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Canyoning holidays in the Pyrenees

The Pyrenees are a brilliant place to discover the challenging sport of canyoning. Canyoning is generally only available in the mountains, where steep valleys and rushing mountain streams lead to the formation of canyons. The idea of canyoning is to follow the river downstream in any way possible - sliding, swimming, jumping, climbing and abseiling. You can try canyoning as a half day activity as part of our multi activity holiday, as a long-weekend's introduction to canyoning or as a full week of canyoning working up towards the descent of technically challenging, vertical canyons at the end of the week. For Summer 2008 we are offering canyoning holidays using qualified local guides with a lifetime of experience working in and exploring the area.

NEW: We are now offering a special two-centre week (beginning in Bareges and ending in the Sierra de Guarra in Spain) in late Summer - contact us on canyoning@mountainbug.com if you would like to join us 20th-27th September 2008.

Canyoning Pyrenees - short abseil into the torrent	Canyoning Pyrenees - sliding into a watery chimney	Canyoning Pyrenees - long abseil in a local French canyon

The most exciting time of year for canyoning is in late Spring/early Summer, when the snow melt from the high mountains makes the rivers roar. This does mean that the water is cold though, so Autumn is probably the best time of year, when the mountain streams are at their warmest. The rushing waters and lush vegetation of the French side of the border give our local canyons a humid, "rainforest" atmosphere. There are water chutes and pools to jump in, and you will get very wet abseiling down waterfalls! The sunny canyons of the Spanish Pyrenees are often drier and scattered with warm blue pools. There is less water but the abseils are generally longer and more challenging. The rock formations are rounded and smooth - almost like caving above ground. We like to mix the different characters of the canyons of France and Spain with a two-centre break during a full week of canyoning.

Canyoning week suggested itinerary

Saturday Canyoning holiday Day 1	Flights to Pau airport, transfer to Bareges. Free afternoon - take a walk to the lovely Creperie at St. Justin, or simply relax with a cold beer on our patio.
Sunday Canyoning holiday Day 2	Introduction to canyoning. We visit one of the local canyons near Gavarnie.
Monday Canyoning holiday Day 3	A second French canyon - something a bit more challenging, looking at the techniques of abseiling.
Tuesday Canyoning holiday Day 4	Morning transfer to Spain. Afternoon walk discovering the spectacular canyons and gorges.
Wednesday Canyoning holiday Day 5	Introduction to the canyons of the Sierra de Guara.
Thursday Canyoning holiday Day 6	A typical Spanish canyon - smooth, rounded rocks, huge abseils and stunning views. Plus the water is warm!
Friday Canyoning holiday Day 7	A final day of canyoning - our most technical canyon yet, and one of the classic descents of the Sierra de Guara.
Saturday Canyoning holiday Day 8	Depart for the airport in the morning.

We use fully qualified local instructors for our canyoning, who will tailor their instruction and itinerary to the particular skills and requirements of your group. On the week-long itinerary, you will also be accompanied by ourselves as English speakers.

Canyoning holiday accommodation

The first three nights' accommodation are based in the village of Bareges. Our house is situated just off the main street, close to all the local shops, bakery, bars and restaurants and the thermal baths. We have five en-suite bedrooms, a heated equipment room, sauna, dining room and spacious lounge with a wood-burning stove, bar, library, reading/games corner, music centre and computer with internet access.

For the second half of the week we transfer to Spain and the legendary canyoning area of the "Sierra de Guara". Just over the French border, and around the base of the spectacular Mont Perdu (the second highest peak in the Pyrenees), the landscape is characterised by stunning gorges, limestone pinnacles and smooth canyons carved from the soft local rock. A range of possible accommodation based in the village of Puyarruego, where camping, chalets and gites are available (prices are based on catered chalet-bungalow accommodation).

Canyoning holiday prices

	Option	Price
	1 week all-inclusive - 8 days/7 nights	975 € Minimum group size of four people (max 8)
	Long weekend - 3 days/2 nights (Sierra de Guara)	355 € Minimum group size of four people (max 8)
Abseiling in a Spanish canyon	Airport transfers	40-70€ per person	Dry canyon

All-inclusive 1 week canyoning price includes your accommodation, generous continental breakfasts, packed lunches, afternoon tea & cakes (French side only) and delicious three course evening meals. Six days of activities with qualified instructors, all specialist equipment hire and local minibus transport are also included.

Long weekend canyoning itineraries (perfect for a stag weekend with a difference!) are based on a 9am departure from France on Day 1 and include 3 days of guiding and 2 nights self-catering chalet-bungalow accommodation in Spain. Depending on flight times, you may need to consider additional accommodation in France at either end of the trip.

Please contact us to check prices and availability for canyoning holidays.

More canyoning pictures....please click here for our photo album...

Swimming in a Spanish canyon	Waterfalls - Sierra de Guara		Water chute - Sierra de Guara	Mind the gap - spectacular scenery in the Spanish canyons

Fitness and training for canyoning holidays

To get the most out of your canyoning holiday you should be reasonably fit and active. You should not need any specific training but you will enjoy canyoning more if you take some regular exercise before your trip. Some of the canyons require a reasonably long walk-in with some uphill climbing, and you may like to offer to share the portage of ropes and equipment with your guide. No previous experience of canyoning or abseiling is necessary, but you should have a good head for heights and be able to swim confidently.

RECOMMENDED CANYONING KIT LIST

• All technical canyoning equipment is provided
  
• Clothing
  Swimming costume/trunks
  Neoprene socks (these may be available to borrow)
  Old trainers or canyoning shoes (neoprene with a rubber sole)
  Waterproof jacket
  Waterproof trousers
  Comfy day/evening clothes
  Warm fleece for evenings
  Sun hat/peaked cap
  Sunglasses
  Hiking boots/sturdy outdoor trainers
  Old towel

Pyrenees canyoning - abseil	Canyoning Pyrenees - picnic spot	Jump	Huge pitch/tiny man!	Water slide - Spanish canyoning

Booking and availability: Please contact us for more details.