4 canyoning destinations for autumn and winter
Canyoning is for the summer, well no! This week, Noelia Novoa, specialised canyoning guide at the head of Barrancs lo Pallarsbrings us 4 proposals to do all year round that you can't miss out oneven now in the middle of winter. Three dry canyons for these days when you don't feel like getting wet and one with thermal waters, yes, you read that right.
Colourful scenery adorns the forests as well as the rivers... Autumn and winter are present in the mountains, some ravines are dyed white with the arrival of the snows and in others, we can see a small course that indicates the end of summer.
We are at the end of the dry season, that time of the year when we will notice how nature recycles itself. Periods of heavy rain, deciduous trees and strong winds will leave their mark on our beloved ravines. And so one autumn and winter after another after the long summer canyoning season (which lately starts earlier due to climate change and ends later, from March to November approximately).
The good news for all canyoning enthusiasts is that we can continue canyoning even in the cold months.
Here are some interesting destinations where you can go canyoning with water and dry canyoning during the autumn and winter months!
EASTERN PYRENEES / THUÈS ENTRE VALLS /FRANCE
- Difficulty: beginner/intermediate
- Length: 200m
- Slope: 120m
- No. of abseils: 5
- Max. rappel: 35m
The ravine Gorgues de Thuèslocated near the small village of Thuès Entre Valls, is a thermal canyon with hot waters, ideal for the whole winter, from November to March.
The sulphurous water springs in this gorge bring hot water of more than 40 degrees to the descent.This makes for a warm bath and a pleasant sensation when you enter the gorges! In addition to being able to practice the technique of abseiling and make some natural slides, we will enjoy an authentic atmosphere and environment during the autumn and winter months!
And also, don't forget to visit...
one of the medieval villages such as Villefranche del Conflent or the trekking route of the gorges of CarançàA beautiful route of footbridges along an aerial path carved into the rock. An idyllic destination that is well worth a visit.
SIERRA DE GUARA / HUESCA
- Difficulty: beginner/intermediate
- Length: 800m
- Slope: 135m
- No. of abseils: 5
- Max. rappel: 15m
The Sierra de Guara is one of the most popular canyoning destinations in Europe. Known for its crystal clear turquoise waters and the colour of its rock, the sierra hides true gems of canyoning for all levels, all year round.
The Sarratanas ravine is a more than ideal proposal for autumn and winter, in the majestic Sierra de Guara.
This canyon is ideal for the cold months due to its low flow, practically dry. It has many cliffs and some abseils, and during its descent we can observe beautiful geological formations that the passage of time has sculpted in the rock, such as some large baumas, vaults, perforated marmites and dark and narrow areas.
Undoubtedly, a proposal not to be missed if you travel to these lands!
And what's more, don't miss...
on medieval village of AlquézarThe city has been declared a Historic-Artistic Site, stroll through its beautiful cobbled streets, visit the Collegiate Church or take the route of the footbridges of the River Vero. A visit to the famous Somontano region, also a land of wines, will not leave you indifferent.
MONTSERRAT MOUNTAIN NATURAL PARK/ BARCELONA
- Difficulty: beginners
- Length: 900m
- Elevation gain: 350m
- No. of abseils: 5
- Maximum rappel: 25m
The mountain of Montserrat, considered the magic mountain, is full of legends and stories. With its more than 6,000 climbing routes, the Montserrat Mountain Natural Park offers countless activities, such as dry canyons, equipped canals, caves, trekking routes, climbing routes and much more.
From the multitude of canyons on offer, we will focus on another classic canyon of Montserrat, the Santa Caterina or Font Seca ravine. Perfect for any time of the year, but especially in the months when we don't feel like getting wet.
Starting its approach and ending in the pretty village of Collbató, this canyon hides beautiful views of the mountain and cosy corners, with a sporty section of interesting abseils, several ledges, fixed ropes and a more boxed-in final part.
And what's more, nearby you may be interested in the...
the dry ravine of the Goose gameso called because of its resemblance to the well-known board game. Nor should you miss a visit to the village of Collbatójust below the mountain of Montserrat. It is a place where you can breathe the climbing atmosphere. There you can also visit the Salnitre cavesThe 500-metre route, with its geological formations and underground galleries.
EL PALLARS / LÉRIDA
- Difficulty: beginners
- Length: 800m
- Slope: 100m
- Nº Rappels: 9
- Max. rappel: 15m
At the gateway to the Pyrenees lies Pobla de Segur, the starting point for many canyons in the Pallars area. Here you will find some of the best canyons in the Catalan Pyrenees.
Very close to La Pobla de Segur, at an altitude of over 900 metres, is a small village called Serradell. Nearby you will find the longest cave in Catalonia, the Cova Cuberes (13km and more than 300 metres of height difference) and the ravine next to Serradell.
This is an ideal canyon to do at any time of the year as it almost always has a low flow or is practically dry. It is only after periods of heavy rainfall that it is possible to do it with water.
and also, don't forget to visit...
SerradelThe small village that gives its name to the ravine, and stroll through its narrow streets. It is said that even today, artists and craftsmen have chosen this village to live in. Also nearby is the village of Torallawith beautiful views of the Pallars.
