An introduction to canyoning

If abseiling down waterfalls, jumping off huge boulders into ice cold rock pools and throwing yourself into rapids with names like 'the washing machine' sounds like fun then canyoning is the sport for you!

What's canyoning?

Canyoning is a fairly new sport that involves following a stream through a mountain gorge, tackling the obstacles you meet on the way. When you get to a waterfall you have to abseil over and if you find a big step there's nothing for it but to jump.

Natural features are used to increase the fun and you'll be sliding down eroded rock chutes, climbing boulders to jump into rock pools.

Each canyon has different features - some involve a lot of jumps or swimming, some more abseils. Most beginners canyons involve a little bit of everything to give you a good introduction to the sport.

The canyons themselves are works of natural beauty. The walls have been eroded into smooth flowing shapes and as the canyon narrows the cliffs close in above you.

What do you wear?

The waters cold even in the Spanish summer so a wetsuit's essential. A helmet protects you from any knocks and you wear a harness for any abseils. In addition the guide will carry a rope and various other items to ensure you have a safe descent. Hike Pyrenees provides all of the equipment you need and we make checks before every trip that it is all in good working order.

Where do you go?

The Pyrenees are made of easily eroded limestone which has created hundreds of beautiful deep narrow gorges. This has made them one of Europe's top canyoning destination and there are suitable canyons in nearly every valley.

In the Valle de Tena the Rio Gorgol close to Panticosa is a popular route. The Valle de Hecho contains the Boca Del Infierno - a deep and spectacular canyon that gets it's name (Mouth of Hell) from the red colour of the rocks when the river is in flood.

Thirty kilometres south of Panticosa lies the Sierra y Canones De Guara Parque Natural - a canyoners playground. This area is riddled with deep canyons and offers challenges to even the most experienced canyoner.

Canyoning with Hike Pyrenees

To try canyoning for yourself come on a Hike Pyrenees activity holiday. Choose a half day canyoning trip for a day you'll never forget.

Safety

Safety is of the highest importance in all activities that Hike Pyrenees carry out. We only use qualified local guides and provide a translator to make sure all instructions are completely understood. You must be able to swim to take part in a Canyoning trip.