MIDE System

midelogo copy

What is the MIDE System?

The MIDE (Método de Información de Excursiones) is a method to assess the difficulty and commitment of a walk. It creates a grading scale for the technical and physical difficulties of the routes, allowing them to be classified for better information.

Created by Alberto Paris Roche, it was designed as a tool for hikers to help choose the itinerary that best suits their experience, level of fitness and motivation. In this way, the MIDE is not only an information method but also a tool for the prevention of accidents in the hills and mountains, since the more information, the greater the safety!

The MIDE system is free to use and is designed to complement, in a unified way, the descriptions, evaluations and recommendations that each author considers appropriate.

The MIDE system is recommended by the Spanish Federation of Mountain and Climbing Sports (FEDME), by the Aragonese Federation of Mountaineering (FAM) and Civil Protection of the Government of Aragon, among other entities.

 

Evaluation information and reference information.

The information contained in the MIDE is of two kinds. One part of the system is an assessment of information from 1 to 5 points (from less to more) of four different aspects of difficulty : Risks in the natural environment, Route navigation, Difficulty of the terrain, and Physical effort required.

The other part of the system is reference information on each route: Duration of walk, Level of ascent, Level of descent, Total distance, and Type of route (Linear, circular, return by same route).

Examplesanmarcosmidescale

The grades are as follows.

back to top

MIDE riskRisks in the natural environment.

 

1. The environment is not without risks.

2. There is more than one risk factor.

3. There are several risk factors.

4. There are quite a few risk factors.

5. There are many risk factors.

nav iconRoute navigation.

 

1. Well-defined roads and crossings.

2. Paths or signs indicating continuity.

3. It requires the precise identification of geographical features and cardinal points.

4. Requires off-track navigation.

5. Navigation interrupted by obstacles to be skirted.

mide diffDifficulty of the terrain.

 

1. Walking on a smooth surface.

2. Walking on bridle paths.

3. Walking on staggered paths or uneven terrain.

4. During the walk it may be necessary to use the hands or jumps to maintain balance.

5. During the walk it may require the use of hands for progression.

mides effortPhysical effort required (carrying a light load).

 1. Up to 1 h of effective walking.

2. Between 1 h and 3 h of effective walking.

3. Between 3 h and 6 h of effective walking and/or short sections of steep ascent.

4. Between 6 h and 10 h of effective walking and/or longer sections of steep ascent.

5. More than 10 hours of effective walking and/or continuous sections of steep ascent.

Interpreting the MIDE System

 

Although the MIDE system provides a great way to identify the individual components of a walk, it is sometimes more useful to categorise the walk as either a Easy, Moderate or Strenuous. These grades are shown in the walk description in the 'Walks at a glance'.

If two grades are given then it means that overall the majority of the walk is within the lower grade, but it may include some elements of the harder grade.

Easy - Walks for reasonably fit people who have previous walking experience. Walking is on well maintained surfaces, although there may be short sections where the path is uneven and/or broken but easily passed with care, and taken at a leisurely pace.

No specialised equipment required.

Moderate - Walks that require a good level of fitness and/or include steep paths, open countryside, and short sections that may have slight exposure. Walking will be on a mix of terrain including rocky paths, and may require care on small uneven sections. Four points of contact may be required. The length of the walk may require a reasonable pace to ensure that it is completed in time.

Walking boots and poles recommended along with adequate hydration.

Strenuous - Longer walks that require a higher level of fitness, and will include longer sections of continuous ascent, rough or broken paths and tracks, and distances that require a moderate pace to ensure that the walk is completed in time. Four points of contact may be required. Some sections of the walk may include short scrambles.

Walking boots and poles recommended along with a larger capacity hydration system.

"The walks each day differed from day before which added to the experience, being shown quaint villages to enjoy the sights, the food and coffee was most enjoyable."
Pamhibbs - Trip Advisor Review
Hiking Adventure
"The three walking days were excellent, well planned, varied, and a great introduction to the area"
Holidaymaker - Trip Advisor Review
Hiking Adventure
"Wonderful! Would go again in a minute!"
Granofnora - Trip Advisor Review
Hiking Adventure
"Four days on the GR 249 Gran Senda de Malaga and one day to the base camp of El Chamizo. Phil kept the pace within my own limits (slow but determined) and had frequent "admire the view" rest periods."
SeeJay63 - Trip Advisor Review
Hiking Adventure
"...... fantastic guide for our three days walking. Phil was very knowledgeable of the area, and very patient with us. Nothing was too much trouble.."
Anna L - Tripadvisor Review
Hiking Adventure
"Perfect for relaxation and great hiking trips and climbing routes in the Andalusian mountains."
Anna K - Tripadvisor Review
Hiking Adventure