Walk Grades

Lothian and Borders Ramblers walks are graded – see descriptions below. These descriptions are a general guide as each walk’s grading on the day can depend on the time of year, weather, etc. If you are unsure what level to try, please contact the walk leader for more detail about the amount of ascent, descent, gradient, the terrain and pace before you decide if it is the walk for you.

D

Up to 4 miles/6.5 km at a slow pace on level ground

C

Up to 7 miles/11 km at a leisurely pace on good paths and tracks. Low hills and/or undulating ground

C+

Up to 7 miles/11 km at a leisurely pace with some ascent or over roughish ground

B

Up to 10 miles/16 km moderately demanding with hills generally on tracks or paths at a moderate pace

B+

Up to 12 miles/19 km similar to B but more strenuous with longer distances and more ascent. Munro and Corbett walks can be graded as B+ but will be paced at a slower speed than A walks.

A

Up to 15 miles/24 km steep ascents and descents often over very rough terrain at a demanding pace.

A+

Up to 15 miles/24 km or more, as above at a more demanding pace and frequently with exposure and requiring equipment such as ice axes and crampons.

Leaders have the right to decline bookings from people lacking suitable fitness, equipment, or on other safety grounds.
 
Group Walks and Events Manager Grades 
Walks on the Ramblers Group Walks and Events Manager are graded for difficulty as follows:
 
Easy Access - walks for everyone, including people with conventional wheelchairs and pushchairs, using easy access paths. Comfortable shoes or trainers can be worn. Assistance may be needed to push wheelchairs on some sections, please contact the group running the walk for details.  
 
Easy - walks for anyone who does not have a mobility difficulty, a specific health problem or is seriously unfit. Suitable for pushchairs if they can be lifted over occasional obstructions. Comfortable shoes or trainers can be worn.  
 
Leisurely - walks for reasonably fit people with at least a little country walking experience. May include unsurfaced rural paths. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are recommended. 
 
Moderate - walks for people with country walking experience and a good level of fitness. May include some steep paths and open country, and may be at a brisk pace. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are essential. 
 
Strenuous - walks for experienced country walkers with an above average fitness level. May include hills and rough country, and may be at a brisk pace. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are essential. People in doubt about their fitness should contact the organiser or leader in advance.+
 
Technical - walks for experienced and very fit walkers with additional technical skills. May require scrambling and use of ice axes and crampons. You must contact the organiser or leader in advance for further details. 

Please contact Walk Leaders to find out which Group Walk Grade is applicable to their walk.