BIG Spring Camp 2024

Cycling BIG
BIG Spring Camp 2024
May 24
2024

435 people attending

15 places left

Your price
Β£114.00
Event difficulty background shape EventDifficulty
Easy Moderate Very Hard
BSC is as easy or hard as you make it - plenty for everyone!

Join OutdoorLads for our biggest annual event a true celebration of everything we do best! Expect to make new friends as you take part in some amazing activities around Snowdonia, and plenty of fun and games on site!

We can't wait to welcome you back to Eryri (Snowdonia), where we have full use of a rugby club as our base with all the dramatic scenery and adrenaline experiences of Eryri National Park right on our doorstep! Come and celebrate OutdoorLads and the outdoors in a three day break of activities, adventures and our legendary themed party night if that's your bag; or use the opportunity for more of a chilled weekend soaking up the scenery and relaxing in your camp chair, it really is up to you.

As the event is getting nearer, we've started to update this event page below with the finer details around activities, catering, camper vans (etc), and tents to rent. Time to make sure you have secured your spot and start to get excited about a fantastically memorable weekend for later this Spring!

 

Events

Events are what BIG Spring Camp is all about, and with the wonders of Eryri (Snowdonia) all around us, there is plenty to do to keep us all entertained! 

Paid Activities

These are the activities provided by professionals and at some of Eryri's top attractions!

🟒 Good availability | 🟑 Limited availability | πŸ”΄ Waitlist [updated 10:45 23/05]

A-I: Meeting Points

Saturday activities
🟒B 08:50 Coasteering (Full Day) (NEW!)
🟒E 08:50 Gorge Scrambling (AM) (more spaces!)
🟒F 08:50 Challenge the Gorge: Hike, Scramble, Explore in Geirionydd (AM) (New to BSC!)
πŸ”΄G 09:15 Bounce Below (AM)
πŸ”΄C 09:40 Go Below Extreme (Full Day)
🟒F 12:30 Challenge the Gorge: Hike, Scramble, Explore in Geirionydd (PM) (New to BSC!)
🟒B 13:05 Gorge Scrambling (PM) (more spaces!)
πŸ”΄D 13:30 White Water Rafting (PM)
🟑A 13:35 Skyride & Fforest Coaster (PM)

Sunday Activities
πŸ”΄I 08:50 Coasteering (Full Day)
🟒E 08:50 Gorge Scrambling (AM) (more spaces!)
🟒G 08:50 Challenge the Gorge: Hike, Scramble, Explore in Geirionydd (AM) (New to BSC!)
🟒A 12:20 Beginner Climbing (PM)
🟒E 12:30 Challenge the Gorge: Hike, Scramble, Explore in Geirionydd (PM) (New to BSC!)
🟒C 12:35 Abseiling (PM)
🟑A 13:05 Gorge Scrambling (PM)
🟑B 13:45 Bounce Below (PM)

 

Free Activities

These are the activities offered by our wonderful volunteer Leaders who are keen to give you an awesome BIG Spring Camp experience! Feel free to buy them a drink at the bar if you enjoy your day out! ;)

On offer over the weekend are lowland walks πŸ₯Ύ, road cycling πŸš΄β€β™‚οΈ, mountain biking πŸš΅πŸ½β€β™‚οΈ, mountain walks ⛰️, easier walks πŸšΆβ€βž‘οΈ, parkrun πŸƒβ€β™‚οΈ and even a distillery visit πŸ₯ƒ

🟒 Good availability | 🟑 Limited availability | πŸ”΄ Waitlist [updated 10:50 23/05]

A-I: Meeting points

Saturday Activities
🟒A 08:00 parkrun πŸƒπŸ»β€β™‚οΈ
🟑D 08:30 Snowdon ⛰️
πŸ”΄C 08:45 Moel Siabod ⛰️
πŸ”΄A 09:00 Elidir Fawr ⛰️
πŸ”΄C 09:15 Industry, Mythology & Ice Cream πŸ₯Ύ
🟒F 10:00 Llyn Crafnant walk πŸ₯Ύ
🟑A 10:30 Coastal Ride πŸš΄πŸ½β€β™‚οΈ
πŸ”΄B 10:30 Conwy Mountain πŸ₯Ύ
πŸ”΄D 10:30 Betws-y-Coed to Llyn Elsi πŸ₯Ύ
πŸ”΄C 12:00 Betws-y-Coed πŸšΆπŸΏβ€βž‘οΈ
🟑D 12:30 Conwy Castle πŸšΆπŸΌβ€βž‘οΈ

Sunday Activities
πŸ”΄B 08:30 Dinorwig & Elidir Fawr ⛰️
πŸ”΄D 08:30 Snowdon ⛰️
🟑D 09:30 Distillery Visit πŸ₯ƒ
πŸ”΄A 10:00 Moel Eilio πŸ₯Ύ
πŸ”΄B 10:30 Afon Ddu & Llyn Cowlyd πŸ₯Ύ
πŸ”΄F 10:30 Aber Falls πŸ₯Ύ
πŸ”΄H 10:30 Llyn Geirionedd πŸ₯Ύ
πŸ”΄D 11:00 Llandudno & Great Orme πŸšΆπŸ»β€βž‘οΈ
🟒C 11:00 Slate Museum πŸšΆπŸ½β€βž‘οΈ

 

On-site Activities

During the day we'll have some casual activities on site that you can dip in and out of.  Again, details will be provided nearer the time, but think along the lines of inflatable obstacle run, slip 'n' slide, along with some nice Summer (/Spring) music.

 

The Clubhouse and Marquee

During the day/early evening the clubhouse is a great place to chill-out, eat, have a coffee and watch some OutdoorLads make idiots of themselves on the inflatables outside. Then later it becomes a lively space with entertainment, and a well-stocked bar open into the early hours.

Our OutdoorLads bar will be full stocked with a range of real ales, lager, cider, wines, a whole smorgasbord of spirits and soft drinks to delight and tantalise. There will be two spaces - the clubhouse with a DJ and entertainment, and the marquee will be a more chilled out space in "The Outdoor Inn" - our very own OutdoorLads pub, where you can chat, socialise, and play board games without the disco dancing. 

Just the one theme night this year, so let's make it spectacular! ✨

Saturday night - OutdoorLads Goes Global! πŸ—ΊβœˆοΈπŸš’
Come as a landmark, country, city, cabin crew (etc.), and let's travel the world together in style in one night!

Food

You can cook for yourself camp-style, or purchase breakfasts, packed lunches, and evening meals from the clubhouse.  You'll even be able to grab yourself a packed lunch to take out with you! We'll be keeping the menu simple and focussing on quality ingredients, delivered to you with short waiting times.

Saturday Packed Lunch >
Sunday Packed Lunch >

 

Tents and Campervans

BIG Spring Camp is primarily a camping event, by which we mean in tents. If you don't have a tent, we will have some available for you to hire at a cost of Β£15.
Borrow a tent >

For those of you with caravans, campervans, and motorhomes - we have a very limited number of pitches (max 20) available, and these will also be made available online soon, at an additional cost. Demand for these spaces does always exceed supply, so we can't guarantee you'll get a space, and we are unfortunately unable to make more spaces available due to the limitations of the venue.
Book a campervan spot >

 

Community!

New Members

If you're new (or relatively new) to OutdoorLads and worried about not knowing anybody when you get to BIG Spring Camp, then worry not! This is a super friendly event, and through taking part in activities, volunteering, or joining in the fun on-site, it's so easy to get to know others at the event. You can join one of our smaller new member camps, led by some of our amazing, approachable volunteers, who'll help introduce you to others on the first evening. You'll camp together with other new members, and have use of an event shelter for socialising near your tent. Sign up >

Chat Group

Join our chat group on Telegram to catch up with others attending BIG Spring Camp, arrange lift shares, share photos etc.

OutdoorLads.events/BSC24chat

Volunteering

OutdoorLads is built upon people volunteering, and BIG Spring Camp is no exception! This event's success is dependent on volunteers stepping forward to help it run.  We have our BIG Events Team, who's primary purpose of being at the event is to help out. But, we also need additional volunteers to help out with with registration, car parking, bar work, and food service (not food preparation). Volunteering is a great way to get to know others at the event, as you'll talk to so many people throughout your shift. Sign up to volunteer! >

Emails to attendees

19 April 2024 >
26 April 2024 >
9 May 2024 >
17 May 2024 >
23 May 2024 >

In and Around Llanrwst

You don't have to stay in a BIG Spring Camp bubble the whole weekend! A kind group of people in the area have put together a list of businesses that will welcome OutdoorLads with open arms. Check it out here!

What's more, Trefriw Film Club will be screening Pride on the Saturday evening, and OutdoorLads Members are very much invited. It's just a short walk from BSC to the screening at Trefriw Village Hall. See the poster for more details, and sign up here!

 

Campsite Information

Site Map

The camp is in a fantastic spot near Betws-y-Coed in the Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, North Wales. The site is easily accessible with good public transport links and next to some of the most amazing locations for all the outdoor pursuits the UK has to offer. This site is only used for camping by OutdoorLads, and we have exclusive use of the site and all its facilities. 

Camp Facilities

  • Two licensed Bars
  • Food served every day
  • Showers
  • Toilets & wash rooms
  • Changing areas
  • Washing up area
  • Drinking water taps
  • Recycling area - recycling must now be separated in Wales by law, so please pay particular attention!
  • Floodlit camping area on Friday evening (to help get the tent up if you arrive late!)

Camp Rules

Whilst we don't like too many rules, a few are necessary for a successful event for all:

  • No glass policy. This is a rugby club with pitches - this rule will be strictly enforced.
  • OutdoorLads has a strict zero tolerance approach to drugs. Anyone found with drugs, suspected of having taken drugs, or offering drugs will be asked to leave the site immediately, and without refund. This includes prescription drugs, other than those you have been prescribed for your own use (which are fine!)
  • No smoking or vaping in any inside areas including the marquee. 
  • You must respect other campers and their property.
  • Quiet camping between 23:00 and 07:00 - there are designated areas to socialise and talk away from peoples' tents.
  • Please pitch tents at least 6 feet / 2 metres apart. Any closer and it represents a fire risk.
  • This is a camping event, designed for tents. Caravans, campervans, motorhomes and trailer tents (indeed anything you want to sleep in that isn't a traditional tent!) are only permitted if you have a booked and confirmed a place for such, at additional cost. Places will go on sale nearer the time. Six metres between units minimum. Numbers are restricted to 20 units. No awnings allowed. No exceptions will be made. 
  • All vehicles must be parked in the car park and are not permitted on the camping fields.
  • Electric vehicles must not be charged on site.
  • No dogs on site at any time - this is a rugby club with pitches. This will be strictly enforced. 
  • Open fires are not allowed - BBQs are okay, but must be raised off the ground so as to not scorch the grass. 
  • You are responsible for keeping your camping area clean and tidy - please ensure it is left in the state you found it when you leave. 
  • All waste and recycling must be sorted and disposed of in the appropriate area on site, not left on the camping fields. Please consider taking clean waste home with you to recycle/dispose of.
  • Campsite opens Friday 24 May at 4pm for general admission. 
  • Unfortunately there are are no day passes to this event, all attendees must book and pay for a place on this event page.

OutdoorLads Foundation: Don't forget that full and concession members who may be experiencing physical, mental or financial challenges can apply for support with the costs of events themselves, or associated spend, to enable fuller participation. Further details on the Foundation pages on our website

Dogs: This event is not suitable for dogs and they must not be brought to the event. 

Photos: All photos provided by and used with permission of OutdoorLads Members. Many of these are provided by Wes Chambers (the best ones, generally!)

IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement

You MUST complete a Participation Statement in addition to booking your event space before attending an OutdoorLads event. You only need to complete this Participation Statement once, not for each event you attend.