Ghyll scrambling
One of our more adventurous activities
Ghyll scrambling at Calvert
Ghyll scrambling involves navigating through a deep, narrow gulley with a stream running through it. This is one of our more adventurous activities and is great for mobile groups who want a challenge, and what better place to try it!?
We don’t have any navigable ghylls on site, so we usually take groups into the national park to try this exciting activity. Supported by experienced instructors, ghyll scrambling is a fun and engaging way to encourage teamwork and problem-solving skills whilst building camaraderie.
Wading through water, sliding down rocks on bottoms and scrambling over boulders is a physical challenge that pushes many people out of their comfort zones. The sense of achievement experienced afterwards is hugely rewarding to see as we show groups different ways to explore the great outdoors.
Without a defined path or route, participants navigate the landscape using their hands and feet, sometimes swimming or jumping into pools of water. The cold-water element of ghyll scrambling adds another obstacle to overcome, reinforcing our ethos of challenging disability through adventures.
Ghyll scrambling is great for:
Cardiovascular exercise
Ghyll scrambling equipment:
Check out the equipment which allows all of our guests to experience our incredible activities.
Helmet – provided by us
Grippy footwear
Waterproof outerwear – provided by us
Plenty of clothing layers
“Excellent. Appreciate being able to access a facility like this where it’s inclusive of all abilities to be able to see my son take part in things not possible elsewhere that he’s ever had the experience of is amazing”
Calvert Lakes Guest
“They were well managed and staff were very knowledgeable and friendly, and always willing to go the extra mile to help us feel comfortable, safe and secure, without being over cautious.”
Calvert Lakes Guest
“We had so much fun doing everything and it was all so inclusive “
Calvert Lakes Guest
“Activities were amazing, the equipment was top notch. The instructors were very knowledgeable and encouraged the children and adults all week. Our instructor Bea was always energetic and enthusiastic with the group and made accomodation for our child’s SEN.”
Calvert Lakes Guest
Ghyll scrambling FAQ's
Take a look at our most frequently asked questions.
Who can try ghyll scrambling?
Ghyll scrambling requires participants to be able to walk, although they don’t have to be confident walkers to try it. Getting into and out of a ghyll can be supported by instructors but once in the water, scrambling about and sitting mean less ambulant people can rest when they need to.
Ghyll scrambling is not suitable for non-ambulant people and is usually preferred by more mobile groups.
Where does ghyll scrambling take place?
We have two locations where we take groups ghyll scrambling – Whinlatter Forest Park and Honister. At Whinlatter, the ghyll is fairly easy to navigate, has more accessible options and terrain, and getting in and out is achievable for most.
Honister is more challenging and better for groups who are confident on their feet. A short walk is required to find the ghyll too.
How long does ghyll scrambling take?
Ghyll scrambling can be either a half day or a full day activity, depending on group size and requirements. Whinlatter Forest is just across the lake from Calvert and doesn’t take long to get to. Honister is further away and requires a longer drive to get there.
Will I get wet?
It is very likely you’ll get wet whilst ghyll scrambling! However, we provide waterproof outerwear to help you keep warm and dry underneath. Ghyll scrambling also depends on conditions and if there’s a lot of rainfall beforehand, we may suggest trying a different activity if we deem water levels unsafe.
Do you qualify for financial support?
At Calvert Lakes, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the joys of outdoor adventure. We also understand that the cost of a residential stay can be a barrier. Thanks to the hard work of our fundraising team, we have regular releases of bursary funding that can further help support your residential stay with us.
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