Walk Grades
We try to grade our walks based on the terrain, distance and challenge that each walk presents. As the landscapes we visit are quite varied there is some discretion and variability when we grade a walk. Each route will be graded out of 10, with 1 being easy and 10 being the most difficult. We hope to provide a range of difficulties to suit all of our members.
Very Easy
1/10
This is a short and flat route. The terrain will be easy and accessible to all. Likely on well-established footpaths or in an urban environment, the route will be achievable in trainers. There may be a café or toilet facilities along the route. Less than 4 hours in total at a gentle pace.
2/10
This route will likely be on well-established footpaths and in (or close to) an urban area. The route should be achievable in trainers. There may be a café or toilet facilities along the route. Overall, around 4-5 hours walking at a gentle pace.
Easy
3/10
The route will take us away from urban areas, along unsurfaced rural paths. There will be a few short hilly sections, but the walk should be accessible to most levels of fitness. We recommend trail shoes or walking boots. 4-5 hours walking time at a leisurely, but not slow pace.
4/10
The vast majority of the walk will be away from urban areas, over rolling hills. The paths may be uneven and the route will be longer - up to 6 hours of walking time at a conversational pace. Trail shoes or walking boots are suitable for this route.
Moderate
5/10
This hike may have some sustained uphill efforts. Though we may make use of well-established paths, there will be some sections over rough ground. The route will take a faster pace than leisurely walks. Walking boots are recommended for this walk. A walking day can stretch from 5-7 hours.
6/10
Expect more strenuous sections on this walk, as we will take in some steeper or prolonged uphill sections. The route will be over rough terrain or narrow trails. Walking boots are recommended for this walk. A walking day can stretch from 5-7 hours.
Challenging
7/10
The route will be more physically demanding, either in distance or ascent. The route will mostly follow established paths, but we are likely to reach a peak or summit, well away from urban areas. Walking boots are strongly recommended. A walking day can stretch from 6-8 hours.
8/10
This route will be physically demanding in distance, with multiple prolonged uphill sections. The terrain will be rough and uneven, likely rocky and steep in parts. Walking boots are strongly recommended. A walking day can stretch from 6-8 hours.
Tough
9/10
This route will be in a remote area, and have long ascents and challenging terrain. You will need a good level of fitness, and to be confident in your foot placement in rocky ground. There may be sections that do not have a clear or established path. Sturdy walking boots are essential. At this level we recommend previous experience of the activity involved. Walking time will approach and occasionally exceed 9 hours.
10/10
With some of the most challenging terrain in the UK, at this level we stipulate previous experience of the activity involved. Be prepared for mountainous conditions, including steep and rocky ground, or scree. The route is likely to be 15 miles or more, with demanding uphill sections. The route will likely deviate from established paths, and is only recommended for very confident walkers as the narrow trail may be close to exposed edges or cliffs. Sturdy walking boots are essential. May also include some altitude approaching and exceeding 3000-4000 metres overseas. Walking time will approach and often exceed 9 hours.