Scrambling

THE ISLE OF SKYE has the most celebrated scrambling in Britain - a range of brilliant classics along and around it's famous Cuillin Ridge. These mountains are truly special and offer a unique experience for scramblers of all abilities. On Skye, we offer both courses to help you develop the confidence and skills to tackle scrambles on your own, and and guiding to enable you to enjoy the classics.

Scrambling fits into the mountaineering world somewhere between walking and climbing - once you start using your hands to aid progress you are scrambling - but the line between scrambling and climbing is somewhat more blurred, and without care and a degree of skill and judgement, the scrambler can find themselves in potentially dangerous climbing situations, without the back up of a climber's gear and experience. Aspirant scramblers need a range of judgemental and routefinding skills backed up with some basic climbing techniques for different rock features. Knowledge of basic ropework helps too. Once these skills are mastered, there can be few more exhilarating ways of reaching a summit than by moving confidently and fluently over rocky terrain - away from the crowds and with fresh views and perspectives. Enjoy these excellent courses in the company of fellow outdoor enthusiasts and experienced instructors.

OUR SCRAMBLING COURSE AIMS TO GIVE YOU:

• Climbing skills suitable for varying rock forms and types - for example, how to tackle wet and loose rock,
chimneys, slabs and steep sections.
• Basic rope skills for safeguarding short ascents and descents - a range of important skills enabling the
group leader to ensure greater margins of safety on tricky sections.
• Judgement and routefinding skills - it's not always easy to locate your chosen route, especially it's star
point and it can be even more difficult to keep on the correct line. We'll give you some tips on how to do this.
• Hazard awareness and management - factors such as loose rock, weather and conditions changes.
• Interpreting guidebooks - what the guidebooks say - and what they actually mean!
• Equipment review - a look at footwear and other technical gear required for making your scrambling safer
and easier.
• An enjoyable and safe time
• Guided ascents of classic routes