All walks are graded from A (Very Easy) to E (Challenging), and may carry a (+) or (-) to give a further aid in grading relative difficulty. We try to take into account a combination of the distance walked, the toughness of the terrain, trail conditions, the altitude, the time required for completing the walk, elevation gain and loss, temperature and weather. These grades should be taken as a guideline only, and as with any grading system, are subjective. It is impossible to be absolutely precise about how hard a walk may be: the main benefit is to provide you with a way of comparing one walk with another. NOTE FOR SELF-GUIDED WALKERS: Also take into account, especially if you are not confident of your fitness for a given walk, that if you have already been walking for several days or the previous day's walk was tiring, a C grade walk might feel like a D. In other words, it may pay to take an easier option that day.

A - Very Easy No experience is necessary at this level. The walk can easily be accomplished by anyone who is in good health and fit enough to enjoy a good afternoon or morning walk in rolling terrain. They are short in duration and at lower altitudes. Elevation gain and loss are limited. SELF-GUIDED ONLY: simple map skills desirable.

B - Easy No experience is necessary at this level. The walk can easily be accomplished by anyone who is in good health and fit enough to enjoy a full day of walking in rolling terrain and at lower altitudes. Where elevation gain is involved, the walks are short in duration (3 - 4 hours). Where little elevation gain plays a role, they can be longer (5 - 7 hours). SELF-GUIDED ONLY: simple map and compass skills desirable.

C - Moderate Most weekend hill walkers are capable of undertaking hikes at this level. For those in good health and are almost certainly taking regular exercise. You must be fit enough to enjoy a full day of walking in mountainous terrain. A walk could be rated C as either a fairly easy medium-duration walk, or as a harder, shorter one. Some walking at higher elevation in more exposed conditions and rugged terrain. Previous mountain walking experience is desirable, but not essential if you are confident of your physical condition. SELF-GUIDED ONLY: competent compass and map skills advisable.

D - Strenuous For any walk at this level, fitness is most important, and you may have to improve yours before departure. For regular hill walkers, and those who are weekend hill walkers but take regular exercise. Walking days are usually between 6 - 8 hours. Much walking at higher elevation in more exposed conditions and rugged terrain. Previous mountain walking experience is required, with experience in walking on snow recommended. Use of crampons and ice axe are not required, although trekking poles can be very useful at this level. SELF-GUIDED ONLY: requires the ability to competently read a map and use a compass.

E - Challenging Proven mountain walking experience and stamina are required for walks at this level. Most walking at higher elevation in more exposed conditions and rugged terrain. You must have complete confidence in your physical condition and must be confident about your ability to handle sometimes narrow and steep paths, often over broken terrain, crossing of snow and scree, and walks lasting 7 - 9 hours. Use of crampons and ice axe are generally not required, although for early and late season attempts at these routes, carrying such equipment and the knowledge to use them would be advisable. Trekking poles can be very useful. SELF-GUIDED ONLY: requires the ability to competently read a map and use a compass.

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