The grades
How I grade a trail
Every trip report gets one of three grades. They are rough and personal, and bad weather can move any trail up a grade.
Easy
Under 12 km and under 400 m of climbing
Clear, well-made paths and gentle gradients. A good first walk somewhere new, or a slow morning with a flask.
Moderate
Up to about 15 km, or 300 to 900 m of climbing
Some rough, steep or boggy ground and a few hours on your feet. Proper boots and a bit of fitness help.
Hard
Long days, or more than 900 m of climbing
Sustained climbing, loose ground or exposed sections. Start early, carry plenty and know when to turn back.
The pack
What is always in my bag
Even on the short walks. Most of it never gets used, which is exactly how it should be.
Water, and a way to treat more
Two litres on a long day, plus a filter for refills from streams.
A warm layer and a waterproof
Whatever the forecast says. Mountains make their own weather.
A paper map and offline maps
Phones run out of battery. Paper does not.
A headlamp
Even on a day hike. Walks always take longer than planned.
A small first aid kit
Blister plasters first, everything else second.
More food than I need
Something salty, something sweet and one emergency bar.
Ground rules
Leave it as you found it
Pack out everything you carry in, stay on the path and leave the cairn building to the people who look after the trails. A new pile of stones in the wrong place can lead the next walker astray.
Check before you go
Everything here was true on the day I walked it. Trails close, bridges wash out and parking rules change, so check local advice and the forecast before you set off.