The following symbols are used in the walk descriptions both on the website and on the downloadable information sheets.
Length of walk in kilometres (if it is a return walk, this will be the total round-trip distance)
Estimated time for walk. This allows for short breaks to consult the map or admire the view, but not longer stops, e.g. for lunch. Times are based on the average leisure walker, so fit and experienced hikers will be able to complete the walk in less time whilst other people may take longer.
Accumulated altitude gain throughout the walk in metres.
Indication of the level of physical effort the walk demands. The categories are hard, medium and easy. An easy walk might include some gentle uphill sections, but no long, steep hills. A hard trek is likely to include a very significant amount of climbing, often at a steep gradient, and, as you might expect, a medium trek is somewhere in-between.
Type of terrain. The categories are hard, medium and easy. Easy terrain indicates a well maintained path; medium terrain includes slightly more difficult conditions, e.g. rocky or slippery sections; hard is used for routes where there is no clear path and/or the terrain is very difficult.
Ease of following the route. The categories are hard, medium and easy. An easy route is either signposted or otherwise follows a very clear path or track; medium routes use clear paths, but may not signposted throughout and some care must be taken to follow the printed directions; hard is used for routes where navigation is difficult, either because paths are indistinct or turnings are difficult to identify.
Indicates the type of walk: one-way, return or circular.
Indicates whether the walk is accessible by public transport.
Indicates whether drinking water is available along the route.