Easy01
Straightforward walking
Generally clear or uncomplicated ground with modest technical difficulty and limited exposure. A route may still be long, wet or tiring.
FOR EXAMPLEKilcummin Bog Walk11.43 km · ↗ 239 m · high point 328 mSLÍ KERRY GRADING
Know what the grade means.
Each grade considers the whole walking day, not distance alone. It describes the route in reasonable, non-winter conditions and never replaces your own judgement.
THREE CLEAR LEVELS
A starting point for your plan.
Moderate02
Hillwalking experience helps
More sustained effort, rougher ground, less obvious navigation or some exposure and remoteness. Confident movement on open hills is useful.
FOR EXAMPLEGlanageenty Loop9.31 km · ↗ 449 m · high point 275 mHard03
For experienced hikers
Steep, loose, exposed or remote mountain terrain, sustained ascent, consequential navigation, or a combination of these factors.
FOR EXAMPLEDerrymore Glen Loop10.13 km · ↗ 837 m · high point 827 mHOW IT IS JUDGED
The most serious factor matters.
The grade is not an average. One significant feature can set the level for the whole route. A short exposed scramble may be Hard, while a longer walk on clear, low-level paths may remain Easy.
01EffortDistance, ascent, duration and how sustained the day is.
02TerrainSurface, steepness, roughness and technical movement.
03NavigationPath clarity, route complexity and the effect of poor visibility.
04ExposureDrops, remoteness, retreat options and the consequence of an error.
A grade is not a safety guarantee.
Wind, rain, cloud, heat, ice and water levels can make any route more serious. Check the route forecast, Met Éireann warnings, daylight and local access before setting out. Recorded time is not planning time.
CURRENT COLLECTION