Classic Scrambles and Ridges of the Lake District

Course Info

Discover the very best scrambling in the Lake District on this five-day guided adventure, designed to take you across some of the region's most iconic Grade 1, 2 and 3 scrambles and mountain ridges.
calendar Dates March - October
Duration Duration 5 Days
Start Location Start Location Great Langdale - Lake District
Instructor Ratio Instructor Ratio 1:4 & 1:2
Book Today Book Today £600 P/Person

This course is perfect for enthusiastic hillwalkers and scramblers looking to explore classic Lakeland routes with the support of experienced Mountaineering Instructors. Over the first three days, we'll operate at a ratio of 1 instructor to 4 participants, focusing on classic Grade 1 scrambles and narrow ridges. These days are designed to build confidence, refine movement skills, develop route-finding techniques, and prepare you for more challenging terrain.

As the week progresses, we reduce the ratio to 1 instructor to 2 participants, allowing us to tackle the more technical Grade 2 and Grade 3 scrambles safely using a rope. The smaller group size provides greater instructor support and flexibility on routes where ropework, movement coaching, and technical decision-making become increasingly important.

Throughout the week, you'll have the opportunity to experience many of the Lake District's most celebrated scrambling routes and ridges, which may include classics such as Striding Edge, Sharp Edge, Jack's Rake, Pinnacle Ridge, Cam Crag Ridge, and a selection of the region's finest Grade 2 and 3 scrambles. Route choices will always be based on weather conditions, group ability, and mountain conditions.

Ability Level

This event is suitable for experienced hillwalkers who are comfortable spending full days in the mountains and are looking to progress their scrambling skills across a range of Grade 1 to Grade 3 terrain.

You should:

  • Have previous mountain walking experience in steep and rugged terrain.
  • Be confident walking on exposed mountain paths and ridges.
  • Have a good level of fitness and be capable of 6 to 8 hours of mountain travel each day.
  • Be comfortable carrying a day's worth of equipment, food, and water.
  • Ideally have some previous Grade 1 scrambling experience, although this is not essential.
  • Be willing to learn new techniques and take on more challenging terrain as the week progresses.
  • Have a head for heights, or be looking to build confidence in exposed terrain with professional guidance.
H1 Skill Level
Walking and Scrambling Skills

No previous experience walking in the outdoors.

SKILL LEVEL KEY - Click here

ACCOMMODATION

Course Dates
PRIVATE BOOKINGS

Hiring one of our instructors privately is the perfect choice when you’ve got a specific aim in mind, whether it’s to improve your personal skills, have an unforgettable guided experience with a group of friends or tick off an objective you’ve had in your sights for a while.

Click on the link for more details

WHY CHOOSE US?

All of our instructors are highly qualified Mountaineering Instructors or Mountain Leaders who take pride in offering engaging - fun courses that will give you the very best chance of achieving your goals. We are also members of Mountain Training, the Association of Mountaineering Instructors (AMI) and the British Mountaineering Council. Why not check out our google reviews and see what our clients think about us

The Mountaineering Company was voted Travellers' Choice on TripAdvisor in 2025 & 2026 for its consistently high service and 5-star Reviews. We are also a Google 5 Star Provider

Course Instructors

Matt Cooper
Matt Cooper
Mountaineering Instructor, Winter Mountain Leader Find Out More
Dave Evans
Dave Evans
Senior Instructor - WMCI, International Mountain Leader Find Out More

Testimonials

I've now been on two courses with The Mountaineering company. Both courses were great, learnt loads and Matt/Sam were brilliant instructors. I would definitely recommend to anyone getting into mountaineering to book onto intro and development courses. I'm looking forward to doing more courses with them in the future. (Google Review)

Alex Heaps

My partner and I booked Matt for two days mountaineering instruction so we could learn how to use ropes on climbs that were out of our comfort zone. We had a fantastic two days and Matts structured approach allowed us to take it all in and practice all the techniques over and over again. We both now feel more confident to take on more adventurous scrambles. Thanks Matt

Andy and karren

Fantastic day on the Back to Basics Navigation course with Matt. Very well organised and learnt a lot. Matt was very professional and great at teaching the skills with lots of patience and encouragement. Really enjoyed it and will definitely be signing up to other courses in future. Highly recommended.

Chontelle Wright

A great day out learning how to use a map and compass with Matt. His teaching style gave us just the right amount of information without feeling overloaded. I would highly recommend Matt !

Chris

Just got back from a fantastic weekend with Matt on the Welsh 3k and couldn't have asked for a better time. We had blue skies and cool air so it wasn't too hot and the views were simply incredible. Matt set a great pace allowing us to push our limits but never going beyond what we were capable of and we finished in 18 hours 32 mins. Hes a top bloke and I would certainly recommend him and The Mountaineering Company to anybody. Thanks again Matt. You will certainly see us again next year no doubt!

Chris Mansell

We attended a navigation course today with Matt. He was fantastic, can’t rate him highly enough! We had no knowledge at all, but have come home feeling confident and ready to tackle our adventure! Thank you Matt for a fabulous, fun day

Claire Black

I thoroughly recommend Matt as a leader & guide. I experienced an exhilarating & fun day with a super group doing Matt's Ogwen Classics day. Matt managed our mixed levels of ability & confidence with a calm, encouraging, alert & purposeful manner. He inspired confidence through recognition of our efforts & shared his knowledge & experience to support our skill development. The day passed all too quickly!

Ferne Davies

Awesome day with Matt teaching my 11yr old son and I the basics of climbing. Very patient and approachable would highly recommend Matt to anyone with an interest in rock climbing. Really fun day enjoyed by all!

Ian Roberts

Wow ! Where do I start, the best walking/climbing day of my life. Matt you were fantastic with all the members of our group. (Google Review)

Johnny Jones

All I can say is amazing!! Never scrambled before Matt looked after us supported us though the scary bits and made the whole day brilliant.

Karen Williams

Had a fantastic weekend with Matt on the mountain skills course - he is really friendly + approachable, and tailored the two days to what we enjoyed + wanted to learn. Would definitely recommend to anyone wanting to build their confidence with mountain hiking + navigation!

Kirsty

Well. What can I say - one of the best adventure weekends my friend and I have ever had and absolutely 10/10 instruction from Matt training us for our first OMM (Google Review)

Luke Whipps

Recently attended an intermediate rock skills course in the Peak District. Really great weekend and excellent fun. Matt is a top bloke; very knowledgeable and just the right amount of laid back. Allows all the information to really sink in - effective teaching!

Matt Pomfrett

Excellent day out with Matt on my first ever Scramble. I found it pretty tough in places but Matt was always there to put me at ease, offer instruction and with his support I made it to the top. Would highly recommend to others.

Polly Hornby

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