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Canyoning - Church Beck

26/6/2022

#church-beck-canyon-activity-coniston

Having fun on the waterslide :-)

It's been another busy week here in the Lake District, with many holiday makers enjoying the mountains and lakes. Today we took to the crystal clear waters of Church Beck with the McInnes family from Scotland. Seems they've brought some Scottish weather along too, not that it made a difference to the crazy amounts of fun we all had in Church Beck. Sliding down waterfalls, jumping into deep pools, scrambling and boulder hopping, oh and some swimming too. All wrapped up in our toasty warm 5mm wetsuits from Lomo it was smiles all round.
Tomorrow is back in the water, Stickle Ghyll though and with some heavy rain today it should be pretty perfect for an adventurous scramble :-)

How many walkers pass this beautiful location on their way to Old Man of Coniston or Wetherlam and hear the rushing water but can't see this beautiful place. It's a shame to miss out, so if you're one of those walkers and want to get in on the action, give us a call and let's make it happen.

Gorge scrambling and canyoning are super fun activities and we know all the best places for it here in the Lake District and have been running sessions for around 15 years.

Keen to know more, call or e-mail us

Thanks for reading

Mark

#gorge-scrambling-lake-district

Ready to jump

Dow Crag, Coniston

20/6/2022

#guided-rock-climbing-dow-crag-lake-district

On the final groove pitch of Arete, Chimney and Crack

I'd been hankering after a day on Pillar or Scafell, but Kate wasn't feeling quite so keen for a massive day out. So we settled for Dow crag. This is a magnificent place to climb and offers a huge variety of styles and grades, from the old school traditional thrutches through to modern test-pieces. Today I had a minor link-up in mind and we started with a route neither of us had climbed before.

Giants Corner - 30m - Severe 3c:
Don't know how or why I've overlooked this route for so long, but today we put things right and climbed it. Only a single pitch on such a big cliff could easily feel a bit of a waste, but don't be put off by the shortness of this climb, it makes up for this with some tremendous positions that are so unlikely to be found on a Severe.
Starting towards the left end of Lower B Buttress and just to the right of the descent gully a wall leads steeply up to the corner to the start of a slab. The slab is very easy but pleasant and leads up to a huge roof which does feel a little intimidating. Once under the roof the jugs start flying at you so grab away. Follow these leftwards in ever wonderful positions before a final pull reaches easy ground. A poor belay can be found here, but far better to continue up the slab above for about 8m to reach an excellent belay ledge with good anchors.
The descent gully is easily reached from here and it's only 5 mins back to base.

After this we climbed the full length of A Buttress via the 3 star Arete, Chimney and Crack. This requires a variety of climbing techniques as there are such a range of features en-route. It feels like a tour of the buttress, weaving and wandering to generally take a line of least resistance up this rather steep and imposing piece of rock. In order to fully savour the mountain day, we split the climb into around 6 pitches and finished with scrambling to top out on the summit plateau and glorious views into the Duddon valley and over to the Scafell range.

As we had carried our bags up the route we could now enjoy an easy walk along the ridge-line to reach the Walna Scar track and onwards back to Coniston.

A top day out in the sunshine.

If you're planning a visit to the Lake District and interested to try out some rock climbing or other outdoor activities, please do get in touch and we'll do our very best to help make your stay even more fantastic.

Thanks for reading.

Mark

#giants-corner-dow-crag-lake-district

Topo for Giants Corner - this is a really nice route on great rock

#arete-chimney-and-crack-dow-crag-lake-district-climbing

The traverse pitch

#mountaineering-days-lake-district

View from the top of the route and looking towards the walkers on our descent route to Walna Scar

Rock climbing with kids, Eskdale, Lake District

4/6/2022

#rock-climbing-for-families-lake-district

Diamond crag topo

Diamond Crag

Introduction:
Eskdale can seem quite an isolated place, being over in the Western part of the Lake District. It is not a quick trip from the honeypot areas of Ambleside/Windermere/Keswick. But if staying in the west, this little crag is well worth seeking out, and it is especially suitable for youngsters or for anyone wishing to try climbing for the first time but feels a little nervous.
At only about 10m high and with an amenable angle, there are some very pleasant, easy grade climbs on superb rock. A short approach walk and sheltered, sunny aspect all add to the attraction.
Being a small crag it only takes a few climbers to make it feel busy. So be prepared to switch to an alternative venue at the last minute.

When to go:
A sheltered crag at less than 100m above sea level and with a sunny aspect. All this adds up to this being a year round venue. Although it goes without saying, warm summer days are best.

How to get there:
A small amount of roadside parking is available opposite the King George IV Inn, Eskdale Green. The pub is well worth a visit for post climb refreshments and has an outside seating area.
From the parking, follow the road towards the centre of Eskdale Green, after emerging from a wooded area and shortly before the railway, there is a wide track on the right. Take this and immediately before reaching a house turn left onto a smaller footpath leading through a gate and onto the open fellside. Continue uphill for a couple of minutes and the crag will appear on the left.

The climbing:
The rock here is Granite, so friction is magnificent. Protection for lead climbers is sparse, but for anyone wanting to set up a top/bottom rope, there are 4 x staple bolts at the top of the crag. The routes mentioned here are strong lines and offer really enjoyable climbing with positive holds always available, but venture away from the cracks if looking for technical slabs.
The crag is about 10m high.

Routes to try (described left to right):

Route 1 – Start toward the left side of the crag and weave up flakes and cracks, looking for the line of least resistance. Moderate

Route 2 – Start about 1m further right and directly below a triangular niche at about 6m. Tackle the wall directly to reach the niche and continue to the top. Diff

Route 3 – A couple of metres further right is a vertical crack. Climb this to its end then follow a series of ledges to the top. Severe

Route 4 – Starting slightly right of the previous route, follow ledges trending rightwards to reach the prominent niche below a small roof. Tackle this via the right wall before moving back left to finish. V’Diff

Descent:
Walking descents on either side of the crag.

Introductory climbing sessions:
We offer many adventurous activities here in the Lake District and Rock Climbing is one of those activities. Over the last 15 years we have taken many visiting families on climbing adventures to venues all across the Lake District. If you are planning a visit to the area and would like to try some fun and adventurous activities, please do get in touch.

Guided walking in the Ullswater valley

13/5/2022

#ullswater-way-guided-walks-ambleside

The view from Boredale Hause

Today I have been walking with Janet and Christine. They were looking for a walk of around 4 - 5 hours giving wonderful views and not too much ascent. A circuit of Place Fell seemed to fit rather nicely and that's where we headed, setting out from Patterdale this morning we ascended to Boredale Hause where the wind reminded us the weather is always in charge. Once we had dropped into Boredale there was shelter and we were able to marvel at the expanse of this place. We spotted Deer high above us, they were already on the move, no doubt having spotted us long ago.

We set a leisurely pace back along the shores of Ullswater, enjoying many photo opportunities and a well earned snack stop. Tired legs arrived back in Patterdale, but lasting memories made with so many wonderful views.

If planning a visit to the Lake District and wanting to explore the mountains or valleys more, why not get in touch and we'll plan some guided walks or adventurous activities for you.

Mark

#ullswater-way-guided-walks-lake-district

Ullswater

Rock climbing refresher weekend

13/5/2022

#corvus-hand-traverse-raven-crag-lake-district

The classic 'hand traverse' pitch on Corvus

There has been so much going on here and so many activities, I'm quite behind with blogging.
This one is all about last weekend, when I was helping out my friend Iain of Lakes Outdoor Experience, a Kendal based Outdoor activity provider. Whilst he is taking a well earned holiday, I ran a 2 day refresher climbing course on his behalf. With a father and son team with a long and colourful climbing history. After some time away from the crags, this weekend was all about re-familiarisation with the rock, all whilst enjoying some easy classics.

We started with Corvus on Raven crag, Borrowdale. The rock was a little damp making it more challenging than expected, but all good fun. The route had a few other teams on it making all the belay ledges social times, chewing the fat with fellow climbers. This also meant we took a little extra time on the route, allowing us to enjoy the positions and views even more.

Day two and we moved south to Langdale. Middlefell Buttress was our starter route. The rock was completely dry here and a delight to climb. After lunch Mark needed to head home, so me & Dan moved over to the main crag and climbed Evening Wall and Original Route.

At each belay, we discussed the anchor choices and stance management, all areas that will be useful when these guys are back on the Pembrokeshire sea cliffs they call home. Equalising anchors and abseil set ups were other areas we touched upon and as well as a great two days of climbing, some new skills have been passed on, ace :-)

Thanks to Iain at Lakes Outdoor Experience for the work, much appreciated.

If planning a visit to the Lakes and wanting to sample some of the amazing activities on offer here, please do get in touch, we'd be very happy to help.

Thanks for reading.
Mark

#guided-rock-climbing-ambleside-lake-district

Evening Wall on a busy Raven Crag

#rock-climbing-course-ambleside-lake-district

Middlefell Buttress

#guided-rock-climbing-corvus-lake-district

View from the top of Corvus

Dove Crag, Dovedale

22/4/2022

#lake-district-rock-climbing-dove-crag

Lunch at the base of a cold Dove Crag

Today we walked to a major mountain crag, from home. It would have been considerably easier to drive over to Patterdale and approach Dove crag from there, but for the sake of saving a few km's on foot it seemed well worthwhile to start the approach from home. This worked out very well and definitely something I'd opt for again on a hopefully soon return visit to this magnificent venue.
It's an 8km walk from Church Street in Ambleside. Lots of uphill and some seriously rough terrain as the crag nears, but an adventure every step of the way.

For over 10 years I've had in mind to climb Westmorland's Route on Dove crag. I have put it off time and time again, always going for the more reliable crags of Langdale and Borrowdale. Well today this was address, partly. Approaching the crag I immediately felt intimidated by the steepness, aspect, and remoteness. Just wow, this place is magnificent and that's why we're here, to be intimidated. I love it.
Dove crag is almost exclusively open for the hard and bold climber, and when I say hard, we're talking north of E5. This isn't me. But the route we are here for is a little easier assuming it is in perfect condition, and today it will be. At Severe, our chosen route weaves a magical line up the left arete of the crag, finding easy yet interesting ground to reach the summit. All information we had gathered suggested to only attempt the route in perfect conditions when the rock would be bone dry. After many days of dry weather this seems a good time to try and scale its 6 pitches of impressiveness.

Alas it was not to be. 50mph winds coming straight from the east and battering the crag head on caused us to pause for thought. The roar of the wind made it difficult to communicate even when standing next to each other. We all knew the climbing plans were off so took some time to enjoy lunch in the sun whilst looking out over Dovedale.

The route looks amazing and I can't wait to get back there to climb it, so fingers crossed for some kinder weather with less wind.

We aimed for the Priest Hole then followed a mildly scrambling route up onto the summit of Dove Crag before following the broad ridge back to Ambleside.

Distance was only 16km which is pretty good going for a visit to a major mountain crag from the doorstep, happy with that.
Thanks to Anna and Kristina for joining today and being happy and cheery about the change of plan to just taking climbing gear for a walk :-)

Mark

#guided-walks-near-ambleside-priest-hole-and-fairfield

Seeking shelter in the Priest Hole

#guided-walks-near-ambleside-fairfield-horseshoe

Topping out on the summit of Dove Crag

Helvellyn for sunrise

21/3/2022

#sunrise-on-helvellyn-lake-district

Approaching the summit of Helvellyn as the sun comes up

This morning the alarm sounded at 3am. Giving me just enough time for a quick brew before driving the short distance to Swirls at the northern end of Thirlmere reservoir. Here I was meeting Jamie, Josie, and Leanne to take them up to the summit of Helvellyn in time for sunrise.
Getting up at 3am is never going to be a highlight, but I knew it would be well worth the effort. We got so much more than expected though.

By 4am we set off walking, it was bitterly cold but with lots of ascent in store this didn't matter, we were all warm and had plenty of spare clothing just in case.
Headtorches were needed until around 5.15am, after that we could walk by moonlight and the morning haze. Ahead Brown Cove Crags loomed forebodingly with dramatic effect. All the while the light improving and a dreamy skyline of mountains lay over to the west, a magical sight. An orange glow was hinting at us ahead, as if the summit was on fire. Our anticipation grew and just a couple of minutes before reaching the summit of Helvellyn we were greeted by a most spectacular sunrise.
There was a light but bitterly cold breeze on the summit, so we couldn't stay too long, but a good 10 minutes was had absorbing the magnificence of the landscape. We spotted a tiny tent a couple of hundred metres away, that must've been a chilly night. Nearer by a couple of Ravens danced on the steep slopes below the summit shelter, maybe they were trying to warm up.

After a few more photos it was time to make our way back to the valley, breakfast was calling. Soon we were sheltered from the breeze and warming up a little. Taking our time to take in all the wonderful views to the west and north as well as the serene waters of Thirlmere far below.

Thanks to Jamie, Josie, and Leanne for joining us on this.

We offer lots of outdoor activities here in the Lake District. Sunrise and Sunset walks, Daytime walks, Rock climbing, Scrambling, Gorge scrambling, Canyoning, Abseiling, Adventure days, and Navigation courses. All are tailored to suit you. If you're thinking of visiting the Lake District and want to try some fun activities please do get in touch.

Mark

#guided-walks-at-sunrise-helvellyn-lake-district

Summit plateau of Helvellyn circa 6.20am

#striding-edge-sunrise-lake-district

Striding Edge and Red Tarn at sunrise

#view-from-helvellyn-summit-lake-district

Looking towards White Side and Raise from Helvellyn

Glenridding Beck - Gorge scrambling near Ullswater

20/3/2022

#outdoor-activities-ullswater-glenridding-beck

Taking the plunge in Glenridding Beck

This week we are being treated to a spell of glorious weather, with a big area of high pressure sitting just east of the country. This is allowing for bright blue skies and sunny days. It is still a little chilly though. However, we have thick and warm wetsuits so taking the water this morning was no problem for this couple from Thame.

As they were staying in the Ullswater area, Glenridding Beck was their preferred venue as it's so close by. This has nice easy access from the Helvellyn footpath and enjoys a sunny aspect, which is especially important at this time of year.

It all starts with a waterfall climb. With a powerful chute of water in the face, it's a tricky one, but both cruised it. Then it's loads of fun scrambling up and over rocky outcrops. Being sure to stop from time to time and admire the surroundings.

At the top of the gorge is a wonderful plunge pool with crystal clear waters. Here we can jump from the side of the waterfall into the deep water for the full immersion experience.

This gorge packs a lot into a short length of river, meaning our walk back to dry clothing is short and soon we are enjoying a hot drink too.

Such a wonderful way to spend a morning and one of the best things you can do when visiting the Lakes.

Are you planning a visit to the Lakes this Easter / summer and want to try some fun activities? We offer a wide variety of days out to suit all. Please get in touch and let's make a plan.

Thanks for reading
Mark

#gorge-scrambling-ullswater-glenridding-beck

Loads of fun and exciting challenges in the gorge

#activity-days-ullswater-glenridding-beck

A refreshing dip in the plunge pool

Spring days on Lakeland classics - Gimmer crag

18/3/2022

#guided-climbing-days-windermere-lake-district

Pitch 3 - the traverse - on Bracket and Slab, Gimmer

After a period of unsettled weather, a corner was turned today. The sun shone, it dried the crags and warmed the rock, as well as our skin. When the days are like this, climbing on a mountain crag here in the Lakes is absolutely magnificent. There really is no place in the world I'd rather be.

We had a late start and I cycled into Langdale to meet Sam at the Old Dungeon Ghyll around lunchtime. The plan going forward is to cycle instead of drive whenever that's possible.
A short walk led us to the base of a busy Raven crag. We cruised up Evening Wall in a couple of pitches. I noticed a girl on an adjacent route was climbing in short sleeves, it really has been a warm day.
Lots of easy scrambling leads from the top of Raven crag up to the Gimmer path and very soon we were enjoying a break at the base of Gimmer. We noticed a couple of teams were on here too, good to see.

It was decided we'd climb the classic 'Bracket and Slab' route. About 100m in length and given a grade of Severe (under graded in my opinion). Each pitch gives varied and nicely challenging climbing on rough, solid mountain rock. Such a delight to be up here. Sam led the initial pitches, these are almost certainly the most difficult. I had it easy, taking the upper two pitches.
Arriving at the top we changed into our trainers and continued scrambling all the way up to the summit of Loft crag. Here the views over to Pike O'Stickle are quite lovely. I was on a bit of a schedule so I could cycle home before dark, so a quick retreat back into the valley was up next.

A fantastic afternoon incorporating two multi-pitch climbs, lots of scrambling and a mountain summit. Thanks to Sam for joining me on this.

If you're looking to fill your next visit to the Lakes with mountain adventures, please do get in touch. We can plan a bespoke itinerary for you.

Mark

#learn-to-lead-climb-ambleside-lake-district

Original Route, Raven crag. Yes that's bare arms!

#pike-o-stickle-from-gimmer-crag-rock-climbing-near-ambleside

In case we needed a reason to climb - just check out the views

Navigation and mountain skills course

14/3/2022

#navigation-course-ambleside

Walking on a bearing and measuring distance using pacing techniques

Over the weekend we've been running a navigation skills course for a couple from Lancashire. Living within easy reach of the Lakes they are starting to work their way through the 214 fells detailed in the Wainwright guides. Until now they have been reliant on GPS technology to keep on track, but are keen to lessen the reliance on this. So with mobile apps and GPS devices safety put away, we started to explore the maps and all the information they contain.

Starting with orientating the map so it matches the landscape and slowly adding to this all through the weekend, but always reinforcing its importance.
From the village of Torver we progressed south towards Beacon Fell and Beacon Tarn, using a network of small footpaths for some of the journey. We also used the map to identify where we could find shelter from the wind. During the afternoon we headed off-piste in search of smaller features including ring contours, re-entrants, small tarns, sheepfolds and cairns. After a damp start the weather settled and remained good for the rest of the day.

Some route planning 'homework' had been given and Sunday morning started with a discussion about the route for that day. Starting out from Elterwater a good and varied route had been chosen, taking in some terrain new to me too which was really nice. More off path terrain was covered and we ticked the summits of Lang How and Silver How. Some refining of skills covered before setting a course back into Elterwater and arriving back at base just as the rain started. Result :-)

More and more of us are now using digital technology to navigate in the mountains. I'll admit to doing so too. Most of the time it works, is convenient, easy and very quick. In short, it makes sense.
However, using it one thing, relying on it is something else entirely and not to be recommended.

Learning even the basics of map reading can enhance your experiences in the mountains, will certainly lead to more satisfying days out, and helps with route planning. If the batteries on your GPS device run flat, the ability to use a map and compass effectively become essential skills for a continued safe day out.

We can teach you how to navigate in the mountains, here's more about our Navigation courses - please get in touch if you'd like to discuss further.

Thanks for reading

Mark

#learn-how-to-navigate-in-the-mountains-lake-district

Top of Beacon Fell - now to navigate back down

#guided-walks-near-ambleside-silver-how

Linking Lang How with Silver How

#map-of-ambleside

Our custom made Ordnance Survey maps