The Ratings For Our Walking and Hiking Tours

Before you book a walking tour, it’s important to understand how challenging it is likely to be.

If you are not particularly fit, struggling to complete a “Moderate to Challenging” walk is likely to take the enjoyment out of your experience. Similarly, if you are used to hiking regularly and want to push yourself with an active adventure, the leisurely pace of an Easy walk may not be right for you.

But what do labels like ‘Easy’, ‘Moderate’, and ‘Challenging’ mean?  Don’t worry, that’s what our rating system is here to explain. Read the descriptions to understand how we’ve categorized our walks depending on distance, terrain, and elevation.

Of course, on any walk, some sections will be more manageable than others, and factors such as the weather can impact the level of difficulty, but generally, this is what you can expect from our walks.

EASY:  These walks don’t require any special preparation although you should be reasonably fit and in good health as there may be some small hills. The aim is to provide a leisurely experience with time to appreciate your surroundings.

Distance: Max 9.3 miles/15 km
Elevation gain: Max 985 ft/300 m

EASY TO MODERATE:  Ideal for walkers who are fit enough to manage more hills and longer distances. Multi-day walks at this grade demand a degree of stamina and may involve an occasional steep climb.

Distance: Max 12.4 miles/20 km
Elevation gain: Max 1640 ft/500 m

MODERATE:  With potentially longer walking days and possibly several steep climbs and descents, these tours are designed for experienced, regular walkers and can be enjoyed by anyone in good health who has prepared sufficiently in advance.

Distance: Max 15.5 miles/25 km
Elevation gain: Max 2300 ft/700 m

MODERATE TO CHALLENGING:  These walks are for fit walkers who relish a challenge, these walking tours involve demanding terrain and long distances with some long, steep climbs.

Distance: Max 18.6 miles/30 km
Elevation gain: Max 2950 ft/900m

CHALLENGING:  For experienced trekkers, those who like to push themselves to the limit and have the knowledge and skills to cope with altitude, extreme terrain, and steep slopes. Not for the faint-hearted or inexperienced hiker.

Distance: Max 21.7 miles/35 km
Elevation gain: Max 3610 ft/1,100 m