Explore the outdoors with us

Ghyll scrambling involves following a mountain stream over natural obstacles such as rocks, cascades, and waterfalls. It is an exciting and memorable activity that combines adventure with teamwork. Participants often begin cautiously but quickly develop confidence and agility. Whether done wet or dry, it is guaranteed to be a highlight of the experience.

Our purpose-built climbing tower features two walls with routes of varying difficulty, making it ideal for beginners or those developing their climbing skills. The walls provide plenty of opportunities to practise climbing techniques and build confidence. It is a great activity for day visitors and pairs well with other sessions such as the zip wire or lake-based activities. Climbing can also be offered as part of our GCSE, BTEC or A-Level PE programmes.

Our high zip wire offers a thrilling personal challenge as you step off the climbing tower and soar through the air before working with your team to abseil down safely. It’s fast, exciting, and one of our most popular on-site activities. For a more accessible option, our lower zip wire starts at ground level and is ideal for students with additional needs. With our inclusive setup, everyone in the group can take part and build confidence.

Ghyll Head is surrounded by some of the country’s finest hills and mountains, offering a fantastic introduction to hill walking. Routes range from gentle valley walks to more challenging high-level ridge scrambles. Walks can be tailored for all ages, abilities, and fitness levels. Highlights include local favourites such as Gummer’s How overlooking Windermere and the iconic Scafell Pike.

Our ropes course, set in the woodland grounds of Ghyll Head, is designed to challenge participants’ agility, balance, and confidence. It is a great warm-up activity before progressing to the exciting All-Aboard high ropes challenge. Participants climb a seven-metre pole and stand together on a small platform, testing teamwork and determination. Success depends on supporting each other and working together safely.

Nightline is a fantastic challenge that focuses on communication and teamwork. In small teams, students navigate through the forest by following a rope line while relying on each other for guidance. The activity is often done at night for an extra sense of adventure. It can also be run during the day using blindfolds to create the same challenge.

Abseiling introduces participants to a classic mountaineering technique used to descend steep cliffs safely. With guidance from experienced instructors, students learn the correct techniques while being fully supported on a safety rope. Venues range from gentle introductory slopes to more dramatic descents. For those seeking a bigger challenge, we also offer a 120ft abseil into Cathedral Quarry.

The sheltered waters of Windermere provide the perfect environment for learning to sail. Our instructors deliver courses for all abilities using a variety of boats, including Funboats, Laser Stratos and a Drascombe Gig. We also have Access 303 dinghies that allow sailors with disabilities to sail independently or with an instructor. Ghyll Head is a registered Royal Yachting Association and RYA Sailability Centre.

Sit-on-top kayaks are stable, easy to control, and great for beginners exploring the lake. They are designed to travel straight and fast, making them ideal for games and group activities on the water. Capsizing is no problem, participants simply fall off and climb back on. This makes them a fun and confidence-building introduction to paddlesports.

Stand up paddleboarding is one of the fastest-growing watersports and a great way to explore Windermere. Originating from Polynesian culture, it offers a peaceful and unique way to experience the lake. It is also an excellent workout that builds balance and core strength. Paddleboards can even be used as a platform for yoga and other fun challenges on the water.

Our single-seat kayaks are highly manoeuvrable and perfect for exploring the lake while developing paddling skills. Participants can build confidence through games, short journeys, and skill-based challenges. For those looking to progress, we have access to nearby white-water venues. We can also deliver British Canoe Union awards to recognise personal performance. Kayaking, like canoeing, is a module of the GCSE, BTEC and A-Level PE syllabus and is a great way for students to increase their overall grades whilst taking part in an exciting new sport.

Canoeing is a fantastic way to explore Windermere, whether paddling solo, in pairs, or rafting canoes together for extra stability. It’s an excellent activity for teamwork and group fun on the water. For more adventurous paddlers, our river canoe fleet offers the chance to experience local white-water rivers. Canoeing can also form part of GCSE, BTEC, A-Level PE, or DofE programmes.