Walking Holiday Difficulty Guide
Understanding Our Walk Grades
Our difficulty ratings are a guide to the holiday overall, based on daily mileage, terrain, ascent, descent, remoteness and navigation. Grading is always somewhat subjective, and poor weather can make a route feel more demanding.
Each itinerary shows daily mileage, ascent and descent, so you can check the detail before choosing. If you are unsure which option is right for you, please talk to us and we’ll be happy to advise.
- Easy
- Choose an Easy walk if you want gentle walking days on well-maintained trails, usually averaging around 6 miles or less per day. There may be a few short ascents and descents, but these routes are generally low-level and well suited to a relaxed pace or a first self-guided walking holiday.
- Easy to Moderate
- Choose Easy to Moderate if you are reasonably active and happy walking around 6 to 10 miles per day, with the possibility of an occasional longer day. You can expect some ascents and descents, but nothing too strenuous overall. Trails are usually well-maintained and waymarked, though some sections may be rougher or more varied underfoot.
- Moderate
- Choose a Moderate walk if you are comfortable with regular walking and want a fuller day on the trail. Daily distances are typically around 10 to 12 miles, with the possibility of an occasional longer day. Expect regular ascents and descents, sometimes longer or steeper, with mixed terrain that may include rougher, rockier or more rugged paths.
- Moderate to Challenging
- Choose Moderate to Challenging if you are a confident walker used to longer days and more sustained effort. Daily distances are typically around 12 to 15 miles, with the possibility of an occasional longer day. Expect hill or mountain walking, sustained ascents and descents, rugged ground, and some sections where navigation may be harder in poor weather. Some routes may include exposed sections requiring a head for heights.
- Challenging
- Choose a Challenging walk if you are an experienced walker with strong fitness, stamina and confidence in varied conditions. These holidays may include several very long days of 15 miles or more, steep ascents and descents, rough or remote terrain, high mountain regions and sections where navigation skills may be required.