North West England is home to the Lake District — England's finest mountains and lakes. Hike and scramble the fells, climb, and kayak or paddleboard the lakes, learning navigation and watersports with expert local centres.
The North West of England is one of the most concentrated climbing regions in Britain. The Lakes provide mountain crags — Gimmer, Raven Crag, Castle Rock of Triermain — with multi-pitch routes from Diff to E-grade on solid volcanic rock. To the east, the limestone of the Yorkshire Dales adds friction-dependent face climbing. Indoor walls in Lancaster, Kendal, Preston and Macclesfield mean year-round training is straightforward, whatever the weather is doing on the fell.
Indoor walls are the obvious starting point. Kendal Wall, Lancaster Wall and Preston Wall are all within easy reach of the Lake District and offer a controlled environment for learning footwork, movement and belaying technique. The step from indoor to outdoor climbing is a significant one — rock is irregular, gear placements are earned rather than clipped, and weather is a real variable — but it's a step that transforms the activity. Most centres offer single-day introduction sessions on local crags for groups of two to four, covering basic movement, simple nut and hex placements, lowering and abseiling.
Limestone climbing on routes at Malham Cove — a venue that hosted World Cup climbing events after the Olympic cycle renewed interest in the discipline — is technically different from the rougher volcanic rock of the Lakes. Both are worth your time. The Yorkshire limestone produces long, sustained face climbing on small crimps and pockets; the Lakes volcanic rock is rougher, with better friction and a more traditional mountaineering character.
Bouldering — climbing without a rope on low features — is part of the offer at most indoor walls and on a number of outdoor gritstone edges in the region. It requires no rope technique and is often the first step into climbing for those who find the idea of being high off the ground initially unappealing. The Bowderstone in Borrowdale is a celebrated outdoor boulder problem with one famous hard move that has repelled many confident people.
Indoor walls operate year-round. Outdoor climbing is good from spring through autumn on well-drained volcanic and limestone crags. Winter climbing on mountain routes requires ice axes and crampons and significant additional skills — a separate undertaking from summer rock climbing.
Experience heart-pounding gorge scrambling in the Lake District - climb waterfalls, dive into crystal pools, and scale rocks for unforgettable adventures in nature. Choose your location!
From £ 35
Discover the birthplace of UK rock climbing in the Lake District! From beginner crags to multi-pitch adventures, experience the thrill with expert guides. Safety gear provided.
From £ 30
Thrilling abseiling adventures in the Lake District for all. Expert guides, stunning locations, and safety! Choose your location, and choose from half-day or full-day.
From £ 30
A two hour treetop net adventure near Lake Windermere with slides, walkways, tunnels and play zones.
From £ 30
Qualified instructors offer 3-hour rock climbing & abseiling sessions in Keswick, Cumbria. £45pp, ages 6+, all equipment included. Perfect for beginners & enthusiasts.
From £ 65
Conquer waterfalls, navigate pools, and embrace adventure in Langdale Valley, Lake District. Suitable for beginners seeking a challenge - ages 14+.
From £ 30
Experience the ultimate adrenaline rush with Lakeland Extreme Canyoning - conquer waterfalls and dive into adventure in the Lake District! Adults only, full-day experience. For the daring!
From £ 75
Experience the thrill of rock scrambling in the breathtaking Lake District! From easy ascents to challenging routes, embrace adventure with expert guides. Fun-filled days for all levels!
From £ 30
Join our thrilling vertical caving adventure in Ingleton, North Yorkshire! £80pp (or £65pp for 4+), 3-4 hours. Suitable for teens & adults. Book now for an epic experience!
From £ 100
Outdoor climbing and abseiling in Yorkshire Dales, Twistleton Scar. £65 per adult. All equipment included. Stunning scenery.
From £ 65
From £45pp, South Lakes. 85ft abseil. Max 50 people. Youth 12+ with 2 adults. Includes guide, gear, and free photos. Book for a thrilling adventure!
From £ 45
Learn to Lead climbing Course. £150indoor learn to lead, climbing course. This course can be scheduled to meet your requirements. This course can be run in 1 day over 8 hours or it can be split up in to three, two hour evening sessions over 3 weeks.
From £ 150
Experience a 150ft abseil in the Lake District. £60PP, ages 12+. Minimum 2 participants. Includes guide, all technical kit, helmet, and harness
From £ 50
A treetop high ropes adventure in Heaton Park with obstacles, zip lines and heights of up to 18m.
From £ 47
Challenge yourself on natural rock from £50pp with guided rock climbing and abseiling sessions across the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales.
From £ 50
Enjoy a full day of outdoor adventure in Ullswater from £95pp, combining rock climbing, paddling and a bushcraft-style lunch stop.
From £ 95
A Lake District high ropes adventure with 32 obstacles and a 250m triple zip line near Windermere.
From £ 54
Create lasting family memories with a tailored outdoor adventure day in the Lake District or Yorkshire Dales. Choose from a range of activities from £185 for a family of 4 and from £35per extra person
From £ 185
Take on a full day of outdoor adventure in Keswick from £95pp, combining rock climbing, a major abseil and paddling or ghyll scrambling.
From £ 95
Personalised outdoor courses for navigation, scrambling, climbing & mountaineering. From £175, various locations, flexible duration. 10% discount for additional days.
From £ 175
