Grades!
These gradings are a guide for leaders and walkers to assess the difficulty of walking activities conducted by the Central West Bushwalking Club Inc.They reflect the guidelines provided by the Confederation of NSW Bushwalking Clubs Inc, modified to suit club practice within the CWBC.
Grading for other activities (e.g. Abseiling, Canyoning, XC skiing etc) may reflect familiarity with &/or specialist skills involved in those activities and should be discussed with the activity leader. (Note: All participants should discuss their fitness and experience level with the activity leader before deciding the suitability of attending an activity!) |
Grade 0 - (UNGRADED) Includes activities such as social functions, training days etc, or any club activity not involving outdoor work. Grade 1 - (VERY EASY) An activity for all, including those with reduced walking ability, to walk on well-defined and even tracks. Tracks are man made and may have a few steps and should not be steep. Suitable for beginners.
Grade 2 - (EASY) Easy walk in natural environments on well-defined tracks. Tracks will generally not be steep, but when tracks or terrain are steep, it will only be a short distance and plenty of time is allowed. Suitable for beginners.
Grade 3 - (MODERATE) More advanced walk with some hilly sections &/or rougher terrain. Opportunity to walk on distinct tracks or easy off-track walking with some steep sections. Suitable for fit beginners.
Grade 4 - (MEDIUM) Steeper, rougher terrain that may have longer off track sections or a longer distance track walk. Explore and discover relatively undisturbed natural environments. There may be short sections of scrambling involved. Not suitable for most beginners.
Grade 5 - (HARD) Off track or difficult terrain walking. Walks may require navigation skills along often-indistinct tracks or off track in remote locations. May include steep sections in a natural environment. There may be scrambling, creek walking & crossing or similar strenuous activity involved. Not suitable for beginners.
Grade 6 - (VERY HARD) Strenuous, off track walk or very long distance walking. Opportunity to explore remote &/or challenging natural areas. Terrain may be steep, uneven and no track and may be short & very difficult. There may be scrambling, creek walking & crossing or sustained activities requiring a high level of fitness. Not suitable for beginners.
(EXPLORATORY) An addendum to any graded club activity (e.g. Medium –Exploratory) indicating that the leader/participants have not undertaken this activity in the area before. Participants should be prepared for the possibility that the activity may be harder than the rated grading and be prepared accordingly.
Grade 2 - (EASY) Easy walk in natural environments on well-defined tracks. Tracks will generally not be steep, but when tracks or terrain are steep, it will only be a short distance and plenty of time is allowed. Suitable for beginners.
Grade 3 - (MODERATE) More advanced walk with some hilly sections &/or rougher terrain. Opportunity to walk on distinct tracks or easy off-track walking with some steep sections. Suitable for fit beginners.
Grade 4 - (MEDIUM) Steeper, rougher terrain that may have longer off track sections or a longer distance track walk. Explore and discover relatively undisturbed natural environments. There may be short sections of scrambling involved. Not suitable for most beginners.
Grade 5 - (HARD) Off track or difficult terrain walking. Walks may require navigation skills along often-indistinct tracks or off track in remote locations. May include steep sections in a natural environment. There may be scrambling, creek walking & crossing or similar strenuous activity involved. Not suitable for beginners.
Grade 6 - (VERY HARD) Strenuous, off track walk or very long distance walking. Opportunity to explore remote &/or challenging natural areas. Terrain may be steep, uneven and no track and may be short & very difficult. There may be scrambling, creek walking & crossing or sustained activities requiring a high level of fitness. Not suitable for beginners.
(EXPLORATORY) An addendum to any graded club activity (e.g. Medium –Exploratory) indicating that the leader/participants have not undertaken this activity in the area before. Participants should be prepared for the possibility that the activity may be harder than the rated grading and be prepared accordingly.
