Canyoning in the UK might seem like a strange idea – after all, how many canyons have we actually got in the British Isles? Compared to the likes of European or world canyoning hot spots like Utah or Arizona in the USA, the UK countryside might seem a bit small. But what we might lack in size we more than make up for in quality – at least when it comes to canyoning.
What is Canyoning? | A Beginners Guide to Gorge Walking
Canyoning, or gorge walking as it’s often called in the UK, actually has a thriving scene in Britain. From the tumbling waters of Scotland’s mountain rivers to the scenic beauty of Welsh National Parks there are plenty of great canyoning spots to check out in the UK.
The Best Canyoning Spots in the UK: How Stean Gorge, Yorkshire
If you’re planning to go canyoning in the UK then Yorkshire deserves a place on your list. With all that gorgeous rolling countryside it’s no surprise that Yorkshire is also home to some great canyons too.
How Stean Gorge in North Yorkshire is an outdoor activities centre built around a cracking gorge walking spot. The How Stean Gorge has been popular with adventurers and wannabe mountaineers since Victorian times when it was nicknamed ‘Little Switzerland’ because of its mini alpine ravine.
A trip to How Stean starts by abseiling off the centre’s purpose built bridge, 45ft into the canyon below. Soon you’ll be jumping into plunge pools, sliding down waterspouts, exploring caves and sitting under waterfalls for a solid couple of hours of gorge walking fun.
The How Stean crew will provide all the gorge walking gear you need. They also offer ‘proper’ canyoning trips to Cumbria, where you can polish your canyoning skills with 100 ft abseils down Britain’s highest cascade waterfall, Cautley Spout.
Go With: How Stean Gorge
