Our Favourite UK Scrambling Spots

Scrambling gives you an entirely new perspective on many of the UK’s most rugged landscapes and is a great way to take your mountain adventures to the next level. It’s an exciting middle ground between hiking and climbing and enables you to access parts of the mountain environment that were previously off-limits. Knowing where to start can be a challenge, though. With this in mind, we compiled a list of our favourite UK scrambling spots.

Before we start, there’s the necessary safety caveat. Scrambling can put you in potentially dangerous situations. Scramblers should always be aware of the limits of their abilities and experience and only attempt routes in good conditions and with the right equipment. If you’re looking for help getting into scrambling, we recommend checking out our sister-company RAW Adventures’ Mountain Skills Course. But more on that later.

Crib Goch – Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon)

Arguably the most famous scramble in the UK, Crib Goch is an exhilarating experience that requires a good head for heights and scrambling expertise. A thrilling, knife-edge ridgeline traverse, it’s classified as a Grade One scrabble, and features heaps of exposure. The rewards are definitely worth it though, as the views over Eryri (Snowdonia) are spectacular.

You can incorporate Crib Goch into all kinds of routes, including the iconic Snowdon Horseshoe. For direct access, scramblers can head up the Pyg Track and turn off at the base of the ridgeline. The traverse will take you up toward the summit of Yr Wyddfa itself, so you finish on top of Wales’ tallest peak.

While it’s not considered as technical as some of the other scrambles on this list, the sheer amount of exposure means you should cut your teeth on some easier scrambles before taking it on. Navigation is also more challenging than many other Grade One scrambles, and it’s easy to veer off course and find yourself in trouble. As with all high-exposure scrambles, Crib Goch should only be attempted in good conditions. Leave it for another day if cloud, mist, wind or rain are a concern.

Want to tackle this iconic scramble under the guidance of a qualified mountain leader? Then check out our Crib Goch open days.

Striding Edge – Lake District

Another Grade One scramble, Striding Edge is a great choice if you’re looking to start ticking off those UK bucket-list scrambles. Accessible, not too technical and featuring just the right amount of exposure to give you a feel for that walking-in-the-sky sensation, it hits all the right notes for those just starting out on their scrambling journey.

The scramble takes you up to the summit of Helvellyn – a classic Lake District peak. A typical route sees you start at Patterdale or Glenridding and walk to an old stile known locally as the Hole-in-the-Wall. From there, you climb steeply up to the start of the ridge and begin scrambling.

While most of the scramble is relatively easy from a technical perspective, the main challenge comes in the ‘Chimney’ section. A large rock tower, the Chimney requires you to make a slightly awkward climb down, which can accentuate the feeling of exposure and often makes people a little nervous. Once it’s over, you’re almost there, though. Just head up the middle of the rock face to the summit and celebrate your achievement.

Tryfan – Ogwen Valley

Tryfan is a seriously breathtaking mountain – a jagged crest of sharp rock that dominates the Ogwen Valley. And the North Ridge is the most famous route to the summit. A Grade One scramble, it is a long, sustained climb that requires you to get your hands dirty. Route-finding can be a bit tricky, mainly due to the length of the route, but if you take your time and make a concerted effort to regularly pick out features to aim for, you should be fine.

Scramblers need to be particularly aware of the conditions underfoot when traversing the North Ridge. Tryfan’s rock is notoriously slippery during and following wet weather, and this certainly makes things more difficult. Tryfan and the North Ridge are best avoided if it’s raining or there’s low cloud cover, as this further complicates the trickiest elements of the scramble – navigation and grip. It’s important to keep an eye on the wind, too. It can have a big impact on safety and enjoyment, especially when you reach the legendary North Tower.

The North Tower is the North Ridge’s pivotal section and pushes the limits of Grade One. However intimidating it may seem, tackle the North Tower head-on, as trying to go around it can result in you ending up in ‘Climber’s Gully’. As the name suggests, it is not somewhere you want to be without ropes. After the North Tower, the route takes you to the Adam and Eve stones, where many scramblers round off their climb with a daunting jump between the two.

Aonach Eagach – Glen Coe

If you have several Grade One scrambles under your belt, are confident in your abilities, and want to try something a little more challenging, Aonach Eagach might be a good option. Approximately 10 km long, this is a mighty adventure – one that requires skill, experience and the right conditions.

Lumpy, bumpy and narrow, the ridge soars above Glen Coe and is considered one of the UK’s best scrambling experiences. However, you need to be absolutely sure of your ability to get the job done, as there are no escape routes and turning around is not an option. It demands real commitment.

Most scramblers start the day at the base of Devil’s Staircase and gradually climb up onto the ridgeline. This leads up to the top of Am Bodach. Next is a devilishly difficult scramble down – many people consider this the toughest part of the route. Ropes might be advisable here. On reaching Meall Dearg, the pinnacles start, and you are up and down over a seemingly endless run of rocky spires, handling a significant amount of exposure as you go. Past the pinnacles, things ease up until the scrambling stops altogether, and your day ends with a reassuringly simple ridgeline walk. The adventure may be over, but the memories will stay with you forever.

Scrambling with Climb Snowdon and RAW Adventures

If you’re looking for help getting started with scrambling, we suggest you check out the skills courses delivered by our sister-company RAW Adventures. In particular, the excellent Mountain Skills Course. While designed to cover a wide range of mountain skills, it includes sections on scrambling techniques and efficient movement over steep ground. The Rock Skills courses are also a good option if you want to get to grips with rope-based climbing.

Finally, if you’re really into your scrambling and want to experience the best Eryri has to offer, why not book a private scrambling day on any route you like? Drop us a line to find out more.