The Esk, Eskdale
Everything you need to know before your session
This page has everything for a day on the Esk in Eskdale — where to meet, what time, what to bring and what I provide. This is our biggest ghyll day and it needs a bit more planning than the others, so please read it properly before you set off.
Booked on something else? All the other information pages are here.
What to expect
The Esk sits in the Eskdale valley in the south of the Lake District. It's a remote spot, and it is the biggest thing we do — “The Big One”.
It's the most aquatic day we run, and the cliff jumping is the main attraction. There is more jumping here than on any other ghyll scramble we do, and the jumps are the biggest in the Lake District. In between them you'll be scrambling up the gorge, swimming through deep emerald pools and climbing milky-white waterfalls.
There's a 40 minute to one hour walk in over relatively flat ground before you start, and the same walk back at the end. Everyone carries their own kit both ways, which is why you need a decent rucksack. The setting and the jumps more than make up for the walk.
Expect to be out for around six hours in total, back at the cars about 15:30.
Every jump is optional. Nobody gets talked into anything. There's always a way round.
Where to meet me
Postcode CA19 1TH, Eskdale.
Please read this bit. Depending on which way you come, you may need to drive over the Hardknott Pass. It is steep, winding, narrow and gets busy later in the day. You need to be a confident driver to take it on — if you'd rather not, plan a route round it and leave yourself extra time.
There is no phone signal in the area. Screenshot these directions before you set off, and don't rely on live navigation once you're close.
We run this one once a day, starting at 09:30. Please arrive in good time — because there's no signal and a long walk in, I can only wait 15 minutes before we have to set off without you.
Running late and still have signal? Call or WhatsApp me on 07502 604166 as early as you can.
Open the exact meeting point in Google Maps · Open in Apple Maps
If the link won't open, search for the postcode CA19 1TH.
What to bring
You carry your own kit for 40 minutes to an hour each way, so pack sensibly. The items marked essential are the ones you cannot do the day without.
- A 30–40 litre rucksack — essential. It needs to hold the wetsuit, buoyancy aid and kit I give you, with proper straps so it's comfortable to carry
- Under the wetsuit: swimwear, or close-fitting underwear
- Over the wetsuit — essential: a pair of shorts and a t-shirt. These will get wet
- Two pairs of footwear — essential. One pair to wear in the ghyll that you don't mind soaking, and one dry pair for the walk in and out. Walking boots or trainers are both fine
- Two pairs of socks — one to get wet, one to stay dry
- A warm jacket for the walk in and out. This one stays dry
- A towel
- Any medication you need — essential, and it must be declared on your medical form
- Lunch and plenty to drink. It's a long day, so bring more than you think
I don't provide footwear or a rucksack, so those really do need to come with you.
What I provide
- A fitted wetsuit, helmet and buoyancy aid
- All the technical equipment for the day
- A fully qualified, experienced instructor — that's me
- An emergency shelter, comprehensive first aid kit, phone, sleeping bag and navigation equipment, carried by me
- Photos throughout the day, 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.
This matters more on the Esk than anywhere else. It's a remote location with no phone signal and a 40 minute to one hour walk back to the road, so if anyone has a medical condition, an injury, or is taking medication, I need to know 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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The Esk ghyll scramble
Have a look at the full details, prices and available dates for our biggest ghyll day.
