Trip Grades
Our trip grades are carefully thought out to provide you with a guide of how difficult a trip might be and if it’s appropriate for you. Our assessment incorporates factors such as daily distance, altitude, trail difficulty, and the necessity of specialised skills and equipment such as the use of crampons.
These grades, however, are subjective, and we encourage you to read through them, as well as the trip itinerary, to help you make an informed decision about the suitability of a particular adventure for you. The aim of these grades is to ensure that you can embark on a journey that is right for your comfort level, aspirations and ability. If you have any questions or concerns about a trip, please contact us, and we can discuss your options.
Level One: These trips serve as introductory adventures, requiring a fundamental level of fitness. Participants should be capable of walking for at least 4 hours on non-paved surfaces, carrying a light bag with essentials such as snacks and lunch, enough water for the journey, and weather-appropriate clothing including a warm layer and/or waterproof coat and trousers. The primary goal of these trips is to ensure accessibility, making it possible for everyone to participate and enjoy the experience.
Level Two: These trips are tailored for those with some experience and might serve as an introduction to multi-day adventures. A good level of fitness is necessary and you should regularly be walking for over five hours on non-paved surfaces. These trips are ideal for those comfortable hiking well-marked trails in the countryside, such as coastal paths or forest tracks, but seeking a bit more exploration in mountainous terrain. The goal is to extend your boundaries and provide a fulfilling experience for those ready to venture further.
Level Three: Level three trips cater to individuals with an established hiking background, requiring a regular commitment to hiking for six or more hours in a single day, often across two or more consecutive days. While experience in multi-day journeys is beneficial, back-to-back single-day hikes suffice. These trips may involve some altitude.
Level Four: Level four trips suit individuals with a robust experience in hiking, featuring consecutive daily hiking or multi-day journeys for seven or more hours per day often including notable ascents. At times, trails may be less established and rougher underfoot, incorporating some technical sections that might require using hands for stability. Although these trips may involve some altitude, they typically don't exceed 4,500m.
Level Five: These trips expand on the challenges of level four, featuring increased daily hiking time and substantial ascents, often around 1000m. Trails may be less established and rougher underfoot, incorporating more technical sections that might require using hands for stability over rocky terrain. While roped climbing is unlikely, these hikes could reach altitudes up to 6000m.
Level Six: These trips represent our most challenging adventures, encompassing elements from level five but often with increased difficulty. The key distinction lies in incorporating specialist equipment and skills, such as crampons and an ice axe. These expeditions may reach altitudes exceeding 6,000m. Participants must possess a substantial level of fitness, as some days may require over 12 hours of walking. A robust background in outdoor adventure is essential, and individuals might be asked to provide evidence of past experience or plans to acquire relevant skills before embarking on these demanding journeys.