Scrambles in the Lake District

by Brian Evans

Published 3 January 1998
The first of a two-volume set of guides to scrambles in the Lake District. The original scrambling guides to the Lake District, continually reprinted for 20 years, now fully updated Merges 'Scrambles' and 'More Scrambles' into two definitive guides, for southern and northern routes. One of Britain's most popular early scrambling guides, by one of Britain's best-known climbers - and it is still going strong. The Lake Districtis rich mix of rocks, gills and crags offers the scrambler a complex variety of routes, often well removed from the beaten track. Scrambling - ascending rock that is not usually difficult or steep enough to warrant the term 'rock climbing' means you often hardly touch a path and rarely see other people at close quarters. This is a way of getting back to a wilder Lakeland and enjoying the freedom of rough mountain country. This guide covers Langdale, Coniston, Duddon, Eskdale, Longsleddale and Kentmere. It also includes 120 scramble routes graded 1 to 3s and advice on how to approach scrambling safely and with confidence.
It also features overview maps as well as sketch diagrams of the crags and routes and introductions to each area mentioned, indicating the type of rock and any recommendations. Information on the approach, character, grade and route of each scramble is also included. Ascending rock that is not usually difficult or steep enough to warrant the term 'rock climbing'. Many of the routes are in exciting places, often well removed from the beaten path. You can go into a popular area and, by combining several scrambles, hardly touch a path and rarely see other people at close quarters. This is a way of getting back to a wilder Lakeland; to enjoy the freedom of rough mountain country. A good long scramble with interesting route finding, uncluttered with the paraphernalia of modern rock climbing, gives a very satisfying way.