If you’re a lover of the great outdoors and always seeking your next adrenaline rush, you should definitely put abseiling in the Lake District on your list of things to do. I won’t lie, it’s not going to be everyone’s cup of tea, especially if you have a fear of heights, but the thrill you get from it is right up there with conquering one of the fells.
Jack Oliver from Lake District Adventuring invited me to spend the morning abseiling at the Lake District’s impressive Cathedral Quarry in Little Langdale. Centuries ago, this network of quarries was used for mining but now they’re disused, they’ve become a popular destination for short walks in the area. Beneath the quarry, you’ll find huge caves and tunnels that make for exciting Lake District adventure activities.
Jack is a highly experienced Lake District activity guide who immediately puts you at ease. Right from the start, he had us laughing and chatting, so we forgot about our nerves on the walk up to the quarry. All the equipment you need is provided including ropes, fitted harness and helmet. I had been abseiling many years ago so I kind of knew what to expect but there’s no doubt, you don’t have quite the same sense of fear when you’re younger!
What is Abseiling in the Lake District?
Abseiling involves descending down large rocks or a wall using specialist ropes and is usually done from a large height. When accompanied by a professional instructor, you’re always in safe hands. It is certainly a challenge, especially when you’re leaning backwards over a 60-metre vertical rock, but the adrenaline rush and sense of achievement you feel is incredible.
Lake District Adventure Activities
Jack is a fantastic instructor and understands that there will be a few nerves flying around, but he has a natural skill for easing you into things. Although he tries to push you out of your comfort zone, he won’t make you do anything you don’t want to. Jack also runs several other Lake District adventure activities such as rock climbing, gorge scrambling, and mountain skills that are well worth checking out.
Prior to abseiling down the 60-metre rock, you’re given the opportunity to do a practice run down a smaller wall. This is a great way to settle your nerves and to trust that Jack has everything under control. Abseiling is an exhilarating outdoor activity in the Lake District that will leave you energised and with a huge smile on your face!
Read the Tripadvisor reviews for Lake District Adventuring or check out their Facebook page to keep up to date with their latest activities.
If you’d like to book abseiling in the Lake District with Jack, visit their website Lake District Adventuring or call 07502 604166 and don’t forget to mention where you heard about them.
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