Scrambling Skills

Mary-Ann Ochota faces her fears on the hardest of all Scottish Munros: Skye's famous Inaccessible Pinnacle on the Cuillin Ridge. What is pushing her towards this inaccessible pinnacle? Why does she want to reach something that cannot be reached? What does she hope to achieve?

Scrambling / mountaineering chat part 1 is a long one, even by my standards, sorry. I chat about how I got in to scrambling and the kit I take and why. Part two will be about some scrambling techniques, and will be a lot shorter!

What sort of equipment do you need to protect technical scrambles using a rope? Find out with professional instructor Rob Johnson. Get the skills you need for scrambling with this series produced exclusively for BMC TV in association with AMI (the Association of Mountaineering Instructors) and DMM.

What is the balance between moving together for speed and pitched climbing for safety? Rob Johnson discusses this, and advises on the sort of decision points that might help you decide how best to use the rope to protect yourself and your partner. At the top of a short pitch he explains how and when to use a single-point natural anchor and attaches himself to one, using a sling. Get the skills you need for scrambling with this series produced exclusively for BMC TV in association with AMI (the Association of Mountaineering Instructors) and DMM.

What's an Italian Hitch and how can you use it to bring up your climbing partner? Association of Mountaineering Instructors (AMI) member Rob Johnson shows how to use an Italian Hitch as a direct belay, keeping sections of climbing (“pitches”) short for good communication. Get the skills you need for scrambling with this series produced exclusively for BMC TV in association with AMI (the Association of Mountaineering Instructors) and DMM.

Using rock spikes can be a very fast belay method when scrambling. Here, Rob Johnson tests and rejects a potential anchor, and shows how to use a good spike for a direct belay using just the rope around the rock spike. This is a very fast method for scrambling, especially for easy ground. He also shows how to use a sling for a thread anchor. Get the skills you need for scrambling with this series produced exclusively for BMC TV in association with AMI (the Association of Mountaineering Instructors) and DMM

Find out how to use natural terrain features to protect the leader and second efficiently, and set up a belay using wires equalised with a sling. We also demonstrate effective use of a belay device to protect the second on more technical ground. Get the skills you need for scrambling with this series produced exclusively for BMC TV in association with AMI (the Association of Mountaineering Instructors) and DMM.

Giant strides or tiny steps? Which is best on steep ground? Association of Mountaineering Instructors (AMI) member Rob Johnson shows you tips on how to move when on an easy scramble. Get the skills you need for scrambling with this series produced exclusively for BMC TV in association with AMI (the Association of Mountaineering Instructors) and DMM.

Association of Mountaineering Instructors (AMI) member Rob Johnson shows you tips on how to stay on route when out on an easy scrambling route. "Have you got the guide book?" "I though you packed it." Get the skills you need for scrambling with this series produced exclusively for BMC TV in association with AMI (the Association of Mountaineering Instructors) and DMM.

What should you carry on an easy scramble, from basics like food and water to emergency kit in case the weather changes or something goes wrong? Rob Johnson takes a look. Get the skills you need for scrambling with this series produced exclusively for BMC TV in association with AMI (the Association of Mountaineering Instructors) and DMM.

Taken from the BMC Rock Climbing Essentials DVD, this film explains the basic steps needed to make sure that your climbing gear such as rope, harness and helmet is safe to use. It shows some useful tips on how and when to check your gear, when to retire it, and where to get more information from manufacturers. Find out more: https://www.thebmc.co.uk/caring-for-equipment

As one of the hardest routes up Snowdon, it is appropriate for experienced mountain walkers who are comfortable with heights. It is not a route for novice hill walkers. How to scramble Crib Goch: https://www.thebmc.co.uk/how-to-scramble-crib-goch

Dan Aspel tackles Jack’s Rake, the ever-popular slanting scramble in the heart of one of the Lake District’s most appealing valleys. From Langdale, hike up to the cool waters of Stickle Tarn. Once here the route leaps right out at you, as it cuts across the face of Pavey Ark, the imposing wall of rock that dominates the skyline from this point. Although technically a Grade 1 scramble, this is not a route to be underestimated. The ascent is steep from the off and the growing sense of exposure to your left-hand side as you climb upward can be unnerving for the inexperienced. The rock is often wet and slippery too, meaning that slow, steady and secure progress is essential. Because of this and the route’s enduring popularity there are slips, accidents and even fatalities here every year – so caution is advised at all times. However, approach Jack’s Rake safely and you’ll discover a natural scrambling line of supreme mountain drama and consistent interest. This is a deservedly celebrated route. How to scramble Jack's Rake: https://www.thebmc.co.uk/how-to-scramble-jacks-rake

Dan Aspel brings you a guide to this classic Helvellyn ridge scramble in the Lake District, a popular introduction to grade 1 scrambling. It requires good weather, appropriate footwear and a head for heights. How to scramble Striding Edge: https://www.thebmc.co.uk/how-to-scramble-striding-edge

Dan Aspel enjoys glorious conditions as he tackles this little-known but spectacular ridge scramble in Snowdonia, an ideal introduction to grade 1 scrambling. It requires good weather, appropriate footwear and a head for heights. How to scramble Llech Ddu Spur: https://www.thebmc.co.uk/how-to-scramble-the-llech-ddu-spur

In this video, featuring some incredible aerial footage of some breathtaking mountain scenery, Ben Weeks tackles the "best walkers' route up Britain's highest peak" - the CMD Arête on Ben Nevis.

Take a trip along the stunning ridge of Aonach Eagach in Glen Coe, Scotland. The Aonach Eagach is a serious grade 2 scramble.The ridge is long, committing and extremely exposed. Good weather, appropriate footwear and scrambling experience are required. How to scramble Aonach Eagach: https://www.thebmc.co.uk/how-to-scramble-aonach-eagach

While both ridges are popular introductions to scrambling, both are high mountain routes which require good weather, appropriate footwear and a head for heights. How to scramble Tryfan's North Ridge: https://www.thebmc.co.uk/how-to-scramble-tryfans-north-ridge

Ben Weeks takes on the challenge of Threading the Needle: a short but serious scramble behind one of the Lake District's most iconic mountain features: Napes Needle on Great Gable.

Scrambling takes the joy of hiking to more thrilling levels. Scrambles can be difficult and serious. Here is some great insight to help you understand scrambling grades and the effort the require.

Sharp Edge traverses precipitous terrain and becomes extremely slippery when wet. Good weather, appropriate footwear and a head for heights are required. https://www.thebmc.co.uk/how-to-scramble-sharp-edge