Ghyll Scrambling & Canyoning

A question we are commonly asked is the following…..

“Is Ghyll Scrambling the same as Canyoning?”

The answer is NO….but YES….but NO! They both take place in mountain streams and involve waterfalls and cliffs and both can contain jumping and sliding, however the clear difference is as follows….

GHYLL SCRAMBLING is ASCENDING a stream (going UP)
CANYONING is DESCENDING  a stream (coming DOWN)

What is Ghyll Scrambling?

The word “ghyll” is a Norse word we inherited from the vikings that simply means “mountain stream”. The ghylls are a perfect place to find adventure.  Ghyll Scrambling simply involves ascending a mountain stream. It typically includes jumping into pools of water as well as scaling waterfalls and scrambling over rocks. Both ghyll scrambling and canyoning are by far our most popular activities – and rightly so as they are unbelievable amounts of fun. 

What is Canyoning?

Canyoning is a descent of a mountain stream. This activity is great fun and typically involves a combination of either some or all of the following: sliding, jumping, abseiling, zip-lining and being lowered on a rope down waterfalls. What’s not to like? Both canyoning and ghyll scrambling are by far our most popular activities – and rightly so as they are unbelievable amounts of fun. 

Why choose us?

We are a small family run business and we have been rated No.1 on TripAdvisor for canyoning & ghyll scrambling in the UK since our doors opened in 2012.

We genuinely care deeply about making your experience the best we can possibly make it.

We are one of the few UK companies that hold canyoning specific guiding and rescue qualifications.

We take pictures and videos on our phone camera and hand them out at the end of the session free of charge.

Our sessions are action packed and full of fun and laughter. We love what we do and we are sure you will love this too.

Our locations:

To help you decide which experience you would like to do simply click the button links below to view each location…..

2-3 hr Locations

Stickle Ghyll

This ghyll is located in Langdale and has fantastic views. It involves ascending the gorge mainly climbing waterfalls and it has a small jump.

This is suitable for most group sizes and abilities but it is strenuous. This can be ran with children from the age of 9 years but they must be up for it to take part.

Stickle Ghyll – View Page

Coppermines Canyon

This ghyll is located in Coniston. It involves descending the canyon. There are plenty challenges along the way.  It involves sliding, jumping and being lowered down waterfalls.

This is a very aquatic outing and all participants must be ok with full submersion in water and be confident in water/at height. It can be ran with children from the age of 12 years but they must be up for it if you wish them to take part.

Coppermines Canyon – View Page

 

5-6 hr Activities

Esk Ghyll

This ghyll scramble is located in the remote Esk valley. It is an ascent of the mighty mountain gorge known as Esk Ghyll – “The BIG One”. It is the most aquatic outing we have, with the cliff jumping considered to be its main attraction. It not only has more jumping than any other ghyll scramble but the jumps are the biggest the Lake District has to offer. In-between the jumping you will be scrambling your way up the gorge, swimming through its deep emerald pools and climbing up its milky-white waterfalls.

This is for adults only and a decent level of fitness is required as it will take 5-6 hrs and involves a 45 minute walk-in/out. Adults only.

Good for both big and small groups. You must be confident jumping into deep pools of water.

Esk Ghyll – View Page

Devil’s Canyon

This takes place in a secret location. This is a “proper” canyoning experience using proper canyoning techniques. Before we enter this canyon you will first be taught how to use the equipment and how to abseil. We will then enter the canyon, and working as a team we will descend it, doing battle with its truly colossal waterfalls and vertical drops. Its abseils, ziplines and slides are guaranteed to get the blood pumping. Do you have what it takes to attempt ‘The COLOSSAL One’?

This is for fit and confident adults only and a decent level of fitness is required as it will take 5-6 hrs and involves a 45 minute walk-in/out. Adults only.

Devil’s Canyon – View Page

If you fancy a drier outing then check out our DRY ACTIVITY OPTIONS. It’s great to mix and match activities doing one in the morning and one in the afternoon or spread them over a few days.

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