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Hillwalking grades

How I graded the hiking and rock-scrambling events I used to organise

When I organised hillwalking events they ranged from afternoon strolls on rolling hills in the Pentlands to multi-day backpacking in remote wildernesses and to rock-scrambling on the toughest mountains in Scotland. They were graded to help clients find days that suit their ability and fitness.

Hikes were categorised from level 1 to 5, with 1 being easy and 5 being suitable for very fit people capable of long hill-days.

The scrambling events were graded from 1 to 3 as defined by the SMC. More information on scrambling grades can be found on the Rock Scrambles definitions page.

Hill walking days

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Type	Easy approach on tracks or fine paths, pathed ascents and descents
Experience	Some country walking
Fitness	Moderate level of fitness
Typical event	Ascent: < 1,000m, distance: < 10km, time taken: < 5 hours eg Pentland walks, west Glenshee Munros

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Type	Approach on tracks or fine paths, pathed or grassy ascents and descents
Experience	Some country walking
Fitness	Decent level of fitness with moderate level of stamina
Typical event	Ascent: 1,300m, distance: 13km, time taken: 6 to 8 hours eg Ben Lomond, Ben Lawers and Beinn Ghlas, Glen Doll hills

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Type	Obvious approach, but not necessarily on paths. Some steep ascents or descents, may include occasional boulderfield or scree and some ridge-walking
Experience	Some hillwalking experience and exposure to 'Scottish weather'
Fitness	Good level of fitness and stamina
Typical event	Ascent: 1,400m, distance: 15km, time taken: 7-9 hours eg Glen Lyon Munros, Cairngorm and Ben Macdui, Strathfarrar and Maoile Lundaidh

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Type	Longish approach which may not be obvious. Several steep ascents or descents, some rough terrain (boulderfield, scree or deep heather). Perhaps occasional easy ungraded rock-scrambling.
Experience	Regular hillwalking to level 3 or more and exposure to 'Scottish weather'
Fitness	Good level of fitness and stamina. Must be able to cope with a long day on hills.
Typical event	Ascent: 1,600m, distance: 20km, time taken: 8-10 hours eg Grey Corries, Deepest Affric, Lawers Raid

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Type	Long approach which may not be obvious. Many steep ascents or descents, lots of rough terrain (boulderfield, scree or deep heather). Ridge walking above exposed drops. Perhaps occasional easy rock-scrambling (almost to Grade 1).
Experience	Regular hillwalking to level 3 or more and exposure to 'Scottish weather'
Fitness	High level of fitness and stamina. Must be able to cope with long days on hills.
Typical event	Ascent: 2,000m, distance: 25km, time taken: 9-12 hours eg Mullardoch Munros, Rough Bounds of Knoydart, Cairngorm 4000ers

Graded rock-scrambles

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Type	Use of hands occasionally for progress, holds will be large and the exposure not too daunting.
Experience	Several hill walking days and comfortable walking on ridges
Fitness	Good level of fitness
Typical event	Beinn Alligin, Carn Mor Dearg arête or Ledge Route on Ben Nevis, Ring o'Steall in the Mamores

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Type	Significant exposure and use of hands required more often.
Experience	At least 3 Grade 1 rock-scrambles and are comfortable moving along such terrain. Ideally you'll have been out with us before.
Fitness	Good level of fitness
Typical event	Aonach Eagach, Stac Pollaidh, Liathach (incl Am Fasarinen)

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Type	Some very exposed situations, with moves on steep rock where protection may be required. We treated Grade 3 scrambles as 'Moderate climbs' using ropes and relevant climbing gear.
Experience	Some Grade 2 rock-scrambles and be comfortable progressing on such terrain. Ideally, client would have been out with us before.
Fitness	Good level of fitness and stamina
Typical event	Sections on the Skye Munros events, Curved Ridge on Buachaillie Etive Mor, Tower Ridge on Ben Nevis