The line between rock climbing and scrambling is a fine one. Scrambling is an inherently dangerous activity without the protection of a rope, and given that people's individual comfort zones are so very different, what constitutes a scramble is a personal matter. I've included a number of graded rock climbs in the scrambling guides which can be climbed as protected rock climbs or soloed by the competent.I've indicated those scrambles that are most suitable for experienced rock climbers, or for those moving from scrambling to rock climbing that might treat them as rock climbs with the appropriate equipment.
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| High exposure on Needle Ridge, The Napes, Great Gable |
There are many easier rock climbs that can be ascended in scrambling style. The following is a selection of the best, all of which are described in the scrambling guides.
C Ordinary, Dow Crag, Coniston - a mountaineering route up one of the best cliffs in the Lake District
Corvus, Raven Crag, Combe Gill - known for the celebrated hand traverse
Crescent Climb, Pavey Ark - super exposed for the grade
Giant's Crawl, Dow Crag, Coniston - possibly the best route of its grade in the Lake District
Grey Knotts Face, Gillercombe - an unusual climb requiring entering a hole and squirming up a crevasse
Middlefell Buttress, Langdale - a very popular beginners rock climb near the road
Needle Ridge. The Napes, Great Gable, Wasdale - a classic rock climb past the eponymous needle
Outside Route, Doves Nest Crag, Combe Gill - a wonderful delve into the bowels of the mountain followed by an exposed finish
Oxford & Cambridge Ordinary, Grey Crag, High Stile - an exposed arete near the top of the mountain
Steeple East Buttress, Pillar - follows a striking buttress to the very top of the mountain