Canyoning can offer a different experience depending on the time of year you choose to go and the weather conditions available at that time of year. Nae Limits offer Canyoning activities from late March to mid October (weather permitting) as it is a much safer time to visit the gorge, but experienced Canyoners will visit them throughout the year after thorough planning of the route.
A number of factors can impact whether it is a good time of year to go canyoning. Here are some to keep in mind:
Wet Weather
Heavy rain or even snow can cause the rock face to become extremely slippery and unpredictable, so it is important to take the climb slowly and maintain focus throughout to ensure no falls incur. Wet weather can also impact the strength of the water current of the waterfalls which could in turn pull you off your feet and lead to unexpected falls and trips.
Before setting off in wet weather, check the rock face before you set off. Shoes with good grip like Canyoning Shoes and Climbing Gloves are highly recommended in this weather to give you extra support while climbing. Review the water current and ensure this isn’t too strong to walk through before proceeding.
Very Dry Weather
Dry weather is usually ideal for navigating the gorge but it does come with it’s own risks. Before jumping from any cliffs ensure the water below is deep enough for you to land in without injury. Dry weather can cause water levels to drop and the last thing you want is to cause any injuries from a miscalculated jump!
Hot weather can also lead to heat exhaustion in a physical activity such as Canyoning, so ensure you keep well hydrated, take plenty of breaks and let your group know if you begin to feel dizzy or faint. It is a good idea to keep water and a high energy snack in your climbing bag.
Winter Weather
It is not normally advised to go Canyoning in wintery weather. Snow and ice can make paths treacherous, and pools can freeze over making them unsafe to land in. Low temperatures in the water can pose a threat to those unprepared for extremely cold water and can lead to cold shock which can be dangerous if not supervised correctly.
Only particularly experienced Canyoners should consider attempting to climb the gorge in these weather conditions and should only ever do so with a group of experienced Canyoners who are prepared for extremely cold water and slippery conditions.
A Few Top Tips
In all weather conditions, it’s better to be overprepared than underprepared. Bringing additional equipment such as climbing gloves and shoes will only ever aid you in climbing through the waterfalls, so there is no negative effects of bringing them just in case.
We recommend wearing a life jacket throughout your activity to ensure you are safe when entering the pools at the foot of the waterfalls. Strong currents and varying depths of water can be experienced so we recommend having a buoyancy aid to ensure you are always safe in the water.
You should only ever go Canyoning with a trained and experienced guide and always with a group around you who can provide assistance if anything unexpected should occur. To ensure your safety we recommend you go Canyoning with Nae Limits and our experienced guides who can teach you the safest way to explore the gorge and offer helpful advise throughout your experience.
