Where to go canyoning in the UK

Canyoning is a mix of scrambling, swimming, sliding and jumping your way through a river gorge, led by guides who know every pool. In the UK it also goes by gorge walking, gorge scrambling or, in the Lake District, ghyll scrambling. South Wales is the UK's canyoning hotspot, with great options in North Wales and Scotland too. Here's where to go canyoning in the UK and what to book.

Canyoning, gorge walking or gorge scrambling?

As a rule of thumb, gorge walking and gorge scrambling mean working your way up a river, climbing over boulders and wading through pools. Canyoning usually means heading down the river, with bigger jumps and natural slides. Both are guided, both get you soaked, and gorge walking is the gentler starting point for families.

RIPNROCK, River Mellte, Neath Valley

The Neath Valley, on the southern edge of Bannau Brycheiniog (the Brecon Beacons), is known as waterfall country, and the River Mellte has the most impressive waterfalls of all. RIPNROCK's canyoning trip here is a four-hour run of big jumps, bumpy white-water slides and swims through the Celtic rainforest. It's the one to pick if you want to push yourself.

For families or a gentler day, RIPNROCK's gorge walking near Glynneath works up a steep, narrow river gorge past pools and waterfall jumps. A path runs alongside most of the river, which makes it easy to hop in and out. It's open to ages 7 and over, and under-16s must be accompanied by an adult.

Find out more on our RipNRock page.

Adventures Wales, near the Brecon Beacons

From its base in Porthcawl, Adventures Wales takes groups to a natural river gorge near the Brecon Beacons for big waterfall jumps, boulder hopping, cave exploring and river rapids. It's the centre's most popular activity. Book gorge scrambling for 1 to 6 people, or a private session for groups of 6 or more.

You pick up wetsuits at the centre first, then follow your instructor to the river in your own car, so plan your transport before you book.

See all their trips on our Adventures Wales page.

Photo: Adventures Wales

Cardiff International White Water, Neath Valley

Cardiff International White Water (CIWW) is best known for its rafting course in Cardiff Bay, but it also runs gorge walking in the Neath Valley. Sessions start gently, teaching you the techniques you need, then build up to steep gorges and jumps into plunge pools. It's open to anyone aged 8 and over who is confident in and around water, and it's a popular pick for celebration weekends in Cardiff, school groups and team days.

Anglesey Adventures, Afon Ddu, Eryri

In North Wales, Anglesey Adventures runs family gorge scrambling at the Afon Ddu (Welsh for Black River) in the Conwy area of Eryri (Snowdonia). You work your way up a water-worn gorge with challenges along the way, in a habitat where some plants date back to the last glacial period. It's designed for families and groups of friends, with a minimum age of 8.

Make a weekend of it: the same team runs rock climbing and abseiling on Anglesey.

Lochranza Centre, Isle of Arran

Scotland's pick is the Lochranza Centre CIC on the Isle of Arran, an outdoor education centre that runs adventure activities for the public in the school holidays. Its gorge walking in North Glen Sannox means walking up a river, in the river: sliding down waterfalls, swimming across pools and jumping in. All equipment is provided, it's best from age 8, and the river is a 10-minute drive from the centre.

Children must be accompanied by an adult, who can watch from the bank rather than take part.

Elsewhere: the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales

The Lake District's fells are full of rocky ghylls carved out by glaciers, and ghyll scrambling is a local favourite. The Yorkshire Dales has its own mix of waterfalls, gorges and rivers, with routes for beginners and improvers. To see the latest trips you can book, search canyoning on eola.

Tips before you go

• Kit: wetsuits, helmets and buoyancy aids are normally provided. Bring swimwear to wear underneath, a towel and warm, dry clothes for afterwards, and check your booking for footwear and anything else you need.
• Water confidence: you don't need to be a strong swimmer, but you should be comfortable in and around water.
• Ages: most trips start at 7 or 8, and under-16s usually need an adult with them.
• Weather: rivers rise after rain, and guides may change the route or switch activities to keep you safe. Summer water is the warmest, but a good wetsuit makes spring and autumn trips very doable.
• Small groups: some trips need a minimum number of people to run, so if you book as a pair the provider may get in touch to rearrange.

Ready to get wet? Browse all canyoning and gorge walking trips on eola. For more ideas, read our guides to thrilling activities in Wales, coasteering in the UK and white water rafting in Wales.

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