Is it not too cold?

No! We have spent thousands on quality winter wetsuits and additional winter kit to ensure that you will not get too cold!

It’s actually easier to keep you warm in winter as we have no decisions on layering to make….we just give you everything (see kit details and spec below).

This is a colder outing than our “Winter Ghyll Scrambling” location as it is very aquatic and takes place in deep pools of cold water and is less physical. The first section will be fine but the final 15 minute section is a bit colder but not enough to ruin the activity.

If you want a warmer experience then book the “Winter Ghyll Scrambling” instead.

Once at the start the terrain is downhill so you are not working that hard. This means you will not be generating much body heat which means you won’t be warming the water trapped in the wetsuit as much.  This makes the final section colder as you are in and out of cold deep water with no time to warm up in-between. The final section is only around 15 minutes so its not a huge problem but you must be up for this.

Winter kit provided:

• Wetsuit Base Layer (3mm)  – This is a clean and dry 3mm neoprene base layer. This is the thickness most companies offer as their main wetsuit and we are using it purely as a base layer!
• Canyoning Wetsuit with Hood (10mm) – This is a clean and dry two piece wetsuit specifically designed for this activity. It will give a combined thickness of 13mm (including the base layer) on your core. Just to put this into perspective – 5mm is classed as a winter wetsuit and ours is over twice that thickness.  Do not be fooled by companies saying they will double up and give you two suits – this just means their suits are terrible and thinner than they are advertising. You would not be able to wear two of ours, they are too thick and you wouldn’t be able to move. Also two of their 3mm or 5mm wetsuits is still thinner than our 13mm suits.
• Wetsuit Socks (3-6mm)  – Two pairs of clean and dry 3mm socks. You are offered 2 pairs but it depends if you can fit both pairs inside your trainers. The reason we offer two thinner pairs as opposed to one thick pair is just in case they don’t fit inside then at least you will be able to fit one pair inside. 3mm is better than nothing at all.
• Wetsuit Gloves (3mm)  – One pair of clean and dry 3mm wetsuit gloves. We don’t offer thicker and the reason is we like to offer second pair of rubber windproof gloves over the top of these to keep windchill out and offer grip. With thicker wetsuit gloves you cannot fit the rubber gloves over the wetsuit gloves which would leave you with slippy neoprene gloves that don’t offer wind protection and would also lead to holes in the soft neoprene.
• Windproof Gloves (rubber)  – One pair of clean and dry rubber over gloves. Grippy and wind resistant.
• Windproof Jacket – This is a clean and dry jacket that will be used when the windchill is below or close to zero. This will help keep any biting wind off your core. 
• Buoyancy aid – This is used purely as added insulation when the temps drop below or close to zero. Its like getting a nice warm reassuring hug throughout the activity.

What else we provide:

• Specialist Helmet & Harness
• Waterproof Container for Medication
• All Equipment & Qualified Guide
• Photo’s – Taken by the instructor and shared at the end of the session.

The location:

Coppermines Canyon is located in the South of the Lake District National Park. It runs from the foot of the mountain called “The Old Man of Coniston” just below the “Coppermines”.  The start point of the canyon is accessed via a 15-20 minute moderately steep walk from the meeting place in the car park on Old Furness Road located at the top of the town of Coniston. Changing will take place at cars.

Whats involved?

It is a great canyoning experience that involves descending the stream known as Church Beck. There are a variety of challenges you will encounter along the way such as – sliding, jumping and being lowered on a rope down down some great waterfalls. This is not what most companies are referring to as “the canyon section” of Church Beck or “the top section”. Our experience starts higher up and is more involved.

Water safety info:

It is a very aquatic outing that takes place in and around both fast flowing and deep water. The ghyll can and will be ran in times of moderately higher water levels (group dependant).

When the water level is high the canyon can be very fierce – however, we have built up a lot of experience and clocked up years of experience in all conditions in this canyon and we will make the right decision of whether or not to run your session – A safer bet in times of flooding is the “Winter Ghyll Scramble” in Langdale (we tend to default to this ghyll when its too dangerous to enter).

Who does it suit?

The winter is ADULTS ONLY. This is fine for “first-timers” – no previous experience is necessary.

For winter canyoning you must have an “up for it” attitude and accept that you may be stepping out of your car into a biting wind/snow to then get semi-naked and into a wetsuit. Also the final 15 minute section is cold and you will need to endure this.

You must be confident in water as this is a very aquatic outing. All participants must be ok with getting fully submerged in/being around both fast flowing and deep water. You must be able to walk unaided in a rocky stream without being terrified of slipping. The ability to swim is useful but not essential as the wetsuits will keep you afloat when necessary.

A realistic level of fitness is required for this as it is a physically demanding activity. The jumps carry the highest risk and therefore can be avoided for those who do not wish to jump.

What to bring:

• Old trainers – no wellies, sandals, crocs or slip-on type shoes
• Swimming costume/ trunks/ underwear
• Rash vest/ base layer/ gym t-shirt – To wear under the layers we provide (don’t wear cotton – its cold when wet).

Typical timeslots 

• Morning
• Afternoon

How long will it last?

The activity will last no more than 3 hours from the point we meet to the point we say goodbye. The exact time depends on group size, the confidence and ability as well as the fitness of the participants and also the water conditions.

Meeting location:

The meeting point is Old Furness Road, Coniston, LA21 8HU. This is an industrial estate with parking. There are free spaces to park here but have change handy in case these are taken and you have to use the Pay and Display area. You are looking for a logo’d van parked up on the road. Please leave enough time for travelling as there are no refunds for the people who arrive late.

Pro’s: 

• Suitable for “first-timers”
• Free parking (limited)
• Very aquatic canyon with a nice mixture of jumps, slides and rope lowers down waterfalls
• Jumps can be avoided
• Good for spectators
• Near plenty of coffee shops, pubs and shops
• Bus transport links
• Easy to find

 Cons:

• No toilet or changing area where we park
• Not suitable for people that do not like to get fully submerged in water
• A colder option
• Limited free parking