Aqua hiking

What is aqua trekking?

Instead of following the path, you walk up or down a mountain stream, wading along the streambed. You make your way through the water, feeling for footholds on the pebbles and ducking under overhanging branches. It's refreshing, great fun, and a good test of your balance.

It isn't canyoning: there are no ropes and no abseiling, and the water is generally shallow. Any jumps are decided with your guide, depending on everyone's age and confidence. That makes it a good first outing with children. If you're after more thrills, canyoning adds abseils and higher jumps.

When and where can you do it?

From late spring to early autumn, when the streams are calm enough and the heat has you longing for a cool dip. In the Pays du Mont-Blanc, the outing offered on Peaked starts from Megève. The streams are fed by melting snow, so the water stays cold, even in the middle of August.

Who should you go with?

With a qualified professional who knows the streams in their area. They will choose the route to suit the age and confidence of your group, and keep an eye on the weather: a storm upstream can make the water rise very quickly. On PEAKED, each professional lists their qualifications and outings on their profile. Send them a message to let them know the children's ages and whether everyone can swim.

What should you bring?

Trainers or closed shoes that can get wet (no flip-flops), swimwear, a towel and dry clothes for afterwards. Ask your guide whether a wetsuit is provided.