Restrictions are in place between 15th February - 31st May.
Please do not enter the canyon during nesting season. Other local canyons remain open during this time.
Swarth Beck
Summery
A steep walk in leads you to a low flowing canyon with multiple abseils into shallow pools, Perfect for beginners with appropriate skills.
Canyon Descent:
270m
Highest Drop:
28m
Canyon Length:
770m
Minimum Ropes:
1X 60m
Flood Risk:
High
Access Type:
Public
Rock Type:
Rhyolite
Catchment:
1.3km2
Duration: in, down and out:
IN: 1:15 mins DOWN: 1:15 mins OUT: 1hr
Anchors
Mixed
Notes
Bird restrictions are in place between 15th February - 31st May.
Description
Approach by Car: Park in the large car park outside the St Peters Church.
Approach by foot: Follow the path around the back of the church leading you back towards Howtown, when you get to the river, cross over and follow the well built track that runs around the base of Swarth Fell. Take the first obvious but small track that heads up hill all the way to the top. Once at the top, walk in a straight line towards the canyon which is well dug into the hill.
Canyon entry: in at the 490m contour
Canyon descent: Starting off relatively open the canyon becomes more and more enclosed as you down climb and abseil down the varying sized drops.
Exit: The canyon suddenly opens out, exit TL and follow the well worn track back to the car.
Escapes: No escape possible in the main section of the gorge.
First Decent: (Unknown)
Page information: (mixed) thanks to Jak Roberts
This Canyon is Guided
Before entering this canyon please call the operator(s) below to prevent queuing. If you would like to be guided through this canyon get in contact with the recommended operator(s) below.
Have You Descended This Canyon Recently?
If so we would love to hear from you in the comment section below! Let the whole community know more about this canyon, Information such as time taken to: approach, descend and exit are extremely helpful, as well as any new hazards you may have come across whilst canyoning at this location.
If any information on this page is missing, incorrect or out of date, please get in contact with us directly so we can rectify as soon as possible.
Disclaimer
No responsibility or liability is taken for any harm, death or loss of property from using the information found on Canyon Log. Topo features, descriptions and notes may not be accurate and could be misleading. You must carry anchor building materials, be experienced and use your own judgement when canyoning. Flooding can completely change the layout, features and conditions. Insufficient experience may result in death.
Did this after Glenridding Gorge. Approached from the church and enjoyed the long warm up approach. Most comfortable canyon underfoot so far. Spongey. Anchors good and plenty of entertainment.
28/11/2022
Parking can be tricky. A very steep and arduous walk in, it will take even a fit group at least the walk in time if not more. The canyon is good after a bit of a slow and flat start from the initial entry point. A good selection of features to keep things interesting. Rigging good, do not use any old pitons that are still left in place of course.
Topo is accurate. Fun to effort ratio… Well the walk in is tough but the reward is worth it.
Descended on 07/08/22, Parked at the church car park, very low flow. All anchors are in good condition, perfect for introducing beginners. Topo has been updated.
All parking places in valley now have clearway signs. Have to park up by Church, so a slightly longer walk in. Its a good canyon, mind you we descended with low water, so quite easy. Its one you can combine with another venue on one day.
Not the easiest of walkins to find and it is steep, however the canyon is great. Some interesting abs and generally good anchors make this canyon a great day out…