The Welsh countryside is full of gorges and waterfalls which is why canyoning (or gorge walking) is one of the best things to do in the country.
If you're not familiar with it, canyoning involves making your way through canyons, waterfalls, and gorges by swimming, jumping, climbing, and even abseiling. Canyoning is also sometimes known as ‘gorge walking’.
You should only ever attempt canyoning as part of an organised activity. Having an instructor, and the correct equipment is very important. This can be a dangerous activity depending on your ability, experience and the route you take.
In this article, I'll share the best canyoning spots in Wales along with the trusted organisations that are there to guide you through the routes.
1. Blaenau Ffestiniog, Snowdonia
Blaenau Ffestiniog is a small village in Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park in North Wales. Once regarded as the ‘slate capital of the world’, and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its history and landscape.
This is the original canyoning location in Wales, featuring the Cresta run, a 100m natural water slide into a plunge pool with a 10m drop at the end - it's not to be missed. There's also waterfalls, zip wires, and via ferrata.
- Adventure Activities Wales - As with other providers, your kit is all included. One nice touch for this activity is that you have to complete certain parts of the course before moving on to the other - providing a real challenge and adrenaline rush, as well as a sense of achievement, as you zip line through, or abseil down, waterfalls. See the photo above.
ㅤ - Bearded Men Adventures - You will spend around three hours exploring an area of Snowdonia with Bearded Men Adventures. It includes all of the kit that you need supplied to you beforehand, and you can book as a single person or as part of a group. There are natural slides, huge jumps and beautiful waterfalls waiting to be explored.
ㅤ - Adrenalin Addicts - The team at Adrenalin Addicts offer a variety of activities which take place around North West Wales. Canyoning is offered in Snowdonia, with opportunities to try a 100ft slide, plunge pool, 40ft abseil and jumps up to 6ft. There is a minimum age of 10 years old required to participate. ‘Extreme Canyoning’ is offered as a separate activity for the more adventurous or experienced - this offers jumps up to 35ft, and a slide with a 20ft freefall.
You might want to check out my full list of things to do in Snowdonia to find out more about the area.
2. Dolgarrog, Conwy (North Wales)
Just outside the small village of Dolgarrog in North Wales, is the Afon Ddu Gorge, an excellent canyoning spot with U-shaped gorges, majestic waterfalls and natural pools.
- Adventure Activities Wales - Again Adventures Activities Wales is my top pick with both a standard gorge walking tour which is fun for all the family and a more ‘extreme’ version offered for people who are more experienced. As well as providing the kit you need, they offer drinks and cake afterward! Something I am sure will be very welcome and deserved.
3. Pontneddfechan, Brecon Beacons
The area that Pontneddfechan is located is known as Waterfall Country thanks to being densely packed with stunning waterfalls. What better place could there be, to try canyoning and explore those wonderful routes through the wild?
One of the waterfalls in the area was even used in the Batman - The Dark Knight film, as the entrance to the famous Bat Cave. It is an area that is easily accessed by road and rail, around 25 minutes from Swansea, and 20 minutes from Brecon town centre.
- Blue Ocean Activities & Adventure - Blue Ocean provides instructor-led sessions for groups of up to 10 people, with a minimum age of 10 years old per participant. You just need to bring your own sturdy waterproof shoes, and the rest of your kit is provided. Instructors often wear GoPro cameras to capture your adventure.
ㅤ - Beezra Experiences - Offering sessions of around four hours in total (with at least three hours of canyoning), Beezra offer sessions for up to 12 people per instructor. You can book in as a single person or with your mates, and it’s a great way of exploring Waterfall Country.
ㅤ - Quest Adventures - Quest offers different activities across South Wales, but chooses this area of the Brecon Beacons to provide canyoning trips. They have over 20 years experience, and can accommodate groups (minimum of two people), families, stag and hen parties, and teenagers.
ㅤ - South Wales Adventure Company - Family-friendly adventures are offered in the stunning South Brecon landscape. There are various open sessions available for booking, or a group session can be organised (with discounts offered for larger groups). Each session can be expected to last around three to four hours.
4. Brecon, Powys
Another option in the Brecon Beacons is to head slightly further north, near the top of the national park to the town of Brecon, a famous market town in Powys that was once the capital of Brecknockshire.
It’s well known as an area ripe for adventure, with people visiting to walk, climb and explore the landscape. It makes this a great place to try out canyoning, and combine with a visit to the surrounding towns, or to take part in other outdoor activities.
- Hawk Adventures - Hawk will take you on a journey in the Brecon Beacons across a steep-sided gorge, testing your walking, climbing, jumping and swimming skills. There are deep pools, high rocks to climb, and lots more to work your way through the course. Trips are offered for one person, or up to 25 people in a group, and the experience of participants will be taken into account to plan the trip.
ㅤ - Black Mountain Adventures - Offering opportunities to explore and enjoy the Ystradfellte Waterfalls area of the Brecon Beacons. You can jump from waterfalls, crawl along narrow ledges and hop along boulders. There is even an 18ft jump offered if you are feeling brave, known as ‘loonies leap’. Half or full day sessions are available, with a minimum age of 8 years old for participants.
ㅤ - Way2Go Adventures - Explore the beautiful Brecon Beacons and see waterfalls, gorges and rivers up close, as you traverse through the course set by your instructor. It offers the chance to see waterfalls that are hidden away, only accessible by the river, and participants aged 6+ are welcomed (providing the safety equipment fits, and that they are accompanied). Way2Go offers trips all year round, with a break only for the Christmas period.
5. Llangollen, Denbighshire
Llangollen is a beautiful town on the River Dee in North Wales. It is home to the International Eisteddfod, a large music festival celebrating Welsh culture, and is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As well as having an eleven mile canal which borders England and Wales, it is home to various areas that can be explored through canyoning.
- Safe and Sound Outdoors - You can choose from a full or half day adventure to explore the gorge, great if you are a lover of canyoning, as many organisations only offer a three or four hour session. The minimum age for participants is 8 years old, and instructors will guide you down slabs of rock, into and out of the water, and generally help you have a great time exploring the area. See image above.
6. Glynneath, Neath
A small village in the Neath Valley area of Neath Port Talbot, Glynneath is very easily accessed via the M4 or the main train lines from London Paddington to Swansea. Located near Pontneddfechan which is also mentioned in our list, it represents a great opportunity to get away from the busy towns and cities, and jump into nature.
- Rip N Rock - Rip N Rock offers the opportunity to explore the River Mellte in the Neath Valleys. Youth (age 10+) and Adult groups are welcome, with a minimum group size of two people required. Minibus transport is also offered from Swansea city centre, which is around thirty minutes away, a great option for those arriving by train.
Published: 26 January 2023 · Last updated: 23 August 2023