winter activities
in the lake district
are there any activities running in the colder months between oct-feb i can do in the lake district?
If you are looking for things to do in the Lake District during the colder autumn and winter months (Oct-Feb) and are struggling to find an outdoor company still open and offering outdoor activities then look no further as we have activities available all year round.
We are often asked if we are still open in the colder months, the answer is YES! Our shorter 2-3 hr ghyll scrambling and canyoning locations are still available as well as abseiling. All of which are a perfect winter activity.
When all the other companies are telling you that its too cold for ghyll scrambling and canyoning we can still make this possible due to our specialist winter wetsuits and additional winter layers.
The activities we offer over the colder months are:
- Ghyll Scrambling at Stickle Ghyll
- Canyoning at Coppermines Canyon
- Abseiling at Hodge Close Quarry
"will it be too cold in winter?" is the most common misconception and concern
Is it not too cold for canyoning and ghyll scrambling in winter?
No! Our specialist wetsuits and additional winter layers combined with only offering the shorter 2-3hr trips ensures you will stay warm enough throughout the activity.
You will be wearing a thick wetsuit with a hood. You will have between 10-14mm of neoprene on your core to ensure we keep your vital organs warm because if they are warm then your heart keeps pumping blood to your extremities and helps keep your hands and feet warm.
We also provide you with wetsuit socks to aid warmer feet and wetsuit gloves unless its an unseasonably warm day.
On really cold days with a biting wind we give you a windproof to keep the windchill off and a buoyancy aid to give you a warm hug.
Is Abseiling still good if its cold?
Yes its an activity where you can wear as many layers as you like as well as wear gloves.
Winter ghyll scrambling at:
Stickle Ghyll
What’s Involved?
You will be climbing wintery waterfalls, jumping into icy pools and doing other challenges while being kept warm by the specialist kit. The great thing about this ghyll scramble is ALL the challenges are optional. You can skip a jump if you wish without it impacting the group.
Is it a good option?
Stickle Ghyll is a better “wet” option if you feel the cold, rather than Coppermines Canyon. With Stickle Ghyll you are ascending up the ghyll, the upwards movement helps keep you warmer.
There are also two pubs in the car park, so you can sit next to a warm fire with a drink after!
Winter canyoning at:
coppermines canyon
What’s Involved?
You will be jumping and sliding into pools and doing roped lowers down waterfalls. This is a really adventurous outing and very aquatic.
Is it a good option?
This is the colder of the “wet activity” options. Its much colder than Stickle Ghyll. Coppermines Canyon has deeper pools. Deep pools = cold water. Also takes less effort to do the activity as you are travelling downstream and therefore generating less heat.
There are plenty pubs and cafes a short walk away to heat up in afterwards.
Winter abseiling at:
Hodgeclose Quarry
What’s Involved?
You will descend Hodge Close Quarry – a 120ft abseil into a disused quarry.
Can you face your fears and lean back over the edge?
Is it a good option?
Abseiling is a brilliant all year round activity and great if you are worried about the cold as you can wrap up warm in as many layers as you like and you can even bring some warm gloves.
You are a short drive to the village of Coniston where you can find a cosy coffee shop to warm up in after the activity.
can we make a day of it and combine activities?
Yes, you certainly can….and you will get a discount!
If you would like to make a day of it and enjoy a full day of adventure the the abseiling followed by the canyon or ghyll scramble is perfect.
All you need to do is bring a packed lunch to eat in between activities. The canyon site is 10 mins drive from the abseil site, the ghyll scramble location a 20 min drive.
If you book the “Winter Activity Day” via our online booking, it will cost you £10 less per person than booking the activities separately.
Photo gallery from our winter activity days:
Our Latest FAQ
All of the activities we offer are physical and involve a degree of fitness (some more than others). We recommend you look at each individual activity page to see if it is suitable for you. All of our activities involve wearing a harness, so your waist cannot exceed 46 inches or the safety equipment will not fit.
A deposit is required to secure your chosen date, time and activity if you are booking more than 14 days in advance. Your deposit is non refundable or transferable. Full payment is required within 14 days
No, sorry. None of our activities are suitable for you to bring a dog.
I mean you’re coming out in Autumn/Winter, it probably will be!
It’s much quieter around the Lake District, less people are out and about. The water levels can be on the higher side as we usually have more rain, which makes for a more exciting and challenging experience. Obviously there is a limit and there’s times we are unable to enter the canyon or ghyll.
There are no refunds/rescheduling if you miss the meet time and the session may start without you. You may be joining others, we may have a group after you etc so can’t always delay the start time. Allow plenty of time to travel around the Lake District. The traffic from Windermere especially from mid morning can be very slow with jams. Mobile reception is limited but we will have your mobile number and you will have ours on the PDF Info sheet you receive when you book.
You will lose the deposit payment if you cancel with more than 14 days notice. If you cancel within 14 days you will lose the full balance
You will receive a full refund- or you can opt to rebook. There is no pressure to do this option. If we cancel because of dangerous water conditions at a location (ghyll/canyoning) then we will try to offer an alternative if possible, which you are under no obligation to do.
From the abseil site to the Canyon location it is a 10 minute drive. From the abseil site to the ghyll scramble location it is a 20 minute drive.