“One of the finest scenes in Lakeland”
A Wainwright
The Esk Gorge is probably the best gorge in the Lake District, it's well worth the walk in from the road, the Esk Gorge feels really remote, surrounded by the highest mountains in England this truly spectacular gorge rises as a series of waterfalls.
Once in the gorge we will climb up scrambling through rapids and waterfalls with some of the biggest jumps around.
All challenges and obstacles can be avoided if you wish and non swimmers need not feel left out as you will be fitted out with buoyancy aids. All safety equipment is included.
Please be aware that there is a 45 minute walk to Esk Gorge, along rough paths. Once the gorge is reached we will be changing behind stone walls.
“Always there will be the lonely ridge, the dancing beck, the silent forest; always there will be the exhilaration of the summit”
A Wainwright
This event will take place in the Esk Gorge in the Eskdale Valley in the western Lake District, a wonderful series of waterfalls, scrambles and pools giving a perfect days challenge.
In the Esk Gorge we start at the bottom of the waterfalls and climb up through the rapids with plenty of great plunge pools and jumps along the way.
All technical equipment required will be provided by The Lake District Walker but expect to get wet so bring some spare clothing to change into afterwards and of course a towel.
Each participant will be required to bring suitable equipment for their chosen event, please see Kit List tab above.
Where to meet: Jubilee Bridge, Eskdale
Postcode: CA19 1TH
Grid Reference: NY 212 011
Directions
From Gosforth: Follow the road through the village, taking the right hand road at the fork, towards Eskdale, continue on this road through Eskdale Green until a junction is reached by the King George IV pub, turn left at this junction and follow this road past Boot, pass the Woolpack Inn. When the road starts to climb through some trees turn into the car park on the right, we will meet here.
From Ambleside: Follow the A 593 west from Ambleside, towards Coniston, continue foe approx. 1 mile beyond Skelwith Bridge to a right hand turn, towards Little Langdale and Wrynose Pass.
Follow this road through Little Langdale, continue climbing over Wrynose Pass and then over Hardknott Pass.
As you descend from the pass turn into the car park on the left hand side of the road, at the bottom of the hill, we will meet here.
Bus Services
There are currently no buses along the Eskdale Valley.
Stagecoach bus timetables can be viewed here
Each participant is expected to have suitable personal equipment for their activity this should include the following:
- Swimwear or a change of underwear - you will get wet
- Old shorts to wear over your wetsuit
- Footwear - these will get wet and need to protect your feet. Old boots or trainers are ideal, no open toes or beach / swimming shoes
- Towel
- A change of clothes
- Rucksack with space for wetsuit etc...
- Suitable clothing / footwear for the walk in and out