Coppermines Canyon

Location:
Coniston
Time Taken:
2-3 hours (from meeting to leaving)
Price:
From £50 per person
What’s involved?
A descent involving sliding, jumping and being lowered on a rope down waterfalls.
Who is it for?
Suitable for adults and children of 12 years and above.
Canyoning is descending a stream. Please also check out our  GHYLL SCRAMBLING locations which involves ascending a stream. 

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 Stickle Ghyll in Langdale (we tend to default to this ghyll when Church Beck is too dangerous to enter).

A positive thing about the canyon being “river-like” rather than “stream-like” is that it doesn’t run dry/low in prolonged spells of warm dry weather that we tend to get during May/June.

Who does it suit?

This is fine for “first-timers” – no previous experience is necessary. The canyon is for adults and children of 12 years and above.

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.

All under 18’s must be accompanied by their OWN parent or LEGAL guardian.

What’s provided:

  • Canyoning wetsuit (10mm) – a clean and dry 2-piece wetsuit that has been specifically designed for canyoning. It’s 10mm thick, warm and has an optional hood
  • Wetsuit Socks (3mm) – Clean and dry and 3mm. Any thicker and you wouldn’t get your shoes over the top.
  • Buoyancy aidConditions dependant.
  • Helmet
  • Canyoning harness & cowstails
  • All canyoning equipment & guide
  • Medical kit with a dry storage container for personal medication
  • Photo’s – taken by the instructor and shared at the end of the session. All photo’s on this page were taken during a session on our phone camera.
Note: We also have special winter kit for the colder months!

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 –(not cotton – its cold when wet)

Typical timeslots 

  • Morning
  • Afternoon

We try to time our sessions so we experience the canyon at its quietest.

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.

What time of year?

We run this location all year. Please be aware that the sessions go ahead even if it is cold, windy, raining and even snowing. Please have this in mind if you book for the colder months as there is more chance of poor weather and you need to be up for it.

So to reinforce the point further – please expect for the canyoning to go ahead even in poor weather and if you are not keen on this idea then don’t book. The only time we cancel this activity is if the conditions make the activity unsafe – and this decision is made by the instructor and is usually due to dangerously high water levels.

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)
  • Safe bet in most weather
  • 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
  • Limited free parking

 

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