For a small town in rural Wales, Llangollen has a big reputation for outdoor activities. This is thanks in large parts to the River Dee, which is a seething torrent of rapids and waterfalls as it approaches Llangollen and flows right through the town centre. Conditions like these attract white water rafting, kayaking and paddleboarding enthusiasts in search of a high speed river ride. But it’s not the only watery descent that you can enjoy in this area, and we’ve got one in mind that doesn’t even need a boat or water craft. It’s canyoning, the sport of following small watercourses as they cut through the landscape to add their waters to large rivers like the Dee.

What exactly is a canyon? It’s a deep cutting in the landscape, eroded over thousands of years by a river or stream, a process that leaves behind steep walls, waterfalls, and deep pools. While we normally avoid these spaces when going hiking, if what you’re looking for is an amphibious adventure like no other, this is the kind of place for you. You’ll climb and scramble on rocks, slide and jump down falls, and swim in crystal clear waters. Canyoning is also sometimes advertised as gorge walking, and although there’s no technical difference between the two, the latter usually has more of a focus on climbing and scrambling, and less on getting wet. There are locations in the immediate area of Llangollen to have a go at this ever more popular sport, or you can take advantage of the town’s proximity to the highlands of Snowdonia National Park and practice this sport there.

Where can you go canyoning in Llangollen?

• Cynwyd: This gorge is located outside the neighbouring town of Corwen. Waters that come from the remote and almost uninhabited Berwyn Range of hills flow between its steep sides to meet the River Dee here. YThe water is mostly shallow, but fast-flowing and lively, as it races around mammoth boulders, collects in deep pools and plummets over waterfalls. Will you be able to keep up? Some of the highlights of this gorge are the natural chutes of mossy rock that you can slide down at hair raising speeds before splashing into clear waters. There are even a couple of abseils over more abrupt drops - but the great thing is that there’s always the opportunity to walk around an obstacle rather than taking it head on if it looks too tricky.

• Afon Prysor: This afon (Welsh for river) rises in the heart of Snowdonia National Park. The route takes you through a Site of Special Scientific Interest, so you’re guaranteed glimpses of interesting flora and fauna as you make your way downstream, so long as you’re not too focused on finding your way. This route involves jumps and slides, but also ladder and abseiling installations as you'd find on a Via Ferrata that take you down canyon walls and through the middle flowing waterfalls into seething waters that give way to calm, still pools.

• Cwm Cynfal: Also in Snowdonia, Cwm Cynfal is near the town of Blaenau Ffestiniog. It’s the most challenging canyon descent in the area and requires nerves of steel, and some knowledge of rope work and climbing techniques to complete. Rock formations, dark green moss and spray make up the atmosphere here in the canyon, and we hope you feel at home in it - because it’s hard to get once you’ve started the route without making it to the very end! To get there, you’ll have to use your wits as well as your body, as you clamber and scramble, swim and squeeze your way through the narrow passage.

These are the most popular locations for canyoning and gorge walking in the area, but there are other canyons and gorges around the area, and in Snowdonia, that can be chosen if the conditions are more favourable. Your tour operator will confirm the location and meeting point of your experience to you in advance.

How long does an experience last?

The full experience of canyoning in Llangollen is between half a day to a full day. The shortest excursions are those that take place near the town itself, and especially the ones which are advertised as gorge walking, which can last between 2.5 and 3 hours. Of course, if you’re going to Snowdonia to tackle a bigger canyon, there’s travel time to factor in, as well as the actual descent. The good thing about this activity is that it involves very little equipment, so there’s very little preparation time. In addition, there’s no need for an extensive instruction session before you get going, as this is the kind of activity that you work out as you go along - with the help of an expert guide of course.

Who can do this activity?

A trip can be a great way to spice up your family vacations in Llangollen or, if you already live in the area - lucky you! You can enjoy this activity no matter your age. There are trips that are suitable for children as young as 7 or 8 years old, in particular those which are called gorge walking experiences, and we know that you’re little ones will love the opportunity to explore places that they wouldn’t normally get into.

This sport has two sides though, one of which is family friendly, while the other is as extreme as outdoor activities get. Though the routes around are fairly gentle, if you want to experience a canyon descent in Snowdonia, you should be prepared for a challenge. Climbing techniques, giant leaps and strong currents are just some of things to overcome on these routes, and so they’re reserved for the over 16s. Your guide might also get in touch in advance to ask about the experience and fitness level of the members of your group in order to plan the trip appropriately.

Is it necessary to do it in a group?

Finally, a deep canyon or a steep sided gorge isn’t the kind of place you want to be alone - you need your people with you to bring out your best. The minimum group size for excursions is usually 4 people, but you can also arrange an outing for a large group of up to 30 people - what a way to celebrate a birthday or a stag or hen party! And if you’re looking for a team building activity for a youth organisation or corporate group, do we need to say more?

Come and join us down in the canyons of the aquatic paradise!