Trail running is inherently variable. The guidance on this page explains how Most-Fit difficulty ratings are assessed, along with some general safety advice to help you plan your run responsibly.
General Safety Guidance
- Check the weather: Mountain conditions can change rapidly. Always check a dedicated, reliable forecast before you set out. The Met Office and MWIS are good resources. Windy provides a handy visualisation of wind speed and direction.
- Carry the right equipment: Map, compass, suitable footwear, extra clothing layers for changing conditions, an emergency blanket or bag and enough food and water for contingencies.
- Use an up‑to‑date OS map: GPX files and directions provided here are intended as guides only and should be used alongside proper navigation tools. Always carry a back-up – e.g. a paper map and/or download on your device(s).
- Know your limits: Choose routes that match your fitness and experience. If in doubt, start with shorter routes and build up.
- Tell someone your plans: Share your route with a friend or family member and tell them when you expect to return.
- Emergency preparedness: Carry a fully charged phone, and in the UK, register for the emergency 999 SMS service in case of poor signal.
- Outdoor etiquette: Follow the Countryside Code, stick to marked rights of way, and leave no trace.
About the Difficulty Ratings
Route difficulty is assessed using a combination of distance, ascent, terrain, navigation, exposure and remoteness. No single factor determines the overall rating.
| Rating | Typical Run Time | Typical Ascent | Attributes |
|---|---|---|---|
| .Easy. | <2 hrs | <300 m | Well-marked paths and trails Mostly flat or undulating Non-technical terrain Highly likely to encounter other people |
| .Moderate. | >2 hrs | >500 m | Trails may be faint but easily navigable Steep sections on hills or small mountains Mixed terrain with technical sections Some quieter or more isolated sections |
| .Hard. | >3 hrs | >1,000 m | Extended sections without tracks Steep and numerous ascents and descents Technical terrain throughout, potential hazards Some sections in remote areas |
| .Severe. | >4 hrs | >2,000 m | Pathless and requires good navigation skills Very Steep and hazardous ascents and descents Exposed terrain with sustained hands-on scrambling Extended sections in remote areas |
These ratings are intended to help compare routes within Most-Fit. Seasonal conditions, weather and recent ground conditions can significantly alter the difficulty of any route.
About Estimated Times
Time estimates are based on:
- 8 min/km plus 1 hour for every 1,000 m of ascent
- Running surface, based on my experience when I ran the route
- A generous allowance, intended to provide a realistic target rather than a best-case running time
Estimates don’t include stops for photos, breathers, scenery gazing or nature breaks.
Where surface characteristics are likely to impede or prevent running — for example, peat bogs, scrambling or thick vegetation — I’ve adjusted the assumed pace accordingly, based on my actual times and experience on the route.
Extreme conditions such as snow, ice, flooded paths or extreme winds are not factored into these estimates. Ground and weather conditions can obviously have a significant impact on how long a route takes, and actual times may vary considerably from the estimates provided.
Disclaimer
The GPX downloads, route descriptions and commentary on this site are intended as a guide only. Trail conditions, rights of way, landmarks and access arrangements can change over time. Weather, ground conditions and visibility may also vary significantly between seasons and from one day to the next.
Every effort has been made to ensure the routes and information are accurate at the time of publication. However, outdoor activities always involve inherent risk and conditions can change without notice. You are responsible for your own safety, route choices and decision-making at all times.
The author accepts no liability for any errors or omissions, or for any injury, loss or damage arising from the use of the routes or information provided on this site.
By using the information on this site, you acknowledge these risks and agree to do so at your own discretion.