We pride ourselves on being able to offer the widest possible variety of activities from extreme adventure to more sedate and relaxing scenic trips. Here is a list of our top recommended things to do in the Lake District that many of our guests have experienced:

Abseiling

Abseiling is best described as having lots of fun sliding down a rope with some semblance of control. Depending on your level of challenge abseiling on the local crags, or from disused viaducts over fast flowing rivers below is definitely one of the Lake District’s safest and most popular activities. It’s suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels and no special gear is needed.

Caving

A chance to get your feet wet and crawl around under the ground. See stalagmites and stalactites in the beam of your headlamp. Experience the rich and diverse underground world. The challenges of the sport depend on the cave being visited, but often includes the negotiation of pitches, squeezes, and water. Climbing or crawling is often necessary, and ropes are used extensively for safety of the negotiation of particularly steep or slippery passages. Trips vary from simple tours through the larger cave systems, to tight squeezes or long multi-pitch abseils into the deeper chasms. Caving works best as a full day adventure and prices vary drastically.

Canyoning

The idea is to follow the water downwards through the more inaccessible Gorges and Canyons of the Lake District, over drops into pools, down chutes and through deep water. This involves walking, scrambling, climbing and swimming. Vertical drops are either jumped or abseiled from in situ bolts. The situations are often breath-taking with dramatic unspoilt scenery, at times the sky can disappear from view as the walls close in above you, the water may take you through huge boulder chokes or even underground for a while. They can be long and arduous or easy and short but be warned they are all about FUN and are seriously addictive.

Gorge Scrambling

Gorge or Ghyll (Gill) Scrambling is the exhilarating activity of moving along the hidden mountain streams and gorges of the Lake District; Going up and down waterfalls with the aid of ropes, flumes, traversing rocky obstacles or jumping into deep swirling plunge pools. You won’t believe how much fun this is until you’ve tried it! Very wet, wild and challenging, Gorge Scrambling is probably the most exciting activity you can do in rain or sunshine.

Go Ape – High Ropes Courses

The Go-Ape courses are some of the most popular in the area. Climb Trees, Crawl Through Tunnels, Cross Rope Bridges, Walk The Planks Then Zip Back To Earth. Take on one of the many award winning high wire courses in the Lake District. This is one of the best family adventures available all year round in the Lake District. The activity is split into various sections with elements to challenge all skill levels. 2.5 – 3hrs of fun in all weathers. We sell on behalf of both the Grizedale and Whinlatter courses so have up to date information on course availability and any discounts that they may be running. Booking in advance in essential particularly at weekends and during school holidays.

Rock Climbing

Rock climbing is a special combination of mental and physical challenges making it a unique experience.

Once you’ve tried it, you’re hooked! Nothing heightens the senses more than the combination of delight and relief that comes from reaching the top of a demanding rock climbing route! Whatever standard you climb at, from novice to expert, these feelings remain the same. The Lake District contains some of the finest rock climbing areas in Britain. There are a vast array of Rock Climbing possibilities in the Lake District.

Scrambling Ridge

Scrambling is one of those activities that has the ability to push you to the limit especially in the Lake District. Scrambling’s link to rock climbing generally means only the most adventurous guides run these sessions. Scrambling’s Mountain walking links means you always end up in a spectacular spot not normally reached by the general public.

Guided Walks

Our challenge is to get at least one guide taking up each of the major fells on any given day. Prices range from £15 – £20 per person on an open trip. Or £50 – £80 for a privately hired guide. Most guides prefer to take a maximum of 8 people in a group but do go higher. The Lake District is renowned worldwide for its spectacular scenery and breath-taking views ready to be explored! Within minutes of entering the area you are within touching distance of a multitude of classic walks. You have the choice of following in the steps of the great Alfred Wainwright by tackling the fells on your own. Or you can join the small guided parties that tailor their trips to the walking abilities of everyone, Professional guides ensure that all the hidden treasures of the Lake District such as the secret waterfalls, reclusive plants, the shy animals and stunning mountain views are revealed for all to see. No matter how experienced a walker you are, Qualified Mountain Leaders can take you to the best spots in the Lakes, whether you fancy a gentle half-day walk or a challenging hike up some of the more isolated peaks. Find out about upcoming trips.

Mountain Boarding

There is only one Mountain Boarding venue in the Lake District. The Instructors here are very good. From personal experience I can say that they move you quickly and expertly through the basics of Mountain Boarding. Before you know it you have mastered starting, riding and power sliding (stopping.) They then encourage you to move out onto the course to master the remaining art of Mountain Boarding, “Rollers” Mountain Boarding’s equivalent of Speed Humps but these help you to go faster, Rails and Jumps on the Boarder Cross course.

Mountain Biking

Try your Mountain biking skills off-road through the Lake Districts valleys and forests. We can arrange Maps and Mountain Bike hire so you can set off and explore on your own. Or recommend one of the many options that are available if you want a Guided Mountain Biking Adventure, depending on your skill level and sense of adventure there are trips available that get you out on the toughest tracks or the gentlest of gentle forest rides.

Quad Biking

If you thrive on challenges, mud, jumps and speed then this quad biking experience was made for you. The real fun begins once you’ve got the hang of driving these nippy, 4-wheeled machines! Quad biking is an action packed and fun way to discover the thrill of negotiating an all terrain vehicle over cross-country trails while still enjoying the superb Lake District countryside.( No experience is necessary) These companies also operate for Corporate Clients, so availability fluctuates somewhat.

4×4 Off Road Driving

Off road driving adventures take place on wild off-road trail routes in the Lake District National Park. There are opportunities for individuals, groups and for those with their own 4×4’s. There are opportunities to get straight behind the wheel of the operator’s 4×4 vehicles for your own personal off road driving experience in the Lake District. Drive rough and rocky off road trails in breath-taking mountain surroundings; you will learn technical new off road driving skills.

Horse Riding/Trekking

There are so many different Horse riding companies operating in the Lake District the trick is finding the ride you require. Horse back is a truly superb way to explore the Lake Districts Fells, Valleys and Beaches. Cumbria has literally hundreds of providers offering everything in the spectrum of horseback adventure. Whether it’s your first time on horseback or you are a seasoned rider we can recommend the operator best suited to give you the experience you.

Archery

If you are a serious and thoughtful type of person then you will probably prefer Target Archery, where you shoot at the target of coloured rings with modern equipment and a sight on your bow. You try to get every one of your six arrows into the 10″ centre, from distances ranging from 20 yards for beginners up to 100 yards for the experts. It takes lots of practice and dedication, but it can be done!.

Shooting

We now have great range of Shooting and Hunting providers in the Lake District. Shooting activities include:

Clay Pigeon Shooting

Using top of the range Over and Under shotguns on a variety of simulations.

Small Bore target shooting using .22 air rifles

Canoeing

Canoeing is in ‘open’ (i.e. Canadian-style) canoes, very stable and ideal for lake journeys. These boats require a single bladed paddle

Most of the journeys take place on the open water of the Lake District’s many Lakes.

Although some river trips are available mostly on Grade 2-3 water.

The operators will help you develop your skills and take you on a journey. Glide along and watch the changing scenery. This is a superb activity for the family, although many a divorce has also occurred whilst paddling in these boats.

Kayaking

Kayaking uses boats originally designed by Eskimos for traveling on the sea. With this in mind the boat is covered except for a hole around the waist. Kayaks allow beginners to have some fun, learning skills on a lake before advancing out on a river in further sessions. These are the boats that require a two bladed paddle.

Fishing

The Lake District is a magically beautiful region of lakes and tarns, fells and high peaks just 40 miles across in Cumbria and offers some tremendous fishing set amidst reed-fringed waters with breath-taking views of the highest peaks in England.

We have many contacts with guides who have intimate knowledge of local game and coarse fisheries through their angling and guiding.

The Guides have many contacts with local fishing clubs and fishery owners to ensure that you have the ultimate fishing experience.

Lake Cruises

View the Lake District in style with the variety of Steamer Cruises available on Windermere, Coniston and Ullswater. Timetables are available with excursion prices varying. We recommend you take advantage of the hop on hop off options available to truly view the area to its full.

Sail ‘n’ Dine

She has some very clever touches such as a lifting keel with which enables her to approach even the shallowest of jetties for guests to embark. The steering wheel can rotate 90 degrees to allow a wide passage from the cockpit to the cabin enabling easy access onto the boat.

An opportunity to experience the beauty of the English Lake District combined with fine wines and first class food all from the luxury of the top of the range of a sailing yacht. Sailing and dining a truly prefect combination to relax and take in the breath-taking views the areas offers.