Scrambling – Where to Start and How to Progress
By Carmen Morris
Scrambling is one of the most fun ways of getting up a mountain. I’ll be honest – I don’t really enjoy just walking up a mountain. Why walk when it’s so much more fun to climb?
Think back to how much fun you had as a kid on a jungle gym. A friend once described scrambling this way, and I loved the image. Now imagine doing that as an adult, only on a giant playground made of rock. That’s scrambling!
Here in Cape Town, we’re spoilt for choice. There are countless routes, from easy beginner scrambles to very technical climbs. But before you jump in, it’s important to understand how difficulty is measured. That way, you’ll know where to start and how to progress safely.
ComeHike Grading System
Our system has two parts:
Numbers (1–4):
How physically tough the hike is.
• 4 = Only for the very fit
Letters (A–D):
How much exposure there is to heights and how much scrambling is involved.
• D = Very exposed. Excellent scrambling competency needed.
We also use a “+” modifier (e.g. 3B+) to show when a route sits between two grades. For example, something may not quite be a C but definitely more challenging than a B.
The important thing is to look at both the number and the letter. A hike could be physically easy with one tricky scramble, or very strenuous with almost no exposure or scrambling.
How this compares to other systems
Lots of clubs and websites use their own grading. Mountain Meanders (MM) grades routes from 1–5 based purely on technical scrambling:
• 5 = Rock climb
We recommend you first look at our ComeHike (CH) system for reference and then cross-check with MM if you’d like a second opinion.
Here’s a rough comparison (remember, grading is always subjective!):
| ComeHike System | MM Grade |
| 1A–2A |
1 |
| 2B |
2 |
| 2B+ / 3C |
3 |
| 3C+ / 4D |
4 |
| 4D+ |
5 |
Where to start
We often get enquiries from people who are keen to try scrambling but aren’t sure if they’re ready. My advice:
• Start with Level 2B+ and 3C hikes – they’re a good introduction.
• Progress to 3C+, then 4D, and finally 4D+ (which borders on proper rock climbing).
• Using the MM system, begin with level 3 routes, then gradually move into the routes graded 3–4, then level 4 and finally level 5.
Suggested scrambling progression
Below is a progression path of popular Table Mountain routes, with their grades in both systems and some extra notes. I’ve arranged the 4D hikes in the order I feel they progress from slightly easier to slightly more difficult, even though they all fall under the same grade. The comments help to highlight the subtle differences.
| Route | MM Grade |
CH Grade | Comments |
| Little Lion’s Head | 3 | 2B+ |
Basic scrambling near the top, with an optional trickier finish. |
| Oppelskop Ridge | 3 | 2B+ | Minimal exposure: a gentler step up compared to Mowbray Ridge. |
| Left Face B | 3 | 3C+ | A slight step up with one technical move that makes it feel different to Oppelskop Ridge. |
| Mowbray Ridge & Minor Peak |
3 | 3C+ /4D | Rated as either a 3 or a 4, depending on the leader. The technical scrambling isn’t hard, but the exposure (especially on the Knife Edge) makes the difference. Some find it manageable; others find it overwhelming. A good example of how subjective grading can be. |
| Woody Buttress |
3-4 | 4D | Many variations exist; some easier, some harder. We generally do the harder one, which puts it at 4D. |
| Spilhaus Buttress |
4 | 4D | A touch more exposed, but overall, on the same level as Woody if you do the harder variation there. Placed here to show a slight step up. |
| Nursery Buttress |
4 | 4D | A solid step up from Spilhaus. Still the same grade, but more sustained and physically demanding. |
| Spring Buttress |
4 | 4D | Slightly more challenging than Nursery. Some variations require skilful manoeuvres to top out a pitch, though easier options also exist. |
| Els Buttress |
4 | 4D | On par with the harder variations of Spring, but with extra challenges. Expect protruding rock outcrops, awkward mantle moves, and body-wedging manoeuvres to top out pitches. These make it feel like a small step up in difficulty. |
| Hout Bay Corner |
5 | 4D+ | Demands more commitment and is solidly advanced. |
| Kloof Corner Ridge |
5 | 4D+ | Another advanced route with steep exposure, suitable for those with solid scrambling experience. |
A note on scrambling courses
There aren’t really formal “scrambling courses” in Cape Town (at least, not that I know of). The best way to learn is to join hikes with experienced leaders and gradually build your skills and confidence.
Final thoughts
Scrambling is one of the best ways to experience the mountains – it’s playful, challenging, and incredibly rewarding. Just remember:
• Grading systems are guides, not absolutes.
• What feels easy for one person may feel tough for another.
• Start small, build your confidence, and over time you’ll find your comfort level.
Routes that once felt intimidating will become stepping stones to bigger adventures.
