Walk Gradings

If you are new to Ramblers or our group, you might ask "How easy is this walk on the walks programme I'm looking at?"

Our walks are graded for difficulty as follows:

• Easy Access - Routes for everyone, including people with conventional wheelchairs and pushchairs, using easy access paths.  Comfortable shoes or trainers can be worn. Assistance may be needed to push wheelchairs on some sections.
• Easy - Routes for anyone of a reasonable fitness level who does not have a mobility difficulty. Suitable for pushchairs if they can be lifted over occasional obstructions. Comfortable shoes or trainers can be worn. Paths are clearly identifiable on the ground.
• Leisurely - Routes for reasonably fit people. May include unsurfaced paths.  Walking shoes or boots and warm, waterproof clothing are recommended.  Paths can be identified on the ground or through following clear landmarks.
• Moderate - Routes for people with a good level of fitness and at least a little country walking experience. May include some steep paths and open country. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are recommended. Most paths are clearly defined but map reading skills are recommended.
• Strenuous - Routes for experienced walkers, with a high level of fitness.  May involve some pathless sections across wild valleys, rough country, open moorland or mountains tops. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are necessary. Paths may be unclear on the ground so map and compass skills are essential.
• Technical - Routes for very experienced walkers, with a high level of fitness and competence.  May involve some pathless sections across wild valleys, rough country, open moorland, or mountains tops. May also involve some scrambling or exposed sections. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are necessary. Paths may be unclear on the ground so good map and compass skills are essential.

Important additional advice

• Walk gradings are provided as a general guide only. If you have any doubt about your fitness for a particular walk please contact the organiser or leader in advance.
• Bear in mind the distance of the walk, regional differences in terrain and the possibility of bad weather, which can make a walk more difficult than planned.
• If you're unsure of your fitness level, try a short and easy walk first - it's much better to find a walk a little too slow and easy than to make yourself miserable and exhausted.
• Leaders may refuse to accept participants who in their opinion are inadequately equipped or unfit.

Final advice col 1

• Enjoy yourselves

Final advice col 2

• Get fit