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To give an indication of the level of our walking holidays we give each and every holiday a grading. When grading each particular walking holiday overall we take into account more than just the daily walking as clearly there are many other factors involved. It is of course impossible for us to take into account your own personal abilities and experiences when determining the trip grade. Consequently when making a judgement upon each particular holiday grade the overall holiday duration (i.e the number of continuous walking days), ascent, descent, altitude, terrain, remoteness, possible challenging weather conditions etc are also taken into consideration. It is VERY IMPORTANT that before booking any of our walking holidays you should read the relevant trip dossier thoroughly. We are always happy to advise if you have any concerns over the grading of any of our walking holidays. It is of course your responsibility to ensure you are comfortable walking at the level of grading stated for the walking holiday you choose as well as being prepared physically and equipment wise for the holiday too.

ALL of our holidays are based around walking, usually on a continual daily basis. They are of course best suited to those that enjoy walking. Although we sometimes include the daily walking distances in our trip dossiers, we find it preferable to state the approximate walking times for each day. Distances can of course be misleading .e.g a fairly level 10km walk at low altitude will take considerably less time than a 10km walk that is a steep ascent and at high altitude. Walking times stated are always approximate walking times based on a regular hillwalker with a good level of fitness. Naturally these times will vary from person to person and should be taken as a guideline only. They cannot possibly take into account rest periods along the way as this will again vary considerably from person to person and as such are approximated walking times only. Consequently the total time taken from the start to the finish of each daily walk may be considerably longer dependent upon your own hill walking experience and physical fitness, as well as the amount of stops you make along the way.

We grade our trips from A to D, with A being the least challenging and D being the most challenging. These should be considered in conjunction with each holiday description. See the relevant trip dossier for more details. It is important you choose a walking holiday that best suits your level of experience and fitness.

• A - Easy - These are our easiest walking holidays and usually involve relatively short daily walks. Often these will be low-level walks, with straightforward conditions underfoot. There will be sections of both ascent and descent, but these are usually brief and not sustained. These holidays are suitable for those that enjoy leisurely walking and are in good health with a fairly reasonable level of fitness.
• B - Moderate - Increasing daily walking times on sometimes rugged mountain trails, forest tracks and footpaths, with considerably more ascent and descent involved, although usually at moderate altitudes. Elements of brief, easy scrambling may be involved. Suitable for most regular hillwalkers who have a reasonable level of fitness. Some days may be more challenging than others.
• C- Demanding - More challenging, with some extended walking days, and often longer in trip duration. These walking holidays involve more challenging and mountainous terrain, as well as sustained periods of both ascent and descent. Some will be at higher altitudes and are best suited to experienced walkers with a good level of physical fitness. This grade of holiday is usually not suitable for novices. Elements of some scrambling or crossing some sections of difficulty underfoot are likely be involved.
• D - Strenuous - Our hardest walking holidays. Daily walking times will be increasingly long and will involve significant amounts of very challenging ascent and descent at more extreme altitudes. These holidays may also involve walking over difficult terrain in isolated areas, high-mountain passes, glaciated or snow-covered ground and may require some basic mountaineering skills and equipment. Terrain may at times be very steep and sustained, with very challenging conditions underfoot as well as the possibility some exposure. A very good level of physical fitness and previous experience of walking at this grade level is essential.

Please do not hesitate to contact our office if you are uncertain about your ability to take part in any of our walking holidays.

For further information about Types of Walking Holidays - Click here