Category: Esk Gorge - Mountain Journeys - Guided Walks

Summer time is Gorge Scrambling time in the Lake District

24/7/2019

#canyoning-lake-district

Enjoying the recent high water levels

It's been full steam ahead here and the rest of summer is looking really busy with lots of fun activities too.
With the recent warm weather, we have seen an increase in bookings for Gorge Scrambling. And right now really is the perfect time to take the the waters of the Lake District.
We've been lucky enough to have enjoyed multiple trips into Church Beck, Stickle Ghyll, the Esk Gorge, and have had a sneaky look at yet another 'new' venue. This one still needs a little more research before we can offer it as an activity, but it does promise to be fantastic, with the added bonus of easy access

We still have some availability for August and good availability for September, so why not get in touch and let's make a plan.

Happy holidays everyone

Mark

#esk-gorge-lake-district

A glorious day in the Esk Gorge

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Fun times in Stickle Ghyll

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More action in Stickle Ghyll

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Jumping into a plunge pool in Church Beck

Esk Gorge - Stag do activity day

1/6/2019

#stag-party-activities-lake-district

One of many massive waterfalls in the Esk

Today we've been over to Eskdale to play in the mighty Esk Gorge with a visiting Stag group. The Esk is the ultimate Lakeland gorge scramble / canyon trip. The scenery, wilderness like as it is, is enough. But there's so much more. Deep pool after deep pool of pure Lakeland water, and yes it's often fresh from the sky!!

Depending on water levels will depend on how much scrambling is available. During low water there's loads of rock scrambling on offer and this definitely enhances the trip for most. However, after heavy rains there's still lots to do in here, it's simply more watery, makes sense right.

Today was one of those more watery days, so we hunted out all the best jumps, often doing them multiple times. Sections of easy scrambling joined these. For some additional rope play we set up a Tyrollean traverse (zip line) across the gorge, with a waterfall gushing noisily below! Starting from one side, everyone had to pull themselves over the gorge using the fixed ropes. Looks easy, but does require determination. Thankfully everyone had plenty of that :-)

After more play time in the water we fixed up the final challenge of the day. An abseil right next to a massive waterfall and we had a little surprise! The abseil terminates in a deep pool, so we engineered it for the rope to be a little bit too short. Under normal circumstances having a short abseil rope is very bad and not to be recommended. When abseiling into deep water it's actually beneficial to have a short rope. As each person descended they realised that 'oh wow, the rope doesn't reach' so simply dropped off the end to take the plunge into the deep pool.

A sterling effort by everyone. Big thanks to Sam Marsland who was running the activity today, top job as always :-)

This was the first trip out and test trip for some of our brand new wetsuit gear. Some of the wetsuits have already seen some action, but the new neoprene jackets hadn't, until today. The combination of wetsuit and neoprene jacket worked well, keeping people warmer for much longer. In fact we were starting to strip off on the walk out, so warm we were. So thanks to Lomo for this great kit.

Mark

#esk-gorge-lake-district

We rigged a Tyrollean traverse too

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Abseiling in Lingcove Beck to finish the trip

Gorge Scrambling - well, it's almost summer, right!

18/2/2019

#gorge-scrambling-lake-district

Stickle Ghyll, Langdale

Recent warm weather and a return to colour in the mountains and valleys throughout the Lake District start to turn our thoughts towards Summertime activities and all the fun they bring.

Gorge Scrambling and Canyoning have become firm favourites amongst adventure seekers visiting the area, and with so many brilliant gorges to explore and so much fun to be had, it's easy to see why.

We have been guiding gorge scrambles for over 10 years now and know the very best places to take you here in the Lake District. The brilliant regular venues include:

Stickle Ghyll, Langdale - this offers super easy access, loads of fun challenges, plunge pools, waterfall climbs, swims, and jumps all in a gorgeous setting.

Church Beck, Coniston - this is a step up from Stickle Ghyll, with more challenge involved and more swims! We offer this one as a descent too, this then becomes 'Canyoning' and wow things are going to get very wet and splashy!! Think, abseiling down waterfalls, big jumps into plunge pools, and lots of swimming.

Esk Gorge, Eskdale - looking for wilderness, look no further. The Esk offers an unforgettable experience amongst the most spectacular scenery Lakeland has to offer, and that's saying something. There's more effort needed for this one, but it's worth every minute. Massive pools of crystal clear water coming straight off the Scafell mountain range, huge waterfalls, and eye-wateringly massive jumps for those brave enough to have a go!! The swims, the pools, and the tranquility are the big pluses of this one though, simply amazing.

Stoneycroft Ghyll, Newlands valley - a canyon descent that's equally perfect for kids and adults, meaning perfect for families. This one is close by to Keswick, so makes sense if you're staying there. With an easy approach walk of just a few minutes, and once at the start it's action time straight away with fun slides into pools, scrambles, and lots more slides. A plunge pool awaits further on down the gorge and a finale jump / dive, just to make sure everyone is properly soaked.

New Langdale venue! - The photo immediately below is of an as yet quite unknown gorge nestling deep in the gorgeous Langdale valley. The main waterfall gives an abseil of almost 40 metres, oh yeh!! But don't worry, there's a warm-up abseil for starters. So this one is very much a descent, with a small number of big abseils followed by easy scrambling to the finish. We're really excited to be offering this new activity venue for the 2019 season.

Want to try any of the above venues, give us a call / e-mail and we'll make a plan.
We provide all safety equipment and have a large range of wetsuits to help keep you warm.

All the photos in this post are our own and they have been enhanced by Mila

Mark

#canyoning-lake-district

Big abseils in this gorge!

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Wild swimming in one of the many beautiful pools of the Esk Gorge

The Esk Gorge - fun for all the family

31/7/2018

#eskgorgelakedistrict

Plunge pool time

We're just back from another brilliant trip to the Esk Gorge. This time with the Carey family from Liverpool.

Dan, Kelly, Daisy, and Ben have been coming to us for activities here in the Lakes for I think 5 years now, with most years including a gorge scramble. For a while now we'd talked about visiting the much coveted Esk Gorge, but water levels and weather did play our way. Today it all came together though and we made it to the mighty Esk.

It was worth the wait though as Ben & Daisy are a little older they were able to fully emerge themselves in the gorge. Jumping in the plunge pools, even the BIG jumps, swimming against the flow, splashing about and generally having a whale of a time. I reckon mum & dad had a blast too, and will be pleased to have 2 very tired out kids tonight :-)

There are many gorges here in the Lake District, most are really good, but if you're looking for the ultimate trip, look no further than the mighty Esk Gorge. It involves more effort, but wow the rewards are worth all of it and then some.

We feel privileged to be able to offer such amazing trips and we hope you will join us on one sometime soon.

Get in touch and let's make a date for an adventure.

Thanks for reading.

Mark

#activitieslakedistrict

More fantastic plunge pools in the Esk

#gorgescramblinglakedistrict

In at the deep end - endless fun in the Esk gorge

More amazing weather here in the Lakes :-)

11/7/2018

#eskgorgelakedistrict

Photos will never do justice to the beauty of Esk gorge. Come and experience it, it's the only way

The blog has been a bit slow of late, mostly due to the incredible weather at the moment, meaning we're out almost constantly, so no time to write!
A major highlight of recent weeks has been a visit to the Esk gorge with friends. We had originally planned a day of climbing on Engineers Slabs, Great Gable. But I heard some friends were heading to the cool waters of the Esk and couldn't resist.
Definitely the right decision. All the pools were warm and clear. Much swimming and jumping into the pools was enjoyed, as well as some scrambling. On a hot day in the Lakes, there is no better place to be. On a hot day in the Lakes, there's no place in the world i'd rather be, that's for sure.

There's been lots of other activity happening too. Abseils, scrambles, gorge scrambles and more.

Also lots of rock climbing on the higher mountain crags. A couple of notable days being Dow and Gimmer:

Along with Kate & Leanne, I headed up to Dow crag in the blazing sun. Every time this crag comes into view my heart rate begins to race and my pace quickens, it's simply magnificent and I love it.
We planned on ticking a couple of routes and started with the super classic 'Murray's Direct'. This gave good value climbing the whole way. Sadly, the wind soon whipped up and it became quite cold (we only had minimal clothing with us). So we bailed out for the day and retreated to the warm shores of Goats Water and a picnic.

A fine day on Gimmer was also enjoyed with Andrew from Dubai. Having climbed at many Lakeland crags but never on Gimmer, Andrew was keen to check the place out and see what all the fuss is about. We climbed 'Ash Tree Slabs', 'Oliverson's crawl and Lyon's variation', and finished with 'Main wall climb' to give a trio of brilliant routes. I say brilliant routes, we could have picked any 3 routes on Gimmer and they would almost certainly be brilliant.

I also enjoyed a day introducing Ed & Becky to trad climbing at Shepherds crag in Borrowdale. We climbed most of the routes on Brown Slabs and finished with Donkey's Ears. Another grand day.

Thanks all. Hope to see you again soon

Mark

#guidedclimbinglakedistrict

Kate cruising up Murray's Direct on Dow crag. Leanne showing that even on Dow crag shorts are a goer

#guidedrockclimbinglakedistrict

Andrew enjoying a long awaited visit to Gimmer crag, Langdale

#guidedclimbingnearkeswick

An introduction to trad climbing at Shepherds crag, Borrowdale

Esk Gorge - simply the best

8/7/2017

#gorge_scrambling_lake_district

The Lake District has many top quality gorge scrambles. They all have one thing in common, amazing scenery. But as with so many things, some gorges are better than others, this is highlighted whenever we visit the Esk Gorge over in Eskdale. It's not suitable for a quick trip due to the remote nature of the venue, but if you can spare most of the day, this is 'the' place to be. We've explored many of the Lakeland gorges, and yes many are great. Stickle ghyll and Church beck both being absolutely fantastic and well worth doing, particularly as they can be enjoyed in a morning or afternoon session.

However, for those with a little more time and wishing for a wilderness experience, let us introduce the Esk Gorge.

The approach walk is about 45 minutes of gentle uphill, this keeps the crowds away. The scenery is superb, as pretty as anything in Lakeland. As soon as we arrive, there's an entry jump of about 8ft into deep water. If you were at all sleepy, you're not anymore!
And from here on up, it's swim, jump, scramble, jump, swim, scramble and so much more. The surroundings are spectacular, so much so, I find it hard to describe!

Josh and all his pals were all super keen and well up for the adventure. No hesitations on any of the jumps, just point and go, well cool. Nice one lads.

We made really fast progress up the gorge, and had time and energy left over to go for the 'BIG' jump as a finale.

Lovely sunny day, low - moderate water levels too. Couldn't have asked for better conditions or a more willing team.

Thanks to Joe for helping and to Josh and the team.

Mark

#activities_in_the_lake_district

#canyoning_lake_district

#esk_gorge_scrambling_lake_district

#lake_district_gorge_scrambling

Esk Gorge - Wow!

25/7/2016

Esk gorge scramble

Today I was over in Eskdale with sisters Jess & Issy. There was a little light rain on our drive over the Wrynose and Hardknott passes, but nothing much, so what we found in Eskdale was quite a surprise.

After kitting up in double wetsuits, we were straight into the water with a splash, from about 8ft up the first jump does take your breath away, but is beautiful and a joy to do. A gently float downstream into the shallows and to watch the others take the plunge, such fun.
We then made steady progress upstream, passing various obstacles along the way, taking it all in our stride and enjoying being in the swirling waters of the Esk Gorge, such an amazing place. More jumps followed, even bigger too!
High water forced us to retreat onto the bank a few times, and soon, the water levels kept us firmly on the bank, with no way of safely re-entering the torrent. Whilst it was clear the water had risen, we didn't yet know by how much. A walk across to the nearby Lingcove Beck gave a similar result, too much fast flowing swirling water!

Heading back to the pool we started in today, I could hardly believe my eyes, the water level was approximately 24 inches higher then when we started, wow! No longer was the pool quick flowing dark water, but a torrent of raging white water. After some investigation we established a safe jump into the pool and the girls went for it, both doing 2 more jumps into the crazy waters, fantastic.

The mighty Esk had delivered yet another memorable day. We swam a lot, jumped into deep pools a lot, and been amazed, captivated by the beauty of this gash of water. Total respect for nature and the power of water.

Thanks Jess & Issy

Mark

Big jumps in the Esk gorge

Esk gorge watefalls

Wow, what a week so far...Esk Gorge & Napes Needle + how to descend Napes Needle

19/8/2015

Napes-needle

On Monday we were over in Eskdale with the returning Earey family, great to see you all again.
The Esk Gorge was our agenda and the weather played ball for us, sun, sun, sun all day, yippee!

Pool jumps, wild swims, cascade climbs, and the most beautiful scenery imaginable, that's the Esk Gorge.
Yes it's an effort to get to, but more effort = more fun!

We also managed a foray into the nearby Lingcove Beck, more jumps and swims await in the emerald pools.

Tuesday was a team day out for us. Me & Kate hot footed up to Great Gable and The Napes climbing area. Birthplace of English traditional rock climbing and so steeped in history, I always find it an emotional place to visit and today was no exception.
After a number of visits to the Napes for other climbs, today it was 'The' climb we were here for, 'Napes Needle'. As I sat in the gully to gear up, looking up at the needle I tried to imagine what Haskett-Smith must have been thinking before and during his 1st ascent back in 1886!
We chose 'The Arete' (HS) as a route to the tiny summit. Slightly less polished and probably more exposed, this provided everything I was expecting and oh so much more. The shoulder belay may be spacious, but that doesn't prepare one for the true summit that lies a further 4 metres above. This is very small, flat, and exceptionally exposed, absolutely fantastic!

Kate cruised up and we managed as summit selfie before a quick retreat to the shoulder and an abseil back to the base.
Extremely happy to have finally climbed this magnificent piece of rock and so pleased it was with Kate.

Descending from Napes Needle:
So you've climbed the needle, taken a selfie, admired the outstanding views to Wasdale and the Scafell range. Now there's the problem of getting back down!
A number of options are available, here's some to consider:

1) Lower your second and down climb back to the shoulder belay (using the runners placed during ascent as protection). The climbing is challenging but very doable and a runner will never be far away. From the shoulder, arrange an abseil back to the base.
2) As above, only for added safety place a sling over the flake at the back of the Needle, clip the rope through this prior to down climbing.
3) Lower your second all the way back to the base, have them stay tied into the climbing rope. Place the rope through the notch feature on the Needle and counterbalance abseil down the opposite side of the Needle.

All 3 options for retreat require great care and involve a degree of risk. It is up to the individual climber to decide which is most suitable for them, or indeed more options are available should none of these suit.

Two brilliant days amongst stunning Lakeland scenery and with many lovely people.

Thanks all.

Mark

The Arete, Napes Needle

Scafell-range

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Wild-swimming-Lake-District

Esk Gorge - Hen Party Activities

17/5/2015

Now that's a hen party!

In only a few weeks time Anna will be married, so this weekend it was hen party time.

Staying over in Eskdale and with Gorge Scrambling high on the list of 'to-do' activities, there was only one choice, the mighty Esk Gorge. In our opinion this is the finest gorge the Lake District has to offer.

Some of the girls had spent the previous evening in the hot tub back at the house. Hot is never going to be a feature in a gorge scramble, but the watery theme persists all the same.

We weighed up the first jump, about 6 feet high and into a deep pool. Anna went first to test the water, giving it the thumbs up. Everyone else followed.
Scrambling through cascades and traversing pools followed until the next jump, much higher at about 12 feet, this one feels pretty huge, but again almost everyone did it without hesitation. After more scrambling we finished the session with a swim in the emerald pool, what a gorgeous place.

Warm, dry clothes were calling and after changing the chilled Proseco (chilled in the gorge water no less) was opened for all to enjoy a celabratory drink.

Thanks Anna for arranging all this and all the best for your wedding.

Mark

Hen party activities

Classic Lakeland Rock and beautiful Lakeland gorge

14/5/2015

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Classic-rock-Lake-District

Gillercombe-Buttress-classic-rock

Gorge-walking-Lake-District

Wow, what a couple of days it's been.

Yesterday we were enjoying wonderful Lakeland rock in the form of Gillercombe Buttress in Borrowdale.
7 pitches of fine climbing in a high mountain setting, complete with superb views and the whole place to ourselves. I had previously climbed with Jane last year, on Gimmer crag in Langdale, another fabulous place. Today it was to be 'classic rock' and whilst the initial plan was for Troutdale Pinnacle, the overnight rain meant this was likely to be damp. So a higher and more exposed buttress was chosen, and it worked. The rock was almost completely dry.

We alternate lead the route which gives maximum efficiency and is the most logical way to climb. As is turned out, Jane led all the harder pitches, top effort indeed.

Today, and in complete contrast, a few of us headed over to Eskdale for more Gorge Scrambling antics!
Me, Joe, Sam, and Anna all feeling a little crazy decided swimming in a mountain stream was a good idea. But the strong wind was starting to convince us otherwise and it was a mighty effort to get into the water, Sam being the one to initiate the swim!!
As always, the bodies initial reaction to cold water is a little repulsive, but this soon disappears and the crystal clear water becomes a lovely place to be. Swimming in deep pools, scrambling and jumping in all feels quite normal, and actually a lot of fun.

We made good progress despite the strong flow, indeed swimming against the flow proved to be lots of fun.

On our way down a quick detour into Lingcove Beck added more fun to the day before a hasty retreat to warm and dry clothes.

A fab couple of days, thanks all.

Mark

Lake-District-panorama