Walk Grades

Based on “The Ramblers” official grades scheme and modified to suit BRG walks

Easy (E)

Suitable for anyone unless they have a mobility difficulty, a specific health problem or are seriously unfit and could be accessible for pushchairs if they can be lifted over occasional obstructions. Comfortable shoes or trainers can be worn. Generally undertaken in fair weather.

Terrain: Mostly along easy paths with good surfaces, perhaps with a few gentle climbs and no lengthy and sustained ascents. Minimum of obstructions including stiles and no long or difficult flights of steps.

Pace/Length Slow. Up to 6 mile.

Leisurely (L)

Suitable for reasonably fit people with at least a little country walking experience. Walking boots/shoes and warm waterproof clothing are recommended to cover all seasons.

Terrain: May include some 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 but no lengthy and sustained ascents.

Pace/Length Slow or moderate pace; 5 to 8 miles. Can include otherwise easy walks taken at a moderate pace.

Ascent: Total ascent should not be greater than 150 M (490’) for the entire walk.

Moderate (M)

Suitable for people with country walking experience and a good level of fitness. Walking boots and warm waterproof clothing are essential to cover all seasons.

Terrain: As leisurely walks but with some sustained climbs and/or some walking on open hillsides or moorland on undefined paths and in all weather conditions.

Pace/Length Moderate or brisk pace; could include walks on leisurely terrain taken at a brisk pace; around 7 to 10 miles

Ascent: Total ascent should not be more than around 500M (1650’) over the entire walk.

Strenuous(S)

Suitable for experienced country walkers with an above average fitness level. Walking boots and warm waterproof clothing are essential to cover all seasons. People in doubt about their fitness level are advised to contact the walk leader in advance for advice.

Terrain: As for moderate but includes rough country and mountains. A few long or lots of short ascents and descents on rough paths and across open country.

Pace/Length Moderate or brisk pace; could include walks on moderate terrain taken at a brisk pace and with a distance likely to be over 10 miles.

Ascent: Total ascent likely to be over 500M (1650’) but unlimited.