Grid References

Throughout the River Guides for Scotland there has been reference to Grid References. 

The purpose of this is not to teach you how to read a map or the like, but to let you know where you can get online information that supports the grid references used.

The Ordnance Survey, Great Britain’s national mapping agency, has a web site at this address; http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/oswebsite. 

From here you can access this link; http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/oswebsite/getamap.  From here, click on the big red circle “I want to Get-a-map now” which, will open up this box; http://getamap.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/getamap/frames.htm.

Job done. 

For easy use I have typed grid references like this NN 584 097 (spaces used).  When entering the grid reference in the search box, don’t leave spaces.  So, for example, type this NN584097 and you’ll get the point referenced, in the middle of the window.  Here, it is the get in for the Leny.  

You are allowed to print these off.  Use these with an ordinary road map and you’ll get along fine.

However, for expedition paddling or going off the beaten track, you’ll probably want to get a proper map.

River Grades

The international river grading system uses a set of numbers where the “Grade” or “Class” of a rapid (drop / fall) is taken into account.  The number system, typically written in roman numerals is I through to VI.

The grading system is there as a guide.  Experience, training, good judgment and common sense should be applied to all rivers, particularly to those that are new to you!  Expect the unexpected on the river and in particular when the weather is bad and spate conditions are forecasted or present! 

Grade I; Easy.  Novice water, rivers with long, flat stretches of slow moving water.  Easy passage and no serious obstructions, in normal conditions.

Grade II; Medium.  Experience required, passage clear, expect, waves, stoppers, whirlpools and eddies, for example. 

Grade III; Difficult.  Requires good levels of experience and training.  Lots of larger waves, rapids, rocks exposed, inspection required and good levels of team work and has an understanding of rescue and first aid.

Grade IV; Very difficult.  Must be very experienced and able to recognize lines down rapids, can lead, has the ability to coordinate rescues, is trained in first aid, very long rapids, demanding and dangerous waves, holes, stoppers

Grade V; Extremely difficult.  For the very experienced paddlers only and has extensive training in first aid, rescue and team work.  The rapid is very chaotic, inspections are a must, and rescue might be dangerous and difficult.  Lines are not easy and gradients will be steep and dangerous!

Grade VI; Unrunnable water!  Essentially, hazardous to life!!!