If you’re visiting Keswick and the Lake District whilst we’re enjoying this scorching heatwave, you’ll be grateful to find out what outdoor activities you can jump feet first into to cool down.

Here are our top picks for the best adventure activities guaranteed to beat the heat!

Ghyll Scrambling

Ghyll scrambling (sometimes known as gorge scrambling or gorge walking) is an exciting and challenging outdoor activity guaranteed to beat the heat. It involves working your way around natural rock chutes, sliding into deep pools of cooling water and jumping from waterfalls!

Jet Boarding

We’re excited to announce that we’re the first and only outdoor company in the UK in partnership with ASAP Water Crafts to offer Jet Boarding! It’s only available for a limited time in summer 2021, so don’t miss out, give it a go! Jet Boards are eco-friendly, zero emission electric crafts that zip across the water at up to 10 miles an hour (the maximum speed allowed on Derwentwater, by the way).

Via Ferrata Extreme 

Set on the site of Honister Slate Mine in the Lake District, this extreme outdoor adventure will not only get your adrenaline pumping but is sure to cool you down as you feel the wind in your hair from the mountain breeze. Navigate along the mountainside, scramble across bridges and climb sheer faces until you reach the summit of Fleetwith Pike. Once you get to the top, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the country, perfectly framing the fells and lakes of Buttermere, Crummock and Loweswater.

Canoeing

Paddle your canoe across the peaceful waters of Derwentwater or down one of the Lake District rivers. Our experienced instructors will teach you basic canoeing techniques before you set off on a relaxing journey taking in the stunning Lake District scenery. Once you start feeling the heat, why not finish off the day with a refreshing swim in the beautiful, clear waters?

Wild Swimming

If you’ve never heard of wild swimming, it simply means swimming in natural bodies of water such as lakes and rivers. Windermere may have the Great North Swim, but Derwentwater has all you need for a tranquil wild swim. It can get busy during the day with boat traffic, so your best bet is to go either first thing in the morning or late afternoon. It’s an activity that’s become really popular in recent years and the Lake District is top of the list of places to go for many wild swimmers. The perfect activity to cool you down in a heatwave, though make sure you take all necessary precautions to stay safe.

Kayaking

Glide across rivers and lakes in a kayak and discover why kayaking is one of the Lake District’s most popular outdoor activities! You’ll be taught basic water safety and kayaking techniques by our experienced instructors before heading off to explore Derwentwater or one of the rivers surrounding Keswick. With a gentle breeze blowing while you glide along, you’re bound to cool down.

Canyoning

If you thought ghyll scrambling and gorge scrambling was extreme, you have to try canyoning – it takes extreme to a whole new level! It’s the ultimate adrenaline rush: scramble along rocks, splash into crystal clear pools and zipline over waterfalls, all under the safe guidance of our experienced instructors, of course!

Climb the Mine

If you’re not in the mood to get totally soaked but still feel the need to cool down, Climb the Mine could be the perfect activity for you! You’ll head deep down inside one of the mountains of Borrowdale and explore the cooling Honister Slate Mine. Clambering along old miners’ routes and scaling the inside of a huge cavern, you’ll have a roof over your head at all times but still get your adrenaline fix – it’s the best of both worlds!

Paddle Boarding

Paddle boarding, also known as SUP, offers something just a little bit different to the usual kayaking and canoeing! Launch from the banks of Derwentwater or a nearby river and float across the water in this wonderfully serene activity. As you’ll be standing up, you’re bound to lose your balance once or twice and fall into the water, giving you some much needed relief from the sun! If you’re still feeling hot under the collar, there’s a bonus opportunity at the end to jump off a bridge straight into the water!

Well, what are you waiting for? Beat the heat and book one (or more) of these exciting outdoor adventure activities today!