What is scrambling?
If you’re keen to make the transition from hill walker to scrambler, we set out the basics to get you started:
Moving From Walking To Scrambling
Scrambling covers the middle ground between walking and climbing, providing many memorable days out on the hill. All scrambles require a degree of rock climbing as both hands and feet are being used. It’s essentially easy rock climbing, travelling through stunning mountain scenery. If you’re keen to make the transition from hill walker to scrambler, we set out the basics about scrambling grades and equipment to get you started:
Grade 1
A grade 1 scramble is essentially an exposed walking route. Most tend to be relatively straightforward with many difficulties avoidable. Some of the most popular days out in the British mountains are ‘easy’ grade 1 scrambles, like Striding Edge on Helvellyn, Snowdon’s Crib Goch, the north ridge of Tryfan in Snowdonia or Jack’s Rake on Pavey Ark. Grade 1 scrambles can typically be attempted without ropes and protection and most walkers shouldn’t require any extra equipment.
Grade 2
Grade 2 scrambles blur the line between scrambling and rock climbing, usually including sections where a nervous scrambler would want a rope to protect them. The person in front (the leader) must feel confident moving over exposed, yet relatively easy climbing terrain, and the use of protection (climbing gear) becomes more advisable. Grade 2 scrambles include the Aonach Eagach Ridge above Glen Coe. Scrambling can be actually be more serious than rock climbing, particularly in the higher grades, mainly because people typically attempt it with less protection or none at all. Learning to climb to at least ‘V Diff’ level or taking a scrambling course before attempting serious scrambling of Grade 2 or above, is recommended.
READ more in our article Climbing Grades Explained.
Grade 3
Grade 3 scrambles often appear in climbing guides as ‘Moderately’ graded climbing routes (the easiest climbing grade), and should only be tackled by the confident. Use of the rope is to be expected for several sections, which may be up to about ‘Difficult’ in rock climbing standards. Classic Grade 3 scrambles include Pinnacle Ridge in the Lake District and Skye's spectacular Cuillin Ridge. We would recommend learning to climb to at least V Diff level or taking a scrambling course before attempting serious scrambling of Grade 2 or above. If you've done a little climbing or a few easier scrambles, however, then venturing onto something a bit more difficult can be very rewarding.
Route Finding
Route finding becomes more serious when scrambling, with the risk of straying off into steeper, more technical ground. One of the greatest hazards when scrambling is loose rock, so wearing a helmet is a good idea. More difficult scrambles often involve one or two very exposed and improbable looking sections - these are usually very well described in the guidebook to ensure people don’t go off route, but such terrain can be very serious and a full range of mountaineering skills can be called on.
What Gear Do I Need For Scrambling?
For more straightforward scrambles most walkers won’t necessarily need any extra gear, although stiff shoes with a solid edge provide better support on small footholds and steep, broken terrain. Lightweight boots or trail shoes might be more comfortable on hot sunny days, but their soles tend to have too much flex and are unsuitable for steeper scrambles. More robust boots also provide protection for your feet from loose rock or when jammed in cracks.
On grade 2 and 3 scrambles it’s worthwhile taking a rope at least 30m long, some eight-foot slings, HMS karabiners and maybe a very small rack, half a dozen large nuts and hexes at most. A harness is only essential if the leader is going to protect themselves on the most exposed pitches. You need to know how to use this kit before unpacking it at the base of a cliff, so 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 (links).
FIND more scrambling routes and inspiration with our BMC How To Scramble series.
If you’re wondering how to get started a club could be the answer: FIND a club.
Related Content
Hill Walking Events
BMC members are invited to join a peer-led walk, hosted by BMC Peak Area volunteers, with local BMC volunteer Paul Justin guiding the route. This social walk will start from Hayfield and explore the western end of the Kinder Scout plateau. We’re excited to welcome you for a memorable day in the outdoors!
Hill Walking Events
BMC members are invited to join a peer-led walk, hosted by BMC Peak Area volunteers, with local BMC volunteer Bev England guiding the route. This social walk will explore Baslow Edge and Curbar Edge, returning alongside the River Derwent. We’re excited to welcome you for a memorable day in the outdoors!
Article
When it comes to gift-giving, we know the best things in life aren't always 'things'! Team BMC have been hard at work putting together a list of really great Christmas gift ideas that are a bit ‘outside the box’...
Hill Walking Events
BMC members are invited to join a Social Hike in the High Peak delivered by Members of the Rucksack Club on Saturday 30th November 2024
Mountaineering Learn Skills
Scrambling in winter is a step up in every way: here are some tips from the pros for getting it right.
Mountaineering Learn Skills
Here’s your heads-up to some of the most common winter walking mistakes and how to steer clear of them.
Mountaineering Destinations
Now is the prime time to plan your winter adventures. To help you explore the British mountains over winter, we have chosen six stunning winter ridges to guarantee a grand day out.
Rock Climbing Skills
A series of guides to some of the most popular scrambles in England, Scotland and Wales.
Hillwalking Destinations
Glen Coe's Aonach Eagach ridge is the most legendary Grade 2 scramble in Scotland. Do you have the skills to take it on?
Rock Climbing Skills
Here's what you need to think about when moving together for scrambling and climbing
Rock Climbing Skills
Scrambling is sometimes described as the middle ground between walking and climbing - and for the higher grades in particular, you’ll need some basic climbing skills. Here's our guide to staying safe on the rock.
Hillwalking Destinations
It's no easy feat, but with a little advice, organisation, knowledge and determination, climbing the Wainwrights is doable for almost anyone. This beginner-friendly guide aims to teach you about the fells and how to plan for and complete them.
Hill Walking Articles
Chris Townsend's top tips on getting the most out of a long-distance adventure, plus three week-long route ideas for beginners, offering a mix of nature, history, solitude and challenge.
Rock Destinations
Here are five of the best places to go for a weekend of nerve-testing scrambling.
Hillwalking Skills
Are you a hill walker wanting to tackle steeper terrain, but nervous about heights? Don’t panic – there are steps you can take to fight the fear.
Hillwalking Skills
In this guide, we share tips to help you navigate your way back to safety in the event of a whiteout.
Rock Climbing Skills
What are the different types of climbing and mountaineering and what do they involve?
Hill Walking Articles
The health and well being benefits of physical activity are numerous. Apart from the obvious physical benefits, there are many mental health and social perks to hillwalking and climbing too.
Hillwalking Skills
The know-how, top tips and gear you'll need for scrambling safely.
Hillwalking Skills
The mountains at night can be hazardous, but also wonderful. Here are a handful of helpful tips for exploring the dark side.
Hillwalking Skills
When should you use crampons? Our guide explains the 'when', 'where' and 'how' of deploying your spiky winter gear.
Article
Here are a few of the most gruelling, exhausting, rewarding and brilliant challenge walks Britain has to offer.
Hillwalking Destinations
Sarah Stirling lists five of the easiest Munros for beginner hikers to bag!
Hillwalking Gear
Friction blisters on the feet are a common and potentially serious complication of hiking or hillwalking and other outdoor activities. This guide explains how to prevent and treat blisters accordingly.
Article
We've totted up a few fun facts and some trail trivia about this iconic route, including some surprising statistics that are guaranteed to earn you points at the next pub quiz. Read on for everything you need to know about this pioneering path...
Hill Walking Articles
Having a duvet day or a quiet night in? We've got you covered. There's nothing better than a day in the hills - but we think planning a day in the hills comes in pretty close second. If you're looking for inspiration for your next on-foot adventure, check out our lineup of ten of the best mountaineering, hiking and hillwalking films from the BMC TV YouTube channel.
Hill Walking
Forget ghost stories and horror movies - a simple walk in the story-stuffed British wilds is the best way to get your skin crawling.
Mountaineering Learn Gear
Do you carry a first aid kit in the mountains? We take a look at the essentials for any mountaineering first aid kit and how to use them.
Mountaineering Destinations
Mountains have always meant more to humanity than just lumps of rock. We take a look at five summits with mysterious, magical or mythological significance.
Hill Walking News
Many people will have visited the summit of Great Gable in the Lake District and looked at the bronze plaque close to the summit commemorating FRCC members killed in World War One. This plaque was unveiled 100 years ago this year, on 8 June 1924, so this year, the FRCC held a commemorative meet with members staying at their huts in Wasdale, Borrowdale and Buttermere. This was attended by the BMC’s Hill Walking Rep Steve Charles and Lakes Area Rep Ron Kenyon, who sent this fascinating report of the day’s events and the history of the plaque.
Hill Walking
It helps you cope at work, 'heals' your brain, makes you more creative and it could even be better for you than running. Here are six ways walking could be more powerful than you realise.
Hill Walking Articles
Diversity conversations in the outdoors can’t leave anyone out. At ESEA Outdoors UK we’re celebrating the fact that East and Southeast Asian people go outdoors too, in spite of historical erasure and lack of representation in outdoors media. Here’s what you need to know:
Hillwalking Destinations
Watch five great walks in the Lake District, including family inspiration, lesser-known routes to popular summits and dog-friendly fell walking.
Hill Walking Articles
Planning outdoor adventures comes with lots of preparation and adding a period into the mix can be one more thing to think about. While not everyone will be up for a hike or a climb on their period, if you are preparing for your next trip in the good company of menstrual blood, here’s what to do.
Hill Walking Articles
When out for the day it is likely you will need to go to the toilet at some point. Whether it be for ones and twos or refreshing period products, we’ve got you covered with all you need to know to be prepared. Things can get tricky out there so we will run through the ideal options through to the less ideal, but sometimes necessary, options when it comes to toileting. Wherever you can try to focus on what will have the least impact and do as much as possible to leave no trace.
Hill Walking Articles
Menopause is a significant and transformative phase of life. It is a natural biological process during which ovulation stops and periods end. The experience of menopause can be different for each individual and often comes with a wave of physical and emotional changes. In this guide, we will explore the different phases of menopause, common symptoms, and the power of regular movement and exercise to manage symptoms and support good health.
Hill Walking Articles
Christine Cornock shares how she managed her period along the South West Coastal Path multi-day hike.
Hill Walking Articles
Hillwalking Skills
Hill walking in winter covers a spectrum of difficulty and technicality, take a look at winter walking options, and what you’ll need to consider when choosing a route.
Hillwalking Qualification Training
Whether you want a career in the outdoors, or to improve your own personal skills, there are a number of training providers offering courses and instruction.
Hillwalking Gear
This article helps you decide what sort of crampons are suitable for your winter walk, or whether micro-spikes could be an option, as well as discussing the compatibility of crampons to walking boots.
Hillwalking Skills
A look at some of the benefits of poles and how to use them for hill walking.
Hillwalking Gear
Walking boots can be expensive and should last a long time, so this article looks at factors to consider before you buy.
Hillwalking Gear
Points to consider if you're wondering ‘Do I need crampons for walking in winter?’
Hillwalking Skills
Being able to read a map and find your way around the hills is an essential skill for all hill walkers, and practice is the real key.
Hillwalking Gear
A look at types of small, lightweight stoves suitable for hill walking and backpacking trips.
Article
What should you look for when choosing down products? Some factors to consider when investing in new down gear.
Hillwalking Skills
If you’ve enjoyed walking in summer and want to continue through the winter, here are ten things you need to know before you go.
Hill Walking Articles
Clean out your kit cupboard and put a spring in your step knowing that you’re making greener choices throughout the lifecycle of your outdoor products.
Hillwalking Gear
Hill walking doesn’t require as much specialist equipment as many other outdoor activities, but is important to have the appropriate equipment for the route and activity you have chosen and the weather forecasted. In this article we outline the basic equipment every hill walker needs: