All Spice rambles, strolls and walks are designed to be fun and enjoyable as well as occasionally challenging
The walks in the newsletter have the approximate distance in miles shown and are graded to assist you in booking onto the best walk suitable for your abilities, so please refer to the grading chart below. These grades are intended as a guide for experienced and fit ramblers so if you are new to rambling and/or have any doubts about your fitness level then you are strongly advised to start at the lower end of the scale i.e. Grades 1-5, rather than over committing yourself and having problems which will affect you and the rest of the group. Please be aware that even lower hills on easier rambles can have steep ascents.
Grading:
Grade 1 - STRENUOUS: Very strenuous, mountain walking and hill climbing with steep rough ascents and descents. Some rock scrambling, fixed rope and / or snow / ice work may be involved. Suitable only for strong, fit and experienced walkers. Normally 3000-4000 ft of ascent.
Grade 2 - HARD: Strenuous mountain and hill walking on distinct paths. Ascents and descents steep and rough. Previous hill walking experience advisable. Normally 1000 - 3500 ft of ascent.
Grade 3 - MODERATE: Energetic walking over less difficult mountains, hills and moors following paths and tracks. Some rough ground on most walks with 1000 - 2000 ft of ascent.
Grade 4 - EASY WALKING: Walking along lower hill slopes, distinct valley tracks, lakeside paths. Rough stony ground may occur on some walks with up to 1000 ascent. Easy to moderate pace. Suitable for reasonably fit beginners.
Grade 5 - EASY-PEASY WALKING: Walking mostly paths, fairly level at an easy pace. Good trainers OK.
All Spice walk leaders are experienced and carry any relevant first aid and emergency equipment.If you have any medical condition that might have an impact on your ability to complete the walk, you must make this known to the walk leader before the start of the walk. All walkers must ensure that they are properly equipped for the event – refer to list of essential equipment!
List of Essential Equipment :
Walking Boots with ankle support
Waterproofs: jacket and trousers
Water Bottle
Hand Sanitiser
Comfortable walking trousers (not jeans)
Head or hand torch plus spare batteries
Hat and gloves
Fleece Spare clothing
Change for car parking
Food: picnic lunch, munchies, hot drink
You may also like to carry:
Sun glasses, Lip salve, Trekking poles
Summer/good weather: - Short trousers, Sun hat, Sun-tan lotion
Winter/cold weather: - Gaiters, Balaclava, Extra layers of warm clothing
The walk leader has the responsibility to ensure the safety of the entire group, so please do not lose contact with the leader. Neither Spice nor the walk leader can be held responsible if a walker sustains an injury whilst out of touch with the leader.
The meet time on our website is the start time of the walk, so please ensure you arrive early enough to be ready to set off at the time stated. It is always a good idea to allow extra time for parking and to carry small change for Pay & Display car parks. Why not make use of the Transport Share List for the walk you have booked. This can be found on the Spice Manchester website and is a great way to share the cost of petrol and parking plus a good way of meeting other Spice walkers.
Occasionally walks will be suitable for you to take your dog. If you are booked onto a walk and would like to take your pet, always check first with the Spice office 0161 864 3849 and we will confirm if your best furry friend can join you. Please ensure that you have an appropriate lead for your pet.
