Activity Levels for Walking, Hiking & Trekking

Activity Level 1 (Easy)

Ideal for those new to walking trips. The pace will be easy, and the itinerary often includes some half-day walks to allow for visits or free time. Expect two to four hours of walking per day on easy paths, with some minor ascent or descent.

• Average distance per day: 2.5mi-4mi (4km-6km)
• Maximum distance per day: 5mi (8km)
• Average elevation gain per day: 165ft-985ft (50m-300m)
• Maximum elevation gain per day: 1,640ft (500m)

Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate)

Expect generally easy trails, but with some ascent and descent on most days. Some walks may meet the criteria for Activity Level 3 (Moderate). Therefore, you should be comfortable with three to five hours of walking per day and enjoy reasonably regular walks at home. The paths will be non-technical but could involve some short uneven sections. Maximum ascents will be no more than 2,295ft (700m), while longer days with less ascent could cover up to 8.5mi (14km).

• Average distance per day: 4.5mi-7mi (7km-11km)
• Maximum distance per day: 8.5mi (14km)
• Average elevation gain per day: 655ft-1,970ft (200m-600m)
• Maximum elevation gain per day: 2,295ft (700m)

Activity Level 3 (Moderate)

The inclusion of more hilly or even mountainous terrain makes this grade suitable for fit and frequent hikers. Underfoot conditions could be rocky or with some loose gravel; on wider trails, we may encounter some steep drops to one side. The maximum ascent could be up to 3,600ft (1,100m) in one day. We typically walk for four to seven hours per day.

• Average distance per day: 5mi-9mi (8km-15km)
• Maximum distance per day: 11mi (18km)
• Average elevation gain per day: 985ft-2,625ft (300m-800m)
• Maximum elevation gain per day: 3,600ft (1,100m)

Activity Level 4 (Moderate & Challenging)

An adventure made for experienced hikers and hill walkers with good fitness, normally in mountainous terrain and sometimes at altitude with varied and occasionally challenging conditions underfoot. Walks on some days may meet the criteria for Activity Level 5 (Challenging). Expect five to seven hours of walking per day.

• Average distance per day: 5.5mi-10.5mi (9km-17km)
• Maximum distance per day: 12.5mi (20km)
• Average elevation gain per day: 1,640ft-2,955ft (500m-900m)
• Maximum elevation gain per day: 4,265ft (1,300m)

Activity Level 5 (Challenging)

Ideal for experienced mountain hikers and trekkers with very good fitness. You could be walking longer distances (maximum 15.5mi/25km) for consecutive days. In the mountains, the maximum ascent would be 4,920ft (1,500m) in a day. You should feel comfortable walking six to eight hours per day, with sections of technical terrain (uneven ground with some loose rock, some narrow paths). Most itineraries include some days walking at altitude.

• Average distance per day: 6mi-12.5mi (10km-20km)
• Maximum distance per day: 15.5mi (25km)
• Average elevation gain per day: 2,955ft-3,280ft (900m-1,000m)
• Maximum elevation gain per day: 4,920ft (1,500m)

Activity Level 6 (Challenging & Tough)

For experienced mountain hikers and trekkers only. Expect high mountain terrain, remote areas and probably consecutive days at high altitude. Excellent fitness and mobility levels are essential. Expect technical terrain on some days and walks of seven to nine hours per day.

• Average distance per day: 6mi-12.5mi (10km-20km)
• Maximum distance per day: 15.5mi (25km)
• Average elevation gain per day: 2,955ft-3,940ft (900m-1,200m)
• Maximum elevation gain per day: 5,580ft (1,700m)

Activity Level 7 (Tough)

Our toughest Walking & Trekking trips normally involve the ascent of a summit, usually above the snowline and at high altitude. Expect technical terrain on most days, often using crampons and ice axes. Average daily hikes are between eight and 10 hours. Previous experience and excellent fitness and mobility are essential.

• Average distance per day: 6mi-12.5mi (10km-20km)
• Maximum distance per day: 15.5mi (25km)
• Average elevation gain per day: 2,955ft-4,265ft (900m-1,300m)
• Maximum elevation gain per day: 6,230ft (1,900m)