What do our walking grades mean?

To show the difficulty (and ease) of our walking holidays, each is graded on a scale of 1 to 6, with 1 being the gentlest and 6 the most challenging. You’ll find a correlating walking grade on each of our individual holiday descriptions. For more information, read our blog: Our Walking Grades Explained, here.

Walking grade 1 - Walk at a relaxed pace, often spending time at places of interest en-route

One

Walk at a relaxed pace, often spending time at places of interest en-route. Walking experience isn’t necessary as distances are quite short and gradients generally easy.

Walking grade 2 - Good paths but walks are a bit longer

Two

Good paths but walks are a bit longer. Some walks, particularly in mountain areas, may have sections over rough or steeper terrain.

Walking grade 3 - Walks follow well-defined paths, though often in hilly or upland areas, or along rugged coastal footpaths

Three

Walks follow well-defined paths, though often in hilly or upland areas, or along rugged coastal footpaths. These may be rough or steep in sections and will require reasonable fitness.

Walking grade 4 - Long distances in remote countryside and on rough terrain

Four

Long distances in remote countryside and on rough terrain. You can expect some sustained ascents and descents; there may be occasional sections of scree and steep ground.

Walking grade 5 - Good fitness and stamina required. Expect rocky terrain with sustained ascents and descents

Five

Good fitness and stamina required. Expect rocky terrain with sustained ascents and descents. Walks may include high summits and ridges.

Walking grade 6 - Our most challenging walks where high levels of fitness and stamina are required

Six

Our most challenging walks where high levels of fitness and stamina are required. Walks will be long and strenuous in difficult mountain terrain.