Hello fellow Ramblers,

It’s exciting news time! We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our brand new “Sunday Scrambles” series! These specially curated walks are designed for those looking to add a touch of adventure to their weekend outings.

Our “Sunday Scrambles” will feature Grade 1 and Grade 2 scrambles, perfect for anyone seeking a bit of a challenge without being too strenuous. Each walk will primarily be under 7 miles, making them accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of walkers. These events will be held on Sundays throughout the summer months.

Keep an eye on the East Cheshire Ramblers website and our social media channels for updates and details on the upcoming “SundayScrambles.” Details about the Scrambles will appear under SHORT WALKS. So do check our Notice Board and Programme carefully.

We hope this new initiative will bring some fresh excitement to our walking program and attract even more people to our wonderful group.

We can’t wait to see you out on the trails, scrambling and enjoying the beautiful scenery!

Not sure if it’s for you? Here is a brief outline of scrambling and what you might expect on our days out. If you are still unsure or have any questions please get in touch with the scrambling leaders and they will be mor than happy to have a chat and help you make that decision to get out and give it a try!

What Exactly IS Scrambling? Unleash Your Inner Mountain Goat!

Ever looked at a rocky hillside and thought, “I wonder if I could climb that… without ropes?” Well, you might have been contemplating a scramble!

Scrambling sits in that exciting spot between hiking and rock climbing. It’s essentially un-roped climbing over steep and uneven terrain, where you’ll likely need to use your hands as well as your feet for upward progress. Think of it as a more adventurous hike, a step up in challenge and thrill from your typical walk.

Imagine this: You’re making your way up a mountain. The path disappears, replaced by a jumble of boulders and rocky slabs. To continue, you might need to:

• Use your hands for balance and support: Gripping onto rocks, pulling yourself up short steps.
• Carefully choose your footing: Navigating uneven surfaces, finding secure holds for your boots.
• Engage your whole body: It’s more than just legwork; you’ll be using your core and upper body too.

Why is Scrambling So Appealing?

There’s a unique allure to scrambling that draws people in:

• A Taste of Adventure: It injects a dose of excitement and challenge into your outdoor excursions.
• Closer Connection with the Landscape: You’re intimately involved with the rock, feeling its texture and contours beneath your hands and feet.
• Stunning Perspectives: Scrambles often lead to incredible viewpoints that you wouldn’t reach on a standard hike.
• A Sense of Accomplishment: Reaching the top of a scramble feels incredibly rewarding!

Is Scrambling Right for You?

While it’s not as technical as roped climbing, scrambling does require a certain level of fitness, agility, and confidence on exposed terrain. It’s important to have good balance and a head for heights. But most importantly take your time! This isn’t a race!

Different Grades of Scrambles:

Just like hiking trails have difficulty ratings, scrambles can also be graded. A Grade 1 scramble might involve occasional use of hands for balance, while a Grade 3 or higher could involve more sustained steep sections and greater exposure. We will generally be looking at Grade 1 initially and perhaps some easier of the grade 2 routes.

Scrambling offers a fantastic way to experience the hills in a more engaging and adventurous way.It’s about finding that flow between movement and the rock, pushing your boundaries (safely!), and enjoying the incredible views you earn along the way. So, are you ready to unleash your inner mountain goat?