How difficult are the walks? #
We try our best to access a walk in advance. It's not an exact science, in fact it's a complex subject, but it generally works in most cases. The majority we do are in the "Moderate" class. You might be pleased to know that we haven't had a "Very Tough" trip (yet!).
In addition we do try other activities from time to time and these are mixed into the annual itinerary. In particular we like to do high level summer scrambling and snowshoeing in the winter. We have also arranged occasional days Rock Climbing or doing Via Ferratas
Difficulty: Easy 
Experience is not necessary; anyone fit and healthy enough to complete a weekend walk can manage a Leisurely grade.
- Length of walking day - Short, often optional walks of between four and five hours duration
- Conditions underfoot - Good, well maintained paths or tracks
- Altitude - Low altitude, with little daily variation
- Weather and temperature - Generally good with no extremes
- Remoteness and comfort - Comfortable with easy access to local amenities
Difficulty: Moderate 
Again, no experience is necessary; good health and reasonable fitness are important. These Moderately graded walks are either fairly easy medium-duration walks or harder, shorter walks.
- Length of walking day - Occasional longer/harder days. Average five to six hours duration
- Conditions underfoot - Generally good paths, but some rocky terrain
- Altitude - Generally no extremes of altitude or ascent/decent. Max ascent approx 800m
- Weather and temperature - No real extremes
- Remoteness and comfort - Mainly good facilities, with access to local amenities
Difficulty: Challenging 
Fitness is important. Most treks at this grade compare to extended walking in mountainous terrain such as the Lakes or Snowdonia, but usually at significantly higher altitudes; climate and remoteness can also play a part. Previous trekking experience is desirable, but not vital if you are confident of your physical condition.
- Length of walking day - Six to eight hours with occasional longer days on peaks or passes
- Conditions underfoot - Expect some difficult terrain underfoot, including loose scree
- Altitude - Some trips may reach high altitudes, with occasional significant daily ascents. Max ascent approx 1000m
- Weather and temperature - Expect some extremes of hot/cold, and changeable weather patterns
- Remoteness and comfort - Possibly remote areas with basic facilities on some nights
Difficulty: Tough 
Those experienced in trekking for a number of consecutive days in the Scottish Highlands, will understand how tough treks at this grade can be. Stamina is essential, as walking days are long. We recommend previous trekking experience, preferably at altitude; you need complete confidence in your physical condition and the ability to trek for many days over difficult terrain.
- Length of walking day - Long, hard days of around seven or eight hours (or longer) duration
- Conditions underfoot - Difficult terrain including snow or scrambling sections. You may need ice axe and crampons
- Altitude - Expect extremes of altitude, and long days of ascent/decent. Over 1000m of ascent
- Weather and temperature - Be prepared. Expect the unexpected!
- Remoteness and comfort - Remote, wild environments with few facilities, perhaps for extended periods. Be prepared to rough it!
Difficulty: Very Tough 
This grade combines all the elements of our previous grade, tough itineraries, but adds extra difficulties such as tricky river crossings, very high or difficult passes, glaciers or peaks that require basic climbing skills. Often specialist equipment, like ice axes and crampons will be needed and you must have experience of them.
- Length of walking day - Numerous long hard days with early starts
- Conditions underfoot - Some technical terrain...ice, snow or rock
- Altitude - Our biggest and most technical trips. Prolonged periods over 3000m
- Weather and temperature - Real extremes of cold can be expected for prolonged periods at high altitude, except high summer
- Remoteness and comfort - Remote itineraries well away from any amenity
