Have you heard of canyoning before? There's also a variant known as Gorge Walking, and it involves multiple adventures, including climbing, sliding, abseiling, jumping, swimming and more. It's a great alternative to explore our natural areas, especially in Wales, where you can encounter multiple gorges, alpine national parks and exhilarating coastlines (the best second coastline in the world according to National Geographic). It's also popular for its Celtic Culture. You will find medieval castles, gothic interiors and an ancient atmosphere, so why not have a canyoning adventure here?

What are the best places to do canyoning in Wales?

• Snowdonia National Park: If you have had previous experiences with canyoning and gorge walking and are looking to take your adrenaline adventures to the next level, Snowdonia National Park is one of your best options in the north. It has an alpine terrain that suits perfectly this demanding outdoor activity. One of the best known ravines is the Afon Dwyryd near Blaenau Ffestiniog. The route is about 3-4 and as strong points there is a waterfall and a zip line of about 12 meters. Another very good option for the more advanced is the Prysor Canyon with jumps of up to 9 meters and rappels 9 meters high. Another much easier nearby option for the inexperienced would be the Dolgarrog Gorge. You will encounter plenty of providers and operators delivering the best tours in this area, exploring the glaciers, u-shaped gorges and fasts torrents. You need intermediate experience.

• Brecon Beacons National Park: We consider this area of South wales one of the most popular for canyoning adventures. It's definitely a venue for advanced canyoners, but you can come if you want to get an adrenaline experience. Spring and summer are the best seasons of the year for an expedition. The southern part of the park is surrounded by the headwaters of the Vale of Neath, a place where several tributaries of the River Neath, which gives the valley its name, come together. When these masses of water come together, a kind of waterfalls are formed (that's why they call this area the Waterfall Country). Best of all, it's only 25 minutes from Swansea. You can also explore the woodland and the Ystradfellte waterfalls to delight your eyes where can request guided trips if you desire. The Brecon Beacons National Park is a breathtaking place, and it should be on your destination's bucket list. Don’t worry if you are a complete newbie, it also has reachable venues for beginners, such as Sgwd Yr Eira and Sgwd Einion Gam Falls. You can encounter slower rapids at cliffs at a lower high.

• Conwy Valley: It's a magical place for a canyoning adventure. You will find rocky mountains. It is also the home of beautiful lakes and one of the largest Welsh rivers, the River Conwy. We suggest two places for your adventures here. The Afon Ddu. This gorge welcomes complete beginners. You will be speechless as you enjoy the waterfalls and crystalline pools. You can also encounter a ravine where you can jump to add a sense of adventure to your experience. On the other hand is the Betws-y-Coed. If you want to mesmerise yourself, this area is the best option you have. You will find rushing waterfalls, relaxing rivers and glassy mountain lakes. It's considered one of the first canyoning venues, welcoming children and adults of all abilities. You can combine this adventure with a zip wire session to cross the river and admire the perspective.

• Mount Snowdon: It's within the Snowdonia National Park, but it deserves its own mention due to its popularity. It's the most treasured possession of Snowdonia, and its inhabitants are proud of it. You'll find glacial mountains, rocky routes and challenging weather most of the time. This is a place for highly experienced climbers, so we recommend being an advanced canyoner for a gorge walking or canyoning adventure.

Why you should come here for a descent?

After you read all this information, we are 100% sure Wales is a great place for canyoning. Schools and outdoor centres are fully prepared with equipment, tuition and multiple packages to deliver a unique Welsh experience.

Snowdonia has multiple options for intermediate and advanced levels, while the Brecon Beacons allows complete beginners to experience this thrilling sport. You will enjoy mountains, cliffs and routes in Snowdonia. That doesn't mean you won't see rivers and waterfalls, but the south of the region has water areas everywhere. This activity is also affordable for all, finding great deals according to the area where you book and the season.

How long is this adventure?

The duration will vary depending on the descent you decide to make from the wide range of pipes that Wales offers you. The shortest routes last 2 hours, but you will have to take into account the distance between the activity center and the beginning of the ravine and the return. Other longer tours last between 3 and 5 hours. In any case, we recommend that you reserve the entire morning to carry out the activity and, if it is an option that includes stops with food and transportation, even a whole day.

Requirements to do this activity

Everything will depend on the level of the ravine to descend and the company that provides the activity. In most cases, a minimum of 10-12 years old is required to go downhill in the area, and those under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. You don't have to be Michael Phelps, but it is necessary to know how to swim a distance between 25 and 50 meters and it is that although the ravines in the area do not entail great difficulty, knowing how to swim will guarantee you to have a self-confidence during the tour.

In most of the routes there are jumps, slides and in some cases rappels. There is almost always an alternative way to get around them, so if at some point you don't feel strong, it is not mandatory to do them. In addition, the guides try to adapt the level and descent times to the type of group and have SRT qualification or equivalent.

What should I bring on the day of the experience?

You don't have to worry about bringing anything. The complete equipment will be provided by the company organizing the activity, from the neoprene suit that in addition to maintaining heat guarantees buoyancy, the helmet, a vest and any other safety element for the good performance of the descent.

You just bring your desire to live an incredible adventure, a swimsuit to wear under the neoprene suit and some lace-up boots or sneakers suitable for water trekking. We also recommend that you bring a towel, clothes to change at the end of the tour and depending on the time of year in which you decide to do it, sun cream.

Some companies request as an addition to wear old and used shorts to wear over the suit, in such a way that it does not suffer from chafing.

This sport is safe as long as you prepare with all the instruction and equipment. We guarantee you'll have the best experience if you take all the measures with schools and companies. You won't regret having this adventure here!