Keswick Adventures Blog

News and information about our activities and the local area

Your Top 5 Outdoor Adventure Activities of 2021

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After another year of ups and downs, it’s been great to see that none of you lost your sense of adventure in 2021! We’ve enjoyed sharing beautiful the Lake District with hundreds of outdoor enthusiasts who paddled, submerged and suspended themselves around Keswick, Borrowdale and the Newlands Valley.

Here were your most popular outdoor adventure activities of 2021. We look forward to more in 2022!

5. Kayaking

A mum and daughter kayaking in the Lake District

In fifth place on our list is an activity that has proved popular in the two years it’s been available with Keswick Adventures. Kayaking is one of the most loved outdoor activities amongst Lake District visitors throughout the year and is a great way to get out onto the water and take in the stupendous scenery. Our sit-on kayaks are suitable for ages 10 up, and make for an excellent family day out. Find out more.

What you said:

Brilliant afternoon of kayaking with Keswick Adventures. Our guide was Jay who was very patient, knowledgeable and made us feel safe. Had great knowledge of the local area and wildlife.” Kate, TripAdvisor

4. Via Ferrata Xtreme

A person on the via ferrata in the mist

Following the old miners’ path up the side of one of Borrowdale’s famous mountains, the Via Ferrata Xtreme at Honister Slate Mine is a full-on adrenaline-pumping activity. A Burma bridge, cliffside cargo net, and vertical ladder means this one isn’t for the faint of heart. Many of you showed true courage in 2021, though, as it was one your top adventure activities of the year!

What you said:

I cannot rate our Via Ferrata experience highly enough. From booking with Becca to doing the VF with Ian, a highly skilled rock climber who completely put me at ease. Everything was explained in great detail. Ian was very patient and understanding and has superb knowledge about the hills and landscape surrounding Honiston.” Michelle, TripAdvisor

3. Paddle Boarding

A woman paddle boarding

Proving that it’s no fad, paddle boarding in the Lake District once again proved immensely popular. Once you’ve found your balance and had a bit of practice, this is a wonderfully tranquil way of exploring Derwentwater lake and the rivers around Keswick. Find out more.

What you said:

We had the most amazing morning on the introduction to paddle boarding. It was relaxed and friendly and a perfect balance between being supportive and giving us freedom to practice and explore.” Rosieburg, TripAdvisor

2. Canyoning

A couple canyoning

We took so many people down waterfalls, across rocky ledges and through splash pools last year and we loved every moment of it! From those who dove right in to others who bravely faced their fears, a canyoning adventure is a rewarding experience for everyone involved! Find out more.

What you said:

Never having abseiled or anything like this, canyoning was one of the best experiences of our lives. Emma and Ian were particularly fantastic. Fun as well as being highly professional and safety conscious.” Debbie, TripAdvisor

1. Ghyll Scrambling

A family ghyll scrambling

Taking the top spot once again: your favourite outdoor adventure of 2021 was the phenomenal ghyll scrambling! Lots of fun and suitable for a whole range of ages and abilities, it’s no wonder that this one is always picked as one of the best outdoor adventures in Keswick! From young families to large stag groups, we’ve enjoyed Stoney Ghyll so much over the last 12 months. And we’ve no doubt that its popularity will continue in the years to come! Find out more.

What you said:

We had a super time doing ghyll scrambling with Keswick Adventures. Our guide, Jay, was so knowledgeable, professional and great with the whole group particularly the younger ones. He made the scramble so interesting by explaining all about the different aspects of the ghyll and also the surrounding area. He was very particular about safety and we felt very confident in his abilities as an experienced guide.” Shona, TripAdvisor

Fantastic afternoon ghyll scrambling with our guide Ian, who was super friendly and very patient, especially with our youngest who is autistic and can get quite anxious. He absolutely loved it, we all had a brilliant time.” Tamar, Google

The afternoon ghyll scrambling was an awesome experience and something I would highly recommend to anyone. All of the instructors were brilliant and dealt with our group extremely well.” Brad, TripAdvisor


What was your favourite outdoor adventure of 2021? Share your photos with us on Facebook and Instagram, or book one of our adventures now!

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