Scrambling Grades Explained

Scrambling routes offer exciting new ways to the top of many hills and mountains. Some people will choose to leave the main trail behind and explore new lines for themselves. Many guidebooks are now available which describe the best ways to scramble up ghylls, buttresses and ridges on the fells; if you are choosing a route from a guidebook for the first time it is important to fully understand the grading system before attempting a route for the first time.

Grade 1 scrambles are usually fairly straightforward to follow and all difficulties can be avoided. Be aware that on some ridges paths, that have appeared to avoid the perceived harder sections, can in fact lead you into worse ground such as loose gullies.

Grade 2 scrambles will be on steeper and more exposed ground. Choosing the best line and route finding becomes more important and the opportunity for escape routes may be limited.

Grade 3 scrambles often require the use of a rope to protect the steepest sections.

The boundary between harder scrambles and easy rock climbs can be blurred. Some scrambling guide books now offer a grade 4 or 3S and often the same routes in climbing guide books can be graded moderate or even difficult in some cases. These routes require a competent leader who can manage any required ropework safely and look after the rest of the party depending on their abilities.

In addition to grading the difficulty of scrambles a star system is used to describe the quality of the route. 3 star (***) routes offer the best and most continuous scrambling over good quality rock.