Mountain Course & Activity Locations

Hodge Close Quarry, Little Langdale, The Lake District.

The Hodge Close Abseiling Venue in South Lakes is seemingly in the middle of nowhere; set in thick Oak woodland against a backdrop of towering mountains.

This is a place where once, Slate was quarried for building houses and slating roofs. The quarry is deep and the sides fall for more than eighty feet in places to the quarry floor where a lake goes down in a similar depth to the true bottom of the quarry. It's a truly awesome place and a great setting for one of the most challenging activities we offer you at Lakes Outdoor Experience.

There are three separate abseils we'll offer you here during your half day Abseiling Session at Hodge Close, however, they are all different and all absolutely brilliant! 

First, we generally tackle the easy slab in the main quarry - it's long (about 70 feet), but it's a relatively easy angle and a great place to start abseiling for the first time. There's a place to practice how you'll operate the abseiling device as you descend down the slab and you'll be coached on your body position which is basically - keep your body & legs straight, lean back and make sure that your feet from your toes to your heels are flat on the rock at all times. If it gets steeper - lean further back!

You can also have a go at "Tandem Abseiling" like the couple in this photo - they are both attached to the abseil device and the safety rope. Be prepared to put your hands in someone else's hands and give this a go!

Following on from your introduction to abseiling on the slab, we'll walk around to the other side of the quarry where you can a have a go at "the short & steep abseil". This one is vertical, but only about 50 feet high. However, the last 15 feet is overhanging and for this you'll be instructed to "lower your body past the place where your feet are still touching the rock before you drop your feet under the overhang and continue, only a short distance free hanging on to the big block at the foot of the abseil.

The short but steep abseil is a practice run for the final "big abseil" in nearby Parrock Quarry which is 135 feet high; and again, overhanging at the bottom.

The meeting point for Abseiling Sessions at Hodge Close Quarry is on the B5343 to the rear of the Skelwith Bridge Hotel (LA22 9NJ for Satnav purposes) where you'll be met by your instructor. You will then follow them from there to Hodge Close Quarry.

Frequently asked questions.

• What equipment is provided as part of an Abseiling Session? Answer - as part of your fee per person, you are provided with a helmet & harness, so that you can get kitted up like the people in these photos! We "can" also provide walking boots if you do not have your own. We provide all of the ropes and qualified instructors for your Abseiling Session.

• What do I need to bring? Answer – we suggest you bring plenty of warm clothing and waterproofs – just in case it’s a little cold or damp. Also, bring some snacks and a drink to keep you “topped up” during your Abseiling Session. Also, if you have walking boots that will provide you with good ankle support & grip - then please do bring them - but please check with us if you are unsure as to their suitability as footwear for this venue!

• How long does a half day Abseiling session last? Answer - up to four hours and we can keep you going for that entire length of time. We generally offer you at least two abseils at each site to allow your to build up your confidence and get comfortable with abseiling.

• Are there any discounts on your price? Answer - yes. Our price per person for a minimum group size of two is £65.00 each, for three to five persons the price is £50.00 each. For six to eleven persons the price is £45.00 each. Bring twelve persons or more and the price falls by a further £5 to our minimum price of per person of £40.00 each. Children under 16 also receive a discount. Please contact us to enquire.

• We've booked & paid, but the weather's too cold or wet for our session to run. What happens to our payment? Answer - If we are unable to run your session due to the conditions, then you can either reschedule to another time; or, receive a full refund of your payment.

• I've never been Abseiling before. I'm excited but scared at the same time. Will I be able to do it? Answer - don't worry, you'll be well looked after in expert hands and you don't have to do anything you don't want to! Please be aware that despite appearing scary and really challenging, we have to ensure your absolute safety so, whilst abseiling, you'll be attached to two ropes and you'll be offered encouragement and support by our hand picked team of instructional staff.

Don't forget - you can book another half day activity such as Rock Climbing or Ghyll Scrambling in conjunction with an Abseiling Session to make a great adventurous activity day in The Lake District!

To book your Abseiling Session, contact us here, now!

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