We want to make sure you feel confident and prepared when signing up for one of our hikes. Our hiking difficulty grading system is designed to help you choose a hike that matches your fitness level and experience, ensuring a safe and enjoyable adventure. Each grade takes into account factors such as walking time, elevation gain, terrain difficulty, and pace.
Whether you're just starting out or looking for a more demanding challenge, there's a hike suited for you. Read through the levels below to find the best fit for your next adventure.
Hiking Difficulty Levels
Beginner
Perfect for…People who have been on short walks before (such as dog walks or family strolls) but want to try walking a little further. Everyone is welcome, and we walk at a steady pace, taking plenty of breaks.
Walking Time: Up to 2 hours
Distance: 5km-8km
Terrain: Gravel tracks, woodland trails, muddy footpaths, fields (please check specific hikes for details).
Pace: Slow, with frequent stops.
Elevation (total climb): Up to 300m (1,000 ft). Mostly flat or with a few short hills.
Intermediate
Perfect for…People with experience in half-day walks who want to try a longer day hike. The group may spread out slightly, but we maintain a comfortable pace with plenty of stops.
Walking Time: Up to 5 hours
Distance: 8km-14km
Terrain: Mostly accessible paths, but sure-footedness is required.
Pace: Medium, with plenty of breaks.
Elevation (total climb): Up to 900m (3,000 ft).
Advanced
Perfect for…People with experience in full-day walks who want a more challenging hike. The group may spread out more, but we maintain a steady pace with rest stops as needed.
Walking Time: 5-7 hours
Distance: 10km-16km (some may be shorter but involve significant elevation gain).
Terrain: Very hilly terrain, requiring good fitness.
Pace: Medium, with regular breaks.
Elevation (total climb): 400m - 900m (1,300 - 3,000 ft).
Expert
Perfect for…Those with experience in long day hikes who want to tackle more technical terrain and significant elevation. These will likely be mountain days with rougher paths and steeper ascents.
Walking Time: 7+ hours
Distance: 10km-16km (some may be shorter but feature intense climbs).
Terrain: Requires very good fitness, sure-footedness, and prior mountain experience.
Pace: Medium, with breaks as needed.
Elevation (total climb): 900m+ (3,000+ ft).
Jargon Explained
We understand that some hiking terms can be confusing if you're new to the outdoors. Here’s what they mean:
Elevation Gain: The total amount of height you will ascend during the hike. For example, if you start at 100m and climb to 600m, your elevation gain is 500m.
Terrain: The type of surface and landscape you’ll be walking on. This could include gravel paths, woodland trails, rocky sections, or steep inclines.
Pace: How fast we will be walking. "Slow" means we take lots of breaks and walk at a relaxed speed, while "medium" means a steady, comfortable pace with regular rest stops.
Sure-Footedness: The ability to walk confidently on uneven or tricky ground without slipping or losing balance.
Technical Terrain: Paths that may include steep climbs, rocky sections, scrambling, or loose ground, requiring more skill and experience to navigate safely.
Choosing the right hike for your ability ensures a safe and enjoyable experience. If you're unsure which level suits you, feel free to get in touch via our Contact Page for guidance.
This is really helpful. I think this will help anyone who has not yet done a walk with you. Of course, once they have done their first one they will know how great you pace and set rests in the walk for anyone that needs it.
I was a little apprehensive about doing an "advanced" walk but after reading this, I feel that it is a manageable and realistic challenge