Gorge walking is a fantastic experience for all to enjoy. Set in limestone rock, you’ll jump, scramble, swim, and walk through a challenging beck, slide down slopes and into plunge pools. In the heart of Nidderdale, this challenging day out is a fantastic way to experience the natural wonders of the Yorkshire countryside, bypassing caves and beautiful natural rock formations. With all the essential safety equipment provided and our expert guides on hand, you’re set for a great day out in nature.
Read on for our informative guide explaining what gorge walking is, where it can be done and who it is suitable for, as well as the difference between gorge walking, gorge scrambling and canyoning.
What Is a Gorge?
For those new to gorge walking, a gorge is a deep cleft between cliffs. Gorges are often formed due to erosion from a flowing river or stream over many, many years. The gradual erosion of rock eventually results in a deep void with towering sides. These steep sides usually frame a river, and although not present in all gorges, a flowing river means more adventure.
What’s the Difference Between Gorge Walking, Ghyll Scrambling and Canyoning?
What is a gorge walk?
Gorge walking, gorge scrambling and Ghyll scrambling are often used interchangeably to describe the activity of traversing gorges and the rivers at the bottom of them. Although there are subtle differences between the three, they all involve climbing, swimming and, at How Stean Gorge, abseiling as well!
What is gorge scrambling?
Gorge scrambling is another term for gorge walking. Both walking and scrambling are involved in the activity, so the terms are often used interchangeably.
What is ghyll scrambling?
There can be confusion surrounding ghyll scrambling. The word ‘ghyll’ or ‘gill’ means a deep ravine, especially a wooded one or a narrow mountain stream. If you are in this stream, you can remove yourself from the water and walk along the banks or scramble out of the ghyll.
As a gorge has vertical sides, you can only go up or downstream. While both activities involve climbing up and over rocks in flowing water and jumping into pools, here at How Stean, we gorge scramble.
What is canyoning?
Canyoning involves traversing through a waterway, using more advanced techniques and different equipment to gorge walking for traversing down waterfalls. Check out our dedicated blog post for more detail on the differences between gorge walking and canyoning.
What Do You Do in Gorge Walking?
The activity of gorge walking involves adventure, exploration, and discovery as you overcome challenging boulders and sweeping becks throughout the gorge. An exploration through beautiful and natural rock formations and the discovery of the magnificent natural features within the gorge. To utilise the paths and challenges that the gorge has formed over thousands of years, trainers and visitors can take on the challenge and ascend or descend through the ravine.
As a gorge contains natural rock formations, chutes, and various challenges to overcome, we naturally want to conquer them. Therefore, the activity of gorge walking is a little more than the name suggests. Walking is certainly incorporated into the activity, but be prepared to have the time of your life whilst sliding, swimming, climbing, scrambling and stumbling your way up or down the gorge.
Is Gorge Walking Hard?
Gorge walking is a challenging activity requiring physical strength and sometimes swimming skills. However, a gorge walk can be completed by all abilities, whether you’re a fitness fanatic, an outdoor-lover or have never set foot in a gym. No experience is needed as long as you are in the right place with the right instructors who have the right expertise to show you the ropes and keep you safe no matter the weather.
What Are the Hazards of Gorge Walking?
The risks involved in gorge walking include slipping, tripping and falling over wet rocks or loose rocks when climbing rocks and waterfalls. In addition, risks include submersion in deep, cold water and getting caught in the downstream current when swimming through the beck. We always complete a full risk assessment to minimise risks associated with our Gorge Walking activity and always ensure that an instructor is present to lead the activity and keep participants safe.
Who Can Gorge Walk, and What Skills Do You Need for Gorge Walking?
As mentioned above, gorge walking is accessible to participants of all abilities and fitness levels. Each group is led by a qualified gorge walking and local expert who will instruct and assist during the experience. It’s a great way to develop communication, teamwork, trust and listening skills, making it a fantastic group activity for corporate team bonding days, family adventures, and stag or hen dos too!
The Gorge Walking Experience at How Stean Gorge
Picture an exhilarating abseil as you descend into the beautiful gorge. Surrounded by tall limestone rock and with your knowledgeable and friendly guide at hand, you’re led through the challenging terrain plunging into rock pools, sliding down slippery rock slopes, scrambling over boulders, and swimming through the beck. This makes for an extremely fun activity that is both challenging and exciting!
Gorge walking equipment
All gorge walking and safety equipment is provided by How Stean upon arrival. Check out our kit list for what to wear gorge walking and what to bring with you on the day!
We hope you’re no longer left wondering ‘what is gorge walking?’ and thinking about booking on to one of our experiences! As well as gorge walking, we also offer Via Ferrata, abseiling, caving and canoeing as part of our ‘Big 5’ multi-activity day package. So please get in touch if you’d like to learn more about our gorge walking experience from one of our experts today, and we hope to see you soon!
