MIDE Guide Lines 1

MIDE Walk Grading System - Reformatting pending

MIDE is a system whereby Walk Leaders and Hikers can assess the technical and physical demands of routes and provide a common basis for hikers to assess both the Leaders and Walkers ability to safely attempt a route assessed by this system.

MIDE is a system designed to minimize the risk of accidents outdoors.

To assess any walk, these Guidelines should be used taking into account :

1. The grading must be done by a competent Assessor, who is an experienced hiker and who knows the route and both the current and possible changing conditions which may apply to that particular route.

2. Any grading will be subjective dependent upon the experience of the Assessor and their knowledge of the group of hikers.

All four factors (Effort, Terrain, Environment and Orientation/Navigation) are to be reported by Walk Leaders, but only Effort and Terrain Conditions will be used for the purposes of grading specifically for Field Club Walking Members.

Assessed properly, this basis should provide an accurate and consistent score/grade from walk to walk, which should give Walking Members the confidence to book on walks which will prove to be within their capabilities on walk day.

In case of doubt, Members should book on a lower grade initially and then move to higher grades as they become comfortable at each level, in line with their improved fitness. At all times they should consult with the Walk Leaders who will be able to give them advice according to their particular circumstances.

ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS (WALK LEADERS)

 RISK OF SPONTANEOUS ROCKFALLS NORMALLY UNLIKELY RISK OF SPONTANEOUS FALLS OF SNOW OR ICE VERY UNLIKELY RISK OF ROCKFALLS DUE TO OTHER WALKERS ON TRACK OCCASIONALLY POSSIBLE PLACES WHERE IT IS NECESSARY TO USE HANDS TO PROGRESS SAFELY OCCASIONALLY CROSSING OF FAST FLOWING WATER REQUIRED WITHOUT A BRIDGE NORMALLY NONE HIGH PROBABILITY OVERNIGHT TEMPERATURES WILL REACH 0C ONLY TORRECILLA HIGH PROBABILITY OVERNIGHT TEMPERATURES WILL REACH -5C WITH  HUMIDITY 90%+ ONLY TORRECILLA HIGH PROBABILITY OVERNIGHT TEMPERATURES WILL REACH -10C ONLY TORRECILLA NEAREST HABITATION, PHONE OR ROAD IS MORE THAN 1 HOURS WALK = 3KM MOST WALKS NEAREST HABITATION, PHONE OR ROAD IS MORE THAN 3 HOURS WALK = 9KM ALMOST NONE DAYLIGHT HOURS BETWEEN COMPLETION AND SUNSET LESS THAN 3 HOURS NORMALLY NONE HIGH FREQUENCY OF FACTORS IMPEDING PROGRESS (HIGH WINDS, SNOW,  HEAT) ALMOST NONE ROUTE INCLUDES TANGLED VEGETATION AND IRREGULAR GROUND  HINDERING RESCUE ALMOST NONE RISK OF STINGS OR BITES FROM SNAKES OR DANGEROUS INSECTS ONLY BEES AND WASPS OTHER FACTORS WALK ON PUBLIC ROADS

ORIENTATION SKILLS (WALK LEADERS)

2

Paths and crossroads well defined Main tracks and crossroads are well signed  and the remaining track is easy to identify. ALMOST NEVER

4

Presence of signs showing continuous route Paths are clear and easy to follow. Adequate  signage exists but attention needed to  ensure you remain on the track. Ability to  identify geographical features may be  needed to identify some parts of track. SOME SIGNS AND PAINTED STRIPES  BUT NOT ALWAYS EASY TO FOLLOW

6

Requires precise identification of geographic features including cardinal points. Although the route is visible, as it follows  crests, rivers, ledges and other similar  features, the ability to stay on the correct  track requires good knowledge of  geographic features. MOST LONG WALKS. NEED TRACK  NOTES AND TIMES BETWEEN  DECISION POINTS (WAYPOINTS)

8

Orientation skills required to stay on trackThere is no clear route to follow. Good orienteering skills are required. ONLY OCCASIONALLY AS VERY SHORT  SECTIONS OF YEAR 6 WALKS

10

Presence of obstacles to be climbed or detoured Route is obstructed by obstacles which must  be climbed or detoured around off track. ALMOST NONE

TERRAIN CONDITIONS (WALKERS)

2

 Level surface throughout

 Route is on roads or unpaved vehicle tracks  irrespective of their inclination. Can include  steps of even rise and sand or gravel  surfaces.

 SHORT WALKS ONLY

4

 Use of bridal paths Paths on various surfaces, crossing uniform  surfaces and terrain, allowing regular pace.  No steep gradients, allowing long strides.  Suitable for horse riding. MOSTLY WIDE CLAY PATHS

6

 Stepped or irregular terrain Route passes over irregular terrain of varying  inclination and ruggedness, is occasionally  not on a path and may cross areas of  hazardous or unstable rocks and stones. ANY WALK WITH GOAT TRACKS AND

LESS EASY DESCENTS

8

 Use of hands required to  maintain balance Parts of route involve scrambling and  climbing, where hands are needed to  maintain balance. VERY FEW

10

 Climbing ladders or ropes  required Artificial installations are present to aid  progress by use of ladders, chains or pegs.  Climbing ladders are defined by UIAA scale II  to III. Specific mention of this risk is required  in the section ”Specific Technical Difficulties”  despite the section and route otherwise only  being graded as Grade 4. NONE

 EFFORT REQUIRED (WALKERS)

2

 Up to 1 hour EFFECTIVE  walking time SHORT WALKS ONLY

4

 1–3 hours EFFECTIVE  walking time SHORTER/EASIER LONG WALKS AND  MOST SHORT WALKS

6

 3–6 hours EFFECTIVE  walking time MOST LONG WALKS

8

 6–10 hours EFFECTIVE  walking time NEVER

10

 More than 10 hours    EFFECTIVE walking time NEVER

ENVIRONMENTAL RATING (WALK LEADERS)

2

 ONLY 1 RISK FACTOR MOST LONG WALKS

4

 2 OR 3 RISK FACTORS REMAINDER OF LONG WALKS

6

 4 – 6 RISK FACTORS EXCEPTIONAL – ONLY ONE CURRENTLY

8

 7 – 10 RISK FACTORS NEVER

10

 11 OR MORE RISK  FACTORS NEVER

 WALK RATING SUMMARY (WALKERS)

This system shows that the typical figures for almost ALL our Long Walks are as follows :

EFFORT = 4 or 6

TERRAIN = 4 or 6

There could also be an occasional 8 and some 2’s in the case of Short Walks.

The above would give typical SCORES for MOST Long Walks as follows :

EFFORT         4         6         8

TERRAIN       6         6         6

TOTAL          10       12       14

All scores are out of 10 in increments of 2 to make decision making and understanding easier.

WALK RATING SUMMARY (WALK LEADERS)

This system shows that the typical figures for almost ALL our Long Walks are as follows :

ENVIRONMENT = 2 or 4 (Mostly 2)

ORIENTATION = 4 or 6

The above would give typical SCORES for MOST Long Walks as follows :

ENVIRONMENT       4      6

ORIENTATION         6      6

TOTAL                    10     12

 SUMMARY

This system has been checked against several of our harder walks and appears to be consistent from walk to walk, reflecting an accurate basis on which Walkers can base their judgment whether to walk or not.

Walkers decisions are almost always based on the effort and underfoot conditions, so we should score walks only on these two factors. Walk Leaders still need to assess the other two factors and report them as necessary. This can be done within the Walk Description narrative by stating Walk Leader Factors (6 etc).

We may need to adjust the Walk Description Template to suit the changes, but that isn’t a problem.

CURRENT : 20 MAY 2019

Paths and crossroads well definedMain tracks and crossroads are well signed and the remaining track is easy to identify.ALMOST NEVEROrientation skills required to stay on trackThere is no clear route to follow. Good orienteering skills are required.ONLY OCCASIONALLY AS VERY SHORT SECTIONS OF YEAR 6 WALKS