Walk Grading

How easy is the Walk?

All the walks in our syllabus have now been graded for difficulty as follows:

Leisurely

Walks for reasonably fit people with at least a little country walking experience. They will include unsurfaced rural paths Some stiles may be encountered on the route. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are recommended.

Moderate

Walks for people with country walking experience and a good level of fitness. May include some steep paths and open country. A steady pace will be maintained. Several stiles may be encountered on the route. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are essential.

Strenuous

Walks for experienced country walkers with an above average fitness level. May include hills and rough country, and may be at a brisk pace. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are essential. People in doubt about their fitness are advised to contact the secretary in advance.

Please note:

The length of the walk does not affect the degree of difficulty. Members attempting the walk should judge their own ability to complete the walk by using three factors 1. The length of the walk. 2. The degree of difficulty and 3. Their own level of fitness.

All sporting and leisure activities have inherent hazards associated with them and rambling is no exception. In spite of the safety of members always being the paramount concern, accidents will occasionally occur. It is important, therefore, when entering into the activity, each member appreciates that they have a responsibility to identify the hazards associated with the activity and take all reasonable steps to eliminate or minimise the potential for an accident to arise.

How easy is this walk?

For the 2026 season all walks detailed in the syllabus will be graded using a new method. A good level of fitness and suitable footwear and clothing is for all the walks. The grading now incorporates the length of the walk and ascent, as well as other factors like terrain and number of stiles. See the website for full details.

GRADE 1 🥾
A straightforward walk on pavements or well maintained paths, through gates but without stiles.

GRADE 2 🥾🥾
A moderate walk across a range of terrains with some uneven paths and the possibility of one or two stiles and hills along the route.

GRADE 3 🥾 🥾 🥾
A more difficult walk, sections will be across good as well as poorly maintained paths or tracks, through rough fields or woods, frequent stiles and some hills will be encountered.

GRADE 4 🥾 🥾 🥾 🥾
A more challenging walk and will include some good as well as rough ground, along difficult paths and frequent stiles. The walk will include a greater degree of hill walking.

GRADE 5 🥾 🥾 🥾 🥾 🥾
A more strenuous walk, reflecting a larger distance or ascent climbed as well as incorporating all of the features as detailed in a grade 4 walk.

Heights
The total ascent encountered during the walk measured in feet, is indicated as follows.

0-500ft None, ⛰ 501-1000 ft ⛰ ⛰ 1001-1500ft ⛰ ⛰ ⛰ 1501+ft

How to calculate the walk grade

Mileage = 1 point per mile
Ascent = 1 point per 250 feet of climbing
Terrain
= 0 point - easy walking, well defined paths, fair terrain
= 1 point – easy walking some stiles
= 2 points – mixed ground, many stiles
= 3 points - fairly rough or boggy terrain, some stiles
= 4 points- sustained very rough terrain, many stiles

Add together the total number of points for the anticipated route to ensure that it falls within the permitted range:
Grade 1 = points 5-7 🥾 Grade 2= points 7-11 🥾 🥾 Grade 3= points 11-14 🥾 🥾 🥾
Grade 4 = points 14-18 🥾 🥾 🥾 🥾 Grade 5 points 18-23 🥾 🥾 🥾 🥾

Grade 1 Walks Leisurely Grade 2 Walks Moderate Grade 3 Walks More Challenging

Grade 4 Walks Strenuous Grade 5 Walks

Examples of the New Grading System

Walk	Miles	Points	Walk	Miles	Points	Walk	Miles	Points

Ascent			Ascent			Ascent
	Terrain			Terrain			Terrain
	Total			Total			Total
	Grade			Grade			Grade