Walking & Trekking

Our Walking & Trekking Activity Levels

When grading our walking trips several factors are considered to help you find the comfort level that best suits you. These include length & duration of trek per day, trail conditions underfoot, average altitude change, weather conditions plus levels of porterage, support and local services available.

Activity Level 1: Leisurely Walking

Experience is not necessary; anyone fit and healthy enough to complete a weekend walk can manage a Leisurely, Level 1 walking departure. Walks are often optional. Trails are seldom flat, so expect a reasonable amount of ascent and descent. You would normally walk for two to five hours during the day and daily ascents will likely be around 300m to 500m, perhaps with the odd day ascending around 600m.

Activity Level 3: Moderate Walking

These Moderate, Level 3 walking departures are either fairly easy medium-duration walks or harder, shorter walks. No experience is necessary, but good health and reasonable fitness are important. Some walking at higher altitude and occasional longer/harder days may be involved, but general underfoot conditions will be fair. A walking day is normally five to seven hours and daily ascents will likely be around 500m to 800m, perhaps with the odd day ascending around 900m to 1000m.

Activity Level 5: Challenging Walking

Fitness is important at this grade, which compares to extended walking in mountainous terrain such as the Lakes or Snowdonia. High altitudes, climate and remoteness can also play a part. Previous trekking experience is desirable, but not vital if you are confident of your physical condition. Walking days are usually between six and eight hours, although they may be longer for passes or peaks. Daily ascents will likely be around 900m to 1000m, perhaps with the odd day ascending around 1100m to 1200m.

Activity Level 7: Tough Walking

At this level we recommend previous trekking experience, preferably at altitude. You need complete confidence in your ability to trek for many days over difficult terrain. Extremes of altitude and weather may be encountered, as may the use of ice axes and crampons. Stamina is essential as walking days last six to nine hours, or more on occasional days, and daily ascents will likely be around 900m to 1000m, perhaps with the odd day ascending around 1100m to 1200m.

Activity Level 9: Tough+ Walking

A Level 9 tour combines all the elements of our Tough, Level 7 itineraries, but includes climbing a glaciated mountain peak. Specialist pieces of equipment like ice axes and crampons will be needed, and you should have experience of using them. Please check the trip notes carefully to ensure that your experience and equipment meets the demands of a Tough+ trip. When climbing, the peak days can be very long and you may be on your feet for 11 hours or more.

Split and optional grades

In order to provide a more accurate grading system, where a trip falls between two grades we use an intermediate or split grade – for example, Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate). Occasionally there are optional ascents available en route; in this case, the optional grade will be highlighted below the dial on each trip page.