Scrambling

Scrambling is a popular mountain activity that is often described as halfway between hill-walking and rock climbing. It involves ascending steep rocky ground using hands for support. The line between walking and scrambling is a little fuzzy (indeed, a lot of mountain walks in the UK involve some degree of light scrambling in places) but generally speaking, if you need to use your hands to help you climb for sustained sections, you're scrambling.

Since it often involves moving unroped in exposed situations, scrambling can be one of the most dangerous mountain activities. The Scrambler's Code provides some useful safety guidelines.

Types of scramble


Most scrambles follow a rocky ridge to a summit or between summits. Gill scrambles are common in the Lake District and follow the line of a stream or waterfall. These are best enjoyed in the summer - expect to get wet, especially if it's been raining recently.

Equipment
The amount of equipment taken on scrambles can vary depending on the route, the conditions and the experience of the scramblers. Easier scrambles are often attempted without any special equipment. However, when the party contains novices who have not scrambled before it can be useful to take a "confidence" rope in case anyone gets scared. For more difficult scrambles, a rope and a small selection of climbing gear (hexes etc.) are usually taken.

A helmet is sometimes recommended, particularly on scrambles like Bristly Ridge that have loose rock. In practice, few scramblers wear helmets.

Grades


Guidebooks grade scrambles to give an idea of their difficulty. The grade usually takes into account the technical difficulty of the scrambling, the amount of exposure, ease of route-finding and ease of escape. So for example, scrambles that are not particularly technically challenging can be given higher grades if they are very exposed or committing. Grades are subjective and can vary considerably according to the author of the book and the area of the country they are in. Conditions also have a huge impact on their difficulty: an easy scramble in summer can be a much more serious undertaking in winter conditions. A rough guide to scrambling grades is as follows:


 * Grade 1 Easy scrambles that are within the ability of most hill-walkers. The route will usually be obvious and there will be good hand and foot holds. Examples: Crib Goch, North ridge of Tryfan.


 * Grade 2 More difficult scrambles that could involve steeper sections with fewer holds. Route finding could be difficult in places. A rope is not usually used for these scrambles but it can be advisable to take one as a precaution. Examples: Sgurr Nan Eag, Aonach Eagach


 * Grade 3 These are difficult scrambles with sections equivalent to Mod rock climbs. Route-finding can be difficult and it will sometimes be hard to escape. Example: Pinnacle Ridge


 * Grade 3S (3 severe) This grade is reserved for grade 3 scrambles that are particularly long, exposed or committing. They are only to be attempted by experienced scramblers and taking a full climbing rack may be advisable. Example: Bilberry Terrace

Other
Scrambles on this wiki are listed here.