If one dares with canyoning at his own risk, he should consider himself an expert in the matter and have the appropriate material, but it is better to see the ravine in the distance. The channel of the torrents, the exuberant and remote vegetation, and the possibilities of having fun within him, in his slides, waterfalls, kettles or pools in which to soak, vertical walls and winding paths, makes the Asturian ravines a great magnet for lovers of this sport. Usually two or three hours of walking through canyons of varying difficulty that acts as a sieve of enthusiasm or excessive passions.
The water course is walked, jumping, sliding, swimming or performing rope maneuvers, according to some techniques that were outlined since the nineteenth century, mainly in France. In 1888,, Édouard A. Martel, founder of the Association of French Speleology at 1895, makes the first crossing of the grotto of Bramabiau (Gard), considered the first descent of a ravine.
While rappel techniques have varied little since their inception, to save a waterfall or vertical jump, equipment has evolved remarkably, manufacturing specific products such as the neoprene suit between 3 and 5 mm thick, with reinforcements on knees and elbows (recommended), a comfortable backpack for maneuvers and abrasion resistant, and life jacket for high ravines difficulty. The footwear consists of boots or sturdy shoes with ankle protection and booties (neoprene socks) for extreme cold situations. The specific harness models for canyoning are very resistant to wear. The carabiners must be safe for abseiling maneuvers, which also requires a rappel or descender, hammer, nails, recessers, parabolts, chains, rings, and so on. In the 90 years there are floating ropes that do not sink and are very light. The helmet is highly recommended, mandatory.
The geological characteristics of the guns do not allow to skimp on material. While it may be thought that certain sections are affordable, they will always be if we are well equipped with instruments. In a ravine it is strictly forbidden to gamble, and that is better known than any other active tourism companies, which will never judge the conditions of the land lightly.
In Asturias the practice of this river sport is mostly concentrated in its eastern area.
From here we recommend always contracting with specialized companies for years in this type of incursions through the ravines.
Canyoning Baptism
Very simple, ideal for families with children or for groups that above all want fun. It is a ravine with slides and jumps into small pools….
Initiation canyoning
With rappelling of less than 20 meters and swimming in calm water. We will enjoy easy-to-execute jumps of less than 6 meters and short slides...
Advanced canyoning
Duration of about 3 hours, with rappels greater than 20 meters. We will find jumps greater than 4 meters and steep slides….
Information:
Trescares Canyon
It is reached by the road of Panes towards Cangas de Onís, to 10 kilometers approximately is the town of Trescares. Once past the village, you have to leave the car on the road, near the Roman bridge. Cross the Roman bridge and follow the path to some cabins, from there you have to look carefully to discover the path that goes into the gorge.
Canyon of the Valley
It is accessed by the road from Cangas de Onís, towards León by the Los Beyos gorge. We arrive at a crossroads that marks the Amieva direction. A few kilometers further up, on a bend to the right, you will see the river and a lonely tree. We enter the thicket that continues to the tree and we will be on the right path. 5-6 rappels and many aquatic corners await us.
Viboli Canyon
It is accessed by the road from Cangas de Onís towards León, through the Los Beyos gorge. On the right you will find a sign indicating Viboli (very narrow road). Later there is a crossroads, it will continue straight, until passing a bridge. The cannon is caught right there. 4-5 rappels the largest of 20-25 meters.
Cobarcil Canyon
It is accessed by the road from Cangas de Onís towards León, at the end of the Beyos Gorge, you reach a village (1 single house on the left) that puts Cobarcil.
Go down the river to the river in a few minutes and continue along the river until you enter the canyon.
Short but intense canyon, once inside there is no escape. In spring, Autumn and winter is impractical, but you can get off without problems in summer.
Several rappels, the largest of 10-15 meters.
The Xanas
Ravine with a beautiful approach excursion, easy descent and comfortable return. A tributary of the Trubia River in the vicinity of Proaza, the Viescas River has carved one of the most beautiful gorges, narrow sections give way to wider canyon areas with cascades between blocks. In addition, the access road gives us a nice excursion through an aerial path carved into the rock that crosses several tunnels. Access, we leave the car in the 11 km of the Trubia-Proaza Road, in the so-called "Molín de las Xanas". In the vicinity of the mouth of the gorge comes the path that will introduce us into the gorge.
Dobra Canyon
Canyon located in the National Park of the Picos de Europa, and that can not be lowered, probably the best of northern Spain, nothing to envy those of the Pyrenees or Guara.
Text: © Ramón Molleda for asturias.com
