Hay Walking Festival & Walking Grades

Looking forward somewhat and fast forwarding a month or so, it's not long until the Hay Walking Festival kicks off! Taking place between the 11th and 15th of October, Hay offers a fantastic location to explore scintillating scenery and take in walks of all grades. With the Brecon Beacons and the Black Mountains on it's doorstep, the Hay Walking Festival is an event not to be missed out on. Hovering over the subject of 'walking grades', we thought we'd have a closer look at how the grades are broken down, so if you see a walk you fancy getting yourself on to, you won't be in for any nasty out of breath surprises.

There's essentially 5 main grades of walking difficulty, which can be broken down as;

Grade 1 - Easy access walks for everyone, including people with wheelchairs and pushchairs, though there may be some sections where assistance is needed for pushing, obviously if this is the case try to enquire before booking yourself on to the walk. Comfortable shoes and trainers can be worn.

Grade 2 - Easy walks for anyone who does not have mobility difficulty or specific health problems. This grade is also still suitable for pushchairs, although their may be some sections where lifting over obstacles is needed. Again like Grade 1, comfortable shoes or trainers will suffice.

Grade 3 - Leisurely walks for reasonably fit people with some country walking experience. The terrain many include some unsurfaced rural paths. For this one walking boots and insulated/waterproof layers are recommended.

Grade 4 - Moderate walks for people with decent country walking experience and a good level of fitness. This grade may include steeper inclines and open country routes at a brisk pace. Like Grade 3, a proper pair of walking boots as well as insulated and waterproof clothing is recommended.

Grade 5 - Strenuous walks for country walkers with plenty of experience and an above average level of overall fitness. This grade may include hills and rougher terrains and will be attacked at a brisker pace. Walking boots, insulated & waterproof clothing are essential. If your not 100% sure about the fitness needed for this particular grade it's always worth getting in contact with the group leader and enquiring before booking yourself on it.

Those are the main 5 grades, however you can chuck another more 'technical' grade on the end as a Grade 6. The technical grade encompasses walks for experienced and very fit walkers with additional technical skills. Grade 6 may require some scrambling, the use of ropes, ice axes and crampons, so climbing experience is recommended. For this grade it's well worth contacting the walk leader to find out exactly what the route may entail.

Obviously the grading system is just a guideline, but it provides a decent indications of the levels and equipment needed to get the most out of your walk, and at the end of the day that's what really matters! Even though not stated I think most people would highly recommend slinging a waterproof in your pack whatever the grade, because you sure as hell no if you don't pack one or forget to, the heaven's will most certainly open! If your investing in a new pair of walking boots as well, do take the time to wear them in before venturing out on longer walkers, otherwise sore feet and blister will ensue!