Guide to choosing a Sunday hike

=General tips= If you have some hiking experience, you'll probably have some idea of what distance you can comfortably walk and how fast. You probably don't need to read any further. If you're less experienced and/or you've not hiked with UMHC before and don't know what e.g. 25km feels like, play it safe and opt for one of the easier hikes; you can then make a more informed choice the following week based on this choice.

If you have any questions about the hikes - ask the hike sec on the bus.

Listen to the route descriptions given by the hike sec on the coach. They'll try to point out features of interest, the names of some of the hills, and any bits that you might find tricky, such as narrow ridges with steep cliffs, scrambling, or loose scree. I know it's early on a Sunday, and it's sometimes hard to hear, but picking the right hike for you will make your day that much more enjoyable.

=What are the hikes like?=

Our numbering system
Each week we aim to run 4 or 5 hikes and sometimes a scramble. Hike 1 is the hardest (longest, most ascent), hike 4/5 is the easiest (shortest, least ascent).

The hike sec will give two vital statistics: distance and total ascent. These give a good indicator how difficult the hike is. Remember these figures for future reference - the hikes are numbered in order of difficulty, not necessarily according to a fixed level of difficulty. While we try to maintain a similar level of difficulty for the hikes each week, we can only work with the hills that are there, so some weeks the same hike number will be harder (more ascent/distance) or easier than usual.

Hike 1
Approx 18-25km 800-1200m Hike 1 types tend to be fit. The hike length means this hike has to go quickly and leaves little time for breaks, leisurely lunches and photo stops. Hike 1 tends to go up the highest peak(s) in the area and can feel like a route march to some. Military level fitness an advantage, but not essential. The enjoyment and satisfaction from walking a hike 1 is gained from the challenge of getting round a reasonably long walk in the limited time available, whilst seeing some amazing views and standing on the highest peaks in the area. Typical hike 1's include Scafell Pike, via Glaramara, from Borrowdale, Ogwen Cottage to Y Garn - over the Glyders - Capel Curig and the Fairfield Horsehoe from Ambleside. Part of the motivation for speed seems to be derived from the desire to spend more time in the pub before the coach leaves. However, generally a fast pace must be maintained merely to get round the route in time! People who like doing the Hike 1 every week may enjoy the challenge of the Welsh 3000's.

Hike 2
Approx 15-19km 600-900m Reasonable level of fitness required. Hike 2 tends to take in one or more of the larger fells and go at a more manageably pace, and so feels more like a brisk hike than an endurance event. This leaves you less short of breath leaving more able to chat with fellow hikers and take in the scenery.

Hike 3
Approx 10-14km 400-700m A nice relaxed walk, suitable for most people who are reasonably active. Hike 3 usually covers a few of the smaller fells, but still with enough height gain for long range views over the valleys. There's more time for breaks and a longer lunch stop, and is arguably a more sociable hike as the pace doesn't leave people so out of breath.

Hike 4
Approx 9-13km 200-500m Nearly anyone should manage a hike 4. A laid back walk at a gentle pace. If you enjoy the countryside and appreciate mountains looking up at them as well as down from them, this could be for you. Hike 4 tends to go up a smallish hill, often including a forest walk or view over a lake.

The scramble
Approx 12-17km 600-900m Whenever possible, a hike involving some scrambling will be offered. Scrambling is a mountaineering activity that lies somewhere between hill walking and easy rock climbing, and requires the use of your hands to move over rocky terrain. Scrambles can follow ridges, gullies or ghylls and often form a short section of a longer route. This is an exciting and potentially dangerous mountain activity (read the scrambler's code ), but is not everyone's cup of tea. If you are scared of heights, steep drops and exposure, then scrambling is not for you. All Sunday hike scrambles are intended to be unroped (though a rope may be carried just in case). The level of exertion is usually comparable to a hike 2.