Grading
Grading is always a matter of opinion and is based on a number of elements such as length of journey, general type of terrain, hardest feature of the route, ascent for the day, remoteness of route, ice cream van at the top etc. And then there is the weather, which on a winter trip can change the grade of a route very quickly.
An essential element of a trip is your own personal fitness and experience. It is always a good idea to have got out into the hills in the weeks leading up to a trip to get used to your new kit, shake out the cobwebs and just to free the mind.
If you have any questions or concerns then please contact NHG as we are pleased to assure you.
M –
Moderate
Walking
Low level walks on
graded trails and paths and easier gradient walks on more accessible
mountains.
Mountain biking
Trails on graded
routes with small climbs and little technical challenge.
I –
Intermediate
Walking
Higher level
walks with longer walk-ins, steeper gradient ascent and some exposure.
Mountain biking
Undulating trails
presenting some sections of rocks, drainage channels, fords, roots and descents
requiring technical skills. Intermediate trails may be 7 hours so a good level
of fitness is required.
C –
Challenging
Walking
Full day walks to
wild and/or high places. A good level of fitness is required and there may be a
good chance of exposed step gullies.
Mountain biking
We can come across
anything and need to be prepared to hike for short distances. Rocky descents
and rock strewn single trails, gaps, major fords, steep ascents, small drop
offs and some exposure.
WE –
Wilderness Essence
Our Wilderness Essence trips are aimed at getting
us off the beaten track and to experience the very essence of wilderness
places. For this reason the WE grade tells us to be prepared for routes that
don’t necessarily follow well trodden/cycled trails. It’s going to
be rough, boggy, wet, dry and sublime. Over nights may well include bothy or
tented accommodation and as such we may require to carry additional kit.
requirements.