Keswick Adventures Blog
News and information about our activities and the local area
The Best Outdoor Activities in the Lake District
From the serene to the extreme, you can choose from absolutely loads of outdoor activities in the Lake District. With the varied landscape of valleys, mountains, rivers, crags and - of course - lakes, you truly are spoiled for choice when you want to get some fresh air.
Browse some of the best outdoor activities available in Cumbria with our comprehensive guide.
Ghyll Scrambling and Canyoning
Always a popular choice for an outdoor adventure activity, ghyll scrambling - also known as gorge scrambling - is great fun and accessible for most ages. You slip, slide and scramble down a mountain river, taking in rock pools, mini waterfalls, and some awesome scenery.
Canyoning is ghyll scrambling's older sibling. Everything's a bit bigger here: bigger jumps, deeper river gorges, and deeper pools. It's for those who love to really get that adrenaline pumping!
Paddle Boarding
Paddle boarding has been around in some form since at least the 18th century, and it's now one of the most popular water activities in the Lake District. Whenever you're near any of the larger lakes, you're bound to see someone floating serenely across a lake as they admire the stunning scenery. Take a tour of lakes and rivers on a guided paddle board tour, or take out your own. Find out where you can paddle board in the Lake District.
Rock Climbing
The Lake District - and Wasdale more specifically - is known as the birthplace of British climbing. Pioneers of the rock climbing world took on death-defying ascents here, without the help of the ropes and safety equipment we have nowadays. We wouldn't recommend taking on the likes of Pillar without, but if you want to get onto the rock, there's no better place to do it than the Lake District. Experienced climbers can find plenty of exciting and challenging routes, while absolute beginners can get indoor and outdoor training at a number of locations across the county.
Via Ferrata Xtreme
At Honister Slate Mine in Borrowdale you'll find the infamous Via Ferrata Xtreme! Following the footsteps of the former miners, this scary route scales the edge of cliff faces up to the top of Fleetwith Pike. Peer way down into the valley below as you hold onto the narrow ropes, wires and cargo nets that guide you to the summit.
Honister Slate Mine is a great place for a day of outdoor adventures. Other high-adrenaline activities include the Infinity Bridge, Via Ferrata Classic, and "The Jump" - a 30m freefall!
Wakeboarding and Wakesurfing
Because of speed restrictions, there aren't loads of places you can ride the waves and go wakeboarding in the Lake District, but head slightly out of the national park and you'll find The Lakes Aqua Park in South Cumbria. Here, both beginners and experienced wakeboarders can enjoy themselves. There are two tower cable systems, ramps and bars, and one-to-one tuition available.
For wakesurfing, which is a slightly slower alternative that has you riding the wake of a boat, head to Windermere, where a number of outdoor adventure providers run the activity.
Swimming
Take a dip in one of the lakes or quiet river pools of the Lake District. Wild swimming is proven to be excellent exercise and a brilliant stress reliever, so pop on your cossie or wetsuit and dip your toes. Popular places to go wild swimming in the Lake District include Derwentwater, Borrowdale, Ullswater and Eskdale. Guided swims are also available from the likes of Suzanna Swims and Swim the Lakes.
Go Ape, Treetop Nets and Treetop Trek
Found in both Whinlatter and Grizedale forests, Go Ape is a tree-top adventure with high-ropes courses, zip wires and suspended platforms. You're safely secured the whole time, but still feel the rush as you step out onto the tree-to-tree crossings with only thin air between you and the ground!
Brockhole-on-Windermere offers something similar wit their Treetop Trek adventures. Or try trampolining in the sky with Treetop Nets at the same location. This is a series of springy nets in the tree canopy, with tunnels and slides to also keep the whole experience fun and interesting!
Walking and Hiking
Of course, the best way to explore the landscape of the Lake District is to go walking. Whether you're up high or down low, there are routes for all ages, abilities, and inclinations. Our favourite walks around Keswick include Skiddaw, Latrigg, Catbells, and Friar's Crag.
Horse Riding and Pony Trekking
Animal lovers can enjoy the great outdoors with a pony trek on the Lake District fells, along the coast, and by the rivers. There are numerous options for horse riding in the Lake District. You can take lessons if you're brand new, have a guided tour, or explore on your own if you're an experienced rider.
Sailing
Gliding across the water using only the natural elements: it sounds like bliss to us! Cut the engines and feel the power of nature when you go sailing. Boat hire is only available to experienced sailors, but you can also find lessons at most of the bigger lakes, including Coniston, Windermere, Derwentwater and Ullswater.
Raft Building
If you have a strong sense of competition and a group of friends, family or colleagues, then raft building is an incredibly fun outdoor activity. Race the clock to build a floating raft out of nothing but some wood, rope, and barrels. How do you fix them together most effectively? Will it really float, or are you destined to sink to the bottom of a lake…? Perfect for two groups competing against each other, or for one group that wants to give those grey cells a bit of a workout.
Packrafting
Packrafting lets you really get the most of your outdoor adventure: sail rivers and lakes on your inflatable packraft, then simply pack it onto your back and head out on a hike. Carry everything you need with you for a full day's adventure, or even for a night of wild camping on the fells.
Alpaca Walks
Outdoor activities aren't all about getting soaked or tiring yourself out. For a more serene option you can't do much better than an alpaca walk. Meet a new fluffy friend, give them a tasty snack, and gently lead them through woodland, along lakesides, and down valleys. There are several places across the Lakes offering alpaca experiences, including Alpacaly Ever After and Wastwater Alpaca Trekking.
Paintball
Will you sneak through the woods, hold your position in a watchtower, or go in all guns blazing? Whatever your tactics, paintballing is a thrilling way for a group to spend a few hours. Complete missions while defending your team members (and yourself) from the enemy group. In Cumbria, paintballing is available at Rookin House (Ullswater) and Raw War (various locations).
Laser Tag
If you can get two teams together, get ready to fight it out to the death (not really!). Head into the woods, find a base and talk strategy before heading out to shoot down as many of your enemies as possible with your specially designed laser guns. Unlike paintball (which you can also do - see above!), this is a no-impact shoot-'em-out that's suitable for all the family. Have a go at Lakes Laser Tag by Windermere.
Mountain Biking and Cycling
The Lake District is a cyclist's dream, whether you prefer off-road or on. Quiet country lanes, long stretches of paved bike tracks through beautiful scenery, insanely steep hills to ride up and down, and rocky mountain paths. Whatever your preferred style of biking, you'll find something to love.
White Water Rafting
Look in the right places and you can get a taste of exhilarating white water on river rapids across Cumbria. Lake District White Water Rafting are the people to talk to - they run group trips suitable for varying ages. Great for family and friends.
Kayaking
Whether you're using a full kayak, a sit-on kayak, or an inflatable kayak, nothing beats paddling across the lake under your own steam! This sport is forever popular as it's easy to pick up with plenty of fantastic locations available in the Lake District. See the best of the scenery with guided kayaking, bring your own and launch it on one of the lakes that allow kayaking, or hire from locations on the bigger lakes (Derwentwater, Windermere, Ullswater, Coniston).
