Ashgill Force North Pennines: Gorge Walking Adventure

Ashgill Force North Pennines: Gorge Walking Adventure — A Practical and Exciting Day Out

If you’re considering a day filled with adventure in the UK’s stunning countryside, the Ashgill Force Gorge Walking Tour in Cumbria offers a mix of adrenaline, natural beauty, and expert guidance. While I haven’t personally tried this tour, I’ve looked into what it offers, and it seems like a fantastic choice for those who want to get out of the usual tourist spots and really experience the wild side of the North Pennines.

What stands out most are the top-of-the-line water sports equipment and the knowledgeable guides, ensuring safety and fun. Plus, the opportunity to jump off waterfalls and slide down natural rock formations makes this a memorable experience. On the flip side, it’s not for everyone — you’ll need to be comfortable in water and prepared for physical activity, and sturdy trainers are a must. This tour is well-suited for adventure lovers who enjoy a bit of a challenge and don’t mind getting wet.

If you’re after an active day with natural spectacles and expert support, this gorge walking trip could be just what you need. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or even as a small group, it promises a full 3 hours of fun, exploration, and photo-worthy moments.

Key Points

• Expert-guided adventure: Highly qualified guides ensure safety and share local insights.
• Variety of activities: Includes waterfalls jumps, natural slides, and climbs suitable for different comfort levels.
• All gear included: Wetsuits, helmets, and buoyancy aids are provided, so you don’t need to worry about equipment.
• Great value for the price: At around $74, the experience includes photos and all necessary gear.
• Stunning scenery: The background—rugged gorges and waterfalls—is truly captivating.
• Age and fitness considerations: It’s physically engaging and involves water, so check suitability if traveling with very young children or those with mobility issues.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Gorge Walking Tour

Starting Point and Arrival

Your adventure kicks off at a designated meeting point in Cumbria, where your guide will greet you 15 minutes before the scheduled start. They’ll provide all the gear—wetsuits, helmets, buoyancy aids, and wetsuit socks—so you can focus on the fun ahead. The convenience of having everything supplied means fewer worries on your part, which we appreciate.

The Warm-Up Walk along South Tyne River

The tour begins with a short walk along a stunning section of the South Tyne river. This phase is about familiarizing yourself with moving in water, getting comfortable with your gear, and soaking in the surrounding natural beauty. Your guide will share local flora, fauna, and tidbits about the area’s history—adding a touch of education to the adventure.

This initial part isn’t just a warm-up; it sets the tone for what’s to come. It’s relaxed enough for beginners, but you’ll also start to feel the excitement building. As one reviewer commented, “It’s a gentle start but still gets your adrenaline going.”

The Main Gorge Experience

Once you’re comfortable, the real fun begins. The gorge’s rugged terrain offers a variety of challenges: climbing waterfalls, sliding down natural rock formations, and leaping into deep pools. The highlight for many is the chance to leap off waterfalls as high as 18 feet—a thrill for adrenaline junkies, but don’t worry, there are plenty of smaller waterfalls if you want to build your confidence.

Highlights include the “crack of doom,” “leap of faith,” and “baptism of fire,” which are playful names for actual activities like river scrambling, cliff jumps, and waterfall climbs. One participant said, “The guides made us feel safe while pushing us just enough to get that rush.”

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Climbing the 70ft Waterfall

The culminating moment involves scrambling up to a 70-foot waterfall. This is not for the faint-hearted but offers a genuine sense of achievement. Standing at the top, feeling the raw power of the water hitting you, is a visceral experience—very photogenic, too. Many reviewers mention how it’s a “once-in-a-lifetime” kind of moment, with excellent photo opportunities.

The Photo Package

A nice touch is that photos of your day are included in the price. This means you can focus on the experience without worrying about capturing every moment on your own. Past participants appreciated this, noting that their photos turned out fantastic and let them relive the thrill afterward.

Duration and Group Size

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, which is a good length considering the physical activity involved. Groups are likely small or manageable, given the personalized nature of the experience, although the exact group size isn’t specified. The flexibility in starting times means you can fit this adventure into your itinerary without much trouble.

Practical Considerations

• What to wear: Trainers with sturdy soles are essential—be prepared for wet, slippery surfaces. Beach shoes, sandals, or wetsuit boots aren’t suitable.
• What to bring: Towel, swimwear, or spare underwear are recommended under your wetsuit. The guide will advise on specifics.
• Age and Fitness: While not explicitly stated, the activity involves physical exertion and water-based challenges, so it’s best suited for active individuals. Family-friendly info isn’t specified, so if you’re traveling with children, check with the provider.

Safety and Experience

Guides are described as some of the best in the industry, and their expertise is evident in the way they prepare participants and ensure safety throughout. The activity is progressive, meaning it starts with manageable sections and gradually ramps up in difficulty, which helps build confidence.

Price-Value Analysis

At about $74 per person, the tour offers quite good value, especially considering the inclusion of all equipment and photos. Compared to other adventure activities, this price feels fair given the quality of the guides, the scenery, and the experience’s uniqueness.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This gorge walking adventure is perfect for active travelers who love outdoor challenges and stunning landscapes. It’s suitable for those comfortable with water activities and looking for a memorable, adrenaline-pumping experience. If you’re traveling with friends or solo and enjoy trying something different, this tour will likely hit the spot.

It’s less ideal if you’re seeking a relaxed sightseeing day or have mobility issues, as the activity involves climbing and water obstacles. If you have young children or prefer less physically demanding activities, you might want to explore other options.

Final Thoughts

This gorge walking trip in the North Pennines offers a compelling mix of natural beauty, physical challenge, and guided expertise. The scenery alone makes the experience worth considering, but the added thrill of jumping waterfalls and sliding along natural rock formations elevates it to an adventure you’ll remember.

The fact that all gear is included and photos are part of the package helps make it practical and stress-free. The guides’ reputation for professionalism and safety provides peace of mind, especially if you’re new to water-based activities.

Overall, if you’re after an active day that combines the outdoors with a bit of daring, this tour will deliver. Just be prepared for getting wet and bring your enthusiasm. It’s an experience that’s likely to leave you with stories to tell and a sense of accomplishment.

FAQ

Do I need special experience to join this tour?
No prior experience is necessary. The guides will give you instructions, and the activities are designed to be progressive, starting with easier challenges.

What should I wear?
Sturdy trainers that lace up are required—avoid beach shoes, sandals, or wetsuit boots. Bring a towel and swimsuit or spare underwear to wear under your wetsuit.

Is this activity suitable for children?
The information provided doesn’t specify if it’s family-friendly, and given the physical nature, it’s best suited for active individuals comfortable with water and heights.

What is included in the price?
All specialist equipment—wetsuit, helmet, buoyancy aid, wetsuit socks—as well as photos of the day are included.

How long is the tour?
The activity lasts approximately 3 hours, with flexible start times available.

What’s the maximum height of waterfall jumps?
You can jump off waterfalls as high as 18 feet; smaller options are available to build confidence.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Where does the tour end?
The activity concludes back at the meeting point, so transportation arrangements should be planned accordingly.

This gorge walking adventure in the North Pennines offers a good combination of natural beauty, physical activity, and guided safety. It’s an excellent pick for adventure lovers eager to challenge themselves and enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery in Cumbria.

You can check availability for your dates here: