ridge to riverside.

Group of children and an adult playing and splashing in a river with rocks and lush greenery in the background.

Two climbers wearing helmets and outdoor gear help each other ascend over large rocks in a mountainous landscape with misty clouds and steep slopes in the background.

Four girls sit on rocks by a lake, holding orange cups and enjoying the view, with a backdrop of trees and calm water.

Group of people in helmets and waterproof clothing sitting on a large rock in a river within a dense forest. Some are smiling and giving thumbs up.

Two young men with dark hair, one in a blue hoodie, examine a map with a compass on rocky terrain, smiling and concentrating on their navigation.

Three boys resting against a fence in a wooded area, wearing waterproof jackets and pants, with backpacks beside them; one is sleeping, others appear tired.

Young person with a grey helmet and green sunglasses, climbing a rock face with a rope around their shoulder on a sunny day.

A young man stands with arms outstretched and eyes closed near a misty waterfall on a rocky terrain, wearing a brown jacket and backpack.

Getting to Ogwen

Ogwen might feel a world away, but getting here is easier than you’d think - most groups arrive by coach or minibus. We’ll share full travel details once your booking is confirmed, but if you’ve got any questions about the journey, just ask.

Directions to Ogwen Cottage

From the North

Exit the M6 south at junction 20a and join the M56 following signs for North Wales. The road becomes the A494, then keep straight to join the A55. Follow the A55 to junction 11, turning onto the A5 and then following signs for Bethesda. Drive through Bethesda and continue along the A5, now following signs to Betws y Coed. Ogwen Cottage is around 5 miles beyond Bethesda and is clearly sign-posted on the right hand side of the A5.

From the South

Exit the M6 north at junction 10a to join the M54. Follow the M54 until it becomes the A5, following signs for North Wales and then Bangor. Follow the A5 through Betws y Coed and then Capel Curig. Ogwen Cottage is on the left hand side of the A5 at the end of Llyn Ogwen.

Which train stations are nearest to Ogwen Cottage?

Bangor 11.6 miles or Betws-y-Coed 10.7 miles from centre.

Which airports are nearest to Ogwen Cottage?

Manchester Airport - 97 miles from centre.

Trying to decide which Outward Bound Centre to go to?

It's a tough choice, we know! From coastal adventures in Wales, mountain peaks in the Lake District, and lochs and Munros in the Scottish Highlands, each of our centres offers something a bit different - choose the landscape that speaks to you.

Where Outward Bound began, on the edge of Eryri (Snowdonia), Wales.