Abseiling is such a versatile sport, you can abseil down pretty much anything, and anywhere. In this article I want to look at five of the most incredible abseils in the world. No mean trick, but I think the final list is an interesting mix, and may even inspire you to try some of them! Rather than pick one particular country, I went for a more eclectic look across the world.
First, then, Australia, a country that has more than its fair share of abseiling opportunities. This one, though, is the best of them all if you are into an urban abseiling:
7-storey Forward Run – Melbourne, Australia
There is no denying this is a unique experience. Here you have the chance to run down the side of a seven story building, face first. This type of abseil, also known as Rap Jumping, is one of the biggest thrills you are going to experience. This fully-supervised Rap takes place in the centre of Melbourne, the capital of the state of Victoria in Australia. what better way is there to get a view of this city and have some fun at the same time?
Next, the south Pacific Ocean:
Abseiling down a Waterfall – Republic of Vanuatu, South Pacific
Getting bored of abseiling down mountains and buildings or off another bridge? What about a waterfall? This particular adventure takes place on the island of Vanuatu, the spiritual home of abseiling. The small island nation is famous for its land-diving where participants throw themselves off bamboo platforms with only vines attached to their legs!
Once you have marveled at what the locals can do, why not shimmy off to the Mele-Maat Cascades in the Efate district of the island? This 50m abseil is through some of the most stunning waterfalls and cascades you will find anywhere in the world. One thing is certain, you are going to get wet attempting this one!
Thirdly, South Africa:
Table Mountain – Cape Town, South Africa
We’ve all seen pictures of this iconic mountain. It serves as the perfect backdrop to the beautiful city of Cape Town, south Africa and, at 1,000 metres above sea level, this abseil is a pure adrenalin rush. The highest commercial abseil in the world, you’ll get a chance to see the mountain and Cape Town as very few people have, as there is an overhang half way down the mountain that will leave you swinging free with the best bird’s eye view of the surrounding area you will ever get.
Now back to the South Pacific and New Zealand:
Lost World – Waitamo, New Zealand
Also known as New Zealand’s underground playground, the lost world is a series of caves and underground waterways that is beyond anything you can imagine. Picture a 100m abseil down from the cave mouth, you swing freely through waterfalls lit only by the light from above… This is the sort of rappel you dream about, and after the 30-minute descent you get to explore the magical cave system as well!
Finally, back home to Wales:
The Devil’s Gorge – Llanarmon-yn-lal, Wales
Closer to home, maybe, but exciting never-the-less. The Clwydian Range in north-east Wales is a mixture of heather clad summits overlooking limestone cliffs and gorges. The whole area is dotted with ancient hill forts and the beautiful towns of Llangollen and Corwen are close by. The Range offers hundreds of dramatic abseils, but the 35 metre abseil down into the Devil’s Gorge is the most exciting. Abseil down sheer cliffs into the dark recesses below where you can explore old lead-mining caves that stretch deep into the sides of the gorge.