[skip to content]

Gorge walking

Download this page as a pdf

Includes

  • Gorge scrambling 
  • Ghyll scrambling
  • Rhyll walking
  • Burn walking

Description

An adventurous activity involving walking along a riverbed, pool-jumping and going over waterfalls.

 

Forms

An Information and Consent for Event/Activity form is required to participate in this activity.

 

Who can participate?

Open to those aged nine and over.

However, some terrain will be unsuitable for younger members (eg where there is fast-flowing water) and the advice of a suitably qualified instructor, who is familiar with the route, must be followed regarding which age group may take part.

 

Ratio of adults to girls

One instructor to eight participants (this ratio applies to adults taking part as well as younger members), plus the normal ratios of adults to girls for activities away from the meeting place.   Guiding Manual ratios

 

Regulations

  • The Leader must ensure that all participants under the age of 18 have written permission to take part from an adult with parental responsibility.
  • The local Commissioner must be informed that the activity is taking place.
  • Carry out a risk assessment for the activity.
  • This activity must not be carried out in water which is higher than thigh-level for any of the participants.
  • If using a commercial provider, ensure that they are licensed to offer the activity. You can verify the quality of a provider by checking it has one of the following endorsements: AALA, Adventuremark or LotC Quality Badge for Adventure.

The above endorsements are not applicable in Northern Ireland, where you should ask your local Outdoor Activities Adviser to recommend an approved provider.

 

Instructor qualifications

In addition to these awards, the instructor must have extensive local knowledge of the area.

  • MLTUK Mountain Leader Award.

In areas where rope work is required, the instructor should also hold one of the following:

  • MLTUK Single Pitch Award
  • British Caving Association Local Cave and Mine Leader Award
  • British Caving Association Cave Instructor Certificate.
 

Useful information

Ensure participants have suitable clothing and footwear, a change of clothes and a towel if getting wet.

It is recommended that insect repellent is carried as midges gather in these areas.

Monitor current and predicted weather conditions as water levels in rivers and streams can rise rapidly following rainfall on the top of the hills/fells.

 

Girlguiding UK Activity Centres

Try this activity at

Lorne (Belfast). 

Page last updated: 11/9/2011