Easy E

Suitable for everyone who is able bodied and healthy

Walks for anyone who does not have a mobility difficulty or a specific health problem or is seriously unfit. Comfortable shoes or trainers can be worn.

Leisurely L

Suitable for people with a reasonable level of fitness and a little walking experience

Walks for reasonably fit people with at least a little country walking experience and done at a leisurely pace. May include unsurfaced rural paths and some modest hills. Walking boots or shoes and warm, waterproof clothing are recommended.

Moderate M

Suitable for people with some walking experience and a good level of fitness

Walks for people with country walking experience and a good level of fitness. May include some steep paths, usually <600m, and open country, and may be at a brisk pace. Walking footwear, generally boots, and warm, waterproof clothing are essential.

Strenuous S

Usually greater than 600m of ascents.

Suitable for experienced very fit and properly-equipped walkers

Walks for experienced country walkers with an above average fitness level. May include hills, > 600m, and rough country, and may be at a brisk pace. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are essential.

Important.

Grades are provided as a general guide only: if you have any doubt about your fitness for a particular walk please contact the organiser or leader in advance. Leaders may refuse to accept participants who in their opinion are inadequately equipped or unfit.

You should also bear in mind the distance of the walk, differences in terrain and the possibility of bad weather which can make a walk more difficult than planned.

If you're unsure of your fitness level, try a short and easy walk first: it's much better to find a walk a little too slow and easy than to make yourself miserable and exhausted.