If you attempt canyoning on your own, you must consider yourself an expert and have the appropriate equipment; otherwise, it's better to admire the canyon from a distance. The flowing streams, the lush and remote vegetation, and the opportunities for fun within them—on their slides, waterfalls, potholes, and pools for a refreshing dip, vertical walls, and winding paths—make the Asturian canyons a major draw for canyoning enthusiasts. Typically, two or three hours of exploration through canyons of varying difficulty act as a filter for those with excessive enthusiasm or passion.
The watercourse is descended by walking, jumping, sliding, swimming, or using rope maneuvers, according to techniques that were refined from the 19th century onwards, mainly in France. In 1888 , Édouard A. Martel, founder of the French Speleological Association in 1895, made the first traverse of the Bramabiau cave (Gard), considered the first canyoning descent.
While rappelling techniques have changed little since their inception, the equipment used to overcome waterfalls or vertical drops has evolved considerably. Specific products are now manufactured, such as neoprene wetsuits between 3 and 5 mm thick, with reinforced knees and elbows (recommended), a comfortable and abrasion-resistant backpack for maneuvers, and a life jacket for high-difficulty canyons. Footwear consists of sturdy boots or shoes with ankle protection and neoprene socks for extreme cold. Specific canyoning harnesses are highly resistant to wear. Locking carabiners are essential for rappelling maneuvers, which also require a rappel device or descender, hammer, pitons, nuts, bolts, chains, rings, and so on. In the 90s, floating ropes, which do not sink and are very lightweight, came onto the market. A helmet is highly recommended and mandatory.
The geological characteristics of canyons don't allow for skimping on equipment. While some sections might seem accessible, they will only be so if you are properly equipped. Taking risks in a canyon is strictly forbidden , and adventure tourism companies know this better than anyone, never judging terrain conditions lightly.
In Asturias, the practice of this river sport is mainly 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 groups looking for pure fun. It's a canyon with slides and jumps into small pools… Read more
Initiation canyoning
With rappels under 20 meters and swimming in calm water. We'll enjoy easy jumps under 6 meters and short slides… Read more
Advanced canyoning
The trip lasts approximately 3 hours and includes rappels of over 20 meters. You'll encounter jumps of over 4 meters and steep natural water slides… Read more
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
Access is via the road from Cangas de Onís, heading towards León through the Beyos Gorge. We reach a junction signposted for Amieva. A few kilometers further on, at a right-hand bend, you'll see the river and a lone tree. Enter the thick vegetation beyond the tree, and you'll be on the right track. Five or six rappels and numerous aquatic pools await you.
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
