Highland Guiding trips carry a two-part grade — a number that tells you how physically demanding a trip is, and a letter that tells you how technically difficult the terrain is. Read both parts together to judge whether a trip is right for you.
3
The number
Physical challenge
How hard your body will work — based on distance, ascent and duration.
- Higher number = more distance and ascent
- Requires more strength and stamina
B
The letter
Terrain difficulty
How technically demanding the ground underfoot is, regardless of distance.
- Higher letter = more difficult ground
- Requires better balance and stability
The two parts of the grade are independent — a 4B may be longer and higher than a 3C but have easier terrain. Read both carefully before deciding if a trip is right for you.
Physical Challenge
1
Low exertion.
- Minimal or no ascent on low gradients.
- Short distances taking up to 1 or 2 hours.
2
Moderate exertion.
- Some ascent/descent at moderate gradients and/or short steep sections.
- Moderate distances, taking several hours.
3
Some sustained effort required, otherwise moderate.
- Longer sections of ascent/descent, potentially including climbing lower hills,
- and/or hiking longer distances taking at least several hours.
4
Sustained exertion
- Long sections of ascent/descent including climbing peaks above 2500ft in elevation
- and/or long distances taking most of the day.
5
Sustained exertion over a long period
- As for Grade 4, but on the most challenging ascents, or multiple peaks in a day.
- and/or very long distances.
Technical Challenge
A
No technical challenges.
- Even terrain, no obstacles exceeding ankle height.
- Constructed trails, gravel tracks, pavements, boardwalks and sand beaches.
B
Uneven terrain for some sections.
- Obstacles may require stepping up/down to knee height.
- Rocky/muddy ground, requiring the use of walking poles.
- Mostly good trails, but may be indistinct or eroded in places.
C
Rough terrain.
- Longer/more frequent sections with obstacles requiring stepping up/down to knee height or above.
- Uneven ground including rocks, mud, grass tussocks.
- Rudimentary trails, often muddy/rocky or eroded.
D
Sustained difficult terrain.
- Multiple obstacles, some that may require the use of hands.
- Steeper slopes, rocky/muddy ground throughout the entire hike, requiring excellent balance, good footwork and the ability to choose your own route through difficulties.
- Walking off trail completely.
Reading your grade — the number and letter are independent, so read both carefully before deciding if a trip is right for you. A 3C would be more difficult than a 3B because the ground is more difficult. However, a 4B may be longer/higher than a 3C but have easier terrain. Neither part of the grade is more important than the other.
