Scrambling tips: Planning
Here are a few tips for planning your next scrambling trip: they're not exhaustive, but some of the things I like to consider!
First you need to know your route. It sounds simple but looking up your route in a guidebook and online is really important. Ask friends who've been before about the difficulties and where the fun bits are. Try and figure out the hazards and what kit you may need: is it really exposed so you need a rope? Is there a lot of loose rock so you'll need a helmet? Finding the start can be the hardest part of the day so having looked on the map before you get to the hill could save you a lot of time! Having more information doesn't detract from the fun and adventure of the day, but it does take away a lot of the hassle. Look at the star rating on a route: a *** line is likely to give a more enjoyable day than a * line on the same hill. Sadly other people will see this too, so remember that a 'better' route is likely to be busier.
Think about your abilities: you may be an amazing boulderer, but that doesn't mean you have a head for the mountains or are any good at rope work. If you're not sure then tackle something easier first: you can always do a harder route another day. Are you fit enough? A long route like Helvellyn by both of the edges will be a lot less fun than a shorter route like Blencathra and Sharp Edge if you're knackered and out of shape. Some routes can be adapted, so look in guidebooks for variations and escape routes that might suit you better. Guidebooks are helpful because they tell you about the severity of a route. If you study them then you can get an idea what will be required of you: if you need a rope, but have no idea how to use one then leave that route for another day when you've gained the experience rather than risking it. Lastly remember the people in your group. Do the routes you've researched look like something they can do too?
What's the weather doing? The best source of info in Scotland is the Mountain Weather Information Service (MWIS). They also provide forecasts for the Lake District and Wales that are decent. These forecasts tell you a lot more than most weather apps and national forecasts. Armed with the right info you can make more sensible choices and refine your plans beyond "do I leave the B&B or not?" For example if it's breezy then a more sheltered route would be more comfortable. If the visibility is poor then you don't want to be on a high remote crag. The weather will help you choose the kit you need too.
Do you have the right clothing? Think about where you're going: in the UK waterproofs of some type are almost always sensible even if they're only light. We live on a damp island and it does rain when the forecast says it shan't. You can expect it to be a lot chillier at the top of a hill when you stop than the valley bottom so think about warm layers even in the height of summer. MWIS tells you the expected temperature at 900m and this is a good guide. Boots, socks and innersoles: not glamorous, but massively important! Any climber will tell you that your feet are the most important thing to focus on when tackling technical ground. They can only fulfil their potential wrapped in the right kit. Make sure your boots fit, especially around the toe, and are rugged and stiff enough for the job. Try a good independent store like Needle Sports rather than chains like Cotswold* if you want the best advice and don't make false economies!
Pack right! Packing the night before is really handy if you have the luxury of time. When you're not in a rush you're far less likely to forget something than when rummaging through the boot of your car at 10am. Think about weight and how much you really need: there's nothing worse than lugging a massive pack in searing summer heat on a still Lake District day! Consider your pack: what size do you need for the day? I rarely need more than 30-35L for the vast majority of the year (including winter climbing). For scrambling and climbing a 'cleaner' pack with less straps and pockets is going to snag and catch the rock way less. I have an Arc'teryx Alpha FL and love it for this kind of ground, but it really isn't the comfiest pack around at all. Think about how you pack your bag. It sounds silly, but put stuff you're not going to need to the bottom of your pack. Have your safety gear (like harnesses) and things you will want (e.g. snacks) easily accessed so you don't have to decamp your entire bag onto a ledge in a rush. Did you remember a map, compass, guidebook...? keep these where you can get to them.
Do you have the right equipment? This is an area that people stress about a lot. The big thing to remember that these decisions are very personal and should change with the route, conditions and who you're with. A few things to consider include: do I need a rope? If not then don't waste energy carrying one! Unless you're on a harder route or more exposed ground then it may be a distraction and a dead weight. If other people in your group are less confident then you'll need to consider one. Helmets are a contentious issue and could be an article in themselves. Think hard about one: it's not always going to help but can save your life at times too. Something to consider is whether you want an ultra light helmet thats is comfier and easier to carry or a warmer, but far more robust, hard shelled helmet? The latter is often a safer bet and survive a few more scrapes. If you're not sure how to use the equipment you need then go with a competent friend who does or, better still, go out with a guide or one of the mountain schools like Plas y Brenin. Did you remember a map, compass, guidebook...? keep these where you can get to them.
Remember the basics!!! You'll need enough food and water as well as a way to have them on the go. Rather than an expensive hydration system a top tip is to also have a smaller bottle you can carry in a pocket to sip on the go. Filling this when you stop helps you keep a track of your consumption better and is far cheaper. Have a source of energy in your pocket. Cereal bars and jelly sweets are my usuals. The bars give a more prolonged release of energy while a jelly baby gives kick when you need it. Did you remember a map, compass, guidebook...? You get the picture.
Have fun!! Planning the trip probably won't be the most fun part, but try to enjoy it and it can be very rewarding. If nothing else you get to look at pretty pictures!
*I'm sure that the people who work in these chains know their stuff, but they have a corporate line to follow more than an independent store. In my experience the staff know what they are taught (which is a lot), but are less likely to be true outdoor enthusiasts and be speaking from experience. I have had duff advice in their stores and not in Needle Sports. Sorry guys x