Ghyll Scrambling & Gorge Walking
Lake District
Experience Ghyll Scrambling in the Lake District
What is Ghyll Scrambling?
Ghyll Scrambling, otherwise known as Gorge Walking or Canyoning is a guided outdoor adventure activity where you climb, scramble, jump, and swim through rocky mountain streams, waterfalls, and spectacular gorges. It is THE most popular activity in the Lake District and is suitable for beginners, families, and groups.
If you are looking for thrills on an aquatic adventure then this is the experience for you! Whether you want a fun family adventure or a high adrenaline-filled experience, we tailor each session to your group. Challenges are optional in most of the ghylls we use.
In case you were wondering... what is a ghyll? 'ghyll' is a local word for mountain stream!
Information about current water levels:
We have plenty of water in our ghylls!
Making sure you have the best experience is important to us so here's some information on the current water levels in our ghylls so you can book with confidence:
We have had rainfall in the last few days so our ghyll scrambles and canyons are in great condition. All the jumps, pools and challenges are all achieveable.
Church Beck, Netherbeck and the Esk have plenty of water. Stickle ghyll is slightly lower than the others, however this is still at a level where you will have a fantastic ghyll scramble.
Our most popular Ghyll Scrambles & Canyons - Video
How to book Ghyll Scrambling:
You can book Ghyll Scrambling & Canyoning online here. For all other activities or to book multiple activities visit our main online booking page
If you are looking for alternative dates/times, cannot find your chosen activity or have children below the stated age please do contact us to arrange your activity - we will do our best to accommodate you. For some of our more bespoke activities please contact us.
Please note: All under 18's must be accompanied by an adult.
Ghyll scrambling and Canyoning prices:
Half-Day Ghyll Scramble/Canyoning (Church Beck & Stickle) - Adult (14 years +) £57pp* Child £52pp
Church Beck Full Canyon - Adult (14 years +) £62
Netherbeck Ghyll Scramble - Adult (14 years +) £62pp Child £57pp
Full Day Canyoning (Esk Gorge) - Adult (14 years +) £99pp
Discount available for large groups.
*For Church Beck Ghyll Scramble (Lower Ghyll section) - add Landowners fee of £6 pp.
Stickle Ghyll
Ghyll Scrambling -
Langdale
Fantastic climbs & stunning views.
Situated in the heart of The Lake District National Park is Stickle Ghyll. A truly unique ghyll that winds its way up the mountainside towards Stickle Tarn, which is nestled between the magnificent Langdale Pikes.
Explore nature's playground and marvel at the stunning scenery on offer. Take the plunge into crystal clear pools and scramble your way up numerous rocky scrambles and waterfalls. This ghyll finishes with a spectacular roped climb up the middle of a 30ft waterfall! (optional).
We offer:
Stickle Ghyll Scramble (8yrs+)
Young families (5yrs+)
Suitable for: All ages and abilities.
Fitness Level: Moderate - Good.
Weight Limit: Yes - see our FAQs below.
Adventure rating: Medium - High
Duration: 3 hrs
Available: All year round
Location: Langdale (Central Lake District). View on a map.
Price: Adult (14 years +) £57pp Child £52pp.
Great combined with:
Church Beck
Ghyll Scrambling and Canyoning -
Coniston
Fun in natures playground.
This aquatic ghyll scramble is a hidden jewel situated walking distance from Coniston. Inside these gentle canyon walls you will find a natural playground in amongst the crystal clear waters.
This ghyll has many sections which include rock scrambling up, canyoning down, waterfalls, plunge pools to swim in, a slide and various-sized jumps both big and small. Everything is avoidable in the lower sections of this ghyll so you can choose your level of adventure.
There's something in here from the very smallest to the most adventurous.
The full Canyon trip is more comitting and starts higher up in Church Beck. It is suitable for beginners, however you must be confident in water and be prepared to be submerged in fast flowing water and deep water.
Your instructor will guide you through the best sections for your group. Please book the session appropriate to the ages in your party. We offer:
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Young families (5yrs+)*
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Church Beck Ghyll Scramble (8yrs+)*
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Church Beck Ghyll and Canyon (14yrs+)*
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Church Beck Full Canyon (14yrs+)
Suitable for: All ages and abilities
Fitness Level: Moderate - Good
Adventure rating: Medium - Extreme
Weight Limit: Yes - see our FAQs below.
Duration: 3 hrs
Available: March - November
Location: Coniston. View on a map.
Price: Adult (14 years +) £57pp, Child £52pp
* Plus landowners fee of £6pp.
Church Beck Canyon (Age 14+) £62
Great combined with:
Canoeing on Coniston, Rock Climbing in Langdale/Coniston or Abseiling in Coniston
Netherbeck
Ghyll Scrambling Wasdale
The hidden gem of the Western Lakes
Hidden deep in a magnificent canyon in the stunning Wasdale Valley - a must to visit - lies this secret hidden gem! This Ghyll Scramble has it all. Inside these magical canyon walls there are crystal clear plunge pools, jumps, waterfalls to scramble up and a cave you can enter in behind a waterfall. You will finish this ghyll with an exciting 12m roped climb up the side of a stunning waterfall to ascend out of the ghyll. (Please note: the rock climb is compulsory)
Take in the spectacular mountain scenery on your walk back down. You'll have elevated views over Wastwater, the mighty Scafell Pike and Great Gable.
Suitable for: Minimum age 10yrs.
Fitness Level: Moderate - Good.
Adventure rating: Medium - High
Weight Limit: Yes - see our FAQs below.
Duration: 3.5 hrs
Available: March - November
Location: Wasdale. View on a map.
Price: Adult (14 years +) £62pp, Child £57pp
Great combined with:
Canoeing, Kayaking or Paddleboarding on Wastwater (Wasdale), or Rock Climbing in Eskdale
Young familes session age 5+ now also available! For more info click below.
Esk Gorge Canyoning -
Eskdale
The Ultimate Adventure!
The Esk Gorge is extreme scrambling and canyoning in one of the most beautiful locations in the Lake District. Well known for its emerald green waters, plunge pools, waterfalls and big jumps - up to 8 metres - this is a day out you'll remember for ever. All challenges and obstacles are easily avoided if you so choose in this canyon.
A very physical day that involves a 45 minute walk into the mountains. You'll carry your wetsuit, lunch, spare clothes and change once you arrive at the Ghyll.
Suitable for: Minimum age 14.
Fitness Level: Good
Adventure rating: Extreme
Weight Limit: Yes - see our FAQs below.
Duration: 5 hrs
Available: April - October
Price: Adult (14 years +) £99pp
Location: Eskdale (Western Lake District). View on a map.
What do Path to Adventure provide for Ghyll Scrambling?
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Instruction from qualified, friendly guides.
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Free photos of every adventure sent to you on a shareable link!
All specialist top-quality equipment including:
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High quality 5mm wetsuits that will keep you warm - always dry and clean!
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Neoprene socks for inside your shoes to keep your feet warm.
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Bouyancy aids and helmets
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For cooler months we also provide cag tops, fleece layers, hat and gloves.
Our wetsuits and neoprene socks:
Our full-length winter thickness wetsuits are in top condition, always dry, warm and well fitted. We hand wash and dry each suit after use in a special antibacterial wetsuit shampoo to ensure it is hygienic and clean. Our neoprene socks are all machine washed too!
What to bring with you:
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A pair of sturdy trainers or walking boots to go into the ghyll with. These need to be able to lace up tight so that they stay on in the moving water. Please note: crocs, lightweight water shoes or sandals are not appropriate as they will come off in the moving water and do not provide adequate protection from the rocks.
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Arrive in a Swimming costume or pair of shorts to go under the wetsuit.
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ESSENTIAL - Lightweight Jogging bottoms or leggings (not shorts) to go over the wetsuit (to protect the legs of the suit). We have spares if you need them.
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Snacks and drink for afterwards if you wish
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Towel.
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Parking Money
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Medication
Who else will be on my ghyll scrambling activity?
Expect to meet like-minded people on your activity. We keep our ratios of instructor to client low so you can have a fabulous and safe experience. If you would prefer a private session just let us know and we will accommodate you if we possibly can - please enquire for a price.
What to expect from your ghyll scrambling session.
We will meet you at the venue and walk to the Ghyll from there. You'll change into your wetsuits in the car park or in your vehicle. Our scrambles are a short walk from the car park with the exception of the Esk Gorge in which is a 45-minute walk into a remote location. You will carry your wetsuit and your kit for the day to this venue. Most of the venues are a car park where there are no changing facilities so please bring along a towel for modesty.
For half-day Ghyll scrambles your instructor will carry a safety bag and any medication you need in a waterproof bag. All other items will be left in your vehicle. We take great photos on iphone cameras for you throughout your activity so you can be hands-free and not damage your own phone. These photos will be available to you free of charge after the session. If the scramble is a longer one where you'll require provisions we will provide an extra bag for items.
You can view all meeting locations on our kit list and directions page.
Not sure which Ghyll Scrambling/Canyoning venue is best for you?
We can recommend the best venue to suit your location and group just contact us for info. Click here for a video of of our most popular ghyll scrambles so you can get an idea of what we can offer.
Map of Path to Adventure's Ghyll Scrambling and Canyoning loactions
“Wow!!! We attended the Canyoning adventure in Church Beck and it was absolutely incredible!!
I was a bit nervous at first as I’ve never done anything like this before but our instructor Al was fantastic at teaching us how to do jumps and how to climb the rocks safely. Al made us feel safe and he offered support when needed. The wetsuits were of top quality and Al and his team came super prepared with all the kit to ensure we had everything we needed.
The pace was just right and Al was happy for us to lead the way in terms of how adventurous we wanted to be. I decided to skip a few of the challenges but my partner did all of them including the huge jump at the end! This trip is suitable for all abilities and is adapted based on your preference.
This was definitely the highlight of our trip and we plan to come back again in future to do another one of the adventures.
Thank you Al for such a memorable and amazing experience! :)”
Amy Oman
"We went Ghyll Scrambling with Path to adventure and we’re so glad we did. It was the highlight of our trip and I couldn’t recommend them any higher. Al and Angus were our guides and made the experience so memorable and provide a safe and extremely fun environment. The company provided clear and concise communication for where to meet and what to bring. They were onsite and fully prepared for the day when we arrived. Thank you Path to Adventure team."
Bryan Hopkins
"Wow Wow Wow, huge thanks to Al and his team - Emma and Andrew for an unbelievable Ghyll Scrambling experience. I have never seen anyone with such clean kit for everyone (nearly 20 of us!). You were so kind and funny and took amazing photos too. Such great memories were made! Really hoping to come back and do it all again!"
Vicky Inviting Writing
Book Ghyll Scrambling and Canyoning online here:
You can book your Ghyll Scramble and Canyoning online below. For all other activities or to book multiple activities visit our main online booking page
We usually have additional availability other than what you can see online. If you are looking for alternative dates/times, cannot find your chosen activity or have children below the stated age please do contact us to arrange your activity - we will do our best to accommodate you.
Expect to meet like-minded people on your activity. We keep our ratios of instructor to client low so you can have a fabulous and safe experience. If you would prefer a private session just let us know and we will accommodate you if we possibly can - please enquire for a price.