Our walk gradings
Just how far are we going, how much climbing, what sort of terrain? For some time we’ve been aware that we’re not always giving as much info as members might like or need about the nature of our planned walks. As a result we’re adopting a modification of Ramblers Holidays grading. This tells you about how long and tough walks are, and what kind of footwear and other equipment we expect you to bring along.
For all our walks, except local walks of short duration in good weather, participants should always have adequate waterproofs and warm layers, as well as adequate food and drink.
Grade E: Easy
For people who wish to enjoy the hills and mountains but without too much strenuous activity and at a slow pace. Expect three to five hours walking per day. Opportunities for relaxing or sight-seeing.
We recommend walking boots with good ankle support, moulded soles and waterproof, breathable uppers.
Grade D: Easy to Moderate
Reasonably energetic walking on hills, rather than mountains, but not too strenuous although some paths may be rough. The average daily walking less than five hours.
We recommend walking boots with good ankle support, moulded soles and waterproof, breathable uppers.
Grade D+: Moderate
Energetic days among hills and easy mountain walking. Daily walking time about six hours.
Walking boots with good ankle support, moulded soles and waterproof, breathable uppers are essential.
Grade C: Moderate to Hard
Daily walking time about six hours.
Walking boots with good ankle support, moulded soles and waterproof, breathable uppers are essential and mandatory for safety and insurance reasons.
Grade C+: Hard
Strenuous, exciting and challenging, with up to seven hours walking and occasional scrambling.
Walking boots with good ankle support, moulded soles and waterproof, breathable uppers are essential and mandatory for safety and insurance reasons.
Grade B: Hard to Severe
Hard walking and scrambling, up to an average of eight hours daily. High altitudes are likely to be reached.
Walking boots with good ankle support, moulded soles and waterproof, breathable uppers are essential and mandatory for safety and insurance reasons, as is previous experience of hard mountain walking. A good head for heights is also necessary.
For all our walks, except local walks of short duration in good weather, participants should always have adequate waterproofs and warm layers, as well as adequate food and drink.
Grade E: Easy
For people who wish to enjoy the hills and mountains but without too much strenuous activity and at a slow pace. Expect three to five hours walking per day. Opportunities for relaxing or sight-seeing.
We recommend walking boots with good ankle support, moulded soles and waterproof, breathable uppers.
Grade D: Easy to Moderate
Reasonably energetic walking on hills, rather than mountains, but not too strenuous although some paths may be rough. The average daily walking less than five hours.
We recommend walking boots with good ankle support, moulded soles and waterproof, breathable uppers.
Grade D+: Moderate
Energetic days among hills and easy mountain walking. Daily walking time about six hours.
Walking boots with good ankle support, moulded soles and waterproof, breathable uppers are essential.
Grade C: Moderate to Hard
Daily walking time about six hours.
Walking boots with good ankle support, moulded soles and waterproof, breathable uppers are essential and mandatory for safety and insurance reasons.
Grade C+: Hard
Strenuous, exciting and challenging, with up to seven hours walking and occasional scrambling.
Walking boots with good ankle support, moulded soles and waterproof, breathable uppers are essential and mandatory for safety and insurance reasons.
Grade B: Hard to Severe
Hard walking and scrambling, up to an average of eight hours daily. High altitudes are likely to be reached.
Walking boots with good ankle support, moulded soles and waterproof, breathable uppers are essential and mandatory for safety and insurance reasons, as is previous experience of hard mountain walking. A good head for heights is also necessary.
