Gradings for Walks and Scrambles

Walks

Grade 5 – will be a hard mountain route.  Terrain will be rocky underfoot.  This will include steep climbing up and down, sometimes on scree.  Could also include rocky ridges and some degree of exposure on ridges.   May also include some handwork.  Can also involve long distances, over 15 miles. 

Grade 4 – a mountain route with rock underfoot.  Will include ascent and descent not as severe as Grade 5.  Distance maybe over 12 miles.

Grade 3 – mostly moorland and wilderness walking with some ridges and rocks.  Will include reasonable ascent, descent more hilly than rocky.  Distances usually around 10 miles.

Grade 2 – lower level rambles, rivers, lakes, flatter areas of moorland and villages.  Shorter distances involved around 8 miles

Grade 1 – easy village and park walking.  Along canals and country lanes. 

Scrambles

Grade 1 – Mostly hand and foot scrambling, good rocky steps, some exposure on ridges and pinnacles.  No specialist gear needed except good boots with vibram or similar sole and a head for height.  Your guide will carry a ‘confidence rope’ if help is needed.  One guide works with up to 6 people.