Monday 8 August 2016

Ghyll Scrambling Sessions in The Lake District. Stickle Ghyll, Friday, August 5th, 2016.

Last Friday, Iain was back out Ghyll Scrambling in The Lake District - this time, in Stickle Ghyll in Langdale - one of The Lake District's best known Ghyll Scrambling venues.

When Iain had worked with George and his godmother Jane on Tuesday, an interest had been expressed in trying out Ghyll Scrambling  - "Do you know anyone who does that?" asked Jane. "Yes, said Iain - we do!" and subsequently, Iain gained a bit more work from Jane's group of friends - Emma & Claire; and Claire's three children - Anna, Archie; and of course - George!

The group booked their Ghyll Scrambling Half Day Session with us to start at 1pm on Friday. Iain got the children kitted out and then off we went for an afternoon of fun.

Photo one sees Archie, Anna  & George getting well & truly hydrated at the first waterfall climb in Stickle Ghyll!

Photo two sees the three about another 100 yards upstream - well & truly up to their necks in it!

Ghyll Scrambling is all about having fun in a mountain stream. Ghyll Scrambling is also known as Gorge Walking, but we think the term "scrambling" applies better. Anyway- what is it all about?

Scrambling up the stream bed, against the flow of the water, wading & swimming through pools, jumping off the banks into pools, climbing up waterfalls - roped up where necessary to prevent a fall, feeling challenged, feeling exhilarated, but being safe; and being warm enough in the comprehensive equipment we provide you with that you can enjoy these sessions in comfort whilst being soaked but not feeling too cold - this is particularly important with young children who, generally not carrying too much body fat - can get chilly quite rapidly!
Getting chilly was no such concern today for these three aged  from eight to 14 - they were moving far too fast for that as one might expect - the smaller the group, the less hanging around there is to get cold!

The weather was also much better than two days previously when Iain had been in Wren Gill - another one of our brilliant Lake District Ghyll Scrambling Venues. On that day it had been very windy & wet, water levels had been high and it was certainly chilly!

Photo three sees Archie, Anna & George with Mum - Claire & her best mates - Emma & Jane on the bridge beyond. We think this is a fine photo!

We always split Stickle Ghyll into two parts - the lower part starts just above the Sticklebarn Tavern and goes for about 600 m up to the footbridge.  In this section, there is a waterfall climb, numerous deep pools for jumping into and lots of interesting steep scrambly sections.

Above the footbridge there is a bouldery section having nothing of real interest to it, so we bypass this and go in to the upper gorge  - again, lots of steep-ish scrambling up waterfalls and deep pools to play in and then this big waterfall - in photo four, often the "grand finale" that gets climbed - straight up, behind the children! We did climb this; and then called it a day! Another great Ghyll Scrambling Session in The Lake District and the children loved it!

Our half day Ghyll Scrambling Sessions in The Lake District cost £45 per adult for a four hour session with all of the equipment  you see the children wearing, provided as part of your fee. Bring more than five persons and that price drops to £40 each. However, we discount our prices significantly for children and Claire paid just £35 each for these three to try Ghyll Scrambling.

If you are looking for a family activity that the kids will love during your visit to The Lake District, then this is it and it is ideal for having fun on a wet day too! Contact us here to book your Ghyll Scrambling Session - you won't be disappointed!

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