The Crags: Short Canyoning Trip with Abseiling & Zipline

Summary

Canyoning in The Crags with abseiling and ziplining adventure

You’ll scramble through ancient canyons in The Crags with two local guides leading you abseiling down cliffs, ziplining over water, and leaping into deep pools—all gear included. Expect laughter, cold splashes, and stories you’ll remember on quiet days back home.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest—I almost turned back at the base camp in The Crags when I saw the wetsuits lined up. Something about squeezing into neoprene before coffee felt a bit much, but our guide, Sipho, had this easy way of making everyone laugh about it. He said you get used to the smell (he lied). After a quick gear check and safety talk that was more reassuring than strict, we headed off down a path that smelled like wet leaves and something sweet I couldn’t place. Maybe wildflowers? Or just my nerves.

The first abseil looked higher from below than it did from above. My hands were shaking but Sipho clipped me in and told me to “trust the rope, not your legs.” I tried not to overthink it. The rock was cool and rough under my fingers—kind of grounding, actually. When I finally reached the bottom, there was this hush except for water dripping somewhere close by and someone’s nervous giggle echoing off the canyon walls. We took turns jumping off a ledge into a deep pool; I hesitated (twice), then just went for it. Cold shock on my skin and then pure relief—like hitting reset.

There was ziplining too—short but wild enough that I caught myself grinning like an idiot halfway across. Our other guide, Tandi, snapped photos of us flailing midair (those are for sale at the end if you want proof you survived). At one point she pointed out a kingfisher darting past—blue blur against all that green—and told us how her gran used to spot them as omens of good luck around here. Not sure if that worked for me but I liked the story anyway.

We finished hiking along the riverbed, soaked and tired but kind of giddy. There’s something about moving through those narrow spaces together—scrambling over boulders or sliding down mossy rocks—that makes strangers feel like teammates fast. By the time we peeled off our wetsuits (finally), nobody cared about helmet hair or muddy faces anymore. Hot showers back at camp felt like luxury. I still think about that jump sometimes when I need courage for something small.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Canyoning adventure in The Crags

• Arrive 1 hour early for briefing
• Gear up with provided equipment
• Abseil down the canyon
• Cliff jump into river
• Zip line across canyon
• Swim and hike down river

Top questions

How long does the canyoning trip in The Crags take?

The activity itself takes several hours; guests must arrive 1 hour before booking time for gear up and safety briefing.

Is equipment provided for canyoning in The Crags?

Yes, all necessary equipment such as helmets, wetsuits, life vests, and harnesses is included in the cost.

Are there age or health restrictions for this canyoning tour?

The minimum age is 8 years old; not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries.

Do I need previous experience for this canyoning trip?

No previous experience is needed; suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Are photos included on The Crags canyoning tour?

No, but guides take pictures during the activity which you can purchase afterward if you want.

Is transportation provided to The Crags base camp?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; public transportation options are available nearby.

What should I bring for after the trip?

You should bring your own towel for a hot shower after returning to base camp.

What’s included

Your day includes use of helmets, wetsuits, life vests and harnesses plus guidance from two qualified local adventure guides throughout your canyoning trip in The Crags. All safety briefings are covered before you set out; photos taken by guides can be purchased at the end if you’d like a souvenir shot to remember your leap—or your face right before it.