Easter 2015 Activity Sessions. Ghyll Scrambling in The Lake District. Easter Saturday.

On Easter Saturday we ran a half day Ghyll Scrambling Session in The Lake District for a group of friends who had travelled up from London at short notice - looking for things to do in the area.

Photo one sees Dee, Robbie, Sean & Olivia as we prepared to get into the water on what was our first Ghyll Scrambling Session of 2015

So what was it going to be like? Well, warmer than we thought - in fact! As you can see from photo one, we equip all of our clients with a high standard of personal protective equipment to keep them as warm as possible and safe. Wetsuits and cagoules for insulation, walking boots for protection, good grip and ankle support and a helmet to protect your head. Often, we will provide Buoyancy Aids in situations where you will be out of your depth - but that wasn't necessary where we were today.

So what do you need to bring for your Ghyll Scrambling Session in The lake District with us? Well. we ask you bring a long sleeved fleece top, swimwear and thick socks to wear in the walking boots, towels - and enthusiasm; and that's it!

As you can see in photo two, this group had plenty of enthusiasm!

Apart from the initial chill we experienced upon getting into the ghyll, everyone was fine. Once the water has permeated your wetsuit and your body heat has warmed it, then the wetsuit provides the insulation essential to keep you comfortable on one of our sessions.

As it was early in the season; and bearing in mind that up until two days earlier, we had had freezing conditions and snow on the summits we did say to the group  "If you want to get soaked over your heads today - leave it til the end of the session!" Everyone wisely took Iain's advice; although in photo three they did get up to their waists for this group photo. As you can see, the weather was beautiful; and suprisingly warm & Spring-like (well, it should be - shouldn't it!) out of the water.

This particular Lake District Ghyll Scrambling Venue starts off as an easy walk upstream. Their are a couple of jumps into deep pools which we avoided as they come fairly early on in the session then, eventually, the way on narrows to a ravine with an unclimbable waterfall at the back.

It was here that Iain realised he could see evidence that someone had been and bolted this section for a Canyoning Descent - another of our specialities; although we will have to go and try it out ourselves before we take paying customers on a trip here!

There was, however, one section where Iain felt he could give the group a taste of Canyoning as at the next waterfall above, an abseil station had been created.

In photo four Robbie gets lowered down through the waterfall to join Sean who went first.

Above the ravine, there are a series of ghyll scrambling sections interspersed with waterfalls; and from what Iain could see, all waterfalls have now been bolted for a Canyoning Descent.

We will go and do a trip here sometime soon and will report back to you all about it then.

By now feet were getting a little chilly in the boots after 2 & a half hours of immersion so the girls got out to warm up in the sun whilst Iain & the lads continued up a little further before we all got out.

On the way back down, Robbie & Sean we keen to jump into the deepest pool that this Ghyll Scrambling venue in The Lake District has to offer and in photo five, Robbie is about to take the plunge.

A before shot.

And and after shot! As you can see from Robbies expression it was pretty chilly!

Fortunately, it was only a very short walk back to the Land Rover into which Iain had previous packed a "brew kit". Steaming mugs of hot chocolate all round instantly put a smile on everyone's face.

This was a good start to our Ghyll Scrambling season in the Lake District and the four enjoyed themselves with us so much today they were keen to do something else - more on that in the next post.

Our Ghyll Scrambling Sessions in The Lake District start at £45 per person for a 4 hour session. If it sounds like a lot check out whether or not those who are offering these sessions for less give you the same high standard of equipment as we do! Waterproofs do not provide any insulation from the cold and getting into this environment wearing training shoes is risky - but this is what some of our competitors recommend!

We also provide hot drinks at the end of the session if conditions are cold enough so this is all worth taking into account when booking your session. Your safety is of paramount importance and you need to be comfortable. Only then will you have fun which is what we want you to do in order that you can go away and tell everyone what a great time you had Ghyll Scrambling in The Lake District with Kendal Mountaineering Services!

Ghyll Scrambling and Gorge Walking are the same activity. This activity is ideal for family groups, Stag Groups & Hen Parties, Corporate Groups or a bunch of mates - away on holiday for the weekend just looking for an exhilarating outdoor activity with a difference.

Looking to try a full day out Ghyll Scrambling? Yes - it's possible! Our Esk Gorge Trips for only £75 per person are, without doubt, the best Ghyll Scrambling Session to be done anywhere in The Lake District!

Contact us here to enquire about booking your session. We look forward to working with you.