Maybe you’ve heard about canyoning and can’t wait to give it a go in the Lake District. Or maybe you aren’t sure about what it involves and want to know more. Fortunately, our fantastic team of canyoning instructors are here to answer all of your questions!

And, if you’re ready to take on this thrilling adventure, check out our canyoning activities and book your place!

What is canyoning?

Canyoning is known by several different names including gorge walking and – in the USA – canyoneering. It’s an exciting outdoor adventure activity that involves following the path of a river down a gorge – or canyon – and using various methods of descent throughout. There’s often a lot of abseiling, some jumping, occasional swimming, plenty of paddling and even sometimes zip-wiring!

You’ll come across all sorts of features that have been formed by the water over thousands of years: waterfalls, deep pools, rock slides, all of which can be used like a natural playground!

It’s a great way to explore parts of the landscape that most people never get to see.

Is canyoning safe?

Like all outdoor adventures, there’s some element of risk to canyoning, but with the right knowledge or experienced instructors, you don’t have anything to worry about. You also need to make sure you’ve got the right equipment, which your outdoor activity provider should give you for your trip.

If you do canyoning as a hobby, you don’t necessarily need an instructor as long as you know what you’re doing and are with at least one other person. But you should have spent plenty of time learning the appropriate techniques and safety for the activity.

Most people, however, will just want to do canyoning once or twice when they’re on holiday, and that will be done with professional guides who know the canyon well. They will have gone through it hundreds of times so will be able to safely take you through it, all the while making sure you’re having a lot of fun too!

What do you need for canyoning?

You need a good bit of safety kit for canyoning. As for anything, the better the quality, the safer and more comfortable you will be. That’s why we at Keswick Adventures only use the best equipment on all of our adventures.

When you arrive for your adventure, we’ll kit you out with a helmet, harness, canyoning wetsuit and belay device. We also bring ropes, a first aid kit and waterproof bags to carry all that stuff down the canyon with us! If you don’t have proper canyoning boots, good solid lace-up shoes are a great alternative.

Is canyoning a sport?

Yes! It’s an extreme sport and, while you’re not competing against others, you’re challenging yourself both physically and mentally. That’s why canyoning provides such an adrenaline rush and makes you feel so elated once you emerge at the bottom!

Where can you go canyoning?

The sport is becoming more and more popular across the world and there are lots of places both at home and abroad where you can take part. From Australia to the USA, the Philippines to Nepal, there are so many options. If you’re in the UK, the Lake District is an excellent option thanks to its craggy mountains and plentiful bodies of water.

Some canyons are more popular than others and you’ll see lots of people enjoying the best-known places. Others are closely guarded secrets where you’ll see only those people in your group!

Can anyone go canyoning?

Because of the physical demands of canyoning, you do need to have a certain level of fitness, and the required level will vary from location to location. Many canyoning adventures will also involve at least a short walk over uneven terrain in order to reach the starting point.

If you would like to go canyoning with us but aren’t sure whether you can, please get in touch and we’ll be very happy to offer advice.

So, are you ready to get your adrenaline pumping an enjoy some canyoning in the Lake District? You can book your adventure with us now.

You might also enjoy:

• The Best Adventure Activities in the Lake District for Teenagers
• Top 5 Adventure Activities When it’s Raining in the Lake District
• 9 Exciting Outdoor Activities near Keswick