Walk Terrain Icons
In order to provide some additional information about what to expect from each walk, I've created a set of icons that highlight key aspects of the terrain. They're designed as a quick reference, so you can get a sense of the challenges and ease of a route at a glance.
The icons reflect my own experience on each walk, so they're not definitive, but I hope you find them a useful guide when exploring the site.
Route Gradients
Gradient describes how steep the terrain is underfoot and how much effort is required to gain height. In the Lake District, almost every walk involves some uphill, but the steepness and length of the climbs can vary a lot.
Moderate gradients
Gentle to moderate slopes, typical of most mountain walks
Steeper gradients
Mostly moderate gradients, with some sections on the steeper side of normal
Sustained steep gradients
Long stretches of steep uphill, sometimes with short scrambling sections
Severe gradients
Very steep or vertical ground where hands are needed for scrambles
Path Visibility
Path visibility refers to how obvious the route is on the ground. While many fells have clear, well-worn trails, others can fade away into rough ground where good navigation skills are essential. Weather can also make a big difference to how visible a path is and in worse weather navigation is always trickier.
Clear paths
Well-defined trails that are easy to follow in most conditions
Partial path visibility
Some sections may be unclear, and poor weather could make navigation tricky
Low path visibility
Large parts of the route have faint or broken paths, with navigation difficult even in good conditions
No visible path
Significant stretches without a clear path, requiring careful navigation in all conditions
Exposure
Exposure refers to how close the route comes to steep drops and the seriousness of the consequences of a fall. Some people are more comfortable with exposure than others, but knowing what to expect helps you prepare mentally as well as physically.
Minimal exposure
Little to no sense of exposure throughout the walk
Moderate exposure
Some exposed sections, often avoidable with care
High exposure
Compulsory stretches of significant exposure that require a head for heights
Severe exposure
Very exposed ground with a high level of risk only suitable for experienced, confident walkers
A Note on These Ratings
These ratings are based on my own experience and are intended only as a guide. Terrain and conditions in the Lake District can change quickly, and everyone's confidence levels and abilities are different.
More information on how to best prepare can be found on the safety page and many freely available resources on the internet.
