For me scrambling is one of my all time favourite ways of exploring the mountain environment. It covers the middle ground between rock climbing and hill walking.
Essentially scrambling is very easy rock climbing, taking you through some stunning mountain scenery and into places that hill walking just won’t take you. Scrambling is perhaps the natural progression for the fit hillwalker. As such however, scrambling terrain can be very serious and a complete range of mountain skills and mountaineering judgement may be called upon.
Scrambles are generally graded in the following way:
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | A classic grade one scramble will essentially be an exposed hill walking route with some added difficulties where your hands might be used. Classic grade one scrambles include: Crib Goch on Snowdon, Helvellyn’s Striding Edge, or Jack’s Rake on Pavey Ark. |
| 2 | A grade two scramble will be much more exposed and contain longer sections where you will have to use your hands to make upwards progress. Scrambling at this grade can quickly become serious and the use of a rope may become necessary to ensure safety. If you are inexperienced I would recommend taking a scrambling course before venturing onto this type of terrain. |
| 3 | A grade three scramble is essentially a very easy rock climb. It will involve longer sections of vertical terrain where you will have to use your hands to progress. The use of a rope on this type of terrain is to be expected for longer sections. Essentially here we are talking climbing terrain and climbing techniques become more necessary. |
Guided Scrambles and Mountaineering
Experience the challenge and exhilaration of scrambling in some of Britain’s most beautiful and best mountain routes in safety with one of our instructors. Venues will be chosen based on your prior experience and aspirations.
Such as: Tower Ridge on Ben Nevis, Pinnacle Ridge on St Sunday Crag, or Needle Ridge on Great Gable.
Is this for me? A good level of mountaineering fitness would be required. Though we can cater for all ages and abilities. The ratio on this type of experience will be 1:2 to put your safety first.
Cost: £200
Duration: 1 day
Type: Non-residential
Ratio: 1 to 2
What’s included: All technical equipment, low client to instructor ratio to maximise enjoyment and progression.
Introduction to Scrambling Skills
For those newer to scrambling and mountaineering. If you’re a hillwalker who wants to get out there onto the more challenging scrambling and learn how to do it safely and efficiently then this kind of course is for you.
Spend either 2 or 4 days with us taking your first steps from hillwalker to mountaineer.
I believe strongly in focussing on your ambitions and aspirations as a mountaineer and aim to tailor the course around you.
An intro to scrambling course would cover some or all of the following areas:
- Experience different types of scrambling terrain, including experiencing and appreciating the difference between Grade 1 and Grade 3 terrain.
- Develop your movement skills to move efficiently and safely in scrambling terrain.
- Develop your navigation and route reading skills to find your way to the route, up the route and back down safely.
- Learn how to safeguard each other on scrambling terrain where a rope may be necessary for some sections.
- Find out how to down scramble and abseil safely.
Is it for me? A good level of fitness will be needed for a course like this as we will be in the mountains every day for either 2 or 4 days. The ratio on this type of course will be at a maximum of 1:2 to put your safety first.
We can currently run a course like this in the Lakes or North Wales.
| Course Option | 2 Days | 4 Days |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person (1:1) | £420 | £840 |
| 2 people (1:2) | £210pp | £420pp |
Advanced Scrambling Skills
Perhaps you have experience of grade 1 scrambles and want to develop the skills to take on even more challenging terrain safely and efficiently. The aim on this course will be to develop your skills as a mountaineer looking to protect yourself and your scrambling partner as you begin to take on steeper and more consequential ground.
An advanced scrambling course would cover some or all of the following areas:
- Experience grade 2, 3, 3+ scrambling terrain safely.
- Develop your movement skills to move efficiently and safely in scrambling terrain.
- Develop your navigation and route reading skills to find your way to the route, up the route and back down safely.
- How to build quick yet safe belays and place to protection to look after yourself and your scrambling partner.
- How and why to use direct and indirect belay methods.
- Abseiling safely.
Am I ready yet? Ideally you will have several grade 1 scrambles under your belt already, or have been on a scrambling course with us before. A good level of fitness will be needed for a course like this as we will be in the mountains every day for either 2 or 4 days. The ratio on this type of course will be at a maximum of 1:2 to put your safety first.
We can currently run a course like this in the Lakes or North Wales.
| Course Option | 2 Days | 4 Days |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person (1:1) | £420 | £840 |
| 2 people (1:2) | £210pp | £420pp |