Our grading system is there to help you choose a trip appropriate to your ability and requirements

Our walking and trekking trips are designed to be accessible to all who are in good health and enjoy the outdoors, but fitness levels are important and you should consider carefully which trip is right for you.

For harder trips the correct preparation can vastly enhance your enjoyment; stamina building aerobic activities such as regular cycling, swimming, jogging and walking beforehand will make a noticeable difference.

Everyone has his or her own comfortable pace and we always strive to accommodate this. All Walking & Trekking holidays present physical demands, so expect to feel some tiredness even after a leisurely, days walking. Grades are only a guide.

Leisurely

Experience is not necessary; anyone fit and healthy enough to complete a weekend walk can manage a Leisurely grade.

Length of walking day - Short, often optional walks of between four and five hours duration
Conditions underfoot - Good, well maintained paths or tracks
Altitude - Low altitude, with little daily variation
Weather and temperature - Generally good with no extremes
Remoteness and comfort - Comfortable with easy access to local amenities

Moderate

Again, no experience is necessary; those who take weekend hill walks in areas like the Peak District or Cotswolds at home should manage these treks; good health and reasonable fitness are important. These Moderately graded departures are either fairly easy medium-duration walks or harder, shorter walks.

Length of walking day - Occasional longer/harder days. Average five to seven hours duration
Conditions underfoot - Generally good paths, but some rocky terrain
Altitude - Generally no extremes of altitude or ascent/decent. Max ascent approx 800m
Weather and temperature - No real extremes
Remoteness and comfort - Mainly good facilities, with access to local amenities

Challenging

Fitness is important and you may have to improve yours before departure. Most treks at this grade compare to extended walking in mountainous terrain such as the Lakes of Snowdonia, but usually at significantly higher altitudes; climate and remoteness can also play a part. Previous trekking experience is desirable, but not vital if you are confident of your physical condition.

Length of walking day - Six to eight hours with occasional longer days on peaks or passes
Conditions underfoot - Expect some difficult terrain underfoot, including loose scree
Altitude - Some trips may reach high altitudes, with occasional significant daily ascents. Max ascent approx 1000m
Weather and temperature - Expect some extremes of hot/cold, and changeable weather patterns
Remoteness and comfort - Possibly remote areas with basic facilities on some nights

Tough

Those experienced in trekking for a number of consecutive days in the Scottish Highlands, will understand how tough treks at this grade can be. Stamina is essential, as walking days are long. We recommend previous trekking experience, preferably at altitude; you need complete confidence in your physical condition and the ability to trek for many days over difficult terrain.

Length of walking day - Long, hard days of around seven or eight hours (or longer) duration
Conditions underfoot - Difficult terrain including snow or scrambling sections. You may need ice axe and crampons
Altitude - Expect extremes of altitude, and long days of ascent/decent. A number of days over 1000m of ascent
Weather and temperature - Be prepared. Expect the unexpected!
Remoteness and comfort - Remote, wild environments with few facilities, perhaps for extended periods. Be prepared to rough it!

Walking and Trekking Grades

Details of our walking and trekking grades used to evaluate difficulty on the walks and treks we offer

Leisurely

Moderate

Challenging

Tough