Gorge Walking

Gorge Walking

What is it? 

Often associated with canyoning, gorge walking is a more specific activity that could be part of canyoning; Gorge walking is always based around a body of water, whereas canyoning doesn't necessarily include it. The practice of gorge walking can involve being both in and out of the water, but generally the activity follows the path of a river or other water feature.

What does it involve?

This depends on whether you're travelling with or against the current of the water! Going against the flow will probably involve uphill climbing, whereas you can make use of the power of the water travelling down - getting wet is the norm when it comes to gorge walking.

Why do it and what are the benefits?

Gorge walking is one of the more exciting sports that take place outside, and it's best done recreationally so you can properly enjoy exploring pools, slides and waterfalls! Being around powerful bodies of water is a huge adrenaline rush, and it encourages thinking quickly and on your feet.

What equipment do we need?

There will be various safety equipment you will need such as helmets and wetsuits, but the activity provider should supply these for you - always check with them beforehand to make sure.

Who is it suitable for?

Generally this is an activity for older students, but some providers will offer activities for much younger children down to about 6/7 years old! If the event can be adjusted to suit the needs of the group, gorge walking should be enjoyable for everyone.

Costs?

Adult prices are about £35 per person, so school groups should be cheaper with larger numbers and smaller ages! However, always make sure to check out what's in your area thoroughly before booking.

Issues/Things to think about? (unsuitable for age groups, medical conditions etc)

If you have younger students, you should be confident that they will obey safety precautions and act in a sensible manner - water can be dangerous if treated in a cavalier manner.

How do we include?

The physical demands of this activity means that those with limited movement may not be able to take part, but some providers are specifically set up for including those with disabilities - make sure to consult with the organisers!

Doing it abroad?

Some of the most impressive gorges in the world are in foreign countries, so if there is a provider nearby to where you are going, gorge walking would be an excellent idea for including on a trip overseas - it would be a great way to get up close and personal with the nature of the country you are visiting!

Main website: 

http://www.adventureswales.co.uk/gorge-walking/ has some great general info, but make sure you look up the individual venue websites you are considering to see their specifics!

Venues with this Activity

We provide outdoor activities in Wales, for Schools, Colleges and Youth groups. We offer a fantastic variety of experiences tailored to your individual needs and budget. Activities in South & West Wales, include: Canyoning (aka Gorge Walking), Kayaking, Raft Building and many more. 

We offer a fantastic range of adventure activities for all ages and abilities. We offer school residential trips for up to 80 persons suiting all tastes and budgets.

Discounts are provided for larger groups. 

We aim to help young people realise their potential through learning in the wild. We create a supportive and challenging environment in which young people can learn about themselves and see clearly, perhaps for the first time, what they might truly be capable of achieving in life.

Dany Duncan set up ElementalUK in 2006 to enable people to get closer to the elements – whether by immersing themselves in the thrills and spills of the Cornish coast or hitting natural highs in the mountains of France. 

At Essex Outdoors we believe passionately in the power of outdoor education.

Taking the classroom outdoors can broaden horizons, promote positive values, and develop confidence and self-esteem. Outdoor learning can also raise social and environmental awareness.

Midlothian Council Outdoor Learning Service is staffed by GTC registered Outdoor Learning Teachers and support staff. The service holds an AALA licence and much of our work is with Primary and Secondary Schools providing progressive educational activities to pupils from early years to S6. 

Lagganlia provides high quality residential Outdoor Learning opportunities for primary and secondary schools, colleges, youth groups and all other types of organised groups within the astounding natural environment of the Cairngorms National Park.

Vive la Montagne Adventure Consultants enjoy a reputation for reliability, professionalism, performance and value.

We shall contact you with further information and prices. Should you be enquiring on behalf of a group or organisation we shall be happy to arrange a visit and explain more through a presentation. 

Pleasley Vale is affectionately known as ‘little Matlock’ to local outdoor enthusiasts. Set in the impressive grounds of Pleasley Vale Mill Complex the centre provides the perfect opportunity for groups and individuals to experience the spirit of adventure without having to travel or pay the high costs associated with more traditional locations such as the Peak District.

It offers a variety of facilities to provide opportunities for indoor and outdoor activities ranging from a Rainbow Day to Senior Section camping. Although close to local amenities, Pettypool is secluded enough to be a safe attractive environment for all who use it.

Youth Programme 2014 is one of the best yet, with loads of fantastic outdoor opportunities for young people aged 3-17, throughout the Easter and Summer holidays. All our courses allow children and young people to learn and develop, discover new places, build confidence, have fun, make new friends and be active outdoors!

Our core mission is re-engaging vulnerable, disaffected young people with education, skills, knowledge and learning. Everything we do supports this important work of helping to turn hopes into reality for those whose lives have been too interesting for education to be a priority. We are very proud of our work in this area.

An Outdoor Activity Centre, based in Beeley, in the heart of the Peak District National Park and the beautiful Derbyshire countryside, providing group accommodation and outdoor adventure activities for young people of all abilities.

ACE specializes in harnessing the power and energy of adventure sports to broaden the visions and aspirations of the people we work with. Our reputation and quality of service delivery has seen our work expand from Girvan to the whole of South Ayrshire.

Founded in 2011 by two secondary school teachers with a love of the outdoors, OceanRock’s mission is to provide quality adventures in amazing locations to all.  

Charterhouse offers groups sole use of the centre and can accommodate up to 63 people. It boasts a large dining hall with a modern kitchen, a visitors lounge and boot room, along with ample outdoor space and a designated camp fire area.

Our North Pennines Activity Centre, Barhaugh Hall, stands in 9 acres of grounds and is set amongst the rolling hills of the North Pennines. The centre is just north of Alston, in an area designated of 'outstanding natural beauty', and around 20 miles from junction 40 of the M6.

Longsleddale Outdoor Pursuits Centre is a voluntary outdoors centre based just North of Kendal in the Lake District. It was formed 40 years ago to provide free or cheap access to the outdoors for the underprivileged youth of Bolton / Manchester.

Residential courses at Longrigg create a community in which every member is asked to contribute. Through these contributions we hope people will grow and develop and then have the confidence to put their "ideas into action".

Sam Sykes™ Ltd was set up to reverse this trend by delivering professionally led Duke of Edinburgh award expeditions across the UK and overseas. With over thirty years' experience in organising and leading DofE Award expeditions at BRONZE, SILVER and GOLD level.

Outdoor UK Limited is an outdoor activities and development company founded in 2004 and benefiting from years of experience in the outdoors and in professional development from its founders, staff and freelance trainers.

We opened our South Pennines centre in 1994, converting a Victorian primary school to accommodate groups of up to 25 children. Since that first season we have twice increased the accommodation at the activity centre, so that we can now accommodate groups of up to 78 children together with their accompanying teachers.

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