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Walking Grades

Our Easy Reference Guide

Our walks come in a variety of different grades, below you can find what each level of grading means and choose the level to suit your ability best.

The walks are graded to ensure that all walkers are aware of the level of difficulty, distance, ascent and obstacles they may encounter at any point along the route.

Below are some helpful comparisons which cover; Daily Distance, Pace, Hours Walking per Day, Barriers, Gradient, Terrain and Navigation.

Easy

This level of walk is ideal for people with little or no experience of walking holidays.
It has a relaxing pace and may be possible for people with some mobility issues
Short distance, up to 4 miles daily
Slow pace, 1.25 – 2 miles per hour
Walking up to 4 hours daily
No barriers, steps or stiles
Mainly Low Level – less than 100m ascent
Easy Terrain – tarmac, well trodden paths
Easy to Navigate and well signed

Comfortable

Perfect for those with a reasonable level of fitness and mobility, can be somewhat challenging depending on fitness level, but not overly demanding.
Reasonable distance, up to 8 miles daily
Steady pace, 2 miles per hour
Walking up to 6 hours daily
Minor barriers, steps or stiles
Gentle ascents and descents – up to 500m
Varied terrain – Including sand and uneven ground
Easy to Navigate – may need to refer to notes or maps

Moderate

Our Moderate walks are not necessarily any longer than the Comfortable walks, however the terrain may be more rugged and the ascents steeper.
Reasonable distance, up to 10 miles daily
Steady pace, 2-3 miles per hour
Walking up to 6 hours daily
Likely barriers, steps and stiles with boggy areas
Moderate to steep – up to 800m ascent per day
Varied Terrain – rocky, muddy and slippy
Varied terrain – recognised routes and unmarked public paths

Demanding

Demanding walks will require a good level of all-round fitness, distances between rest points may be longer and you may be required to carry more provisions.  Ascents and descents are likely to be quite steep and walking sticks are adviseable.
Long distance, up to 14 miles daily
Slow pace, 2-3 miles per hour
Walking up to 8 hours daily
Likely barriers, steps or stiles with boggy areas
Moderate to steep – up to 1000m ascent per day
Rugged terrain – varied footing
Unsigned routes, use of OS mapping and route notes

Strenuous

Strenuous walks are only for extremely fit walkers, experienced with longer distances, often over several days.
Long distance, up to 18 miles daily
Slow pace, 2-3 miles per hour
Walking up to 10 hours daily
Likely barriers, steps or stiles including water
Full Day Climbing – 1000m ascent per day
Rugged terrain, mountainous regions
Navigation skills required.

Extreme

It is unlikely that we will be offering any extreme walks, however these walks can be compared to Ironman challenges and should not be attempted by anyone other than experienced climbers/mountaineers.
Extra long distances, 20+ miles daily
Slow pace, 3+ miles per hour
Walking up to 10+ hours daily
Likely barriers, steps or stiles including water
Full Day Climbing – 1000m ascent per day
Rugged terrain, mountainous regions
Excellent navigation skills required

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