Is scrambling safer than rock climbing?

Scrambling is a complex mix of rock climbing and hiking, when ascending a scrambling route you will sometimes use your rock climbing skills and other times you will be walking on grassy ledges and trails. Some scrambles don’t require any rope skills, but other more difficult scrambles will require the use of ropes to stay safe. The most important skill needed to code is judgment and experience. Scrambling is often considered safer than climbing, as the terrain you face is easy and you are unlikely to fall. Unfortunately, climbing can be just as serious as rock climbing, and in some cases, a fall could have serious consequences.

There are around 10 million visitors to Snowdonia each year and many of them will climb to the top of Snowdon via Crib Goch, a classic grade one scramble and there will also be many visitors attempting harder scrambles in the Gylders or Carneddau mountains. ranks Looking at the statistics for mountain rescue teams in Snowdonia, we can see that people are just as likely to be injured in climbing accidents as they are in rock climbing. In 2011 there were 100 people involved in scrambling incidents compared to 67 in rock climbing, though it’s fair to note that there were also 763 hiking accidents in 2011. Since there are far more people walking compared to scrambling, I’d expect the hill walking incidents were much higher. It is very interesting to see that the percentage of deaths is around 3% for rock climbing, scrambling and hiking. This means that there is little difference between climbing and climbing in terms of seriousness. What does all this mean for people who want to go fight?

My advice would be the same whether you are going rock climbing, mountain hiking or rock climbing. Don’t underestimate what you are doing! All mountain activities can have serious consequences but all can be done safely if you know what you are doing. I highly recommend learning some basic rock climbing skills like belaying and using natural anchors to find ways to attach the rope to the mountainside. Other tips would be to check the weather forecast and make sure you are wearing the right clothing for the conditions. Be sure to bring a mobile phone and tell someone where you are going. Wrestle with someone, you can’t hold your own rope and your partner might get help if you’re in trouble. Make sure you can read a map and use a compass; it’s too far east to take a wrong turn and end up in a dangerous area.

A summary of my advice could be expressed in a simple sentence: “Don’t underestimate the mountains, they can be a dangerous place, make sure you have all the necessary skills and equipment before heading to where the Eyries fly.”