Canyoning in the rivers of eastern Asturias

Cangas Aventura descends five canyons in eastern Asturias, in the upper reaches of the Sella and the Cares, at three levels of difficulty. It is a half-day outing leaving at 9:30 from its base in Arriondas, and the 5 mm wetsuit and boots are included, along with photos of the descent.

What it is

Canyoning is descending a gorge on foot, along the riverbed, secured with the right equipment and with guides. Depending on the section, you swim, scramble down, jump into pools or slide down natural rock chutes. No experience is needed: a minimum level of fitness and being able to swim, or at least not being afraid of water, is enough. The company insists that being able to swim is essential.

The levels and the canyons

• Level I, family canyon, from age 6: gentle obstacles for beginners. It is the Rubó one.
• Level II, accessible canyon, from age 12: more excitement and somewhat more technical obstacles, for those who have already tried. These are Vallegón, Carangas and La Molina.
• Level III, medium-to-hard difficulty, from age 16: difficult obstacles, for those with previous experience. It is the Viboli one.

When booking online, level II is booked by default, and the guide may change the canyon depending on the flow, the time of year and their judgement. With families with small children, ask about level I before booking.

Price and what is included

Level II costs €55 and level III €65; there are discounts on the website when booking online. It includes the full 5 mm wetsuit (jacket and long john), neoprene boots with non-slip soles, anchor lanyards, shared equipment such as ropes, and public liability and accident insurance. They take photos during the descent and give them to you free at the end. The transfer from their premises to the canyon is free.

The website announced the activity as available from March. Book online, on 985 849 261 or at [email protected].

Getting there

The base is at the La Dehesa estate, on the banks of the Sella in Arriondas, about ten minutes from Cangas de Onís, with free parking, changing rooms, toilets and a picnic area. Bring swimwear or sports underwear to wear under the wetsuit, a towel and dry clothes to change into.

If one canyon is not enough for you, the same company runs caving and the Sella descent.