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Our Trip Grading Explained

What's Right for You?

Knowing which trip to choose can be tricky. That’s why all our trips are graded to make finding the right one for you easy.

From active but relaxed holidays to real physical wilderness challenges, we have a trip to suit your needs.

  • Our trips are given an overall grade of Green, Blue or Red. Green trips are easiest and Red trips are the most challenging.
  • A nine-point scale helps to distinguish which trips in the overall grade are harder than others. E.g Blue 6 is harder than Blue 5.
  • The grade is based on a number of factors but the most important is the degree of physical challenge and the technical skill or previous experience required.

To learn more about our trip grading and what’s right for you browse an activity from the list below.

Wilderness Walking

Green Graded: Difficulty 1-3

Green graded walking holidays are suitable for active travellers who are reasonably fit and enjoy moderate hikes. We walk at a comfortable pace and you can expect to be out for 4-5 hours a day. The terrain will be mostly good paths and hill trails but these can still be muddy and rough in places. Some hikes may involve an ascent up to a max of approx 1,500 feet / 450m. Distances will be typically 8-10km. Daily hike details are available in the itinerary.

Blue Graded: Difficulty 4-6

Blue graded walking holidays are suitable for fit and experienced hikers. We walk at a steady pace and you can expect to be out for 6-7 hours a day. You will not always be on a path and the terrain underfoot can be rough and boggy, including boulder fields and mountain tops. Some of the daily walks will involve a mountain ascent of over 3000ft / 900m high. Daily distances will be typically up to 16km but may be longer occasionally. Daily hike details are available in the itinerary.

Red Graded: Difficulty 7-9

Red graded walking holidays are suitable for fit and experienced hikers used to more challenging routes and rough terrain. The terrain will be varied but include rough hill tracks, boggy ground, boulder fields and mountain tops. There may be ridge walks or short non-technical scrambling so a good head for heights is useful. Daily distances will be 15 – 25km a day and often include an ascent of a major peak up to 3000ft / 900m high. Daily hikes are available in the itinerary.

Road Cycling

Green Graded: Difficulty 1-3

Green graded trips are suitable for people with a reasonable level of fitness who enjoy cycling and are looking for an active but relaxed trip. They are also suitable for active people who are new to cycle touring and looking for a new way to explore the countryside.

Distances each day will be between 25 – 45 miles, cycling at an average speed of around 10mph. We will ride on mostly straightforward rolling terrain with one or two more notable climbs during the trip, where some riders may opt to ride in the support vehicle. We will be in the saddle for 4-6 hours each day plus the odd longer day. There is also time each day for breaks and lunches, plus visits to sites of interest.

Blue Graded: Difficulty 4-6

Blue graded trips are suitable for people with a good level of bike fitness, who regularly enjoy cycling and may have joined a multi-day cycle holiday before.

Distances each day will be between 35 – 60 miles, cycling at around 12/14mph. Each day will be rolling and hilly terrain and there will be notable climbs most days. Some of these will be more testing and some riders may opt to push or ride in the support vehicle. Some climbs are also followed by exciting descents. We will be in the saddle for 5 – 7 hours each day plus the odd longer day. There is also time each day for breaks and lunches, plus some visits to sites of interest.

Red Graded: Difficulty 7-9

Red graded trips are suitable only for fit and experienced riders who love cycling and enjoy the challenge of longer days in the saddle, riding for consecutive days.

Distances range from 40 – 75 miles each day, cycling at roughly 12/14mph. We will ride a variety of terrain from rolling countryside to hilly and mountainous areas. Most days will be challenging and the trip will include some of the more testing climbs including high mountain passes. These harder climbs are rewarded with fast and exciting descents. We will often be in the saddle for 7 hours each day plus the odd longer day. There is also time each day for breaks and lunches plus visits to some sites of interest.

Still Have Questions?

So there you have it. We hope this gives you a greater idea of what to expect and how to choose the dream trip for you. However, it may be helpful to chat to our friendly team who have experienced these trips for themselves and can answer any queries you may have.

Feel free to contact our friendly adventure consultants and they will be able to fill in any questions you have.

Award-Winning Journeys

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Green Tourism
Gold Approved
Pure
High-End
Experiential Travel
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Leading Green
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