The Natural Adventure Company

The guidelines below should give you a general idea of what to expect from your walking holiday. Hiking times and distances are affected by the steepness of terrain and elevation change i.e. a 10 km easy hike may take 3 hours along a fairly flat route but a 10 km moderate hike up and downhill over steeper terrain may take 5-6 hours. Therefore if in doubt it is better to refer to both time and distance.

Easy
Relaxed and mild walks suitable for walkers with average levels of fitness and who are in general good health. These walks are typically on maintained trails or timber roads and have marked trails with signage. Gradients are mild with no steep uphill or downhill section. No previous hiking experience is required and they are suitable for novices and different age groups. Easy grade holidays may also include discovery holidays including cultural sightseeing opportunities, city visits and excursions such as visits to museums, archaeological sites and wine tours along with some easy walks. Walking is typically limited to 3-5 hours per day (up to 13 km of walking).

Easy to Moderate
Mostly Easy but may include longer moderate hikes (up to 16 km) on some days with some moderate uphill /downhill elevations and steeper ascents /descents. Generally routes will be well maintained but may involve some mixed/rougher terrain on certain days. Walking is on average 4-6 hours per day (up to 16 km of walking).

Moderate
Suitable for more regular hikers who are generally fit. Moderate grade itineraries include longer walking days and steeper accents and descents. May include longer stretches of uphill climbs and descents or a number of shorter steeper uphill and downhill sections along route. Terrain may be mixed including rocky area areas and mixed surfaces underfoot. Moderate grade holidays include on average 4-7 hours of walking per day (up to 20 km of walking).

Moderate to Streneous
Suitable for active hikers with a good level of fitness looking for more demanding and challenging hikes and who are well fit. Moderate to strenuous itineraries involve extended steep ascents and descents along routes. May also include high mountain (alpine) terrain which is rugged and rough underfoot and some sections of scrambling. Mostly moderate walks but may include longer strenuous treks (up to 25 km / 8 hours) on some days. The itinerary may include hut to hut walks on some days and require carrying your own belongings/backpack along route. Moderate to strenuous grade holidays include on average 5-9 hours of walking per day (up to 24 km of walking).

STRENUOUS
For very experienced hikers with a high level of fitness. Navigation skills required. Strenuous itineraries include steep accents and descent over rough and varied terrain in higher mountain regions and may include some exposed areas, fixed ropes and scrambling. These trips may be in expedition style and may require 7-10 hours of hard trekking per day. The itinerary may include hut to hut walks on some or all days and require carrying your own belongings/backpack along route. Strenuous grade holidays include on average 7-10 hours of walking per day (20+ km of walking).