Quarry Karts
The UK's only mountain karting track
Conquer a mighty 3km of downhill slate mountain track on this unforgettable adventure that’s sure to leave you with a pure rush and feeling accomplished.
Please review our adventure and medical restrictions before purchasing. On-site parking charges apply.
5 adventures at Penrhyn Quarry | 3 Basecamps nearby
25mph+
Feel the adrenaline-fuelled ground-rush of 25mph speeds.
3km
Conquer a massive 3km mountain track.
2 goes
Each ticket allows 2 goes.
Obstacles and more
Take on the challenge of tunnels, berms, chicanes and more.
Duration
This experience takes around 2 hours to complete from start to finish.
Unbeatable location
Sit back in awe as you kart to views of the Eryri (Snowdonia) mountain range.
Adrenaline Level
The ultimate adrenaline-rush of a level 5 experience will either see you take-on something totally unique, or take total control of your own adventure.
Conquer the ultimate daredevil experience
The unique vehicles have a low centre of gravity and a wide wheelbase, making them extra-stable, with hydraulic, independent disc brakes that allow you to slide and drift round corners. Pushing your driving ability to the limit are a series of obstacles including tunnels, chicanes and banked corners, while you get two runs included in your booking – so you can learn the ropes on your first attempt.
Who’s it for?
Before booking this adventure, please carefully review the following restrictions to ensure you and your party meet the minimum participation requirements.
Supervision for under 18’s
1 participating adult 18 yrs+ is required for every 4 children <18 yrs
Max Weight
Participants must be below 130kg to take part in this adventure
Min Height
A minimum height of 1.2m is required for this adventure
Min Age
You must be 15 years and over to take part in this adventure
Compulsory Clothing
Long sleeve top, trousers and gloves (t-shirts and shorts are not permitted)
Gloves
You are required to wear gloves to take part in this adventure. You can bring your own or purchase them on the day
Suitable Footwear
Trainers or boots are required for this adventure, but wellies are not permitted.
Capture the adventure
from £13
Opt to pre-book our head-cam to capture and re-live the adventure for years to come. This nifty camera will sit on your helmet and capture your Quarry Karts journey, and the footage is directly downloadable to your phone – simple! You can add the camera to your basket at check-out.
Claim your spotlight, unlock your bragging rights
Share your adventure with the world and be proud of what you’ve achieved at Zip World – tag us in your post for the chance to appear here alongside other adrenaline-junkies.
@zip_world #zipworld
What to expect from your experience
What does the Quarry Karts experience involve from start to finish we hear you ask? Here’s everything you need to know…
Check-in
The first step of any Zip World adventure; arrive half an hour before your adventure start-time to check-in at reception and settle in. We also ask that you allow 10 minutes before your adventure start time to walk over to the Quarry Karts track base, which is sign posted, and our check-in team will also point you in the right direction. This walk has a short hill.
Kit-up
Once you’ve arrived at the Quarry Karts track base, you will be safety briefed by a member of our team, as well as fitted into your helmet, goggles and elbow pads. You will also receive a pair of gloves, which you are welcome to take home. If you have pre-booked a headcam, this will be given to you here too! We ask that you please pay close attention to all info provided here, it’s very important to your safety.
The truck ride
Once kitted-up, you and your group will hop aboard our iconic red ex-army truck. This ride will take you along a 3km journey to the top of the Quarry Karts track, and on this journey you will get your first glimpse of the track you’re about to conquer! The truck ride will take you parallel to the Quarry Karts track.
The karting
Once you’ve reached the top of the mountain, you’ll be fitted into your very own quarry kart and be taught everything you need to know about operating it. Then, one-by-one, you’ll set off along the track, taking on the various obstacles, twists and turns you’ll stumble across along the way! You may even see a zip-liner up ahead…
Round two
Once everyone in your group has reached the end of the track, you’ll all hop aboard the truck once more and be transported back to the top for your 2nd ride.
De-kit
When you’ve reached the chequered flag for the 2nd time, you’ll be prompted by a member of our team to de-kit, and this is where you will also collect your headcam footage if you opted to purchase this. You’re then free to head back the way you came on-foot at your own pace to the main reception building.
FAQs
When should I arrive?
You will need to arrive on site ready to check in for your experience 30 minutes prior to your adventure start time.
What should I wear?
You will need to wear warm comfortable clothing suitable to the weather on the day, with walking boots or trainers. Some of our experiences require your arms and legs to be covered, please check individual adventure restrictions to see if this applies to you.
Can I protect my booking if I need to make any last-minute changes?
Yes, you can purchase ticket protection insurance at check-out which will allow you the flexibility to make a last-minute change or cancellation.
Can I book over the phone?
It is quicker to book online, but you’re welcome to call us if you’d prefer; please do so on 01248 601 444. Please note there may be a wait time on the phone, particularly during busy periods.
Is Zip World open every day?
During holidays, we are generally open every day, and always on weekends. During off-peak seasons, please visit our checkout to see our booking calendar and our opening days.
I would like to speak to someone from Zip World before booking, how can I do this?
You can contact us on info@zipworld.co.uk or 01248 601 444
How do I book?
The easiest way to book is online. Click the red ‘Book Now’ button at the top of the page, and select your adventure, time, date and number of participants.
Do I need to book in advance or can I just turn up?
We’d always recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment. If you turn up without a booking, we will do our best to fit you in, but cannot guarantee this. Please be sure to book in advance if you’re travelling a distance to visit us.
Still need help? View all our FAQs.
We're dog friendly
What's on-site
On-Site Restaurant
Indulge in a delicious menu or grab a quick bite to go at the Blondin Restaurant, which features floor-to-ceiling views of the quarry beyond.
Viewing Terrace
Never miss a slice of the action; the viewing terrace is the prime spot to watch the adventure unfold.
Dog Friendly
Well-behaved dogs are welcome at all of our locations.
Gift Shop
Remember your adventure forever by grabbing a Zip World momento.
Souvenir Videos
Capture your adventure – souvenir videos are available for some Penrhyn Quarry adventures.
Parking
Follow signs for our carpark, conveniently located right outside check-in. Car parking fees apply.
Cashless Site
We are a cashless site that accepts card and mobile payments for all transactions.
Other adventures at this location
Need a place to stay?
How to find us
Whilst tucked away in the quiet Welsh village of Bethesda, Zip World Penrhyn Quarry is easily accessible, with plenty of bus and train routes nearby, as well as accessible roads for those of you coming by car or bike.
Penrhyn Quarry
We recommend using public transport, but you'll have no trouble reaching us regardless of your mode of travel.
Address
Penrhyn Slate Quarry, Bethesda, Gwynedd, Wales, LL57 4YG