Stickle
Ghyll Scramble

Ghyll Scrambling goes by few names: Gorge Walking, Gorge Scrambling, River Scrambling, Waterfall Jumping - they all mean the same thing. Ghyll is a word used in the north of the country and comes from the old Norse word 'gil' meaning a steep sided valley.

You may also have heard of Canyoning. Technically speaking Canyoning is descending a river and Ghyll Scrambling is going up though some of our ghylls have a mix of both. Ropes can be used in both scenarios, but generally Canyoning involves a series of jumps, abseils, scrambles and slides to descend the river. Ghyll Scrambles vary in nature - there is usually a mix of some or all of: scrambling, climbing (sometimes with ropes), slides and jumps.

• We provide comfortable and flexible winter thickness wetsuits along with snug neoprene socks. Our wetsuits are always washed with antibacterial soap and then rinsed and our socks go through the washing machine. Our wetsuits and socks are always clean and dry. We bring along a selection to choose from to ensure they are fitted correctly.

• As well as this we provide a helmet, a buoyancy aid and a cagoule top too on cooler days. During colder months we also provide hats and gloves.

• Under your wetsuit you will just need swimwear and over the top you'll need a pair of leggings or joggers (we have spares if you need them).

• On your feet you need a pair of good fitting sturdy trainers or walking boots. Please note crocs, lightweight water shoes or sandals are not appropriate.

We think great kit is a really important part of you having an amazing experience with us. That is why all our equipment is of high quality, and is always clean and fitted correctly, enabling you to have a fantastic experience whatever the weather.

As part of the booking process we request information for your wetsuit. We ask you for your dimensions - height, weight, t-shirt or dress size and shoe size for our neoprene socks. For young children we just need to know whether they are average size for their age. It is important you give us all this information so we can pack the correct selection of wetsuits for you.

For Stickle Ghyll & Tilberthwaite only: It is also possible on really hot days to do these scrambles comfortably in normal clothes. If this is the case, we will contact you prior to the session to offer you this option so that you can bring extra clothes to change into afterwards.

Our vans are packed the day before. Please send us your info well in advance of your session, it will be gratefully received. Don't worry though - we will send you an automated email reminder a few days before, in case you forget!

The simple answer is YES.

We make sure you will be comfortable whatever the season. Our thick 5mm wetsuits are actually designed by a UK surfing company to be used in the sea around the UK in winter. As they are high quality wetsuits they are also very flexible and comfortable to wear. We also provide good neoprene socks to keep your feet warm.

On cooler days and at either end of the season, we also provide cagoule tops, gloves, hats and occasionally if needed, a fleece also.

Stickle Ghyll & Tilberthwaite only: It is also possible on really hot days to do these scrambles comfortably in normal clothes. If this is the case, we will contact you prior to the session to offer you this option, so that you can bring extra clothes along to change afterwards.

If you have any special requirements or medical conditions regarding kit or warmth please get in touch and chat to us about what you need and we'll do our best to help.

Ghyll Scrambling is a fantastic activity in the rain and when you are wearing a wetsuit you don't even notice it!

The session will continue as scheduled, unless the water levels make the activity unsafe to proceed. If water levels make the venue unsafe, we may choose to move the activity to another venue that is suitable for the conditions. If this is not possible, we will offer the choice to switch to another activity or to cancel with a full refund. We will contact you on the day if we need to make a change to the plan.

We spend a lot of time in each of the ghyll's and know the nature of each intimately. We use our knowledge of the topography (surrounding land and features), current ground conditions, previous rainfall, rain gauges and weather forecasts to determine where it is safe to proceed each day.

Dynamic risk assessments based on conditions and each individual in the group, are carried out during each activity by our highly experienced instructors. Your safety and that of our teams is of the utmost importance to us.

Please check with your doctor if you are unsure. We do not advise you participate if you think this activity will exasperate a pre-existing medical condition.

If you have any prescribed medication that you may need to take such as an Inhaler or Epi Pen (even if you haven't used them for a while), please bring them along and your instructor will put them in a waterproof bag for you.

If you need any extra information so you can make an informed decision regarding participating in our activities or have any special requirements, please get in touch.

Please note - we ask if you have medical information during the booking process and then check again with you on the day so that we have all the relevant information needed to deliver a safe and fun activity.

All the challenges are optional including any jumps and/or climbs in the Esk, Stickle Ghyll, Church Beck Scramble and Church Beck Scramble and Canyon. Your instructor will be there to answer any questions you may have and will support and encourage you, if you want to try them.

Church Beck Full Canyon Trip

The jumps, slides and rope lowers are all compulsory if you choose this trip. You will also be submerged in fast flowing and deep water. For adults and children over 14 who want a less comitting trip, choose our most popular trip - Church Beck Ghyll Scramble and Canyon (age 14+ years).

Netherbeck has a short easy roped climb that is compulsory to exit the ghyll.

The upper weight limit is determined by our wetsuits and safety equipment. 120kg / 19St is the maximum weight limit.

Our harnesses will fit a waist approx of 140cm/55inc.

Please note that all our ghylls require you to have a reasonable level of fitness and mobility. In Church Beck the upper canyon in particular may not be appropriate for larger adults. This is due to sections that require careful management from our instructors and also how you enter the water on jumps and slides. Larger adults may go too deep at certain water levels for us to consider some of the jumps safe to do and some scrambles need to be carefully managed by instructors. We need to keep both you and our instructors safe. Our instructors will make appropriate decisions on the day.

If you have any queries about whether this is appropriate for you please do give us a call.

Our smallest wetsuits will fit a small 5 year old.

Yes we do. We send them free of charge via a link which will be emailed to you after the activity. Please note we do our best to get them to you by the evening of the activity but due our slow, rural internet speeds and in busy periods, it may be the following day.

You will need to leave all valuables behind during your session and remove any jewellery, especially rings.

If you wish, your car keys can be locked inside our van whilst you are participating in the Ghyll Scramble.