Grading Walks for difficulty

Events

EASY ACCESS (EA)

Suitable for:

Everyone, including those in wheelchairs and pushchairs. Comfortable shoes or trainers can be worn.

Terrain:

Good wide paths with flat, smooth and relatively hard surfaces, absolute minimum of obstructions such as steps, all gates and barriers wheelchair-accessible (no stiles), minimal gradients except over extremely short distances, with possibly a few steeper slopes if assistance is available to push wheelchairs.

Pace:

Suitable for wheelchair users.

Facilities:

Meeting point has suitable car parking for people with wheelchairs, and/or accessible public transport and toilets. Walks above 2 miles must include an opportunity to leave the walk early.

EASY (E)

Suitable for:

Anyone unless they have a mobility difficulty, a specific health problem or are seriously unfit, and generally for pushchairs if they can be lifted over occasional obstructions. Comfortable shoes or trainers can be worn.

Terrain:

Mostly on easy paths with good surfaces. May have a few gentle climbs but no lengthy and sustained ascents. Minimal obstructions, including stiles, and no long or difficult flights of steps.

Facilities:

Walks above 2 miles must include an opportunity to leave the walk early.

Pace:

Slow.

Length:

No longer than 5 miles. Longer walks should be graded as leisurely.

LEISURELY (L)

Suitable for:

For reasonably fit people with at least a little country walking experience. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are recommended.

Terrain:

Includes unsurfaced country paths that may be narrow, uneven, muddy or overgrown, and obstructions such as stiles, narrow bridges, stepping-stones and steps. May be hilly, with a few ascents and descents. May also include walks that would otherwise be graded easy access or easy but are longer than 5 miles.

Pace:

Slow or moderate pace; could include otherwise Easy (E) walks taken at a moderate pace.

Length:

No longer than 9 miles, longer walks should be graded as moderate.

MODERATE (M)

Suitable for:

People with country walking experience and a good level of fitness. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are essential.

Terrain:

As leisurely walks, but with some sustained climbs and perhaps some moderate walking on open hillsides or moorland in the warmer months.

Pace:

Moderate pace; could include walks on leisurely terrain taken at a brisk pace.

Length:

No longer than 13 miles, longer walks should be graded as strenuous.

STRENUOUS (S)

Suitable for:

Experienced country walkers with above average fitness. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are essential. People in doubt are advised to contact the organiser or leader in advance.

Terrain:

Rough country and mountains, a few long or lots of short ascents and descents on rough paths and across open country.

Pace:

Moderate or brisk pace; could include walks on moderate terrain taken at a brisk pace.