Top 19 Gorges around Wasdale

For an adventurous experience, Stickle Ghyll Waterfalls is a highly popular location for ghyll scrambling and gorge walking, featuring over 2 kilometers to explore with pools and waterfalls. Another favorite is Black Moss Pot, known for its high rock walls and a deep pool suitable for swimming and jumping.

Yes, for those seeking a more extreme and thrilling canyoning experience, the Esk Gorge in the adjacent Eskdale valley is highly recommended. It's known for its remote setting, emerald green waters, and significant jumps, some reaching up to 8 meters high. This is generally considered a full-day adventure suitable for ages 14 or 16 and above due to its physical demands.

Netherbeck Ghyll, located directly within the Wasdale Valley, offers a secluded and wild ghyll scrambling experience away from the crowds. It features exciting jumps into clear plunge pools, waterfalls to climb, and a unique hidden cave behind a cascading waterfall. The full experience includes a thrilling 12-meter roped climb to exit.

The ghylls and gorges in this region are characterized by dramatic rock formations, cascading waterfalls, and clear plunge pools. You'll encounter features like high rock walls at Black Moss Pot, and the unique hidden cave behind a waterfall in Netherbeck Ghyll. The landscape has been shaped by glacial activity, creating distinctive water features and rugged terrain.

Yes, Stickle Ghyll Waterfalls offers a main path that follows the ghyll, which is suitable for all ages for a paddle and picnic. While it has sections for ghyll scrambling, the path itself is not climbing. Netherbeck Ghyll also offers a shorter option for younger participants, though the full trip is recommended for ages 10 and up.

The best time to go canyoning or ghyll scrambling in the Lake District, including Wasdale, is typically during the warmer months, from late spring through early autumn. This ensures more comfortable water temperatures and generally more stable weather conditions for outdoor aquatic activities.

Beyond canyoning, Wasdale offers a range of outdoor activities. You can explore various mountain hikes, including routes to Scafell Pike, the highest peak in England. There are also road cycling routes that take you through scenic landscapes like Wast Water and over challenging passes such as Hardknott Pass. For off-road enthusiasts, gravel biking routes are available, including trails around Ennerdale Water. You can find more details on these activities in the Mountain Hikes around Wasdale, Road Cycling Routes around Wasdale, and Gravel biking around Wasdale guides.

Yes, Ritson's Force in the Mosedale Valley, a short stroll from the Wasdale Head Inn, is a picturesque series of waterfalls. It's an ideal spot for a leisurely walk amidst woodland and a stunning mountainous backdrop, offering a peaceful retreat to enjoy the natural beauty without the need for scrambling equipment.

For canyoning or ghyll scrambling, it's essential to wear appropriate gear. This typically includes a wetsuit for warmth, a helmet for head protection, and sturdy footwear with good grip. Many guided experiences will provide specialized equipment. For self-guided scrambles like Foxes Rake, waterproof boots are highly recommended, and be prepared for wet hands.

Yes, Foxes Rake (Foxes Tarn Gully) is a scramble route between Scafell Pike and Sca Fell, following a stream with waterfalls. Another adventurous option is Lord's Rake, a grade 1 scramble accessed via a scree gully, which offers a challenging and fun route for confident and sure-footed hikers.

The Esk Gorge is considered the premier canyoning venue due to its stunning and remote setting, featuring emerald green waters, numerous beautiful plunge pools, and waterfalls. It's particularly famous for its 'BIG jumps,' with some reaching up to 8 meters high, providing a significant adrenaline rush in a wild, aquatic journey deep into a rugged mountain gorge.