About Scrambling
It may be that you want to scale some of the more lofty inaccessible places to gain a new perspective on the beautiful scenery our National Parks have to offer. Or, it could be that you feel now is the time to branch out into something new. If this is the case, then perhaps it is time you sampled one of Contour’s scrambling holidays or courses. Either way you are going to visit some spectacular places and learn new skills on the way. Should you have a specific scrambles in mind, then Contour can prepare bespoke weekend or week long scrambling courses and holidays. Visit our Personal Guiding page for more details how you can arrange your own itinerary and our Activity and Taster Day page for details of day and half-day packages
What to Expect
LEVEL I
Fitness Level I | 1 to 2 fitness sessions per week (gym, jog, walk, cycle). At this level the Pen-y-Pass to Summit of Snowdon (via the Miner’s track) should take the walker carrying a rucksack 2 hours.
Technical Difficulty Level I | May have had a previous intoduction to scrambling, climbing or bouldering, but not a regular exposure/practise. Not familiar with current practise, techniques or equipment
LEVEL II
Fitness Level II | 2 to 3 sessions per week. A 4 to 5 hour walk in mountainous terrain should pose no problem. As an example, a walker at this level should be able to reach the Summit of Glyder Fawr or Glyder Fach in 5 hours
Technical Difficulty Level II | Scrambles occasionaly, easy ground up to Grade 1. Has a basic understanding of the climbing equipment and techniques used indoors and is able to tie into a harness and belay. Has a basic understanding of the climbing/scramblling techniques and movement skills
LEVEL III
Fitness Level III | 3 to 4 fitness sessions per week. One of the 3 to 4 sessions may take place over the weekend and be more demanding in nature. A walker, at this level, should take a walk of 6 to 8 hours in their stride, with a day out like the Langdale Horseshoe being within their capability
Technical Difficulty Level III | Climbs both at the climbing wall and at the crag on a regularly. Has a good understanding of what is required of a second and leader - both in and outdoors. Will have good experience of leading indoors, and may have led some rock routes, both traditional and bolted, outdoors already. Experience of rock climbing restricted to regional venues
LEVEL IV
Fitness Level IV | 4 plus fitness sessions per week, and able to walk 30km in a day. At this level a person would plan to tackle 3 to 4 Munros in one day
Technical Difficulty Level IV | Climbs inside and outside around once a week. Leads outside and has a good knowledge of what is required of the leader and second. Has led numerous single pitch, and may have some experience of multi-pitch climbing as a second and leader at a diverse variety of venues
LEVEL V
Fitness Level V | 5 to 6 fitness sessions per week. Criteria highlighted in Level 4 would pose no problem and person would be able to complete similar distances on consecutive days
Technical Difficulty Level V | Scrambles and perhaps climbs 2 times a week. Leads scrambles and has a good knowledge of what is required of the leader and second. Has led numerous scrambles and single/multi-pitch climbing routes at different venues throughout the UK
