|
"Heartfelt thanks from Shalini, Cindy and myself for that fantastic, if somewhat daunting, scrambling experience. We are hooked . . . "
Scrambling is the process of ascending mountains on rock that is not usually steep enough or technically demanding enough to be called ‘rock climbing’. It’s the adventure in the hills and mountains that is the natural continuation of walking that is moving to mountaineering. It's where walking can merge into simple climbing, where the ground gets steep enough to need your hands yet not so technical as to necessitate the need for ropes and climbing equipment.
Scrambles are graded from 1 to 3, with a grade 1 scramble being pleasantly exposed to height and usually being easy to escape. All scrambles can take you out of your comfort zone, and if you are usually nervous at height it is possibly not for you. Grade 2 and 3 scrambles are more committing with grade 3 routes requiring some basic climbing moves. A leader will always carry a rope when taking a group scrambling and would expect to use it with a grade 3 route - such would be its technical nature.
Scrambles 1 - Ascents to Adventure
"Will, wanted to thank you for an ace weekend, I don't think I want to 'just walk' anywhere ever again . . . overall what a great group of people to share an incredible weekend with, just wish I could spend every weekend like that!"
Tina Jones
These excellent scrambling weekends offer the novice the opportunity to try some classic grade 1 routes in the Lake District and Snowdonia. So long as you have a reasonable head for heights you will not fail to be inspired by these wonderful days on the hill! The Saturday is the scrambling day and the Sunday is usually a shorter and pleasant, walking day.
Location: The Lake District & Snowdonia
Leader/client ratio: 1:6 (usually 1:4)
Weekends coming up:
 19th / 20th July 2008 - We step forth in pursuit of England's third highest peak, Helvellyn at 949m via the airy ridge of Striding Edge.
Once on top, (weather permitting of course), we should be rewarded by tremendous views with the Lakes of Ulswater to the East and Thirlmere to the West before heading back to the warmth and comfort of the pub. Striding Edge can be as pleasant or as scary as you make it - perfect for the novice or the seasoned scrambler.
Price per person: £25
23rd & 24th August 2008 Bank Holiday Weekend - Two Fantastic Scrambles - Snowdonia, North Wales.
Saturday: Tackling the notorious Bristly Ridge to take us on a journey to the Glyders will be today's prime objective. Hard to locate (for some) and looking far more scary than it actually is, often this is the missed scramble - but not today and not for us! No doubt a photo-call will ensue on the canti-lever stone on the top. On Sunday: we will tackle the little known ridge that is called Y Gribin another great route - and one that avoids the crowds. In the shadow of Snowdon this will lead us to the summit of Y Lliwedd.
Price per person: £45
Monday 25th August 2008 - Four places only - Snowdon via a traverse of Crib Goch.
While others may choose to be driving home we'll be out on this infamous, gnarly and exposed ridge.
Price per person: £25
20th / 21st September 2008 - For this weekend we bring you a scramble up the mighty Tryfan.
It is in fact my favourite mountain, and no doubt it will be my pleasure leading you up its famous North Ridge before retiring for a well earned supper and pint.
Price per person: £25
18th / 19th October 2008 - Snowdonia, North Wales – the Llech Du Spur followed by a traverse of the Carneddau.
A fantastic day on the hill introducing you to a wonderful and remote scramble.
Price per person: £25
2nd & 3rd May 2009 Bank Holiday Weekend - The Langdales, Lake District.
Saturday: Here's a chance to do the highest peak in England - Scafel Pike. But we won't be doing this with all the hordes: oh no! Cockly Pike Ridge will be our way up - another awesome day incorporating a tremendous grade 1 scramble. On Sunday our second day of scrambling leads us up the brilliant Stickle Gill and then the classic Jack's Rake! When we first spy out the line that marks the main event of the day - Jack's Rake - awe won't necessarily be the first thing that comes to mind. But as we circumnavigate the tarn and see it from a closer perspective this scramble will look far more friendly and fun - and so it will be! Once on top of the Ark - the day will continue to be a great walk in the hills of the Lake District.
Price per person: £45
Monday 4th May 2009 - Six places only - Sharp Edge.
The book describes this one as "Lakeland's sharpest ridge and justly popular" - a great route to take us to the top of Blencathra! This is indeed another Lake District classic and one not to miss if you're new to this game of scrambling. And more than that - this way we can also descend down another great route - Halls Fell Ridge - making this a super day out . . .
Price per person: £25
23rd / 24th May 2009 - Bank Holiday Weekend - Snowdonia, North Wales
For bank holiday weekend in Wales read crowds - but no - not us! We bring you two classics away from the masses. On Saturday we'll be heading up the mighty Llech Du Spur followed by a traverse of the Carneddau. On Sunday we trek along the delightful Nantle Ridge. Two days incorporating some of Snowdonia's finest scrambling!
Price per person: £45
Monday 25th May 2009 - Four places only - Snowdon via a traverse of Crib Goch.
While others may choose to be driving home we'll be out on this infamous, gnarly and exposed ridge.
Price per person: £30
27th / 28th June 2009 - For this weekend we bring you a scramble up the mighty Tryfan. It is in fact my favourite mountain, and no doubt it will be my pleasure leading you up its famous North Ridge before retiring for a well earned supper and pint.
Price per person: £25
Email Will about these scrambles, or . . ..
Scrambles 2 - An Introductory Course to Scrambling Techniques for the Leader
This is a two day course for aspiring Mountain Leaders and experienced scramblers alike. It aims to develop the skills needed for leading your friends and/or family when on steep ground. While this course can’t teach you everything for all scrambling terrain, it will point you in the right direction and hopefully it will at least make you stop and think before getting yourself into trouble. Further, with the superior skills of MIC, Daniel McKinlay*, leading this course, it is the ideal Mountain Leader refresher for those trainees headed for assessment!
Location: Grade 1 and selected Grade 2 Scrambles in Snowdonia
Leader/client ratio: 1:6 (usually 1:4)
Course content:
- Short roping
- Interpretation of environmental factors
- Short pitches and direct/indirect belays
- Rescue techniques
- Emergency scenarios
Cost per person: £125 (Group discounts available upon request)
*Dan McKinlay is an award provider of the Mountain Leader and Single Pitch Award with vast experience of the assessment process.
Email Will about these scrambles, or . . ..
Scrambles 3 - Advanced Scrambling Skills
For those of you bitten by the bug and looking to take this further why not try this 2 day course to consolidate the lessons from Scrambles 2 and gain further skills to get you started independently. Plus, at a leader to client ratio not exceeding 1:3 you’ll get to sample some fantastic high and airy grade 2 and 3 routes … bring it on!
Location: The Lake District & Snowdonia
Leader/client ratio: 1:3
Course content:
- Technique for climbing and movement on steep ground
- Basic rope skills for safeguarding short ascents and descents
- Judgment and route finding
- Hazard awareness and management
- Interpreting guidebooks
- Equipment review
- Guided ascents of classic routes
Cost per person: £150 (Group discounts available upon request)
Note: This course will be lead by one of a team of highly experienced Mountaineering Instructors including:
Dan McKinlay, Dave Smith, Andy Bruce, Simon Cooke, Steve Egglestone, Mike Laing.
Email Will about these scrambles, or . . ..
Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve never done this before: what’s a good route to start on?
First of all – if you are scared of heights – maybe you should start by doing our Overcome Your Fear of Heights Course. But if your head is good then the best scramble to start on would be Striding Edge, Helvelyn – if it feels too scary then you can just take the footpath alongside it!
Do I need strong upper body strength?
No you don’t – if you’re working your upper body that much you’re doing something wrong. On all our scrambling weekends and courses we always take time to show you the appropriate technique. But – you do usually need good hill legs – especially for the Scrambles 2 and 3 weekends.
Do I need any specialist kit for scrambling?
No you don’t – just wear what you would sensibly need for any mountain day. If you are doing the Scrambles 3 course you will need a helmet and harness – though these can be provided by us free of charge.
Where do we stay on these weekends?
Once we get your booking we will forward all information including where and when we meet up plus all local accommodation which you will need to book yourself and usually includes camping, the local YHA and all the B&Bs.
Participation Agreement
Scrambling is exciting, intoxicating and liberating. But it should also be noted that scrambling as with all outdoor pursuits, carries an inherent risk of injury and death, which cannot be eliminated. You must accept that although we do our utmost to reduce any risks to an acceptable level, there are chances of accidents happening. Furthermore plans may be changed on our weekends and courses to take into account local and environmental conditions such as the weather.
Not Included in the price:
- Travel costs
- Accommodation
- Feeding
Email Will about these weekends now, or . . .
To see what books you can get from Amazon on the subject of Scrambles click this link >> show me the books now! You may also be interested in visiting UK Scrambles, 'The Online Scrambling Community Across the UK' . . .
|
