Scrambling can be easy: a burst of adrenaline in a mountain walk or a whole route of exposure, height and bare rock and the chances are that (if you've been on a mountain walk before) you've already done it. There's a type of scrambling for everyone, so go on... give it a go!
Route GradingScrambling is a technique in-between mountain walking and rock climbing and is often split into 4 sections in the UK.
Grade 1: you may have to use your hands occasionally. The exposure is not too daunting. No ropes are needed. Grade 2: requires more use of hands. The exposure is significant. Retreat is difficult. No ropes are needed but more nervous scramblers may appreciate them. (You will only rarely find higher than grade 2 scrambling on a recognised walking route.) Grade 3: rock becomes steep. Very exposed at times. Falls may be fatal. Abseiling may be needed. Ropes are advised. Grade 3S (otherwise known as Grade 4): almost like rock climbing. Ropes are required. Falls are likely to be fatal. |
Kit ListYou will need:
If ropes are required or there is a large exposure. Short roping is advised. This is when you use a rope to connect two people together so that if one person slips the other can effectively be the anchor and stop the person who slipped from falling to their death. If you are only going to be doing grade 1 scrambling you will only need your normal mountain walking kit. However if you do grade 1 scrambling often or are considering to try harder routes you should buy the kit. |