Once again, the dry weather means the the Gorge should be dry and running well this weekend so we're all set for heading out into the Brecon Beacons for a couple of days of Gorge Walking and Canyoning.
There is some spells of rain forecast over the next few days, so the water flow should be constant in the Sychryd and the Mellte Gorges without being too excessive for the activities in the mountains. The land is also still holding some water, adding to the flow and keeping the waterfalls on a constant level. You must be aware of the level of rainfall on the mountain region to predict the flow force of the water especially after the rain on Friday night, so as always be informed and be safe.
Conditions for Coasteering are OK over this weekend with relatively small swell on both Saturday and Sunday, meaning the regions in Swansea such as Caswell Bay and Ogmore-by-Sea should be accessible and acceptable for the event. The swell is forecast to increase to levels that could mean it's unsafe for coasteering in the early part of next week however so, as always keep an eye on the changing conditions, particularly the swell size and tides. The wind however may play a factor as there are gusting gale force winds predicted, Easterlies will be fine but be aware of Westerlies and Southerlies.
The good coasteering conditions this weekend mean the swell may be a bit small for surfing. Early next week the swell is set to increase so conditions could be good in the usual areas such as Rest Bay & Coney Beach in Porthcawl & Llangenith Langland in Swansea should all be good options over the weekend. As always, keep an eye on the tides and for the best surfing try and surf on the incoming tide. Again the wind will play a fact on the conditions, so head for beaches protected from the prevailing winds.
We have a full programme of activities over the next few days, we have the ultimate Canyoning and Gorge Walking Challenge on Saturday with Graham and the Lads on the Sychryd and Mellte Rivers. The lads will be setting Cardthemselves for a big day on the rivers scaling the mountain through the gorge and the rivers so a big challenging day ahead. The Coasteering is also looking good for the next few days, so we will be taking Darren and the boys on there Stag weekend activity in Cardiff to the Cliffs of Ogmore by Sea for there coasteering session.
As always in South Wales you need to be aware of the potential of flashing in the Gorges after any spell of heavy rain. If you are looking at Coasteering, keep a close eye on the tide times and be aware of the large tidal movement around the South Wales coast. Although the weather has improved over the last week will still be very low, around 4°C in the rivers and 9°C - 10°C in the sea so make sure you take precautions, particularly with regards to thermal protection.
