Abseiling
Build confidence with roped descents
Abseiling at Calvert Lakes
Abseiling at Calvert Lakes is a fantastic activity that most participants can try. And we have a range of different options to choose from.
Most abseiling takes place as part of a rock and rope session and will be tailored to the needs of an activity group. On site, we have an indoor climbing wall with an abseiling window at the top of the wall, and an outdoor wheelchair abseil slab.
Ambulant guests can climb the indoor climbing wall and abseil back down. Non-ambulant participants, or those with reduced mobility, can try abseiling with the use of accessible harnesses and hoists. We have different harnesses to suit guests’ weight, postural and support needs. Participants can winch themselves up using their arms, or their group can help and hoist them to the abseil window. Alternatively, the window in the sports hall can be accessed from outside behind the games room and abseil down inside.
Non-transferrable chair users enjoy experiencing the sensation of abseiling and the thrill of outdoor rope activities on our wheelchair abseil slab. With a covered, gated area at the top, guests can abseil down in their chair supported by our experienced instructors. That moment when you tip over the precipice is a rush for everyone, whether you’re in a chair or not!
We can also take ambulant groups out into the Lake District to abseil on real rock. The Bowder Stone is a gravity-defying landmark in the Borrowdale Valley, south of Keswick. Just a short walk from this iconic boulder is Bowder Stone Quarry where groups of all abilities can abseil down a rock wall.
Bowder Stone Quarry is a popular spot with our more adventurous guests and with the help of a Larkin frame, we can support people, including those with complex needs, to abseil down from the top.
We believe that the main challenge to outdoor adventure for anyone with additional needs is access. So we use special equipment and facilities to remove those barriers, allowing people of all abilities to experience challenge and achievement in a group setting that builds confidence and self-esteem.
Indoor abseiling is great for:
Conquering fears
Adaptive abseiling equipment
We have a whole range of abseiling locations, harnesses and safety kit to suit needs of varying complexities. Below are just some of the ways we can adapt access for abseiling.
Various harnesses and postural aids
Larkin frame and hoists for chair users
Indoor and outdoor abseiling options
Varying wall heights, pitch and difficulty
“I absolutely loved all of the activities that I had the opportunity to do, I challenged myself in ways that I couldn’t imagine & I achieved so much, including managing to get to the top of the climbing wall twice & ringing the bell!
I loved it so much that I didn’t want to leave. A trip of a lifetime!”
Susie
Abseiling FAQs
Who can enjoy abseiling?
Most people can try abseiling!
Some essential chair users might prefer to stay in their chairs and abseil down the wheelchair abseil slab instead of abseiling down a wall but we have options to suit all abilities.
Where does the abseiling take place?
Abseiling takes place on site in our sports hall or on our outdoor wheelchair slab which is right next to it. Alternatively, groups might decide to head into the Lake District to find more challenging options such as at Bowder Stone Quarry.
Our operational team will get in touch with groups before their visit to discuss the activity programme for their stay.
How long is an abseiling session?
When experienced as part of a rock and rope session, abseiling usually takes place as a half day session which is usually 2-3 hours. It takes a little time to get everyone into harnesses and helmets at the start of the session after which participants will be able to take turns abseiling.
If carried out at the centre, guests might be able to climb on the climbing wall at the same time, from a safe distance, and we also have the king swing and swivel swings to try too.
Groups can choose to make this into a full day excursion and take a packed lunch and combine it with other activities such as bushcraft and walking.
Funding for adventure breaks
We’re committed to making our activity breaks accessible to as many people as possible, which is why limited funding is available to help reduce the cost. Because our funding is often restricted, we prioritise those who’d most benefit from financial assistance. While we cannot guarantee support for every enquiry, we encourage anyone facing financial barriers to get in touch. Our team is here to guide you through the process and help you explore the options available.
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