Skip Navigation

What is Ghyll Scrambling or Gorge Scrambling?

It is a known fact that it rains a lot in the Lake District and as a result the area isome to some of the most impressive and picturesque lakes in Britain. These lakes are formed by water running  down from the fells, creating mountain rivers that locally are called ‘ghylls’.Often these ghylls carve deeper features in the hillside – ‘gorges’.

So, what is ghyll scrambling? 

Let’s take a look:

What’s involved?

Ghyll Scrambling is scrambling and climbing up a mountain river (ghyll), often in a gorge. It’s bridging the gap between walking and climbing, but in the water. You’ll have your hands on the rock as you climb waterfalls, swim through pools, take on lots of daft wet challenges and jump into plunge pools. Don’t let the cold and wet put you off – with Lakeland Ascents you’ll be kitted out in warm wetsuits so you won’t feel the cold for long

What’s required?

In addition to your wetsuit, we kit you out in all the necessary safety equipment, such as a harness, helmet and a buoyancy aid to keep you afloat – you don’t even need to be able to swim!All the obstacles and challenges can be skipped, so don’t worry if you’re worried about jumps, pools or heights – if you don’t like it, walk around it. Our team of instructors will be there with you every step of the way. 

Where can you scramble?

Lake District Activities run 3 ghyll/gorge scrambling trips. They’re all very different but you can be guaranteed climbs up waterfalls, slides, crazy obstacles, fun games and plunge pools. 

Each location has its own unique adventure, from the classic all-rounder at Langdale; an epic slide finale at Coniston; and chutes galore at Keswick. You also have the option to take on the ultimate Triple-Gorge Challenge; where you can do all 3 trips in the space of one day!

Who can do it?

Ghyll Scrambling adventures take place over half a day, making them a popular choice for family bonding, team building corporate days, hen and stag do’s, or just groups of mates looking for a laugh.. We have trips for kids as young as 8.

The maximum instructor:client ratio is 1:10, so if you have a larger group, you will have more instructors. Your safety is always our number 1 priority.

Think this isn’t challenging enough for you, but still want to get wet? Well for older kids and adult groups, check out canyoning too – gorge scrambling on steroids.

So, what are you waiting for? Book your ghyll scrambling in the lake district today! Make a booking or to find out more. You can also contact us by telephone on 07702 942980.

This entry was posted in canyoning. Bookmark the permalink.

Comments are closed.


Excellent rating
Based on 295 reviews
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Had an incredible day with John for our first time gyll scrambling would definitely do more of this again with pale district activities.
ben ingram profile picture
ben ingram
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We did Gyll Scrambling, brilliant activity to do while visiting the lakes Kids aged 9&10, they love the outdoors and are fearless so they got stuck straight in and we all had a brilliant afternoon together Highly recommend if looking for something a little different to do
Cheryl Fatkin profile picture
Cheryl Fatkin
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
My 10 year old son and I did the ghyll scramble at Coniston with Mark yesterday… what an amazing experience… we both loved it, great bonding time, we did climbing techniques, slid down waterfalls, jumped into plunge pools, floated around and scrambled… I chose to wear my waterproof Hokas with foam soles … they were amazing buoyancy aids :-) which made putting my feet down a little tricky… but I could float like an otter very easily! Excellent knowledge from mark and great encouragement throughout, we felt safe and challenged throughout!
Damian Marsden profile picture
Damian Marsden
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We did the morning canyoning session with Scott who was absolutely brilliant - he was kind and reassuring, explained everything clearly, and didn’t drop us during the abseils which was an added bonus. We went into the activity not really knowing what to expect but it was one of the most exciting experiences we’ve had. Thanks for a great time!
Mark Walker profile picture
Mark Walker
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We liked it very much. This was our first experience. In the future we go canyoning more often.
Robert Reus profile picture
Robert Reus
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Great scrambling session with our instructor Paul - really personable and tailored the session to suit the group. Would highly recommend if you have an adventurous spirit!
R P profile picture
R P
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I didn’t know what to expect going to this activity but it was absolutely amazing!! There was only me and my dad on this trip with Si and he was great, looked after us, reassured us and we had so much fun! 10000% recommend this to anyone.
Maddison Wood profile picture
Maddison Wood
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We had an amazing day with Pete. Ghyll scrambling in church beck was a brilliant morning which I would recommend to anyone! Thanks Si and Pete !
Corinne Glover profile picture
Corinne Glover
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Had a great day Ghyll Scrambling with my team from work. Si was a superb instructor; patient, calm and happy to get loads of photos/videos along the way. I would 100% recommend using the business for a well organised and fun day out.
George Morris profile picture
George Morris

Association of Mountaineering Instructors     Adventure Activities Licensing   Cumbria Tourism