Scrambling

Some of the most popular days out in the British mountains are scrambles, including hill walking routes that also take in ridges or exposed technical ground, requiring hands and feet to be used to travel safely.

Scrambles cover the middle ground between walking and rock climbing, and are graded according to their difficulty. Grade 1 is essentially an exposed walking route where it may be possible to avoid many of the most difficult sections. Grade 2 scrambles blur the line between scrambling and rock climbing, usually with sections where a nervous scrambler would want a rope to protect them. Grade 3 scrambles should only be tackled by the confident, they are ‘Moderately’ graded climbing routes and use of a rope is to be expected for several sections.

FIND out more with our skills article: What Is Scrambling?

Scrambling is more hazardous than walking - route finding becomes more serious with the risk of straying off into steeper, more technical ground. Wearing a helmet is a good idea to give protection from loose rock, and where climbing gear is required you need to know how to use it. If you’re just starting out it’s a good idea to enlist the help of an experienced friend, join a club to build experience with others, or consider hiring a guide or going on a course.

BMC Training Essentials: Introduction To Scrambling courses

BMC Training Essentials: Next Steps Scambling courses

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Popular Grade 1 scrambles include Striding Edge on Helvellyn, Snowdon’s Crib Goch, the north ridge of Tryfan in Snowdonia and Jack’s Rake on Pavey Ark. Aonach Eagach Ridge above Glen Coe is a Grade 2 scramble, while Pinnacle Ridge in the Lake District and Skye's spectacular Cuillin Ridge are classic Grade 3 scrambles.

Find scrambling routes and inspiration with our BMC ‘How To Scramble…’ series.