We've had less rain across South Wales this week, so river levels have dropped slightly from last week on both the River Sychryd and River Mellte (Afon Sychryd and Afon Mellte). There is still plenty of water in the ground, so the river is running well and waterfall levels are constant, meaning we should be on for some enjoyable conditions for both Gorge Walking and Canyoning.
The heavy rain over the last couple of weeks and increase in water levels and flow force will have caused some environmental changes, so it is absolutely vital you only enter the water with experience, knowledgable professionals who know the area, even if you have walked the gorge before.
Because of the high level of water help in the land, any significant rainfall in the mountain regions of the Brecon Beacons is likely to have a big impact on water levels and flow force in the rivers, so you need to be aware and informed of rainfall in the area for the previous 12 - 18 hours.
Well, this weekend certainly isn't going to provide the right conditions for Coasteering. We've got 20mph - 30mph South Westerlies and massive swell, possibly over 10ft at times! This means Coasteering is off across all of the South Wales region.
If you still want some adventure, then why not head inland for some Gorge Walking or Canyoning? This will give you all the adventure you crave, beautiful views of the Brecon Beacons and the chance to see some sights your average walker will never get to see.
Well, there's certainly going to be some big swell around for the surfers in South Wales this weekend, but that may not mean the conditions are going to be good for you.
We have strong onshore winds across the weekend so conditions will be choppy and even though the surf may be big, you may find they are breaking too early for any kind of decent surfing. Experienced surfers may find the Easterly facing bays, suchs as Oxwich Bay in Swansea or Coney Beach in Porthcawl will provide enough protection from the winds to find acceptable conditions. Less experienced surfers will be best staying out of the water this weekend.
Well as we said, Coasteering is off for us this weekend but we'll still be heading to Dinas Rock in the Brecon Beacons for some Gorge Walking and Canyoning with our stag do's from the Cardiff, Porthcawl and Swansea areas and some Hen Do's too. We're also running some beach activity days over the weekend and into next week and we have an Emergency First Responder course running for some students during the week too.
Water levels in the ground are still high, increasing the chances of flashing on the rivers after any significant spell of rain. It's vital you only attempt to enter the river with experienced, knowledgeable professionals who know the area and conditions. The South Wales coast is presenting some difficult conditions this weekend too, with strong, onshore winds and big swell a particular challenge.
