Experience the Lake District’s Most Exciting Family-Friendly Ghyll Scramble

Looking for an unforgettable outdoor adventure during your stay in the Lake District? Stonycroft Ghyll scrambling, just a short drive from Keswick, is one of the region’s most popular and accessible gorge experiences. With natural rock slides, flowing waterfalls and crystal-clear pools, this thrilling descent offers the perfect blend of excitement, challenge, and pure fun, and is consistently voted the Lake Districts most popular outdoor activity.

Whether you're new to scrambling or looking for an action-packed activity for the whole family, Stonycroft Ghyll delivers a safe and exhilarating introduction to the amazing world of ghyll scrambling.

What Makes Stonycroft Ghyll Special?

✓ A Natural Water Playground

Stonycroft Ghyll features a series of smooth rock chutes, plunge pools and waterfalls that create a continuous, fast-flowing adventure from top to bottom.

✓ Perfect for Beginners & Families

This ghyll is ideal for children, first-timers, and mixed-ability groups, with optional obstacles that allow the experience to be tailored to your comfort level.

✓ Close to Keswick

Located in the stunning Newlands Valley, Stonycroft Ghyll is just minutes from Keswick, making it one of the most convenient outdoor activities for visitors.

✓ Guided by Local Experts

With our professional guides, high-quality equipment, and expert safety instruction, you can enjoy every slide and splash with confidence.

What to Expect on Your Stonycroft Ghyll Adventure

Your guided scramble begins high above the valley before descending through a dramatic, varied gorge carved by centuries of flowing water. Along the way you’ll:

• Slide down natural rock flumes
• Wade through refreshing mountain streams
• Navigate playful rapids and waterfalls
• Take on optional jumps and challenges
• Enjoy unforgettable views across the Newlands Valley
• It’s an exhilarating half-day activity that leaves you soaked, smiling, and eager for more.

Who Is Stonycroft Ghyll Scrambling Suitable For?

• Families with children (suggested 1.3m+ or around 8 years old)
• Groups, stag & hen parties
• School and youth groups
• First-time scramblers
• Anyone seeking a fun, confidence-building adventure
• No prior experience is necessary—just a sense of adventure!

What’s Included

• All safety equipment (wetsuits, helmets, spray jackets, buoyancy aids)
• Experienced, friendly guides
• Free Photos (with option to rent our GoPro helmet)
• Safety briefing and instruction
• Free parking at the meeting point

What to Bring

• Swimsuit and towel
• Sturdy footwear you don’t mind getting wet (trainers or walking boots)
• A sense of adventure!

Why Choose Stonycroft Ghyll Near Keswick?

Stonycroft Ghyll is one of the most enjoyable and accessible gorge scrambles in the Lake District. The combination of continuous water features, varied terrain, and ease of access makes it ideal for people looking to experience outdoor adventure without needing to be experienced climbers or strong swimmers.

If you’re staying in Keswick, Borrowdale, Newlands, or nearby areas, there’s simply no better introduction to ghyll scrambling.

Small Group bonus!

For smaller groups, if time and water levels permit, we may take you down into the Gorge section of Stonycroft. This will add around 20min to your activity, and push the ghyll scrambling challenge up a notch. This part of the gorge is man made, an old mine, and much more steep sided and committing than the gorge walking further upstream, and is a great way to finish off for those after an extra challenge.