Guided Scrambling in the Lake District
Private scrambling guides for all abilities
We offer private scrambling guiding on all of the Lake District’s classic scrambles, including well known routes like Jack’s Rake on Pavey Ark, Striding Edge on Helvellyn, and Sharp Edge on Blencathra.
Our private scrambling guiding is built around your goals, you could spend the day linking classic scrambles under the guidance of an experienced guide, you could tackle a specific route that’s been on your bucket list for a while, or we could focus on instruction and developing your scrambling skills to become more independent in the mountains.
Whatever your scrambling objective, our team at Lake District Mountain Guides can help you achieve it. For our guides, the priority is always safety, making sure everyone has fun, and helping you develop skills for your own future adventures.
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Before the day of your booking – We'll be in touch after you book to learn more about you, discuss your goals, and make a solid plan for your booking.
On the day of your booking – On the morning of your booking, we'll usually meet at a convenient cafe to chat through the itinerary, answer any final questions, and make sure everything's set for a fun day ahead. Next, we'll head out for a full day in the mountains, climbing scrambles of your choice, or one recommended by your guide. The focus is on having fun, enjoying the day, and keeping everyone safe. Our scrambling days typically last around eight hours, with plenty of time to enjoy the route and take in the surroundings. Along the way, your guide will lead the way, showing you where to go and the good holds (and the bad ones), talking you through movement skills, and sharing lots of useful tips and tricks to help you move safely and confidently on the terrain. On harder sections and more difficult scrambles, your guide will use a rope. They'll instruct you on exactly what to do and explain how everything works.
After your booking – You're very welcome to stay in touch with us and your guide! Message whenever you're unsure about something or if you’re in need of some scrambling advice.
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Scrambling in the Lake District is accessible to ALL.
We’ll tailor the day to your experience and preferences. We can introduce beginners to easy, friendly scrambles, or help more experienced mountaineers push onto harder terrain.
A reasonable level of fitness and a head for heights will help.
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Private guiding is available anywhere in the Lake District.
Prices
1 Person £270 a day
2 People £320 a day
Get in touch for a quote if you want to book for a larger group.
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Guiding and coaching from a qualified and insured Instructor
Ropes and technical equipment
Helmet and harness
Advice and support before and after your booking, if you need any advice on where to stay or need information on a future scramble we are happy to help
What’s not included?
Mountaineering boots
Personal clothing
Food and drink
Transport
Travel and personal rescue insurance
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We can provide all the necessary scrambling equipment, including harnesses, helmets and ropes. You’ll need to bring your own mountaineering boots, along with suitable clothing (plenty of warm clothing including waterproof trousers and jacket), food, and drink.
Find our comprehensive scrambling kit list here.
Available for everyone. Try out scrambling for the first or test yourself on difficult scrambles.
PRIVATE GUIDING - Come by yourself or bring a friend, we only take private bookings, meaning you get a personal bespoke experience.
LAKELAND EXPERTS - The Lake District has excellent scrambling, and we know the best and most enjoyable routes.
£270 a day for 1 person £320 total for 2 people
Classic Lake District Scrambles we guide
Striding Edge - Helvellyn
A really classic grade 1 scramble, on the 3rd highest mountain in England, close to Penrith and Patterdale, this makes a great relaxed scramble with lots of great views. It’s ideal for those starting their scrambling journey.
Jacks Rake - Pavey Ark
Jacks Rake in the Langdale Valley, is close to Ambleside and Windermere. This is a really classic scramble, following a gully feature from the bottom right of Pavey Ark up to the top left. The scrambling is great for beginners and makes a great first route.
Sharp Edge - Blencathra
Close to Keswick, this route is a bit of a step up from Striding Edge, offering more climbing and more exposure. A great loop is to go up Sharp Edge and then down Halls Fell Ridge, another classic grade 1 scramble.
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We can usually run our scrambling bookings even in wet or windy conditions as many of the popular scrambles are possible when damp. We may need to change our original objective, but we’ll still aim to have a fun adventure in the mountains.
If the forecast looks cold and wet, make sure to bring extra layers and good waterproofs. Wet weather means we tend to get colder faster and use more energy, so it’s worth packing a bit more food than you normally would for a day out.
If the weather is particularly bad, we’ll aim to reschedule your booking for another date or we can offer a full refund.
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If you need to cancel more than 4 weeks before the course, you’ll receive a full refund. Cancellations between 2 and 4 weeks incur a 50% refund, minus a £10 admin fee. Unfortunately, cancellations less than 2 weeks before the course are non-refundable.
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We will contact you a few days before the course to introduce your instructor and explain the plan. On the day of the course, we will aim to meet at a local cafe in the morning. This gives your instructor a chance to introduce themselves, discuss the plan for the day, and get to know you a little better so they can tailor the course more to your goals and experience.
All information will be provided before the course, and if you have any questions feel free to contact us.
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We work with a trusted group of professional freelance instructors — all fully qualified, experienced, and insured. All our instructors are members of AMI (Association of mountaineering instructors) or BMG (British Association of Mountain Guides). Your guide will get in touch before the course to introduce themselves, outline the plan, and answer any questions you may have.
Want something different? Just tell us what you're after
Lots of people come to us with just a rough idea, and that's fine. Just tell us:
What you're interested in (e.g., "trying outdoor climbing for the first time")
Your current experience level (e.g., "complete beginner" or "trad leader")
Who's coming with you (e.g., "just me" or "me and a mate")
We'll take it from there, matching you with the right instructor and building an itinerary around you.
Check out our recent adventures on Instagram.
