Is previous experience required?

No, Ghyll Scrambling provides all necessary instruction and guidance for beginners and experienced adventurers alike.

Wear clothing suitable for getting wet, such as swimwear under quick-drying clothes, and sturdy shoes with good grip.

Yes, children over 12 with a good level of fitness can participate, provided they follow safety instructions.

What if I’m afraid of water?

Instructors are trained to support all participants and can offer alternative routes if needed.

What is the best time of year for canyoning?

Summer and early fall generally offer the warmest water and optimal weather conditions for this activity.

How physically demanding is it?

It requires moderate physical effort; participants should be comfortable climbing, walking, and swimming.

Canyoning at Stoneycroft Ghyll with Ghyll Scrambling in Cumberland

Tucked within the rugged landscape of the Lake District, Braithwaite offers a prime setting for adventurers seeking a hands-on experience of nature’s hidden wonders. Ghyll Scrambling’s 4-hour canyoning adventure at Stoneycroft Ghyll invites you into a world of rushing waterfalls, cool pools, and slick rock formations carved over centuries. This trip isn’t just a walk through nature—it's an active dive into the region’s geological history, where limestone gorges create dramatic channels for water to flow, revealing layers of time in their rugged walls.

Guided by expert instructors, participants will don harnesses and helmets as they navigate these vertical landscapes, tackling waterfalls, sliding down natural chutes, and climbing through water-filled crevices. Along this journey, you'll witness lush ferns clinging to the canyon’s edges and spot the occasional curious bird or trout darting beneath the surface. The activity provides a rare vantage point into the wilderness, where every cascade and pool tells a story of ancient geological forces. It’s an exhilarating, full-body experience aligned with the adventurous spirit that defines the Lake District.

Ghyll Scrambling is well-positioned as a standout in outdoor recreation, blending adrenaline with natural beauty. Its focus on safety and professional guidance makes it accessible for a wide range of skill levels, yet challenging enough to satisfy seasoned thrill-seekers. Whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced canyoner, this trip offers a memorable taste of what makes the Lake District a top destination for adventure travel.

In addition to the adrenaline rush, the business’s commitment to preserving the area’s natural harmony ensures that future generations will be able to enjoy the same wild landscapes. Ghyll Scrambling provides a genuine, eco-conscious approach that respects and protects the fragile environment, making every trip not just exciting but sustainable.

A trip to Stoneycroft Ghyll promises a dive into the heart of England’s scenic wilderness, showcasing the raw power and delicate beauty that make this region unique. Perfect for those craving more than a traditional hike, this canyoning experience is a gateway to discovering the Lake District’s most striking features from a truly immersive perspective.

About Ghyll Scrambling

Ghyll Scrambling is an outdoor adventure operator based in Braithwaite, England, specialising in guided ghyll scrambling and canyoning across the Lake District. The company runs five core trips: Adventure Ghyll, Stoneycroft Ghyll & Canyon, The Esk Gorge, Fisherplace Ghyll, and Stoneycroft Ghyll.

Each trip is led by professional instructors who provide instruction in ropework, abseiling and safe movement through waterfalls and pools. Participants are supplied with wetsuits, helmets, harnesses and specialist ropes and equipment to match the demands of each route.

Trips vary in duration and intensity, from shorter 3‑hour ghyll scrambles to full‑day 7‑hour expeditions that include paddleboarding, hiking and high abseils. The experiences combine technical canyoning — including abseils, jumps and zip lines — with scenic Lake District landscapes, remote gorges and pools such as the Thirlmere Infinity pool and the Esk Gorge waterfalls. Routes are designed to suit groups, stag and hen parties, families and experienced adventurers seeking physically demanding terrain.

Safety briefings and route planning are provided before every activity, and instructors adapt routes to conditions and group ability. Meeting points are typically in Braithwaite with easy access to classic Lake District ghylls. The company emphasizes professional instruction, robust safety equipment and local knowledge to deliver memorable, guided outdoor adventures in a wild, mountainous setting.

Bookings are available for private groups and mixed-ability parties, and instructors can tailor routes for alternative start points, rest opportunities, and photographic stops to suit participants' fitness and experience levels throughout the Lake District day trips across all seasons and conditions.