Choosing the right grade is the single most important step in planning a walking holiday. Our five grades are designed to be honest and practical, giving you a clear picture of what each level involves: the daily distances, the terrain, the elevation and the fitness required.

All walking demands some effort, and all grades assume you are a reasonably active person who enjoys being outdoors. Most of our trips allow plenty of time for sightseeing and taking in the scenery. The grade reflects the physical demand of the walking, not the pace of the holiday.

If you are unsure which grade is right for you, please contact our team and we are happy to help you find the right trip.

Grade 1 – Introductory

Our gentlest grade, designed for walkers who enjoy being outdoors at a relaxed pace without the pressure of long distances or significant elevation. Daily walks typically run two to four hours on easy, well-marked terrain, with paths that are generally flat or gently undulating. No previous long-distance walking experience is required.

This grade suits anyone who enjoys countryside strolls and wants to discover a destination on foot, without considering themselves a serious hiker. Good walking shoes are sufficient for most Grade 1 trips, though lightweight boots are always a sensible choice.

Suggested Preparation  30 minutes of aerobic exercise three times a week for three months before your trip, such as brisk walking, cycling or jogging.

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Grade 2 – Introductory to Moderate

A step up from our introductory level, these trips combine gentle stages with occasional more demanding days. Daily walks typically range from 10 kilometres / 6 miles to 20 kilometres / 12 miles, with three to six hours of walking per day and altitude gains varying from very little to around 500 metres on the more moderate days.

Trails are generally well-marked and well-maintained, following a mix of footpaths, minor roads, coastal tracks and riverside paths. Some stages involve longer distances or uneven terrain, and paths can become slippery in wet weather. Good walking boots with ankle support are recommended.

This grade suits anyone in reasonable condition who is comfortable with day walks in undulating countryside. No specialist experience is required, but you should be able to manage consecutive days of walking comfortably.

Suggested Preparation  30 to 45 minutes of aerobic exercise three to four times a week for three months before your trip, including some hill walking where possible.

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Grade 3 – Moderate

These trips involve more sustained walking with longer daily distances and greater elevation gain. Daily walks range from approximately 14 kilometres / 9 miles to 24 kilometres / 15 miles, with up to six hours of walking per day. Terrain is more varied, with hilly sections, steep ascents and descents, and paths that can be rocky, uneven or muddy after rain. Some exposed coastal or moorland sections may be encountered.

You should be in good physical condition, comfortable walking in hilly countryside for consecutive days and prepared for variable weather. Good walking boots with ankle support are essential. Some previous experience of multi-day walking is an advantage.

Suggested Preparation  45 minutes of aerobic exercise three times a week for three months before your trip, including regular hill walking.

Grade 4 – Moderate to Challenging

These trips combine moderate walking with several genuinely demanding days involving significant ascent and descent. Daily distances average around 15 kilometres / 9 miles to approximately 32 kilometres / 20 miles, with around five to eight hours of walking per day. Terrain is often mountainous or moorland, with steep climbs, rocky paths and occasionally exposed sections where a head for heights is an advantage. Alpine routes at this grade may reach altitudes above 2,000 metres, where weather conditions can change quickly.

You should have previous experience of hillwalking and multi-day trails, be comfortable in challenging terrain and prepared for variable mountain weather. Training walks in hilly country before departure are strongly recommended. Essential kit includes good waterproofs and sturdy boots with ankle support.

Suggested Preparation  45 to 60 minutes of aerobic exercise four to five times a week for three to six months before your trip, with regular hill walking in variable conditions.

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Grade 5 – Challenging

Our most demanding grade, suitable only for fit and experienced walkers. These trips involve up to nine hours of walking per day in mountainous terrain, with back-to-back days of steep ascent and descent, high-altitude pass crossings and the full range of alpine weather conditions. Daily distances average 20 kilometres / 12 miles or more, with several long days exceeding 25 kilometres / 15 miles. Altitude gains of over 1,000 metres in a day are common, and some routes reach summits above 2,900 metres.

You must be an experienced hillwalker in excellent physical condition, fully comfortable on steep, rocky and exposed terrain and prepared to carry a daypack of up to 8 kilograms. These trips are not suitable for first-time multi-day walkers. When walking early or late in the season, shorter daylight hours and the possibility of snow should be factored into your preparation.

Suggested Preparation  1 hour of aerobic exercise five times a week for three to six months before your trip. Regular hill walking with a pack in variable weather is strongly recommended.

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Feel free to contact our team of travel experts for more details on our trip grading.