Ghyll Scrambling in The Esk Gorge. The Lake Districts ultimate wet adventure. Monday 7th July 2014.

July has been a busy month for us so far at Kendal Mountaineering Services. We've run quite a bit of our own stuff and done some sessions for other businesses too. It's been great fun providing Skills Training Courses and Outdoor Activity Sessions in what has proved to be, so far, the best Summer for quite a few years.

So what is the best thing you can do in The Lake District in this hot, sunny weather? Without doubt - it has to be an Esk Gorge Ghyll Scrambling Session. Mick & Chris Harris both enjoyed this session with us on a fine sunny day.

So what is an Esk Gorge Ghyll Scrambling (also known as gorge walking) Trip all about?

Well, firstly, it involves meeting us - usually at Ambleside in The Lake District and then following us over Wrynose & Hardknott Passes - The Lake District's two most challenging mountain roads. If there are only a few of you then we'll squeeze you into our own transport and you can sit back & enjoy the drive through some of the areas most stunning scenery!
After an hours walk in to the start of the gorge, we'll get kitted up and get in! Photos one & two pretty much sum up what you will be doing - lots of swimming through deep crystal clear pools and climbing up; or beside waterfalls; and of course we'll ensure your safety with a rope wherever it's needed.

One of the most challenging aspects of an Esk Gorge Ghyll Scrambling Trip have to be the jumps. There are eleven that we know of in total although we'll only allow you to do ten of these. They vary in height from 15 feet right up to 25 feet.

Each jump will be demonstrated by our experienced instructors who will have done them all before so there is no need to worry about hitting the bottom!

In photo three - Chris jumps whilst Mick looks on. This particular jump is only probably about 18 feet and is the last jump we allow people to do on our ascent of the Esk Gorge. On this occasion, we had enjoyed a great session so far; and there was still an hour of time left!

The final photo from this Esk Gorge Ghyll Scrambling Session in The Lake District is something of a rarity. It shows Mick & Chris at the very top of the Esk Gorge and the summit of England's highest mountain - Scafell Pike, can be seen right behind the pair.

Whilst we often make it to the jump in photo three, it is not often that we'll complete the whole gorge. The Esk Gorge is some 3km in length and rises some 200m throughout. On a hot, sunny Summers day there is nothing much better then getting a wetsuit & wet cag on, walking boots and buoyancy aid and then immersing ones-self in a mountain stream. Our Esk Gorge Trips feel like a real adventure what with the driving over the Lake District;s highest mountain passes and spending four hours swimming in a mountain stream - right under Englands highest summits.

For only £75 per person you'll get a full day out in The Esk Gorge and be guided by one of our experienced staff. For your money, you'll also be provided with wetsuits, cagoules, buoyancy aids, helmets, harnesses & rucksacs for you to carry it all on the walk in. Just bring swimwear, towels, some spare clothing & waterproofs (just in case it's wet), your packed lunch and plenty of enthusiasm! These sessions are great for families, friends & stag or Hen Groups looking for a truly exhilarating & refreshing experience in the outdoors and represent great value for money. Contact us to book your Esk Gorge Session here. We look forward to working with you.