Walking Grades

The walking grades detailed below, are not official statements but have been created for guidance purposes to give site users an idea of what to expect on a walk detailed within this site. If you have feedback about this information please email us at walking@visitscotland.com

Moderate Walks
Walks under 5 miles, usually suitable for most abilities. Walks surface may be loose, uneven and muddy. Sensible footwear required.

Longer Walks
Walks over 5 miles, usually suitable for those with a good standard of fitness. Walks surface likely to be more challenging, loose, uneven and muddy. Stout waterproof footwear with ankle support required.

Hill & Mountain Walks
Walks of any length involving prolonged and usually strenuous climbing, requiring a high level of fitness and stamina. Walks surface may be challenging, loose, boggy, steep, rocky and muddy. Hill walking boots required. In winter, additional equipment and the ability to use them will be necessary. Climbing, hillwalking and mountaineering are activities with a danger of personal injury or death. Participants in these activities should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions and involvement. Please click here for further guidance on this type of walking.

Long Distance Routes
Walks of more than 25 miles, usually taking more than one day and requiring a high level of fitness and stamina. Usually on waymarked and mixed surface trails which will be more challenging, loose, boggy, steep, rocky and muddy. Hill walking boots required. Further information about long distance routes can be found here.

Walks for those with Mobility Difficulties
Scotland is undoubtedly well known for its hills and mountains but if you have mobility difficulties there are still many places where access opportunities exist. Some of these routes are detailed at here. These routes range from those which are specifically designed to routes that were originally built for other purposes, such as canal towpaths.