RATINGS

The walk ratings are split into six areas. Taken as a whole these will give you a good idea of what to expect:

• Distance - The distance of the walk in miles.
• Ascent - The total ascent of the walk in metres.
• Time - The time taken to do the walk rounded up to the next whole hour (see below).
• Difficulty - How much effort is required to complete the walk (see below).
• Technicality - How technically difficult is the walk (see below).
• Enjoyability - How enjoyable is the walk taking into account the above factors and adding in things like views, weather, is there an inn at the end etc.

Time

Walk time is calculated from the distance covered and the ascent made. Time is rounded up to the next whole hour. The equation used is:

t = ⌈(m ÷ 3) + (a ÷ 300)⌉

Where t = time, m = total distance in miles and a = total ascent in metres.

Difficulty

Walk difficulty is calculated from the distance covered and the ascent made. The minimum difficulty is 1; there is no maximum. The equation used is:

d = ⌊(m × 0.3125) + (a × 0.005)⌉

Once calculated, walks are split into five categories: Easy, Moderate, Difficult, Severe and Extreme.

Technicality

1. No navigational skills required. Good paths. No scrambling.

2. Navigational skills not normally required other than in exceptional circumstances, such as thick cloud/fog. Good paths. No scrambling.

3. Basic navigational skills required. Good paths. No scrambling.

4. Basic navigational skills required. Short sections of poor/no paths. No scrambling.

5. Intermediate navigational skills required. Short sections of poor/no paths and/or some easy scrambling. May require ice-axe and crampons in winter conditions.

6. Intermediate navigational skills required. Short sections of poor/no paths and/or some scrambling to grade 1. May require ice-axe and crampons in winter conditions.

7. Intermediate navigational skills required. Longer sections of poor/no paths and/or some scrambling to grade 1. May require ice-axe and crampons in winter conditions.

8. Intermediate navigational skills required. Long sections of poor/no paths and/or extended scrambling to grade 1. May require ice-axe and crampons in winter conditions.

9. Experienced walkers only. Complex navigation and/or extended scrambling to grade 1. May require ice-axe and crampons in winter conditions.

10. Very experienced walkers only. Long sections of complex navigation. Possibility of extended scrambling to grade 1. May require ice-axe and crampons in winter conditions.

By 'navigational skills' I mean either a GPS device or map and compass and the ability to use them.

NB: The grades above are all based on the assumption the route can be completed in reasonable weather conditions. Under ice and/or snow any hill or wild country routes should be attempted only by walkers with an ice-axe, crampons and the necessary skills to use them. High winds may make some ridges and mountain areas dangerous. Thunder storms put walkers at risk, especially on high land.