Extreme Abseiling, Cathedral Quarry

Q: Is there a minimum age?

Yes, 8 years old. Anyone under 18 needs a parent or guardian to complete their medical and disclaimer form.

Q: Do I have to do all of them?

Absolutely not. We start small and build up as far as you want to go. Doing the shorter ones a few times and stopping there is a perfectly good session — you choose every single time.

Q: How long does it last?

About two and a half hours from meeting me to finishing up.

Q: How many abseils will I do?

As many as we can fit into the session. We start on the smaller ones and work up, and most people go down several times. There is no set number — it depends how quickly the group gets comfortable.

Q: What happens if the weather is bad?

I keep an eye on the forecast in the run-up to your session, and if there's ever a concern I'll contact you directly to sort it out. You'll hear from me, you won't be left wondering.

Q: Can family or friends come and watch?

Yes, as long as they stay with the group and follow the same instructions. The quarry floor is loose slate so they need decent footwear too. Dogs are fine on a lead with someone who is not abseiling.

Everything you need to know before your session

This page has everything for an abseiling session at Cathedral Quarry in Little Langdale — where to meet, where to park, what to bring and what I provide. If you're already booked, have a read before you set off and there'll be no surprises on the day.

Booked on something else? All the other information pages are here.

What to expect

Cathedral Quarry sits just outside the village of Little Langdale, in a disused slate mine — and it is a genuinely remarkable place to spend a session.

We work through a range of abseils, starting somewhere comfortable and building up from there as the group gets confident.

You don't need any experience. I'll show you everything on the day — how the harness goes on, how to hold the rope, and how to walk yourself down.

You choose which abseils you do. Nobody gets talked over an edge. Plenty of people start on a small one, decide they like it, and work their way up.

Activity

Abseiling at Cathedral Quarry

Meeting point

Three Shires Inn, Little Langdale, LA22 9NZ

Parking

Not the pub car park — up the road, or along the railings

Start times

Morning 10:00 · Afternoon 13:30

Arrive

10 minutes before your start time

How long it lasts

About 2½ hours

Where to meet me

The Three Shires Inn, Little Langdale, LA22 9NZ. I'll meet you by the pub — look out for the Lake District Adventuring van.

Please don't park in the pub car park. It's for their customers, and staying on good terms with them is what keeps us welcome here. There's space just up the road on the right, and more along the railings as you carry on past the pub. Either is fine — it's only a short walk back.

Please arrive 10 minutes before your start time so I can get you kitted out and briefed without eating into your session. Running late? Call or WhatsApp me on 07502 604166 — I'd much rather know.

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What to bring

Walking boots or trainers — the quarry floor is loose slate and uneven underfoot, so something with a bit of grip
Comfortable clothes you can move in — long trousers are best, they save your knees against the rock
Warm layers. It's a slate mine, so it stays cool even on a warm day
A waterproof jacket
A drink and a snack

I don't provide footwear, so that one really does need to come with you.

What I provide

A fitted harness and helmet
Ropes and all the technical equipment
A fully qualified, experienced instructor — that's me
Photos throughout the session, sent to you afterwards

Before you come

Everyone taking part needs to complete the medical and disclaimer form. It's online — no printing, no paperwork on the day. You'll find it under “View Required Documents” on your booking receipt email. If you're booking for a group, every person needs to complete their own.

If anyone in your group has a medical condition, an injury, or is taking medication, tell me before the day rather than on the morning. It almost never stops anyone taking part — it just means I can plan properly.

Still got a question?

Call or WhatsApp me on 07502 604166, or email info@lakedistrictadventuring.co.uk.

It's me that answers, not a call centre.

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FAQs

Your abseiling questions answered

The things people ask me most before an abseil at Cathedral Quarry. If yours isn't here, just give me a ring.

Do I need any experience?

None at all. Most people abseiling with me have never done it before. I'll show you everything on the day — how the harness goes on, how to hold the rope, and how to walk yourself down the wall.

Is there a minimum age?

Do I have to do all of them?

How long does it last?

What if I am afraid of heights?

You'd be surprised how many people say that and still get down. Going over the edge is the hard bit and it lasts about three seconds — after that most people relax completely. You're on the rope the whole way and I control the descent from the top if you'd rather.

How many abseils will I do?

What happens if the weather is bad?

Can family or friends come and watch?

Not booked yet?

Abseiling in the Lake District

Have a look at the full details, prices and available dates for an abseil at Cathedral Quarry.

See dates and prices

Jack : 07502604166