Gorge walking in Wales

Gorge walking, or gorge scrambling, is the ultimate way to explore mountain streams – and you’ll have a lot of fun along the way. You’ll need an accredited gorge walking or gorge scrambling provider for this activity: follow them as you teeter across narrow ledges, climb and hop from rock to rock, jump into pools and squeeze your way around narrow, water-filled valleys. It’s a real adrenaline thrill.

To feel and stay safe while gorge walking, it’s important to be kitted out. It’s worth checking with your accredited provider what you’ll need to bring, but this will generally include:

• a swimsuit or trunks to wear underneath the wetsuit provided;
• anything you want to wear over the wetsuit;
• sturdy trainers or walking boots that you don’t mind getting wet;
• a towel;
• something warm and dry to change into afterwards. Don’t forget spare shoes – the ones you wear gorge scrambling will be soaked through.

The accredited provider will usually provide:

• wetsuit;
• helmet;
• buoyancy aid.

With its varied, mountainous landscape, Eryri (Snowdonia) is a great spot for gorge walking.

Boulder Adventures and Ropeworks Active are based near the beautiful Llyn Padarn in Llanberis, offering scrambling adventures around spectacular North Wales waterfalls and gorges. Sitting slightly further north in Conwy, Adventure Parc Snowdonia runs another stunning gorge scrambling experience.

Search for accredited gorge walking providers in North Wales.

Offering exhilarating, remote gorge walking in the Welsh countryside, Adventure Beyond is based in Cardigan, making it a good local option if you’re in the west. Also based in Cardigan, Cardigan Bay Active also runs gorge walking in similarly secluded areas – from Aberystwyth to Dinas Rock.

A little further south, Swansea-located Rip N Rock run gorge walking sessions over in Glynneath. There’s a path that runs alongside the river, making this option great for families with younger children. They set challenges along the way, culminating at the well-known Loonies Leap.

Search for accredited gorge walking providers in Mid Wales.

Search for accredited gorge walking providers in West Wales.

Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons)  gorge walking is a must if you’re in South Wales – where better to take part than an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty? Taff Valley and Adventures Wales’ gorge walking experiences take place in the stunning Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park. Expect steep, tree-lined gorges and breathtaking views. 

Search for accredited gorge walking providers in South Wales.