Grading of walks

Please Note:

Grades are provided as a general guide only. Take into account the possibility of bad weather which can make a walk more demanding. In winter conditions walks may be much more difficult. Are you properly equipped & capable of dealing with these situations? If you have any doubt about your fitness or suitability for a particular walk please contact the Saturday or Sunday Outings Secretary in advance & seek their advice. On the day of a walk the leader may refuse to accept participants who in their opinion are inadequately equipped or appear unfit to cope with the planned walk.

A+ Very strenuous: arduous traverses involving steep ascents/descents over rugged terrain – for experienced, energetic hillwalkers who enjoy a long day out. Typically >1200 metres ascent + 20km or where a route involves severe exposure/some scrambling – this will be highlighted in the walk description.

A Strenuous:

fitness, stamina & experience required for ascents of 900-1200m + 10-20 km taken at a brisk pace. Steep ascents/descents over rough ground.

B+ Moderate to strenuous:

for regular walkers or newcomers who are used to sustained aerobic exercise. A steady pace will be required for ascents between 600-900m (expect some steep gradients) + 10-15km.

B Moderate:

usually on paths/tracks, 300-600m ascent (with possibly some steep sections) + 10-15km up to 20km on flatter walks. Expect to be walking for 5/6 hours. 

C+ Easy to moderate:

typically up to 300m ascent (gentle gradients) + 9-12km up to 15km on flatter walks. Suitable for anyone with average fitness/limited walking experience. 

C Easy:

a maximum of 12km with minimal ascent on paths/tracks/roads always at a comfortable pace.

Easy Pace:

this description may be added to some A, B+ or B walks. The intention is to give an opportunity to slower walkers to reach higher mountain & hill tops at a pace more suited to them. This does not alter the amount of ascent, distance covered or gradients likely to be experienced – be sure you can cope with these.