Grading system

The difficulty scale below provides an indication of the physical demands of each trip and the level of experience required to participate. I hope this scale will help you choose the trip that is right for you. If you are unsure which level is suitable for you, or if you would like to discuss the details of a particular trip in more depth, please feel free to contact me.

Easy 
The days are reasonably short, usually around 4–5 hours with 200–400 metres of elevation gain. Daily distances are moderate, and there is plenty of time along the way to stop, rest, and enjoy the surroundings. An easy trip is suitable for you if you are accustomed to being active outdoors and want to enjoy hiking without long or physically demanding days.

Moderate  
A good basic level of fitness is required. We typically hike for around 6–8 hours per day, with 400–800 metres of elevation gain. The terrain can be varied, and the days may include ascents, descents, and rocky or uneven mountain terrain.

Challenging   
A good level of fitness and previous experience of hiking in the mountains or highlands are required. We typically hike for around 6–8 hours per day, with 700–1,200 metres of elevation gain. Participants on a challenging trip should be prepared for another long and physically demanding hiking day the following day.