www.DurhamMountainSports.org.uk

As some of you may be aware me and Lindsay are arranging a day activity for June (23rd or 30th).

We were thinking of Ghyll scrambling or Gorge walking . Both are great activities involving white water. For Ghyll scrambling you climb up the mountain stream and over the mountain. Gorge walking involves walking down stream through and behind waterfalls and jumping down the falls into large pools etc.

These are based in the lakes and weardale respectively.

Each activity would involve a qualified guide and will last around three hours with a stop for lunch in between (bring your own packed lunch).

Costs are around £240 for group size of 12 including all equipment. They may be able to accomodate a few more if interest is there. Mini bus transport is available at extra cost but suggest we car share.

So what would you rather do

Ghyll Scrambling or Gorge Walking. Please feel free to vote.

Lindsay and Daniel

At the moment were only try to gauge the level of interest in these activities. Obviously if only 6 people are up for this then it won't be very good value but get 10 or more and your only talking about £20-£25.

Not bad i think for being guided up and down natural water slides

Thinking further there could be the possibility of camping on the evening too and making a weekend of it.

Daniel

I might be interested if there were enough people for it not to be too expensive!

Especially interested in making a weekend of it, hopefully get some climbing done too....

Cheers.
Lizzie

Hello! I'm away on 23rd and will be having a birthday barbecue on the 30th so won't make the June day. If you clash with my barbecue on the 30th I'll have less at my party so would appreciate it if you could make it the 23rd.

I would absolutely love to join in on either of these activities but unfortunately i'm not available on the 23rd or 30th as i'm in africa. Did i mention that i was going to africa???!! If the dates should change to july then i'll definately be up for joining in.

ok,

thinking more on this, i've been told that the gorge in question is pretty straight forward. so how would people feel about attempting it on our own.
If we could scrounge some kit together i think its do-able. Anyone who could get hold of gear from somewhere let me know. This of course would be much cheaper than getting a guide in.

Theres been some intrest from people but not enough, seems people are busy in june so how about moving this to 1st weekend in july.

Let me know what ya think. This could be a great day out but we need you to make it happen.

Hi guys I'm definately up for some gorge walking. What kind of gear are we talking about? Guide or no guide, it sounds like fun. I'm ok for any date its made on.
Rob

Updates For Gorge walking....

We have now arrange a day Gorge walking for the 7th JULY.. This is on a Saturday so theres the possibility of camping on the night which me and Lindsay will be doing for sure.

Nick has very kindly offered his guiding services and will be taking us down Ashgill Force in Teesdale, Of course this means its FREE
All you will need is a Life Jacket or bouyancy Aid. You can wear a wetsuit if you have one or your a bit of a wimp like me .

It Takes around about 2hrs to complete but can stop for lunch half way if desired. Theres also a path all the way along side the gorge so anyone can miss bits out if there a bit scared. This also means we can repeat the good bits . The advantage of the path means any walkers not wanting to participate can come along too.

So far definates are

Daniel
Lindsay
Nick
Rob

FAO Nick : Can you confirm with me i have the right date booked in thanks.

Daniel

Found these images on the net, does it inspire anyone else to go??

Happy to confirm July 7th Daniel, in fact thats pretty much the only Saturday I can do for months!

We've been there loads lately, today was really warm, water low but still fun.

Last week we had sleet! Still fun tho cos a bit more water!

Pretty sure can rope in a few others who know it really well so should be a good laugh.

Gorge walking this Saturday will be going ahead as planned for around about 11-12 ish. the plan is to do the walk hopefully getting very wet, then hit the pub for some grub and for those without wetsuits to warm up
It should be good with all the rain we've had so hopefully a few more people could turn up and enjoy the fun

I'll post meeting place and time tomorrow night

Daniel
Lindsay
Nick & co
Rob& co
Phil

Daniel

Just wanted to add that I've done the gorge twice today and water levels are fantastic!

Thursday is meant to be drier then rain again on Friday so it should be really good and you'd be stupid to miss it in this condition.

Meet at Middleton-in-Teesdale carpark (opposite the shops) at 11 and we'll sort out car sharing etc.

See you there!

A great Day was had by all yesterday. Me and Linz had a great time, Allready looking for another gorge to do. Big thanks to Nick for guiding us and to the people that came along to give it a go.

We'd get some pics up but camera is a bit ill after getting wet . Hopefully phil's will turn out. (though yours was swimming quite a bit too.

Daniel

I'll second that, it certainly was an excellent day out. The gorge was at is best with high water volumes following the recent storms, it just a shame more people did not come along.

Now the camera has dried out, I will be sending it off for developing...so photo's to follow.

Phil

Just a quick note to add how enjoyable it was and how lucky we were with the water level.

I led another group today and the level wasn't nearly so good; it's amazing how much it can change in a short time.

Thanks to Daniel and Lindsay for organising it and to all that came along.