Gorge Scrambling & Canyoning in the Lake District
The Ghylls and Becks of the Lake District - commonly referred to as Gorges - add so much more to the scenery. Always changing, sometimes roaring in the anger of full flow after heavy rain, other times gently trickling and full of calm, but forever a delight to the eye.
Some Ghylls are full of slippery rock and best avoided. Those mentioned here offer plenty of grippy rock and good ones to go for. However, care should always be taken!
Although this activity can be done year round, it is best enjoyed during the warmer months, we suggest April - October as parameters. the water may not be warm, but surprisingly it often isn't cold either, yes honestly.
Go prepared and this is one of the most fun and outstanding activities there is in the Lake District. By going prepared we mean: wear a wetsuit (shorties are good as they don't restrict movement); have a towel & complete change of clothing back at the car, after all you'll be getting completely soaked; take dry bags for car keys / phone / etc.
Gorges worth an explore
Where to stay
This depends on which gorges most interest you. But a good central base would be the Ambleside / Coniston areas. These provide convenient access to most of the Lakeland valleys.
Equipment
These are a few suggestions to get you started, the exact kit list will depend on the gorge, conditions on the day, and personal objectives.
Watch out for
Want to get the see the best gorges and not worry about the logistics and technical aspects?
We can arrange for a day of guided Gorge Scrambling or Canyoning in any of the above mentioned venues and many more. We provide all safety & technical kit too.
The Ghylls and Becks of the Lake District - commonly referred to as Gorges - add so much more to the scenery. Always changing, sometimes roaring in the anger of full flow after heavy rain, other times gently trickling and full of calm, but forever a delight to the eye.
Some Ghylls are full of slippery rock and best avoided. Those mentioned here offer plenty of grippy rock and good ones to go for. However, care should always be taken!
Although this activity can be done year round, it is best enjoyed during the warmer months, we suggest April - October as parameters. the water may not be warm, but surprisingly it often isn't cold either, yes honestly.
Go prepared and this is one of the most fun and outstanding activities there is in the Lake District. By going prepared we mean: wear a wetsuit (shorties are good as they don't restrict movement); have a towel & complete change of clothing back at the car, after all you'll be getting completely soaked; take dry bags for car keys / phone / etc.
Gorges worth an explore
- Dungeon ghyll, Langdale - the lower section is good fun, open, and sunny if a little short. The upper section is totally 'full-on' and climbing kit will be required for a safe ascent / descent
- Stickle ghyll, Langdale - great fun and varied all the way. It's possible to go all the way to Stickle tarn, making for a very long scramble
- Helvellyn ghyll, St. Johns in the Vale - less frequented and with a more remote feel to it. Access is easy from Swirls parking area. Watch out for slippery rock
- Church beck, Coniston - the upper section is a very entertaining descent with abseiling, pool jumping & swimming involved
- Esk gorge, Eskdale - simply the best. This is a magical place offering beautiful scenery, wild swimming, and challenging scrambles
- Glen ridding beck, Ullswater - the lower section is open and pleasant with easy access. Beware, some of the bedrock is slippery Slate.
- The most suitable of these gorges for a family visit would be Stickle Ghyll in Langdale.
Where to stay
This depends on which gorges most interest you. But a good central base would be the Ambleside / Coniston areas. These provide convenient access to most of the Lakeland valleys.
Equipment
These are a few suggestions to get you started, the exact kit list will depend on the gorge, conditions on the day, and personal objectives.
- Wetsuit
- Buoyancy aid
- Dry bags
- Helmet & harness
- Rope & basic climbing equipment including belay / abseil device (rope should be minimum 30m and check before committing)
Watch out for
- Deep water
- Cold
- Fast moving water
- Slippery surfaces
Want to get the see the best gorges and not worry about the logistics and technical aspects?
We can arrange for a day of guided Gorge Scrambling or Canyoning in any of the above mentioned venues and many more. We provide all safety & technical kit too.
The mighty Esk Gorge