When trying any new activity, it is completely normal to be nervous about what you may encounter and if you’re going to be able to complete the activity. With an activity like Canyoning there are a large variety of skills being used at the same time to allow you to navigate the gorge properly including hiking, climbing, jumping, abseiling, and swimming. Those looking to take part in a Canyoning activity should have a good basic level of fitness as well as having relatively good balance and be comfortable in the water as you may encounter strong currents and deep pools.
In many ways Canyoning can be a physically and mentally challenging activity, but the level of difficulty can vary depending on factors such as the terrain, weather conditions, and the experience level of those looking to take part. Be assured, we will never provide an experience about the difficulty level of the group taking part. Each trip will be tailored to the group’s ability, and you will be briefed on aspects of the gorge and correct safety protocols before venturing into the canyon.
The Difficulty Level of Canyoning
As mentioned, Canyoning encompasses a number of different skills to allow you to best navigate the gorge. Here are our thoughts on the difficulty rating of each area:
Hiking – 2/5
Making your way up to the gorge is a crucial part of the experience, you’ve got to get there to get going! Scottish terrain can be tricky on foot depending on the time of year and weather conditions, but take it slow and watch your footing carefully and there shouldn’t be any issues. Your guide will point out any particularly slippery or uneven areas so ensure you listen to any instructions carefully.
Climbing – 3/5
As with hiking, a slow pace and careful planning makes the climbing portion of Canyoning much easier and safer. Climbing the rock faces can be physically and mentally challenging so it is important to maintain your focus and let your guide know if you are struggling at any point.
Jumping & Cliff Jumping – 2/5
While not physically difficult, cliff jumping can be very mentally challenging and requires the ability to put those fears aside as you take the plunge into the cool waters below. We can guarantee that as long as you listen carefully to your instructors you will be completely safe throughout your activity, so take a deep breath and go for it!
Abseiling 3/5
Abseiling is one of the more technically difficult elements involved in Canyoning, but provided you listen carefully to your safety briefing you will have all of the skills you require to be able to abseil safely down the gorge. Ensure you keep two hands on the knot above the carabiner at all times and walk slowly down the rock face and you’ll reach the bottom in no time. If at any time you are unsure or have questions, let your guide know.
Swimming 1/5
If you know how to swim, then this shouldn’t be challenging at all! The pools at the bottom of the gorge can be deep but the water here is relatively easy to navigate and we can provide life jackets to those who aren’t so confident in the water.
Being BRAVE – 5/5
The most challenging part of Canyoning is taking a deep breath and throwing yourself into each element of the activity! The more you go for it the more you will get out of it. Embrace every jump, slide and abseil and you’ll have an awesome time in our gorges.
It’s All About The Confidence
The key to getting the best out of your Canyoning activity is to put on your big boy pants and totally embrace the activity! There are a number of elements of the activity that might trigger your fear responses such as cliff jumping and sliding down the rock faces, but we do our upmost to guarantee your safety every time. The safest way to carry out each activity is to listen to your instructor’s guidance and lean into that adrenaline. We promise once you reach the bottom of that waterfall the rush you will experience is like no other!
