Walking Grades

WalkingUnder 5 hrs/dayAscentUnder 250mDistance10–15 km

Less than 5 hours walking per day at a gentle pace with less than 250m (820 feet) ascent/descent. Generally good paths on undulating terrain with gentle gradients. Average distances 10 to 15km.

Who it’s forAnybody in reasonable health should enjoy this grade of walking. No previous walking experience required.

Example: Bordeaux Classic Wine Trail
See all 3 easy walks →

Walking4–6 hrs/dayAscentUnder 500mDistance12–20 km

Average walks or hikes of between 4-6 hours, with the odd longer day and less than 500m (1650 feet) ascent/descent. Generally, on good paths although there could be steeper sections with rough conditions underfoot. Distances average about 12 to 20km per day, although on some holidays they can be longer.

Who it’s forYou should have experience of day walking and be in reasonable health.

Example: Beaujolais Medieval Villages Tour
See all 35 moderate walks →

Walking4–7 hrs/dayAscentUp to 750mDistanceAs moderate

Average walks of between 4-7 hours, with up to 750m (2450 feet) ascent/descent in the day. The terrain is often more rugged (but not necessarily mountainous) with some rough paths, with longer and steeper ascents/descents. The distances are similar to the moderate grade but combined with the extra climbs they make for a more difficult week. These holidays can be in both hilly regions such as the Beaujolais in France or in higher mountains such as the Pyrenees or Alps.

Who it’s forYou should have recent experience of day walking in upland terrain, be surefooted and have a reasonable level of fitness. Some holidays may require a good head for heights due to some exposure.

Example: Alps to Med Trail
See all 6 moderate / challenging walks →

Walking5–8 hrs/dayAscent750–1000mDistanceMountain terrain

Walks or hikes of between 5-8 hours, with average altitude gains of 750 to 1000m (3300 feet) per day, but with the odd more difficult or longer day. Rugged paths in mountainous areas such as the Alps with prolonged ascents/descents some of which can be steep. There could be sections of easy scrambling (using hands for stability and assistance), which are highlighted on the specific holiday page. Factors such as the altitude at which you are walking can make some holidays relatively more difficult. In addition, local elements such as the weather conditions and snow on the ground can have an impact on the relative difficulty of the walk.

Who it’s forYou should be a regular walker with mountain walking experience, with a good level of fitness and a good head for heights.

Example: Tour of Queyras – An Alpine Secret
See all 23 challenging walks →

Walking5–9 hrs/dayAscentOver 1000mDistanceSustained days

Walks of between 5-9 hours, with altitude gains averaging over 1000m (3300 feet) per day involving prolonged ascents/descents. Rugged paths in mountainous areas such as the Alps with prolonged ascents/descents some of which can be steep. There could be sections of easy scrambling (using hands for stability and assistance). These mountainous holidays often contain several difficult hiking days one after the other and are sometimes made more strenuous by walking at altitude, backpacking on a hut-to-hut trek or difficult mountainous terrain where route finding is problematic. In addition, local elements such as the weather conditions and snow on the ground can have an impact on the relative difficulty of the walks.

Who it’s forYou should be a regular mountain walker, with a good level of experience and fitness with a good head for heights. Experience of walking in the Alps or similar mountains and in snowy conditions is preferable.

Example: Panoramic Vercors
See all 13 strenuous walks →