Help page explaining Arc Guiding ability levels (Novice, Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced).
Find levels for specific activities below.
Arc Guiding organises guided activities for a variety of ability levels. During the booking process, you will be asked about your experience and ability. To help make things as clear as possible, we use terms like ‘Beginner’ instead of ‘Level 1’, etc. If you have any concerns about your ability, share them with the leader so we can work out ways to help – see the Pre-trip checklist help page. Good leaders are experienced in managing nervous clients and splits in ability level. Also, remember that private bookings usually offer more flexibility than group/’public’ bookings.
Arc Guiding activities can be delivered for a wide range of abilities – especially in a private booking. Each activity page has ability levels listed. You can also Contact Arc Guiding to discuss your aims and medical history.
Check the ability levels listed for your chosen activity. Links to more information can be found in the Help centre or Outdoor skills section of the Blog.
In the UK, the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority doesn’t recommend any universal grading system, so Arc Guiding uses the well-known terms Novice, Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced.
Even well-organised groups will contain a range of abilities. Good leaders have many ways to manage ‘ability splits’, including for example self-guided, differentiation and peer coaching/partner work.
The grading system is just a guide. But if you are concerned about being in between two levels, discuss and review your goals with the leader.