Walk Grades

Walks are graded by the walk leader and reflect the distance, amount of ascent and the type of terrain. The pace of the walk set by the walk leader will always take into account the slowest person(s) in the group. These grade details are guidelines only; for full details of a walk, members should read the walk description.

 

Grade 1

Typically a hill or mountain walk involving ascent and descent of more than 750 metres (2500ft). On high mountain paths and over difficult terrain.

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Grade 2

Typically a hill or mountain walk  involving ascent and descent of more than 450 metres (1500ft). And a maximum ascent/ descent of less than 750 metres. 

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Grade 3

Typically a hill walk involving ascent and descent of more than 150 metres (500ft). And a maximum ascent/ descent less than 450 metres (1500ft). Likely to be on good paths.

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Grade 4 

Typically a walk involving a maximum ascent and descent of less than 150 metres (500ft). A typical walk might be through woodland trails or open countryside or along a lake or riverside with only short ascents and descents.

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Grade 5

 Typically a flat walk on good surfaces such as urban trails, parks or paved pathways. 

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Some walks may have an awkward section of extra difficulty. This is indicated by adding a suffix to the grade number:-

       S    Steep part but no scrambling.

     SC    Occasional use of hands.

   SCR    Contains a severe scramble.

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