Hike Gradings

BEGINNERS

Great hikes for everyone as previous hiking experience is not necessary but you will need to be in general good health and reasonable fitness being able to walk the distance specified on the event. These hikes are low level with generally straightforward conditions underfoot. Undemanding terrain, low altitude and generally good well maintained paths which are easy to walk (can be muddy). Occasionally you may encounter a short steep uphill or downhill but this will depend on location.

INTERMEDIATE

Good health and fitness are required for these hikes. The paths are generally good but there can be some rocky terrain and you may be required to walk off the path and sometimes steeper gradients in places. There will be more ascents and descents than the beginners level. Altitude will be moderate with no extremes. Hiking footwear is advisable for this level. Some experience of hiking is advisable.

CHALLENGING

These hikes are great if you are fit and want to challenge yourself a bit more. Previous hiking experience is strongly recommended, but not essential if you are confident in your physical condition and are above average fitness. Some difficult terrain i.e. stones and rocky paths may be experienced which you could encounter for longer periods. Assents and descents are generally more demanding and higher altitudes can be reached (usually no more than 600m high). Being longer and tougher these hikes are also usually done at a brisker pace. The routes are still generally well marked but the distance is longer and conditions tougher. Sturdy footwear essential and ideally a good pair of hiking socks too.

MOUNTAIN

Very good fitness and stamina levels will be required to comfortably tackle longer and harder days with climbs on mountainside. Sustained ascents and descents (often steep) should be anticipated. Ideally participants will have previous experience in mountain hiking. High altitudes are often reached on these walks (up to 1200m) and occasionally you may be required to do light scrambling on a ridge. There are sometimes no designated tracks or footpaths and terrain can be rocky so suitable hiking footwear is required, further details of which will be listed on the specific walk information. Hiking boots with ankle support are strongly advisable. Please be aware that walking a couple of miles on a mountain will feel a lot further than walking on flat ground so you need to take this into consideration when evaluating your fitness ability.

TECHNICAL

You must be an experienced trekker to take part with additional technical skills and good stamina and endurance. The walks will often include mixed, uneven terrain with ridges and scrambling likely. The terrain can include snow, ice or rock. Higher altitudes (above 800m) can be reached often for extended times with demanding ascents and descents (sometimes over loose ground).