Best Scrambling Routes For Beginners

I’m often asked “what is a good scrambling route for beginners?” or “what is the best grade 2 route for someone starting at that grade?” or similar variations.

Here’s my answer:

There is a risk of injury and death on any route, inc “easy” grade 1 scrambles.

I have never seen you scramble and have no idea of what you are capable of or what your weaknesses are, so I can’t offer tailored advice, but here’s some general info (attempt at your own risk):

Grade 1 Routes

Southern Ridge Circuit in the Carneddau includes four summits but is mostly hiking with one short section of easy scrambling up near the start and one short section of downclimbing near the end. Scrambling doesn’t get easier than this, but in low cloud it will be a test of your route-finding skills.

Y Lliwedd on the Snowdon Range: Three quarters of the way up the Watkin Path is the start of the Y Lliwedd scramble, the best scrambling is on the left but is always escapable on the right to easier ground.

Deear Ddu Ridge on Moel Siabod is widely considered an ideal grade 1 scramble for beginners; it’s a long route and best attempted in dry conditions.

I do not recommend Crib Goch (exposure) or Tryfan’s North Ridge (difficult to navigate) as first scrambles.

Grade 2 Routes

There is a significant step up in difficulty and risk of injury or death on these routes. These routes require extra attention to the weather, ground conditions (avoid damp rock), and route finding.

Idwal Buttress and Continuation to Seniors Ridge (aka Northwest Route) is a popular route with those looking to step up from grade 1 routes.

Dragon’s Back scramble in Wales is short and sweet and once on the ridge, almost all of it is escapable via a shallow left gully.

Penmaenbach Arete is on the northern boundary of the national park but is very easy to access with a short walk and out. It’s a low grade 2 route where you can test how you feel on exposed positions.

Grade 3 Scrambles

Things are getting serious now and most grade 3 routes include one or two short sections (pitches) of mod or diff grade rock climbing, where rope and harness are advised. Solo scramblers should, at the very least, have the knowledge and equipment to set up an abseil so they can descend; this is especially important on routes they have never done before.

The softest grade 3 I have done is The Ridge/Atlantic Ridge on Atlantic Slab. The scrambling is very exposed with nothing to break your fall for several hundred metres, but the route isn’t technically difficult.

My Favourite Scrambling Book