Although humans have travelled through canyons as a way of getting from one place to another for thousands of years, it took until the start of the twentieth century for people to start doing it for fun. But what’s the appeal of this sport? After all, it involves getting wet, navigating obstacles in and around the water, and completing daring stunts in order to make progress through a narrow, uncomfortable gorge. Well if you come to Aberfeldy in northeast Scotland, you’ll discover that it's precisely these things that make it such good fun. Scotland is becoming known throughout Europe as one of the premier canyoning destinations, and Aberfeldy is perfectly placed for exploring a large number of fantastic canyon routes.

It’s the geography of the region that makes this city a hub for enthusiasts. It’s located in an area of transition between mountainous highlands and coastal lowlands. The rain and snow which falls on the mountains and gathers in high altitude lochs has to get down to sea level somehow, and over thousands of years it has cut into the landscape, forming canyons, gorges and ravines. In some places, the water is wide and deep enough for white water rafting, but when there’s no way to get a boat downstream, you have to use your body. You’ll climb, jump, scramble and swim through a natural waterpark - it’s an adventure that will fill you with adrenaline and leave a smile on your face. In areas with less water, you can try the related sport of gorge walking, which might involve getting your feet wet but doesn’t usually require you to get into the water. Whatever you choose to do, whichever canyon you decide to face, the fun is guaranteed.

What are the best places for canyoning around Aberfeldy?

• The Birks of Aberfeldy: You don’t have to go far from this charming town to find an extreme canyoning descent - in fact you don’t even need a car to reach the starting point of a fantastic route. Just 10 minutes’ walk from the town centre, the Birks of Aberfeldy are a series of waterfalls that break the silence of otherwise peaceful woodland. Getting down to the water and finding a way to follow it back towards town is a physical and problem solving challenge, but the rewards are huge.

• Keltneyburn Canyon: This is a great beginners canyon because it’s set in a beautiful landscape in the hills above the city, there are interesting rocky formations down in the water, and it doesn’t have any technically difficult stages. That means that first timers and families can enjoy completing the full route, and experience a lot of the elements that make it such an exciting sport.

• The Falls of Acharn: Not far from Keltneyburn, you’ll find the largest loch in the area - Loch Tay. On the south shore of the loch, a lively river comes crashing down through a ravine, and you can dare yourself to follow it! To complete this route you have to use some more advanced techniques, including abseiling 25 metres down the face of a waterfall.

• Killiecrankie: This city is on the River Tay, the longest river in Scotland. One of its tributaries is the River Garry. There are two routes on this fast flowing river. The first is at Killiecrankie, where steep cliffs surround a deep pool. You can make your own path around this natural playground, climbing up the rock faces, plunging into the deep water below and exploring every nook and cranny of the canyon.

• Calvine: Upstream from Killiecrankie, Calvine is a real crowd pleaser. It’s a series of falls between deep pools, so you can relax in the water between bouts of physical activity. There are also a number of alternative routes within the canyon, which means everyone can find a way down.

• Bruar Water: One of the highlights of the area, Bruar water is a creek which joins the Garry between Calvine and Killiecrankie. The landscape narrows to a rocky passage that’s 30 metres deep and just 6 metres wide in some places, and it hides huge jumps, impressive waterfalls and unique shapes in the rocks.

Requirements to do this activity

The great thing about canyoning is that it can be as easy or as challenging as you want it to be. In a place like a canyon, there’s always a number of ways to get past each obstacle. You can choose the safe option if you’re not feeling super confident yet, or go for an epic stunt if you want to impress your friends. And with so many different locations to do this sport in the area around Aberfeldy, the choices are multiplied. This is why is a great sport to do as a group. Families with children over 8 years old can enjoy more straightforward routes, like the descent of Keltneyburn Canyon, or Acharn, Clavine and Bruar if the youngest members of the groups are at least 12.

Groups of adults can take on these canyons, and the more difficult ones like the Birks. Some of these descents require technical know-how, so you might be asked if you have experience using ropes in other sports like climbing. Why not consider this sport for a stag or hen do activity? It could be a day out that rivals your friend’s wedding itself!

How long does an experience last?

Once again, we have to consider the different locations where you can enjoy it in this area. The length of the route and the distance from Aberfeldy determine how much of the day your experience will take up, with a common duration being around 3 hours. If you go for a more challenging option, especially one that includes stages which can only be completed by one person at a time, you might be on the go for up to 5 hours.

What do you need to bring the day of the descent?

This activity is one of the few watersports that doesn’t require a boat or board. But, as you’ll be getting up close and personal with the forces of nature, you do need some protective equipment. The good news is that your guides will provide you with the more specialist kit. They’ll give a wetsuit that will help to keep your body temperature up, a life jacket so that you don’t have to worry about treading water, and a helmet to protect you from the rocks. They just ask that you come prepared with a swimsuit and a pair of old trainers - something with laces is the best option, and ideally with a sole that won’t lose traction on wet rock. Oh, and don’t forget to pack a towel and change of clothes (and shoes) - you’ll be wanting them when you get out of the canyon!

For a rewarding activity like no other, look no further than this adventure!