See our Abseil Challenge 2008 - from the Newport Transporter Bridge!

Linda's Gorge Walking Blog

Feb 2008 - No, Andy didn't push me off the edge, and I don't know what happened to my legs in this pic - perhaps I can send it to 'Most Haunted'...'Sam, Sam, Can you hear me Sam...?'

We’ve got a great team of freelance instructors and leaders for all our activities - it’s their technical expertise and sheer enthusiasm that make the activities so enjoyable and  I had decided to join them  for our GOGC gorge walking training day in the Sychryd Gorge, Glynneath. As a new activity that we would be offering for 2008, I wanted to experience it for myself so I could see it from a customer’s perspective.  I didn’t have a clear idea of what it entailed, but thought it might be a bit like a few hours hiking where you were likely to get your feet wet.  How wrong I was!

It was a wild and wet day last November when we arrived at Dinas Rock Car Park and met with Chris from WLA who was leading the training day.  We kitted up in wet suits, buoyancy aids and helmets and after a briefing and warm –up it was off to the river.  After several days of rain, the water was cascading down the gorge in a churning torrent, with the water level being just within the safe parameters for the activity.  A few hours later we would have to abandon the session as the water was rising to a dangerous level - much to my disappointment, as within minutes I was hooked, although the first jump into the river was a bit of a shock to the system to say the least!

I expected that the day would be physically demanding as I am only of average fitness and like many workaholics spend way too much time in the office, welded to a computer; but being in the company of those who are fit, experienced and qualified in numerous water and dry land outdoor activities and quite at home in the environment of the gorge gave me a real confidence boost. I found myself able to tackle physical and mental challenges that I would have previously considered way beyond me. Day- to- day stress was wiped out by the need to concentrate on the moment - whether it was traversing a rocky outcrop,  ferry-gliding down the river or scrambling through a dark tunnel in the rock face.

The highlight of the day was jumping off a waterfall into what looked like a  huge foaming cauldron, with the roar of the water thundering in your ears.  I didn’t have to jump - I really don’t like heights or deep water, but when it came to it I just knew that I was up for the challenge, so after encouragement and a count down and from the guys I literally took the plunge.  What an amazing and exhilarating experience all round!

Gorge walking is good for the body and soul, whether you decide to opt for the more adventurous aspects or stick to the less heart-stopping elements.

I enjoyed the day so much that I went back in February to have another go.  It was picture postcard weather this time, with the sun rising in a clear blue sky.  Low water levels in the river posed a completely different set of challenges in this truly awe-inspiring landscape; there was far more scrambling over rocks that were previously submerged and the water was bone-chillingly cold - hence the expression on my face in the above pic - I knew what was coming!

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