Intro to Scrambling
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So, you love hiking in the mountains, but have you ever wanted to to take your adventures a step further? Would you like to give scrambling a go?
Scrambling is a term used to describe the action of using your hands when moving up a mountain. It takes place off-path and the difficulty level sits between the activities of mountain hiking and rock climbing. There is often exposure to drops, so you do need a head for heights and good level of fitness. The reward for your endeavour is a huge sense of achievement, along with stunning views which you wouldn’t get from a footpath.
Scramble routes are given grades from 1 to 3 according to the challenge they present, with a grade 1 being the easiest, although you can still expect a grade 1 route to be thrilling, adrenaline inducing and butt-clenchingly good. There are some simple skills required, along with a head for heights and a sensible disposition, and we’ll go over these on the way to the route.
We will meet for breakfast at the Siabod Cafe before heading off to park-up at Ogwen Car Park (6 miles away).
Our day will start with a kit check, movement skills training and a look at route selection.
Our route for the day will take us from the car park into Cwm Idwal (which lies at the northern end of the Snowdonia National Park) and will take us up to the summit of Glyder Fawr (the highest peak in the Glyderau range at just over 1,000 metres) via Seniors Gully followed by Seniors Ridge (both very amiable grade 1 routes). Our route down will be via a footpath in Devil’s Kitchen (which refers to a large crack in the cliffs along the southern side of Cwm Idwal). It is a steep down path and is tough on the knees, but a stunning way to come off the mountain.
We will finish our day back at Ogwen Cottage Car Park.
Also, although this route is suitable to those new to scrambling, you will still need to be a experienced and fit mountain walker, be confident on your feet and with a head for heights. It is important to note that you will be scrambling up a mountain only just shorter than the height of Snowdon, and even a fit mountain walker will find this day much more physically challenging than hiking up the highest mountain in Wales.
Make sure you read the Kit List. You will need a climbing helmet for this event. If you need to borrow one please let me know.
Please note that the event may be liable to change or cancellation due to inclement weather.
Pictures by Andy Hewlett
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What to bring
Standard kit list for a mountain hike as below but I strongly recommend the addition of a climbing helmet for the scramble section (I can provide these, let me know if you need one).
Also, although the scramble is possible with standard walking boots, you would feel more secure with a firm soled scrambling boot.
Water: Bring around two litres
Head torch: Useful for walking back at dusk
Medicines: Any you carry as standard, e.g. if you have hay fever, diabetes, etc.
Day rucksack: Typically 30 plus litres, as they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Boots: See above. Waterproof and breathable and designed for hiking/scrambling. There will be muddy sections. Trainers are NOT suitable.
Socks: Proper walking socks to help keep your feet dry and prevent blisters
Layered clothing: So you can quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece)
Trousers: No jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry quickly and on warm days, shorts are OK
Waterproof jacket: Essential when hiking, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry quickly
Waterproof Trousers: Essential, even if the forecast is for no rain
Gloves: Windproof, or better still, waterproof, and bring a spare pair if expecting rain
Hat: Stay warm in cold weather or for protection against the sun
Sunglasses: For any sunny day
Snacks: Bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit, for example, and put them somewhere easy to access
Lunch: Bring a packed lunch
It is a good idea to bring a change of clothing if the weather is cold and wet to change into for the ride home.
I will conduct a quick kit check before we set off to ensure everyone is suitably equipped for a cold and wet day in the mountains.
Food & drink
Bring plenty of high energy food for a long day in the cold. A flask of something hot will serve you well.
If the weather is poor we’re more likely to stop for short snack breaks than a long lunch. Pack accordingly.
Arrive well hydrated so you can carry less water.
We are meeting at the Siabod Cafe for breakfast before heading off to our park-up car park.
Toilet and refreshments (tea, coffee, pasties, etc) are also available at the Ogwen Centre which is opposite our park-up car park. For more information see: https://www.snowdonia.gov.wales/visiting/ogwen/information/ogwen-center