Riverwalking is an unusual way to spent quality time outdoors – but it is an excellent way to test your agility. Also known as “canyoning” or “gorge walking”, it follows the course of a river on foot. Sounds easy? Yeah, well, it is – until the currents hit you or that slippery stone under your foot ...
You get decked out in wetsuits, floatation devices and even helmets and then go into the river. Which is cold at best of times and freezing on all other days – but a properly fitted wetsuit should take care of that. An easy riverwalk will be just that, a cross-country walk with wet feet (knees, hips ...). The more challenging walks take in waterfalls that have to be climbed, using ropes and other mountaineering equipment.
It is best to join a guided tour if you are a beginner ... for safety reasons and to get the “feel” for the unusual footing.
Further Information:
The following organisations provide guided riverwalks with equipment loan:
- Birr Outdoor Education Centre, County Offaly
- Bluelough Mountain and Water Sports Centre, County Down
- Delphi Adventure Centre, County Galway
- Gartan Outdoor Education Centre, County Donegal
- Gortin Activity Centre, Northern Ireland
- Kilfinane Outdoor Education Centre, County Limerick
- Killary Adventure Centre, County Galway
- Lilliput Adventure Centre, County Westmeath
- Peak Discovery Activity Centre, County Down
- Petersburg Outdoor Education Centre, County Galway
- Tain Adventure Centre, County Louth
