Leisurely
Daily Distance: 6-12 km (4-7 miles)
Ascents: under 300m (under 1000 ft)
Terrain: Good paths and gentle pace
Our easier walking grades offer hikes at a relaxed pace, making them suitable for individuals with average fitness levels. You will enjoy outings on well-maintained paths with minimal slopes. These walks typically follow popular and frequently used trails, and they do not present any significant challenges or steep gradients.
For our leisurely hikes, we recommend wearing good-quality walking or trail shoes. Look for shoes with a thick, molded rubber sole that provides good traction and a low heel, as these features are generally sufficient for these hikes.
Relaxed
Daily Distance: 10-15 km (6-9 miles)
Ascents: under 300m (under 1000 ft)
Terrain: Mainly paths
Our relaxed walking grade features hikes conducted at a gentle pace, making them suitable for individuals with average fitness levels. Participants will enjoy outings on gentle slopes and well-defined coastal and valley paths that are generally free of special difficulties.
The terrain is easy, with hikes ranging from 8 to 13 kilometers (5 to 8 miles), averaging about 4 to 5 hours of walking each day. While inclines are typically under 1,000 feet (300 meters), please be aware that some areas may be wet or muddy.
For our relaxed hikes, we recommend wearing good quality walking shoes or trail shoes. Ideally, these shoes should have a thick, molded rubber sole with good tread and a low heel, which will be sufficient for the hikes.
Moderate
Daily Distance: 15-20 km (9-13 miles)
Ascents: 250-600m (800 & 2000 ft)
Terrain: Moderate, mainly paths
These hikes involve slightly strenuous walking on easier to moderate slopes, tracks, and paths, including hills and accessible mountains, which may sometimes be rough or wet. Typically, they take place in low-level mountains, moorland, or undulating countryside.
The terrain features peaks up to 750 meters (2,500 feet) and inclines between 250 to 600 meters (800 to 2,000 feet). Daily walking lasts about 5 to 6 hours, rarely exceeding 6 or 7.
For these hikes, we recommend lightweight walking boots with good tread and ankle support. Experienced walkers with strong ankles may find high-quality trail shoes suitable, depending on ground conditions.
Energetic
Daily Distance: 15-25 km (10-15 miles)
Ascents: 500-1000m (1500 & 3000 ft)
Terrain: Moderate to Hard, stronger pace
If you love hiking in the mountains, moorlands, or hills, these challenging hikes will allow you to climb higher peaks and navigate tougher paths. Prepare for exhilarating experiences on trails near steep drops, with some sections featuring light scree and rocky terrain.
These hikes typically cover between 13 to 19 kilometres (8 to 12 miles) daily, with ascents of 500 to 1000 meters (1500 to 3000 feet) and approximately 7 hours of walking daily.
Sturdy walking boots with good ankle support and a deep tread are essential for our Energetic Hikes. Waterproof uppers are recommended for winter walks, while lightweight boots may suffice for some summer hikes.
Challenging
Daily Distance: 18-32+ km (11-20+ miles)
Ascents: 800-1400m (2500 & 4500 ft)
Terrain: Hard, often with no visible path
Our easier walking grades feature gentle-paced hikes suitable for those with average fitness levels. These outings take place on easy slopes and well-defined coastal and valley paths.
Walks range from 8 to 13 kilometres (5 to 8 miles), averaging about 4 to 5 hours daily. While inclines are typically below 1,000 feet (300 meters), some areas may be wet or muddy.
For our Relaxed Hikes, we recommend good-quality walking or trail shoes with a thick, moulded rubber sole, good tread, and a low heel.
Technical
Daily Distance: Distance isn’t the deciding factor
Ascents: 800-1400m (2500 & 4500 ft)
Terrain: Very Hard
Hikes with high peaks, multiple ascents and difficult arêtes in some exposed areas. These are very strenuous and exciting hikes where participants should be experienced and fit, as they would require large amounts of strenuous climbs and scrambles to enjoy these levels of hikes.
'Scrambling' means that hands are needed to move along a rocky terrain trail. It is an intermediate between walking and rock climbing.
Scrambling does not always mean 'vertigo-inducing'! Technical skills and equipment might be required, such as the use of ropes, ice axes, and use of crampons, would be required.
