A guide to Time Out’s ratings system

SPEED
1 - For beginners
2 - Regular hikers; regular breaks
3 - Fast walking; few breaks
4 - Serious speedsters
5 - Serious runners

LENGTH
1 - Less than 5km
2 - 5-10km
3 - 10-20km
4 - 20-30km
5 - 30km+

GRADIENT (ASCENT)
1 - Less than 250m
2 - 250-500m
3 - 500-750m
4 - 750-1,000m
5 - 1,000m+

SURFACE
1 - All paved/concrete paths
2 - Well-defined trail but with rocky bits and unevenness
3 - Less well-defined trail; substantial unevenness
4 - Undefined trail; bushwhacking; slippery surface; undergrowth
5 - Undefined trail; some technical rock climbing