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How Our Walks Are Graded
How Our Walks Are Graded
Coastal Walking
Generally, the coast paths are well-maintained and well-walked but, as the paths follow the coastline in most areas, the path repeatedly ascends to cliff tops and then descends back down to the little coves and beaches in between. Think of a long roller-coaster of climbs and descents and you are on the right lines.
In general the difference in the grades reflects the number and the steepness of these climbs and descents - this is the main factor in how difficult your walk will be.
Inland Walking
Generally inland routes are not such a roller-coaster as the coastal ones, there are still climbs and descents but these tend to be less repetitive but longer and less steep than those on the coast.
All of our walks into four categories: Easy, Moderate, Strenuous and Severe
These are the 'official' categories set by organisations such as the South West Coast Path Association who maintain the main walking trails and they are described below in detail with some examples to help you understand them.
Of course any grading system will depend on the individual's fitness and experience, so what one experienced walker feels is 'moderate' grade may well feel more like 'strenuous' for someone new to walking holidays.
So all grades should be taken as a guide only and are intended to give you a reasonably good idea of how easy or difficult a walk is likely to be and how much effort is required. Once you have walked a section you will then have a fairly good idea how other parts of your route will compare.
Any reasonably fit walker should be able to manage any grade without a problem, but where a section of the route is graded as strenuous or severe then this is an indication that this section requires harder work and is likely to mean slower progress. Those who are less fit or regular walkers need to plan shorter walking days and distances if heading into strenuous and severe walking grades.
Bear in mind that these gradings are relative to the rest of the trail - So none of our walks are dangerous or technically difficult and none of them need specialist equipment. There is no climbing or mountaineering and 'severe' does not mean your life is in danger but it does mean you can expect a lot of ups and downs and effort!
Coastal Walking
Inland Walking
Generally, the coast paths are well-maintained and well-walked but, as the paths follow the coastline in most areas, the path repeatedly ascends to cliff tops and then descends back down to the little coves and beaches in between. Think of a long roller-coaster of climbs and descents and you are on the right lines.
In general the difference in the grades reflects the number and the steepness of these climbs and descents - this is the main factor in how difficult your walk will be.
Generally inland routes are not such a roller-coaster as the coastal ones, there are still climbs and descents but these tend to be less repetitive but longer and less steep than those on the coast.
This does not, however, mean that inland routes are always easier than coastal ones!
Grading for inland routes takes more account of the general level of difficulty, how exposed a moorland route may be for instance and the likely trail conditions underfoot.
Still unsure about what you can manage ? Three tips to help
1 Read the walk reviews – go to the web pages on our site for the walk you want to do. You will see lots of reviews and comments from other walkers who have been there before you. Read their comments on the efforts required and whether or not they felt it was much harder (or easier) than imagined.
2 Look at Pictures of the trail - run a search on google for the South West Coast Path and the area you are walking. Now Click on 'images' at the top of the search results and you will see pages of photos, from individuals, companies and organisations involved with that walking route. Sure some won't be helpful BUT keep scrolling down as a lot will be. This is a great way to scan lots of images of the trail quickly to get a feel for the terrain and path in that location and see examples of what its going to be like. You are then better informed to decide if you are going to find it hard or not compared to your usual walking.
For example, click here to see a search for the South West Coast Path - St Ives to Zennor a section in West Cornwall which often catches people out and is graded Severe.
3 Talk to a walking advisor - If you are still unsure about grades or what level you can manage then feel free to contact us to discuss it with a walking advisor who has walked the routes. We will ask you about your previous experience and can then talk to you about the routes you are considering to help you make the right decision.
Final Words... Be Cautious!
If there is one golden rule it's be cautious about what you can manage.
With years of experience in booking walking holidays on these routes for people from all over the world, we can be very clear here and say that as a general rule most people tend to over-estimate what they can do – particularly on the coast paths. Things like bad weather, welcoming pubs, interesting views and diversions to attractions or beaches all tend to slow you down on a walking holiday, making increasing the time and effort required.
If you arrive earlier than planned at your destination – well done - there is usually something to explore at at your overnight stop or just enjoy an early drink. Far better that than finding that every day you are being challenged far more than you wanted and are having to miss things by rushing or you feel exhausted every day.
Remember its a walking "holiday"!