Best Grade 1 Scrambles in the Lake District

The Lake District has many challenging walks. The most adventurous are classified as Grade 1 scrambles. These thrilling hikes head over sinuous ridges and up steep gullies, but they are not for everyone. Here are our favourite Lake District scrambles with tips on whether they are for you.

The Lake District was formed by volcanic activity, glacial erosion and the shifting of tectonic plates.

Rich in slate, limestone and sandstone, this melting pot of minerals has created smooth U-shaped valleys topped with steep, sharp ridges – the ideal terrain for scrambling.

Scrambling is classified by grades, with grade 1 being the easiest and best for beginners. Grade 1 Scrambles don’t require any special equipment, just shoes with good grip, a willingness to get your hands dirty and a head for heights.

We have been scrambling in the Lake District for years, and in this post, we have picked out our favourite Grade 1 Scrambles.

They all involve some challenge, but we think they are the perfect introduction to scrambling and a thrilling day out in the mountains.

WHAT IS SCRAMBLING?

The term ‘scrambling’ falls between hillwalking and rock climbing. It involves using your hands and feet to ascend steep, rough terrain.

There are three Grades of scrambling.

GRADE 1 SCRAMBLE

A grade 1 scramble requires both hands and feet, often on an exposed ridge or steep section of rock. However, ropes or protective equipment are usually not required. Route finding is generally straightforward, and there is often an easier way around, enabling you to avoid the more difficult sections.

GRADE 2 SCRAMBLE

A grade 2 scramble involves longer and more difficult stretches of scrambling. Ropes may be required. Skill and experience are often needed to identify the best route.

GRADE 3 SCRAMBLE

A grade 3 scramble is the most challenging. Ropes are often strongly advised. Route finding can be difficult, and escaping onto a more straightforward path may not be easy.

BEST GRADE 1 SCRAMBLES IN THE LAKE DISTRICT

All the scrambles below are Grade 1 and require no equipment (helmets or ropes). We have provided our assessment of the route difficulty, including recommendations for beginners. 

1. STRIDING EDGE, HELVELLYN

Striding Edge is the perfect introduction to scrambling. Although it is a narrow and exposed ridge, it is one of the easiest Grade 1 scrambles in the Lake District.

The tricky part of the ridge is 300 to 400 metres long as it rises and falls over a series of narrow, rocky peaks.

The arête (sharp ridge) is only two to three metres wide in places with precipitous drops on both sides. You will need to use your hands for some sections.

Towards the end of the ridge, a large rock called ‘The Chimney’ drops about 5 or 6 metres. You’ll need to take most of your weight on your arms as you lower yourself down using periodic footholds.

A tempting lower path circumnavigates some of the trickier sections just before The Chimney. But the path is very narrow with a steep drop on one side. Paul is not very good with heights, so he tried this lower path, thinking it would be better. But he soon climbed back up to the ridge, where he felt more comfortable.

You’ll need a head for heights, but with several paths to choose from, you can avoid any tricky sections that might bother you.

STRIDING EDGE DIFFICULTY

Striding Edge is an excellent option for beginners. The path is wider than other Grade 1 scrambles, and the lower path offers an alternative if you want to skip parts of the ridge.

HELVELLYN VIA STRIDING EDGE ROUTE

Start at Glenridding, and head up Mires Beck, then to the Hole-in-the-Wall before clambering over the ridge tops of Striding Edge (or using the path just below them) to the summit.

Descend via Swirral Edge to Red Tarn and follow Red Tarn Beck and Glenridding Beck into Glenridding.

Read our guide to hiking Helvellyn via Striding Edge for all the details.

2. SHARP EDGE, BLENCATHRA

At first impression, Blencathra appears little more than a large hill. But to ascend this unobtrusive mountain, you can choose between two excellent scrambles.

The most challenging is Sharp Edge, the most exposed Grade 1 scramble in the Lake District. This knife-edge ridge is only 300m long, but traversing it can feel like a lifetime.

The top of the ridge is barely 1 metre wide, and it drops up to 200 metres on either side. Around two-thirds of the way, a “bad” step requires shuffling on your backside along a sloping slab of rock and down onto a narrow edge.

It’s a genuinely thrilling experience, but not for the faint of heart.

SHARP EDGE DIFFICULTY

Sharp Edge is the most exposed Grade 1 scramble in the Lake District. You should not attempt the hike until you have built up some experience on other ridges.

BLENCATHRA VIA SHARP EDGE ROUTE

Start at Scales and follow Scales Beck towards Scales Tarn. Just before the tarn turn right and ascend the ridge. Now follow Sharp Edge for 300m and then clamber up Foule Crag before following the easy path to the summit of Blencathra.

The easiest way down is via Scales Fell, but another option is Halls Fell Ridge (see next on our list).

All the details are in our article on climbing Blencathra via Sharp Edge.

3. HALL’S FELL RIDGE, BLENCATHRA

Sharp Edge is not the only Grade 1 scramble up Blencathra. There is a much easier route called Hall’s Fell Ridge.

This ridge is about 500m long and consists of a series of low crags, one after another. The top of the ridge is 2 to 3m wide and much less exposed than Sharp Edge.

You may need your hands in places, but confident hikers can walk across the top. It’s a fun way to ascend this wonderful mountain.

An alternative path runs alongside, so you can skip any parts you are not sure about.

HALLS FELL RIDGE DIFFICULTY

Halls Fell Ridge is an excellent ascent for beginner scramblers. It is long but wide, allowing ample time to build up experience.

BLENCATHRA VIA HALLS FELL ROUTE

Start in Threlkeld from where the trail ascends almost immediately up the ridge. The easiest way back down is via Scales Fell.

An even more exciting day is to ascend Blencathra via Sharp Edge and come back down via Halls Fell Ridge

All the details are in our article on walking up Blencathra.

4. JACK’S RAKE, PAVEY ARK

The Langdale Pikes are a dramatic collection of spiky pikes. Nestled amongst them is Pavey Ark, the largest cliff in the Lake District.

Jack’s Rake is a groove that cuts diagonally across the face of Pavey Ark. At first glance, it looks like only climbers could make their way up. But the narrow groove has stacks of rock, which allow you to pull yourself up.

Several handholds are required, and you need to contort your body into odd positions, but providing you ignore the temptation to come out of the groove, there is rock on either side of you.

The chimney stack ends at a narrow unprotected ledge (nerve-wracking if you don’t like heights), before entering a series of blocks and grooves linked by ledges that ascend to the summit of Pavey Ark.

There are plenty of ways down, but the most adventurous is via Easy Gully. It’s a screed-filled trail with a large collection of boulders near the top, with one particularly awkward clamber.

JACK’S RAKE DIFFICULTY

This is a challenging scramble mainly because the groove can be wet, even in summer, making rocks and handholds slippery.

The ledge after the groove is exposed but only for a short distance.

This is one we suggest you compete after you have built up some experience on easier scrambles. Also, do not attempt this in wet conditions.

On a personal note, I find the exposed ridge of Sharp Edge, while technically easier, more nerve-racking than Jack’s Rake. But everyone is different.

JACK’S RAKE ROUTE

From New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel, take the path alongside Stickle Ghyll to Stickle Tarn. Walk halfway around the lake and ascend the scree on the far side. Just before entering a large gully, look left and locate the groove that is Jack’s Rake, which will lead you to the summit.

Descend via Easy Gully and then circumnavigate the tarn again, before heading under craggy Harrison Stickle and over Pike Howe to get back to the hotel.

We have more details on our Langdale Pike post.

5. COCKLY PIKE RIDGE, ILL CRAG

Scafell Pike is the highest mountain in England, and the most adventurous way up is via a scramble along Cockly Pike Ridge on Ill Crag.

The route is not too exposed but involves clambering between and over a series of smaller crags. The real challenge is finding the correct route. The path is a sea of boulders and rock, which is difficult to follow.

The Grade 1 scramble ascends via the southern side of the crag. But be careful, if you go wrong and end up on the south-eastern side, you’ll find yourself on a Grade 3 scrambling route.

The descent from Scafell Pike has adventurous options as well. Head to Broad Stand, a massive 30-metre slab of rock, and then descend via the scree slopes of Mickledore.

COCKLY PIKE RIDGE DIFFICULTY

The scramble is long and tricky in places, but the real challenge is making sure you stay on the right path and don’t end up in Grade 3 scrambling territory.

COCKLY PIKE RIDGE ROUTE

Begin at Brotherinkeld and follow the Esk River up to the Great Moss. Find a place to cross this boggy morass, then head northeast under the flanks of Scafell Pike and over Little Narrowcove Beck.

Use this post to find the route up Ill Crag. On a cloudy day, when pathfinding is difficult, we suggest you take the obvious and straightforward trail up the left side of Little Narrowcove instead.

At the top of Ill Crag, turn left and head over Broad Crag before reaching the summit of Scafell Pike. The route and distances are very similar to those on the Eskdale ascent on our best routes up Scafell Pike.

OUR RECOMMENDATIONS

You can build up your experience by attempting easier scrambles on this list first.

Start with Hall‘s Fell Ridge and Striding Edge. You may need to use your hands for reassurance, but you can mostly stride across the top of both.

Only move onto Jack’s Rake and Sharp Edge after you have had some practice, feel comfortable with heights, and get used to forming solid foot and handholds.

Do not attempt Cockley Pike Ridge unless you have good pathfinding skills, and even then, only on a clear day and with a good map.

TIPS FOR SCRAMBLING IN THE LAKE DISTRICT

01. Be aware that, unlike most hillwalking, scrambling comes with a bit of risk. Take your time, be careful, and if you are unsure, don’t go.

02. No special equipment is needed for grade 1 scrambles, but wear walking boots or shoes with good grip.

03. Many scrambles are exposed and require a good head for heights.

04. Do not attempt rocky exposed scrambles in wet or windy conditions. Clouds also carry considerable moisture, so aim for a sunny, clear day.

05. Take a good map and a guidebook. Many of these scrambles are covered in Brian Evans’ book: Scrambles in the Lake District. There is a northern edition and a southern one.

MORE LAKE DISTRICT GUIDES

• Find your perfect area with our guide to the best places to stay in the Lake District.
• Use our detailed guide to see the Lake District without a car.
• Tackle one of our favourite hikes in the Lake District.
• Attempt one of the many routes up Scafell Pike.
• Or choose the best option and hike the Corridor Route.
• For the best Grade 1 scramble, hike Helvellyn via Striding Edge.
• Try one of these amazing wild swimming locations in the Lake District.
• There’s more than hiking, find more great things to do in the Lake District.
• Check out our easy-to-reach best views in the Lake District.
• Find all the great things to do in Keswick.
• Discover all the best attractions in Ambleside and the nearby area.