|
Gorge-walking is the ideal pastime for those hot summer
days when there is no wind and no surf. It's often
called canyoning, but we think thats a bit grand as we
don't really have 'canyons' here in West Wales, but the
gorges formed by rivers such as the Ystwyth, Mynach and
Rheidol can be equally as spectacular.
Although we call it gorge-walking. 'walking' is
actually a fairly small part of the method used to
negotiate one of these gorges. It usually involves a
lot of floating, some climbing, some swimming and some
messing about on ropes.
|
|
Safety Considerations
Before going any further, I should make a few notes on
safety: All the sports I mention on this site can be
dangerous, but this is especially true of
gorge-walking. The following safety precautions should
always be taken:
- Never attempt a gorge-walk on your own... You'll be
slipping on the rocks all the way down, and it only
takes one awkward slip to injure yourself. These gorges
are fairly remote and certainly poorly populated. If
you have an accident, there won't be anyone around to
help you.
- Always tell someone where you are going and what
time you are expected back. And make sure they'll do
something about it if you don't come back.
- Always take a rope and know how to use it… On
some occasions you may have to negotiate waterfalls
etc. that will prevent you from retracing your steps.
If you don't know the gorge, leave a rope at these
places so that you can get back out. Even in gorges you
do know, a rope may be necessary to negotiate certain
waterfalls or other obstacles.
- Never jump into a plunge pool without first
checking it for depth and obstacles. Even gorges you
know well can become clogged with fallen debris such as
tree trunks. Its possible for such an obstacle to be
invisible from above even if less than a foot
underwater.
These precautions should give you some idea of whats
involved during a gorge walk. It's also useful to take
a first aid kit with you.
Some gorges are of course easier to negotiate and
slightly safer than others. Some however such as Devils
Bridge Falls require advanced abseiling techniques and
guts to negotiate. Make sure you know what your letting
yourself in for.
|
Plunge pool at the bottom of a big
jump after negotiating a waterfall.
|
Back to Top
Pixelwave Design.
justal@forces-of-nature.co.uk