Scrambling Grades Explained

Using a rope to safeguard the team on a Grade 3 scramble in Snowdonia

Understanding scrambling grades is essential for choosing the right routes and progressing safely. The UK scrambling grading system runs from Grade 1 to Grade 3, sometimes with a '+' when it sits between grades and/or denotes a serious scramble for the grade, and Grade 3 scrambles may have sections (pitches) of graded rock climbing (up to VDiff), but grades alone never tell the full story.

This guide breaks down scrambling grades explained, with examples from the Lake District and Snowdonia.

How Scrambling Grades Work in the UK

Scrambling grades reflect:

• Technical difficulty

• Steepness and exposure

• Sustained nature of the route

• Ease of escape or retreat off the route

  
  

They do not fully account for:

• Weather

• Rock quality

• Navigation difficulty

• Fatigue or length of day

  
  

Always treat grades as a starting point, not a guarantee. A Grade 1 in dry conditions could easily 'feel like' in difficulty, and be as serious as, a Grade 2 when wet.

Classic Grade 1 Scramble: The CMD Arete on ben Nevis

Grade 1 Scrambling Explained

Hands occasionally needed | Walking terrain with rocky steps

Grade 1 is where most people begin scrambling UK routes.

Typical features:

• Hands used for balance

• Large holds and steps

• Often escapable

• Exposure can still feel serious

Classic Grade 1 scrambles:

• Striding Edge – Helvellyn (Lake District)

• Sharp Edge – Blencathra (Lake District)

• Jack’s Rake – Pavey Ark (Lake District)

• Crib Goch (East Ridge) – Snowdon (Snowdonia)

• CMD Arete - Ben Nevis (Scotland)

  
  

Many Grade 1 scrambles feel committing due to narrow ridges and drops, not technical moves. Regardless, a fall is still possible and most mountain rescue call outs on scrambling terrain is on Grade 1 scrambles!

More exposure and harder rock steps on the East Ridge of Y Garn, Snowdonia

Grade 2 Scrambling Explained

Sustained hands‑on climbing | Route choice critical

Grade 2 scrambling feels much closer to climbing.

Expect:

• Steeper rock

• More continuous hands‑on movement

• Sections where reversing is difficult

• Increased exposure

  
  

Classic Grade 2 scrambles:

• Bristly Ridge – Glyderau (Snowdonia)

• Bastow Buttress - Tryfan (Snowdonia)

• Sphinx Ridge - Great Gable (Lake District)

  
  

At this grade, many scramblers start carrying a rope — not necessarily to climb with, but for confidence and security.

Some Grade 3 scrambles have climbing pitches requiring full use of rock climbing techniques

Grade 3 Scrambling Explained

Technical | Highly exposed | Serious consequences

Grade 3 scrambles are often described as easy rock climbs without a rope.

Expect:

• Technical climbing moves

• Sustained exposure

• Little margin for error

  
  

Classic Grade 3 scrambles:

• Clogwyn Y Person Arete - Snowdon (Snowdonia)

• Slab and Notch - Pillar Rock (Lake District)

• East Gully Ridge - Glyder Fach (Snowdonia)

  
  

Many people rope up on Grade 3 terrain, especially in damp or windy conditions.

Protecting an exposed section on a mountaineering route in Snowdonia

When Does Scrambling Become Mountaineering?

The line is blurred.

Scrambling becomes mountaineering when:

• Rope use becomes regular

• Protection and belays are needed

• Conditions may include snow or ice (winter mountaineering)

• Consequences increase significantly

  
  

Strong scrambling skills make this transition far safer and more enjoyable.

Choosing the Right Grade for You

Ask yourself:

• How comfortable am I with exposure?

• Can I reverse moves confidently?

• Am I calm when route‑finding becomes unclear?

• Do I have experience with, and knowledge of, using climbing gear

  
  

Progress gradually — and remember, developing judgement is more important than ticking grades.

Ready to Progress?

👉 Guided Scrambles (Grade 1–3) – build experience safely

👉 Intro to Mountaineering – move confidently towards mountaineering

Inspire ambition. Develop judgement. Progress responsibly.