Bethania Adventure

Bethania Adventure, water sports and adventure activities on Lake Vyrnwy

Bethania Adventure is an outdoor activity centre located on Lake Vyrnwy in mid Wales. It presents itself as a small family-run business operating from the lake's boathouse and, in addition to boat hire, it organises activities such as archery, team-building exercises and events for companies, private groups, schools and clubs. The company also offers bunkhouse accommodation for groups all year round.

Boat hire and lake access rules

Lake Vyrnwy is a drinking water reservoir for Liverpool, privately owned by Hafren Dyfrdwy, which allows public access to the water under strict rules. Bethania Adventure manages that access: all boats, whether hired or privately owned, must be registered and launched only from the boathouse. Buoyancy aids are mandatory for everyone going out on the lake, swimming is not permitted at any time, and access to the water is not allowed when the boathouse is closed. The upper third of the lake is a nature reserve managed by the RSPB, so there is a cut-off point two thirds of the way down the lake for all users.

The company hires out boats and also allows the launch of privately owned boats during boathouse opening hours, with a launch fee of £5 per boat. Buoyancy aids are also available for hire. Engines and outboard motors are not permitted, as this is a drinking water reservoir and a nature reserve that must be kept as clean as possible.

Activities, events and accommodation

In addition to boat hire, Bethania Adventure organises archery sessions, challenges and team-building events. The company states that it can facilitate team activities, archery and school activities outside seasonal hours. It also has a bunkhouse open all year round, which is available to hire for groups wanting to stay near the lake, with competitive accommodation for large groups.

How it works and bookings

The boat hire service operates on a first-come, first-served basis, with no advance booking. Bookings are only accepted for large groups (10 or more people) and for archery or non-water-based activities. The company notes that there is usually little if any wait.

Dog policy and surroundings

Dogs are welcome on the boats, although visitors are warned that there are dogs roaming freely on the site. The company asks that they are not fed and that if any dog is bothering you, you let staff know so they can remove it. The site describes itself as animal-friendly.

History and family management

Dave Proctor has managed the Lake Vyrnwy boathouse since the 1980s. According to the company's information, he was the one who campaigned for years with the lake's owners to allow the use of privately owned boats on the lake. His son Gareth is in the process of taking over the business to keep it in the family and the community.

Charity initiative

The company holds a charity day in memory of Fox, the family's son, which in the previous edition raised £3,088.78 for Alderhey Children's Hospital. This year's event was held on 15 August and the company indicated that it was still gathering the final figures to announce the total.

Season status and notices

At the time of recording, the company stated that it was winding down for the season and was only open Friday to Sunday, from 10:00 until the last hire just before 16:00. How long it stayed open depended partly on the weather and on the imminent arrival of a new family member, which could force it to close earlier that year. The company also reported the theft of two hybrid kayaks from the boathouse the previous winter and asked for help in locating them. It also indicated that the road around the lake was fully open, but reminded visitors that boats can only be launched from the boathouse, as the upper end is a protected nature reserve. The company offered physical gift vouchers all year round and expressed its intention to organise more lessons, especially paddleboarding, the following year.

Location and contact

Phone: 07805513777 · Email: bethaniaadventure@gmail.com