Scrambling
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217290535
2008-06-05T12:07:46Z
MrOllie
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:''This article is about climbing steep slopes. For other uses, see [[Scramble]].''
[[Image:Snowdonia_scrambling.jpg|thumb|400px|right|Scrambling on [[Crib Goch]], [[Snowdonia]], [[Wales]]]]
'''Scrambling''' (also known as '''alpine scrambling''') is a method of ascending rocky faces and ridges. It is an ambiguous term that lies somewhere between [[hillwalking]] and [[Climbing|rock climbing]]. <ref>See Terry Adby and Stuart Johnston, ''The Hillwalker's Guide to Mountaineering'', (Milnthorpe:Cicerone, 2003), ISBN 1-85284-393-4, pp.62-65 for more on defining scrambles.</ref> It is often distinguished from hillwalking by defining a scramble as a route where hands must be used in the ascent. There is less to distinguish it from climbing, with many easy climbs sometimes referred to as difficult scrambles. A distinction can be made in defining any ascent where hands are used to hold body weight, rather than just for balance, as a climb.
''The Mountaineers'' climbing organization defines scrambling as follows:
<blockquote>"Alpine Scrambles are off-trail trips, often on snow or rock, with a 'non-technical' summit as a destination. A non-technical summit is one that is reached without the need for certain types of climbing equipment (body harness, rope, protection hardware, etc), and not involving travel on extremely steep slopes or on glaciers. However, this can mean negotiating lower angle rock, traveling through talus and scree, crossing streams, fighting one's way through dense brush, and walking on snow-covered slopes." <ref>The Mountaineers. FAQs on Alpine Scrambles. Retrieved on 2008-01-15 from http://mountaineers.org/seattle/scramble/FAQ.htm.</ref></blockquote>
==Overview==
Although [[rope]]s might be necessary on harder scrambles, sustained use of rope and belay probably counts as climbing; typically, the use of ropes in scrambling is limited to [[rappelling]] or for basic safety uses other than belays up a vertical face. Scrambles are typically assumed to have an exposure of no more than around 10 feet (3 meters), which is the greatest height easily survivable in a vertical fall.
While much of the enjoyment of scrambling depends on the freedom from technical apparatus, unroped scrambling in exposed situations is potentially one of the most dangerous of [[mountaineering]] activities. For this reason most guidebooks advise carrying a rope, especially on harder scrambles, which may be used for security on exposed sections, to assist less confident members of the party, or to facilitate retreat in case of difficulty. Above all, scramblers are advised to know their limits and to turn back before they get into difficulties.
Many of the world's [[mountain]]tops may be reached by walking or scrambling up their least-steep side. These routes are not always obvious, but mountaineering books generally mention them; they are often used as the safe and easy way to descend from a more difficult route.
==Classification systems==
In the [[United States|U.S.]], scrambling is '''Class 3''' in the [[Yosemite Decimal System]] of climb difficulties. In the [[United Kingdom|British]] [[Climbing grade#British|system]] it is '''Easy''' with some of the harder scrambles incorporating moves of '''Mod''' or even '''Diff''' standard.
Some guide books on scrambling may rate the routes as follows:
* easy — generally, just off-trail hiking with minimal [[Glossary of climbing terms#Exposure|exposure]] (if at all) and perhaps a handhold or two. [[UIAA]] Class I.
* moderate — handholds frequently needed, possible exposure, route finding skills helpful. UIAA Class II.
* difficult — almost constant handholds, fall distance may be fatal, route finding skills needed, loose and downsloping rock. Less experienced parties may consider using a rope for short sections. YDS class 3, 4, and possibly 5.
In the UK, Scrambles are usually rated using Ashton's<ref>Steve Ashton, ''Scrambles in Snowdonia'', (Cicerone Press, 1992), ISBN 1-85284-088-9</ref> system of either Grade 1, 2, 3 or 3S (S for serious), with the grade being based around technical difficulty and [[exposure]]. The North Ridge of [[Tryfan]] in [[Snowdonia]], or Striding Edge on [[Helvellyn]] in the [[Lake District]], are classic Grade 1 scrambles. At the other end of the scale, Broad Stand on [[Scafell|Sca Fell]] is usually considered Grade 3 or 3S. Note that some of the older Scottish guidebooks used a system of grades 1 to 5, leading to considerable confusion and variation over grades 1, 2 and 3 in Scotland.
==References==
<references/>
==External links==
* [http://www.ukscrambles.com UK Scrambling Database]
* [http://www.goxplore.net/guides/Scrambling GoXplore Guides article on Scrambling]
* [http://furtech.typepad.com/mountain_rescue/2007/03/helmets_for_scr.html Wearing helmets for scrambling?]
[[Category:Types of climbing]]
[[Category:Hiking]]