Taking your first steps away from the walking paths onto more technical scrambling terrain can feel a little intimidating but for many, it opens up a whole world of adventure that takes you onto some of the most iconic ridges and mountains in the UK.
In this guide, I will give you a short Introduction to Scrambling and explain some of the grades and what to expect. I also give some of my top tips at the end on how to get more comfortable on steeper ground.
Scrambling grades explained.
Grade 1
This grade is ideal for the walker heading onto the rock for the first time and offers short rock steps where you need your hands and feet to get to the top. You wouldn't normally use a rope on this grade as the holds should be sufficient for any adventurous walker to get to the top. Expect some exposure though and the need to route read so you can find your way through the steeper terrain.
Popular Grade 1 Routes
- Tryfan (Snowdonia)
- Striding Edge (Lake District)
- CMD Arete (Ben Nevis)
Our Courses
Introduction to Scrambling | Eryri / Snowdonia
Grade 2
This is where things start to get exciting. It's common to find unavoidable steep sections of exposed climbing where a fall would be pretty consequential. People often climb grade 2 with a rope but some people with experience may choose to climb it without a rope. Good route-finding decision-making and a head for heights are essential.
Popular Grade 2 Routes
- Bastow Buttress ( Tryfan - Eryri/Snowdonia)
- Cam Crag Ridge (Lake District)
- Aoanach Eagach (Glencoe, Highlands)
Our Courses
Introduction to Mountaineering | Eryri / Snowdonia
Grade 3
This is the blurred line between scrambling and climbing with significant sections of steep rock and exposure. While some very confident climbers will climb this grade without a rope, many will use a rope, climbing rack and all the technical skills to go with it. This is not a grade to take lightly and grade 3 routes are often committing, steep and feel much harder in wet conditions.
Popular Grade 3 routes
- Cneifion Arete (Glyder Fach, Eryri/Snowdonia)
- Pinnacle Ridge (Lake District)
- Curved Ridge (Glencoe, Highlands)
Our Courses
Introduction to Mountaineering | Eryri / Snowdonia
Note: Some of the routes may get different grades in other guidebooks.
Plus and minus grades.
Many guidebooks use a + or - to signify whether it's easier for the grade or harder. For example, a Grade 1- would be a fairly simple objective and ideal for those taking the first steps into scrambling. A grade 1+ would be much harder and often closer to grade 2 in damp conditions.
Where do you find scrambling information?
I still really love the good old-fashioned guidebook; it guarantees the author will have plenty of experience and give a more balanced view of the route and any risks you may encounter. You also usually get a very detailed route description which is essential when route finding through the complex terrain found on scrambles.
Several recent accidents have highlighted the risks of using navigation apps as some of the route maps are wrong and send people into dangerous terrain. Try and develop your route-finding ability by looking at the ground rather than your phone, it's a skill that will set you up well for the future.
How to become a more confident scrambler.
Climbing courses, indoor climbing sessions or bouldering are great ways to improve your confidence on steeper terrain and will massively improve your footwork and movement skills. Scrambling rarely has the vertical terrain you get indoors but the time spent trusting small holds and learning how to move is time well spent. You also can't beat the real thing and gaining some coaching from a qualified instructor in the mountains is a great way to develop your confidence. [ Check out our courses]
If you're looking to get into scrambling or learn how to climb harder routes with a rope check out our website. All of our courses are delivered by professional Mountaineering Instructors with years of experience instructing in the mountains. We are also full members of The Association of Mountaineering Instructors and love sharing our passion for the mountains with our clients.
If you're looking for 1-1 instruction or to book a private please get in touch.
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