Llangollen: River Dee Whitewater Rafting with Guide & Gear

Summary

River dee rapids laughter wetsuits & a local’s wild stories

You’ll suit up at the Bearded Men Adventures Hub before heading out for whitewater rafting on Llangollen’s River Dee with a local guide. Expect laughter, cold splashes, raft games, and real stories from someone who knows these waters inside out. If you want an honest thrill (and don’t mind getting soaked), this is it.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I hesitated when they handed me the wetsuit at the Bearded Men Adventures Hub in Llangollen. It smelled faintly of river water and neoprene, which somehow made it feel more real—like this wasn’t just a tourist thing. Our guide, Tom (big beard, even bigger grin), cracked a joke about “first-timers’ faces” as we wriggled into our gear. The bus ride up to Horseshoe Falls was all nervous energy and people comparing how ridiculous they looked in helmets. I tried not to think about how cold the River Dee might be in April.

Standing at the top of the falls, you could hear the water before you saw it—sort of a low roar under the birdsong. Tom gave us a safety talk that was half instruction, half stand-up routine (“If you fall out, don’t panic—unless you see me panic”). I liked that he didn’t sugarcoat anything but still made it feel like an adventure instead of a school trip. When we finally pushed off into the current, my paddle felt awkward in my hands, but after a few minutes and some shouted encouragement from Tom (“Left! No, your other left!”), it started to make sense.

The first set of rapids hit harder than I expected—cold spray right in my face, everyone yelling and laughing at once. There was this moment where we spun sideways and for half a second I thought we’d flip (Tom whooped like he’d been hoping for it). My heart was pounding but weirdly I couldn’t stop grinning. At one point he had us play some silly raft game where you try to stand up while bouncing through waves—I lost immediately and ended up with river water up my nose. Worth it for the group’s laughter alone.

By the time we drifted back towards town, my arms were tired and my hair plastered down by spray, but I felt lighter somehow. There’s something about sharing that kind of wildness with strangers—and hearing Tom’s stories about growing up around Llangollen—that sticks with you longer than any souvenir. I still think about that first icy splash sometimes when I’m stuck behind a desk.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Whitewater rafting adventure on River Dee

• Meet at Bearded Men Adventures Hub
• Receive wetsuit, buoyancy aid, helmet
• Change into wetsuit in changing rooms
• Travel by bus to Horseshoe Falls
• Attend safety briefing and paddle instructions
• Raft down the rapids with guide
• Enjoy raft games and challenges

Top questions

Where does the River Dee whitewater rafting tour start?

The tour starts at the Bearded Men Adventures Hub in Llangollen.

Is all equipment provided for whitewater rafting?

Yes, all necessary equipment including wetsuit, buoyancy aid, and helmet is provided.

How do we get to the starting point on River Dee?

You’ll be transported by bus from the hub to Horseshoe Falls where rafting begins.

Do guides stay with us during rafting?

Yes, your guide will be in your raft for the whole trip down River Dee.

Is this whitewater rafting suitable for beginners?

Yes, it’s suitable for all fitness levels except those with certain health conditions as noted.

Are there changing rooms available?

Yes, changing rooms are available at the Bearded Men Adventures Hub before you start.

What’s included

Your day includes all equipment—wetsuit, helmet, buoyancy aid—and full instruction from experienced guides who stay with your group throughout. You’ll meet at the Bearded Men Adventures Hub in Llangollen for gear-up and transport to Horseshoe Falls before tackling the River Dee rapids together.