The scrambles that are found in the English Lake District cannot be described in the same breath as those in Glencoe, Snowdonia or on the Isle of Skye, especially regarding their seriousness, remoteness and general ruggedness. So if this is the case why bother visiting? Well the District does provide unique experiences in terms of route variety, skills development, accessibility and aesthetic beauty.

The variety of scrambles in the Lake District is probably the big draw for many. Options abound regardless of the weather. Crag routes, ridges and gills (Ghyll is a Victorian spelling of the original Scandinavian) are all available. These diverse routes may be experienced in one day as many can be linked together. The gills in particular are a Lakeland speciality, often following stream beds and gorges which can be tackled either dry (choosing intricate traverse and fall lines out of the water) or wet/very wet (wading, swimming, snorkelling, sliding, climbing, jumping, abseiling, lowering and floating though water courses!!!).

The skills that a Lakeland scrambler will develop are broad and varied. Scrambles here provide numerous rock 'incidents' along any given route, with the possibility of escape often arising. However solid route finding and general mountain awareness is needed, allied with the ability to move upwards on rock with no obvious line or indeed holds! Within the world of scrambling; 'make it here and you can make it anywhere!'

Many scrambles can be accessed within a few minutes from the car, and the lower altitude of the mountains generally means that higher scrambles can be undertaken within 60 to 90 minutes of the start of the day.

The beauty of the Lake District has been expoused by many for so long. The soaring mountains and deep valleys liberally covered in a painter's pallet of colours and all affected by the ever-variable weather. However all of this landscape has been touched and changed by man. To find any indication of what the District looked like after the last ice age (approx. 10,000 years ago) the interested only need venture into the depths of gills or the inaccessible (to sheep anyway) buttresses and crags. Birch, pine, oak, ash, rowan, saxifrage, butterwort and alpines can be found and enjoyed.

So the potential is there, as well as the temptation I hope. The next step is which route should be considered for the beginner or experienced scrambler? The following routes have been listed according to their predominant characteristics. Each route is given a grade from 1 through to 4. Grade 1 scrambles are straightforward scrambles with little exposure or route finding problems, whilst Grade 4 scrambles often have 'Difficult' or 'V. Diff' moves and are the preserve of the experienced scrambler and roped systems. Grades 2 and 3 are therefore logical progressions along the grading scale. The inclusion and exclusion of certain scrambles in this guide follows no logical thinking or ulterior motive. Honest!

And so to:

Ridge routes:
Striding and Swirrall Edges, Helvellyn. Grade 1. Two excellent ridges which are regarded as a classic day out. Avoid on Bank holidays!

Sharp Edge, Blencathra. Grade 1. A couple of interesting moments, especially on a wet or icy day, with the Skiddaw slate providing not the best friction. Good exposure and views though.

Sphinx Ridge, Great Gable. Grade 2. The profile of this ridge provides it with its name. An interesting line, especially if the crest is adhered to.

Pinnacle Ridge, St. Sunday Crag. Grade 3. Possibly the best scrambling ridge in the Lakes with stunning pinnacles, slabs and blocks. Provides excellent photo opportunities!

Old West route and Slab and Notch, Pillar Rock. Grade 4. An impressive situation up an imposing bit of rock at the head of Ennerdale. Well 'out there'.

Crag Routes:
Jack's Rake, Pavey Ark. Grade 1. A very popular sweeping rake that slashes the face of Pavey Ark and provides 150m of easy scrambling, with exposure becoming noticeable in the later stages.

Long Crag Buttress, Long Crag, Coniston. Grade 1. Easy angled scrambling only 10 minutes from the car!

Main Face, Pike of stickle. Grade 2. An excellent route extending 240m, with clean, lolloping holds. Certainly a rope would provide confidence higher up. Finishes right at the summit!

South-East Face, Ill Crag. Grade 2 or 3. This line can be as serious as you wish especially as the route finding can be tricky!

Crescent Climb, Pavey Ark. Grade 4. A serious and imposing undertaking which cuts across the face, counter to Jack's Rake.

Gill Scrambles:
Church Beck, Coniston. Grade 1 or 2. A beautiful gill with excellent potential for fun and games in the numerous pools - either by avoiding or embracing them!

Stickle (Mill) Gill, Langdale. Grade 1. Very popular with groups, but provides sport for the individual.

Esk Gorge, Esk valley. Grade 2. An excellent scrambling 'expedition' and even better as a full imersion gill! Numerous pools and big jumps which become truly exceptional in colour and location in summer months.

Stoneycroft Gorge, Newlands Valley. Grade ? A totally different experience as it is a full immersion decent gill. Slides, jumps and roped pitches. Something for everyone.

So there you go, a wide choice of scrambles throughout the District. These are a small proportion of what is available, but remember the seriousness of scrambling cannot be underestimated. Without the use of a rope, a slip or a pulled hold can lead to serious consequences. If in doubt take along an experienced partner or a member of the Association of Mountaineering Instructors.

Enjoy