Hiking Grades.
Essentially there are four levels of walks which are we use in this club. Graded A,B,C and D walks. We have used the international standard grades so that If you decide to walk with other clubs or go on a walking holiday with a travel company you will know in advance the standard of the walks. The lower grade hike is Grade D and the most difficult is a Grade A hike.
Each walk may also be denoted by '+' or 'long' e.g. 'A+' or 'A Long'.
The difference being: '+' means the walk grade will be at the upper limit of that grade. 'Long' means it will be the same type of terrain but extra time added.
Essentially there are four levels of walks which are we use in this club. Graded A,B,C and D walks. We have used the international standard grades so that If you decide to walk with other clubs or go on a walking holiday with a travel company you will know in advance the standard of the walks. The lower grade hike is Grade D and the most difficult is a Grade A hike.
Each walk may also be denoted by '+' or 'long' e.g. 'A+' or 'A Long'.
The difference being: '+' means the walk grade will be at the upper limit of that grade. 'Long' means it will be the same type of terrain but extra time added.
Walk Grade A:
Grade A is the most strenious hike that we partake in. A high level of fitness is required. On Track and Trail, open moorland, up to 7 hours, all mountain peaks, scrambling, few breaks, fastest pace. There may be more than one mountain summit on a grade A hike.
Grade A is the most strenious hike that we partake in. A high level of fitness is required. On Track and Trail, open moorland, up to 7 hours, all mountain peaks, scrambling, few breaks, fastest pace. There may be more than one mountain summit on a grade A hike.
Walk Grade B:
On Track and Trail, open moorland, up to 5.5 hours, all mountain peaks, including Irelands highest summit of Carrauntoohill. There may at times be some scrambling but this will only form a small part of the hike, if an. Grade B has less frequent breaks and the pace is quick.
On Track and Trail, open moorland, up to 5.5 hours, all mountain peaks, including Irelands highest summit of Carrauntoohill. There may at times be some scrambling but this will only form a small part of the hike, if an. Grade B has less frequent breaks and the pace is quick.
Walk Grade C:
On Track and trail, open moorland, up to 4.5 hours, height gain not more than 800m, mountain summits, little scrambling. Regular breaks. Easy to quick
pace but remaining moderate in pace overall.
On Track and trail, open moorland, up to 4.5 hours, height gain not more than 800m, mountain summits, little scrambling. Regular breaks. Easy to quick
pace but remaining moderate in pace overall.
Walk grade D and Introduction Hike:
Used for new members first walk and walkers comfortable with this grade.
On terrain with a height gain not more than 400m, duration up to 4.5 hours, on track and trail, open moorland, with frequent breaks. Moderate pace. Moderate level of fitness required.
Used for new members first walk and walkers comfortable with this grade.
On terrain with a height gain not more than 400m, duration up to 4.5 hours, on track and trail, open moorland, with frequent breaks. Moderate pace. Moderate level of fitness required.
We also have one extra graded walk which is used for the purpose of introductory/guest walks for new members. This will always be called 'Guest' walk and will be the least strenuous grade. Guest walks are on regularly.
As always the pace is gauged from the slowest walker in the group. 'A' grade walkers on 'B' walks will slow to B pace and B to C pace etc.
As always the pace is gauged from the slowest walker in the group. 'A' grade walkers on 'B' walks will slow to B pace and B to C pace etc.