Whilst some people may not have appreciated the rain we've had here in South Wales over the past few days, the rivers certainly have. Water levels on the River Sychryd and River Mellte in the Brecons have increased and are back to good levels currently. The rain has also put some water back into the land, so currently the river is running well and the waterfalls are constant. You will need to be very aware of how the environment may have changed after the land dried out.
As is always the case with Gorge Walking and Canyoning, it's the rain in the previous 12 - 18 hours that will have the biggest effect on conditions, so you need to be informed of the rain levels on the Brecon Beacons and the potential for flashing any heavy rain can cause.
Conditions aren't looking too good for Coasteering this weekend. Although the swell may stay low, at around 1 - 2 ft we're expecting some onshore Westerlies and Southerlies with some strong gusts. With that kind of onshore wind strength it just isn't going to be safe, particularly on the South and West facing beach. Even the easterly facing bays, such as Caswell Bay in Swansea may be too affected due to the strength of the gusts.
This weekend it really is looking like your best option is to take your activity inland and join us in the Brecon Beacons for some Gorge Walking or Canyoning.
With low swell and strong onshore winds, surfing conditions may be difficult this weekend. Your best option will be to head to the more protected beaches on the south coast of Wales, such as Rest Bay in Porthcawl and see if you can use the incoming tide. Swell is looking to pick up into the early part of next week, but so to is the wind speed so you will need to be very aware if you choose to get in the water. As with Coasteering you may want to consider the more easterly Caswell Bay in Swansea to get some protection from the winds.
We'll be down at Dinas Rock this weekend for more Gorge Walking and Canyoning with a mix of stag do's from the Cardiff and Swansea and birthday celebrations. We've also got some beach activity days lined up for later in the week, so as the saying goes, no rest for the wicked!
Wind speed and direction is the big caution this weekend. We're expecting onshore Southerlies and Westerlies and gusts of nearly 30 knots! As always, any bout of heavy rain can have a big impact on river levels so you really do need to stay informed of the local rain if you are planning any Gorge Walking or Canyoning activities.
