Lake District: Ghyll Scrambling Stonycroft with All Gear

Summary

Slide, climb and laugh through Stonycroft’s wild water

You’ll feel your heart race as you slide and jump through Stonycroft Ghyll in the Lake District, cheered on by new friends and guided by locals who know every twist of the water. Wetsuits and gear keep you warm (mostly!), while free photos capture those wild moments you’ll want to remember.

What’s the experience like?

“You’re sure you’ve done this before?” I asked our guide, half-laughing, half-nervous, as we stood at the edge of the first pool. He grinned — that sort of local Cumbrian grin like he’s seen a hundred city folks hesitate right here. The water was colder than I expected (even through the wetsuit socks they gave us), but it woke me up in a good way. Someone behind me squealed as she slid down the rock — not gonna lie, I almost chickened out until my friend just went for it. After that first splash, you kind of forget about being cold or looking silly.

The ghyll itself is this narrow ribbon of water tumbling down between mossy rocks — Stonycroft Ghyll, our guide called it “the original scramble.” We climbed over boulders slick with green stuff (I slipped once but nobody cared), squeezed through little chutes where the light came in all weird and golden, then took turns jumping into pools that smelled faintly of earth and rain. There was this moment where we just sat on a ledge catching our breath, listening to nothing but water and someone’s nervous giggle echoing off the stone. Not sure if it was adrenaline or just pure relief.

I didn’t expect how much we’d end up cheering each other on — total strangers at first, but by halfway down everyone was swapping stories about past bruises or failed jumps. Our instructor kept things moving without rushing us; he even showed us how to slide down one section feet-first (“trust me!” he said — and yeah, I did). The free photos were a nice surprise too; my hair’s a disaster in every shot but you can see how much fun we’re having. Three hours went by faster than I thought possible. Still think about that chilly rush every time I see a rocky stream now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ghyll Scrambling Adventure in Lake District

• Arrive at Stonycroft Ghyll
• Receive wetsuit and gear
• Meet experienced instructors
• Start 3-hour Ghyll Scramble session
• Slide, jump, and climb natural terrain
• Enjoy fun and challenging activities
• Receive free photos of activity

Top questions

How long does the ghyll scrambling session last?

The session lasts around 3 hours from start to finish.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer for ghyll scrambling?

No, you just need to be confident in water but don’t have to be a strong swimmer.

Is all equipment provided for ghyll scrambling?

Yes, all wetsuits, socks, gloves (in cold months), hats and safety gear are included.

Where does this ghyll scrambling take place?

The activity takes place at Stonycroft Ghyll in the Lake District.

Are photos included with the ghyll scrambling experience?

Yes, free photos of your activity are provided afterwards.

What is the group size for this adventure?

The maximum group size is 12 people per booking.

Is this suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with poor cardiovascular health.

Can I hire a GoPro for my own filming?

Yes, there’s an option to hire a GoPro if you want to film your adventure.

What’s included

Your day includes all necessary equipment—full-length wetsuit plus extra socks, gloves and hats if it’s cold—along with expert local instructors guiding you down Stonycroft Ghyll. Free activity photos are provided so you can relive those wild moments later at home.