How to survey a Slow Ways route

A survey of a Slow Ways route collects key information to help potential users decide if it is suitable for them or not. It’s a vital and specialised undertaking. The process includes counting and photographing features and barriers, and making a judgement about what grade a Slow Ways route should be given.

To carry out a Slow Ways survey you must first read Survey Training information. This is visible on every route page within the survey tab. 

A Slow Ways route survey includes gauging and compiling:

• A route grade to indicate the worst quality of the path surface
• An access grade that will be released at a future date (see below)
• Lists of features
• Lists of obstacles, such as stiles
• Challenges that might be encountered, such as needing to scramble or climb
• Photos showing path quality and obstacles 
• A description by the surveyor

An access grade that communicates path gradient, widths and barriers is being developed in collaboration with a range of partners, experts and users. In the meantime, the survey process is collecting measurements that can be converted into a grade at a later date.

It’s important to note:

• Only people who have completed the Survey Training can submit a survey. 
• Surveys are not approved or vetted - this should be taken into account if relying on any information they provide.
• Routes can have multiple surveys. The more surveys submitted, the more they can be cross-referenced for reliability and confidence.