In order that you don't end up on a walk that is beyond your skill set, or, indeed, arrive kitted out for a mighty adventure only to find the walk is of an easy level, all our walks are graded. In the Walk Diary, each walk listed has an icon indicating how easy, or hard, the walk will be. Look for the 'Smiley (or not so smiley!) Face' next to each listing.
EASY GRADE
Typical Distance: 6 to 10 kilometres (4 to 6 miles)
Typical Duration: 2 to 4 hours
Typical Terrain: Flat or gently undulating. Very well pathed.
Typical Ascent: None
Often along canals, riverbanks or in country parks, easy level walks are suitable for anyone who does not have a mobility difficulty or a specific health problem or is seriously unfit. Comfortable shoes or trainers can often be worn, but check the listing and watch the weather in case muddy conditions are indicated.
MODERATE GRADE
Typical Distance: 10 to 13 kilometres (6 to 8 miles)
Typical Duration: 3 to 5 hours
Typical Terrain: Possibly a little hilly. Paths may be less well defined.
Typical Ascent: Less than 200m (650ft)
Moderate walks are often in more rural or uncultivated areas and are suitable for reasonably fit people with at least a little country walking experience. May include unsurfaced rural paths. Walking boots or approach shoes, and warm, waterproof clothing, are recommended.
INTERMEDIATE GRADE
Typical Distance: 13 to 16 kilometres (8 to 10 miles)
Typical Duration: 4 to 6 hours
Typical Terrain: Elevated moorland and/or lower fells. Paths may be poor, boggy or non-existent.
Typical Ascent: Less than 500m (1650ft)
Intermediate walks often involve summiting one or more minor fells, and/or walking over uncultivated or remote areas with possible crossing of streams or boggy sections. This type of walk is suitable for people with more walking experience and a good level of fitness. Clothing and equipment suitable for the terrain and expected weather conditions are a must.
HARD GRADE
Typical Distance: >19 Kilometres (12 miles) on fells/moorland, >13 kilometres (8 miles) in mountains
Typical Duration: >6 hours
Typical Terrain: Elevated or mountainous areas of UK. Rocky or rough ground. Mixed paths, possibly requiring minor scrambling (use of hands). In winter, may be some snow traversable without crampons.
Typical Ascent: 500m (1650ft) to 1000m (3300ft)
Hard walks involve significant ascents, which can be long slogs or short but very sharp, with the aim of summiting one or more major fells or mountains. For this level of walk you will have excellent walking experience, possibly with some summer mountain walking experience, and a high level of fitness. Clothing and equipment suitable for the terrain and expected weather conditions are essential. You will be expected to carry a personal first aid kit, emergency bivi bag, a headtorch and spare hat, gloves and socks. You will be expected to be able to move with confidence over rock and on elevated paths.
SEVERE GRADE
Typical Distance: >19 kilometres (12 miles)
Typical Duration: >8 hours (May include camping/bivying overnight)
Typical Terrain: Mountainous areas of UK. Rocky or rough ground. Mixed paths, requiring some scrambling. In winter, may be snow covered with significant patches of ice.
Typical Ascent:
>1000m (3300ft)
Severe walks involve very significant ascents, often in remote areas and, in winter, likely to be hampered by snow and ice, with the aim of summiting one or more mountains. For this level of walk you will have extensive summer mountain walking experience, possibly with some winter mountain walking experience, and a very high level of fitness. Clothing and equipment suitable for the terrain and expected weather conditions, which you will have been expected to have checked, are essential. You will be able to read a map and will be confident matching features on the ground to that map, even in poor visibility/weather conditions. As well as a map, you will be expected to carry a compass, personal first aid kit, emergency food, emergency bivi bag, a headtorch and spare hat, gloves and socks, and, in winter conditions, suitable crampons. You will be expected to be able to move with confidence over rock and on elevated paths. In winter conditions you will be expected to be confident on snow and ice covered terrain.
** Please remember that grading is a rather subjective exercise and open to varied interpretation. If you are thinking of attending a walk and have any questions regarding the walk whatsoever please contact the Walk Leader and ask his or her advice. **