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About Lakeland Ascents

Lakeland Ascents is based in the English Lake District and delivers private guiding, mountain training and professional instruction across the Lake District, Eryri and the Scottish Highlands. Winter and Highland-based courses are also delivered through our sister company, Highland Ascents. Our Lake District-based adventure activities are run through Lake District Activities.

Lakeland Ascents is owned and led by Si Withington, a qualified Mountaineering & Climbing Instructor based in the South Lakes.

Si has been climbing and mountaineering for over two decades and works across rock climbing, scrambling, winter courses and mountain leadership. His experience spans the Lake District, Eryri and the Scottish Highlands, as well as international ranges including the Alps and the Himalaya.

He was a member of Kendal Mountain Rescue Team for nine years, during which time he was a lead in technical rescue and winter operations training. That experience continues to inform a calm, measured and practical approach to mountain decision-making.

Lakeland Ascents operates primarily on a private basis. Si leads many of the courses and guiding days personally, and works alongside a small group of trusted associate instructors when required. All instructors are appropriately qualified and experienced for the terrain and objectives involved.

Our aim is simple: to provide structured, professional mountain instruction and guiding, delivered with sound judgement and decision making in serious terrain.

If you would like to discuss a course, guiding day or challenge event, please get in touch.

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Lakeland Ascents Director, Si Withington enjoying cascade ice in Norway

Vouchers can be bought for all of our courses and experiences for your friends & family to redeem at their leisure. Buy a voucher

Promo video Watch a preview of our activities, in 1 adrenaline- fuelled minute! Click here to watch

Want some free instruction? Head over to our new YouTube channel where we post regular videos. Click here to learn

Excellent rating
Based on 295 reviews
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Had an incredible day with John for our first time gyll scrambling would definitely do more of this again with pale district activities.
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ben ingram
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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
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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!
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Damian Marsden
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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!
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Mark Walker
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We liked it very much. This was our first experience. In the future we go canyoning more often.
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Robert Reus
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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!
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R P
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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
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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 !
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Corinne Glover
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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

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