Lakeland Ascents

What is the difference between gorge scrambling and canyoning?

This has to be the most frequently asked question we get, so let’s answer it right here and right now!

Gorge scrambling

Gorge scrambling, or ghyll scrambling, or occasionally ‘gorge walking’ usually involves ascending a mountain river (a ghyll). Sometimes you descend, but it’s less common. Gorge scrambling will see you climbing small waterfalls, scrambling up others, swimming through pools, playing silly games and taking on lots of water based challenges. There will probably be some jumps on your gorge scrambling trip, but they’ll not be big and scary – just good fun and very wet!

Gorge scrambling works well for families just as it does for groups of adults. It’s best for those who want a taster of ‘gorge based’ activities, knowing that all the obstacles can be missed out if you don’t fancy them.

Examples of amazing gorge scrambling in the Lake District venues are:

Stickle Ghyll, Langdale – great for ages 8+. An awesome intro to the activity.

Stoneycroft Ghyll, Keswick – ages 8+ again and one of the rare gorge scrambles that are done in descent.

Church Beck, Coniston – ages 12+. The best in the Lakes and justifiably popular, mainly for the epic water slide that provides the grand finale of the trip!

So what about canyoning?

Canyoning is like gorge scrambling, but on steroids. It’s for adults only due to the more serious nature of the activity. Usually canyoning is done in descent and will use various rope techniques (such as abseiling) to descend big flowing waterfalls. The jumps on a canyoning trip will be bigger so will require commitment, a ‘can do’ attitude and some courage!

Canyoning is great for that group that want to experience water + adrenaline! A heady mix!

Awesome venues for canyoning in the Lake District are:

Church Beck, Coniston – the upper section of the same venue used for gorge scrambling. Abseils, jumps and slides await.

Esk Gorge, Eskdale – a remote setting and jumps that even our instructors have to push themselves to do!

Extreme Canyoning – a full day in a big inescapable canyon. Big abseils, big waterfalls and big slides. We’re not telling you where it is – it’s a secret! (but a clue is about 15 mins from Keswick and about the same from Grasmere).

So what are you waiting for? Get your adventure booked now!

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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.