Adventure Preparation

Snowdonia Betws-y-Coed Adventure Retreat

We hope this message finds you and your loved ones doing well, Alhamdulillah! We're thrilled to have you on board for our upcoming adventure, and we can't wait to get started!

To help you prepare and get excited for the trip, we've put together some information on the following topics:

  1. Clothing, Equipment and Shoes

  2. Food and Groceries

  3. Itinerary and Activities

  4. Adventure Mindset and Guidelines

  5. Miscellaneous

We want to make sure that you have everything you need to have a fantastic time, so if you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to ask! We're all in this together, and we want to make sure that everyone has an incredible experience.

To stay updated on the latest news and to join in on the discussions, we kindly request you to join the Snowdonia Betws-y-Coed Adventure Retreat Telegram Group. Simply click on the link below and make sure you have Telegram installed.

Telegram Group: https://t.me/+ym6xNxq_ZL1kNjk0

We can't wait to see you there! 😊

1. Clothing, Equipment and Shoes

Please read the MFA Adventure Essentials document at: bit.ly/mfa-adventure-essentials

In summary, the following items are essential for the adventure:
1. waterproofs - top and bottom (inexpensive pack-away ones)
2. warm clothes - thermals (base layer), fleece, beanie hat, gloves
3. rucksack and waterproof rucksack cover
4. walking boots (preferably waterproof) and warm socks

Other than these please bring towel and toiletries. All bedding and linen are provided.

2. Food and Groceries

Communal Food Arrangement

At the heart of the adventure-retreat is communal self-catering, where everyone comes together to prepare and enjoy meals as one big family. MFA will provide fresh, organic, and local ingredients wherever possible, and the group will prepare breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This shared experience is about more than food—it’s about bonding, sharing skills, and creating unforgettable memories.

Breakfast

We will prepare nourishing breakfasts on Days 2, 3, 4 and 5, including eggs, cheese, beans, tuna, bread, cereals, spreads, fruits, and hot drinks.

Lunch

Each family will prepare their own packed lunches using the provided groceries or their own supplies.

Dinner

We will work in teams to prepare themed dinners on Days 2, 3 and 4:

  • Day 2: Asian-inspired lamb dishes

  • Day 3: Arab-inspired chicken dishes

  • Day 4: Italian-inspired beef dishes

Families will handle their own dinner on Day 1.

Refreshments

Tea, coffee, and hot chocolate will be available throughout your stay.

Kitchen Facilities

The fully fitted industrial kitchen is equipped with all the essentials you need to prepare delicious meals, including a wide range of pots, pans, utensils, cutlery, and crockery. It offers plenty of space for us to cook comfortably. Additionally, you'll find ample refrigerator and freezer facilities to store our ingredients and keep our food fresh throughout our stay.

How to Take Part in Food Arrangements

You can sign up food arrangements at the following link. The cost is £24.50 per person (adults and children over 5 years) and it covers food and groceries for all 5 days. For a family of 4, for example, the total would be £98.

Sign up here: https://buy.stripe.com/aEU4gr1Xd8h49Qk00A

Supermarkets and Halal Takeaways

If you need additional supplies, Betws-y-Coed and Llanrwst (SPAR, Londis and Co-op) are just a 5-8-minute drive away or Conwy (Tesco, Asda and Morrisons) is a 25-minute drive away, and offers various supermarkets, including:

  • SPAR, Holyhead Rd, Betws-y-Coed LL24 0AY

  • Londis, Holyhead Rd, Betws-y-Coed LL24 0AB

  • Co-op Food, Plough St, Llanrwst LL26 0AG

  • Tesco, 6 G Rd, Llandudno Junction LL31 9XY

  • Asda, Conway Rd, Llandudno Junction LL31 1AR

  • Morrisons, Sea View Rd, Colwyn Bay LL29 8DG

For halal takeaways, you can try:

Snacks

Don’t forget to pack some snacks for the outdoors! Options like nuts, fruits, cereal bars, protein bars, and chocolate are perfect for keeping our energy up during our adventures. Make sure to bring enough to share if you’d like to enjoy a little treat with the group!

3. Activities

A summary of the program is provided below, but the full detailed itinerary will be shared shortly. Please stay tuned for the latest updates!

Day 1 Summary

Day 1 marks the beginning of the retreat with participants arriving from 4 pm onwards, settling into the serene surroundings. The evening begins with Maghrib and Isha prayers, followed by a hearty communal dinner. A warm welcome and introduction set the tone, with a focus on intentions and building connections. To close the night, participants embark on a tranquil night walk under the stars, soaking in nature’s beauty and reflecting on the journey ahead before resting for the night.

Day 2 Summary

Day 2 begins with Fajr prayer and a Quran Circle to center hearts and minds. After a wholesome breakfast and briefing, participants head to the breathtaking Cwm Idwal for an inspiring hike amidst Snowdonia’s natural beauty. Following Dhuhr and Asr prayers and lunch, the group explores the stunning Conwy Falls Waterfall. The day continues with Maghrib and Isha prayers, a reflective reminder, and a communal dinner. The evening is filled with creativity through the Art of Giving project, followed by reflections, journaling, and an engaging group discussion before rest.

Day 3 Summary

Day 3 begins with Fajr prayer and a serene Quran Circle, setting the tone for a purposeful day. After breakfast and a briefing, participants embark on the exhilarating ascent of Mount Snowdon, experiencing the awe-inspiring views and challenges of Snowdonia’s most iconic peak. Following Dhuhr and Asr prayers and lunch, the evening features Maghrib and Isha prayers, a reflective reminder, and a communal dinner. Creativity and reflection continue with the Art of Giving project and a therapeutic parenting workshop, fostering deeper connections and understanding. The day concludes with discussions and rest.

Day 4 Summary

Day 4 begins with Fajr prayer and the Quran Circle, followed by breakfast and a briefing. Participants head to Coed-y-Brenin Forest Park, exploring its mountain biking trails, walking paths, and stunning waterfalls. After Dhuhr and Asr prayers and lunch, the evening is dedicated to reflection, starting with Maghrib and Isha prayers, a meaningful reminder, and a communal dinner. The Art of Giving project continues, alongside a homeschooling workshop. The day concludes with a cozy campfire and storytelling, leaving lasting memories before sleep.

Day 5 Summary

The final day begins with Fajr prayer and the Quran Circle, followed by breakfast and communal cleaning to prepare for checkout. After heartfelt farewells, participants explore the charming village of Betws-y-Coed, immersing themselves in its serene beauty. The adventure concludes with a visit to Lake Bala, offering a thrilling end through watersports and reflection amidst nature’s grandeur, leaving participants with cherished memories of connection, exploration, and growth.

Please familiarise yourself with Mount Snowdon, Coed y Brenin Forest Park and Cwm-Idwal.

4. Adventure Mindset and Guidelines

Welcome to the adventure of a lifetime! We are all in this together, so please relax and enjoy the journey. An adventure is an exciting and uplifting experience that takes us out of our comfort zones and helps us discover new things about ourselves. It's a journey of self-discovery that we'll take together as a team.

Although there may be difficulties, discomfort, and obstacles along the way, we will face them head on and overcome them together. By doing so, we'll develop confidence, resilience, and positive attitudes that will stay with us long after the adventure is over.

So let's have an adventure mindset and embrace every challenge with joy and celebration! We are here to help and support each other, just like a big family. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask. And please take a moment to read through the Adventure Guidelines attached below, so we can all stay safe and have a great time.

Read Adventure Guidelines: bit.ly/mfa-adventure-guidelines

5. Miscellaneous

a. Arrival and Departure

The address:

FSC Rhyd-y-Creuau
The Drapers Field Centre
Betws-y-Coed
LL24 0HB

There are free car parking spaces available at the centre. 

Check-in from 4pm on Thursday 17 April 2025
Check-out by 10am on Monday 21 April 2025 (after checkout we will spend time in Snowdonia until 4pm)

b. Address for Deliveries

The centre can accept deliveries on your behalf (from Amazon etc.) and keep it for you at the reception, anytime from now onwards. Please use the following address.

Your Name
Muslim Family Adventures
FSC Rhyd-y-Creuau
The Drapers Field Centre
Betws-y-Coed
LL24 0HB

c. What to Bring

  1. Clothing

  2. Toiletries and Towel

  3. Food, Snacks and Groceries

  4. Torch (preferably head torch)

  5. Sports Equipment (eg. football, rounders) and Games (eg. card/board games)

d. What is Provided

  1. Bedding and Linen

  2. Cooking Equipment, Utensils and Crockery

  3. Specialist Clothing and Equipment for Instructor-Led Activities

e. Maps

OS Map - Snowdonia Miners Track

OS Map - Snowdonia Llanberis Path

OS Map - Snowdonia Betws-y-Coed

OS Map - Snowdonia Coed-y-Brenin Forest Park

OS Map - Snowdonia Cwm Idwal