What Do Our Walking Grades Mean?

If you are familiar with HF Holidays, you will have noticed that we have recently expanded our walking grade scale from 6-points to 10-points.

While the holidays themselves have not changed (the routes, daily distances and ascent levels remain the same), our new expanded 1-10 scale offers greater distinction between holidays and clearer grade descriptions, so you can choose a holiday that best suits your fitness, walking experience and personal preferences.

If you have an upcoming booking, you do not need to take any action. If there are any changes to your holiday itinerary, we will contact you directly.

We have walking itineraries to suit a wide range of abilities, from gentle strolls to challenging hikes. Our walking grades are grouped into three colour-coded categories:

Gentle Walking: Grades 1-4

Moderate Walking: Grades 5-7

Challenge Walking: Grades 8-10

Scroll down to find more details about these three categories.

Each walking holiday on our website shows the walking grade(s), with detailed daily distance and ascent information included in the itinerary section. Please read the walk details for each day carefully and download the detailed Trip Notes for your chosen departure to ensure the holiday is right for you.

Where holidays feature longer walks than the grade might suggest, these walks tend to be flatter routes, with easier terrain. Where distances are shorter than the grade may suggest, the grade is a reflection of higher levels of ascent and/or difficult terrain underfoot.

If you are unsure which grade is most suitable, please contact us and we will be happy to help.

Relaxed-paced full or half-day walks with shorter distances, gentler gradients and more time to pause at places of interest. There will be no stiles on level 1 walks, but a few unavoidable stiles are possible on walks graded 2 to 4. A good choice for those new to walking, as no outdoor walking experience is necessary. However, we recommend you take regular outdoor walks in the run-up to your holiday to boost your enjoyment.  

• Walks are typically 2-7 miles (3-12km) 

• Terrain includes tarmac or well-trodden and even paths on grades 1 & 2 walks (no stiles on grade 1 walks). A few unavoidable stiles and steps are possible on grade 2 to 4 walks.  

• Low level, relatively flat routes with gentle gradients, if any. Total ascent minimal, typically less than 1,000ft (300m) over the day. 

• You can expect to be on your feet between 4-6hrs each day (excluding time for stops) and be comfortable walking at a very leisurely pace of 1-1.5 miles per hour over flat ground. 

The most active Gentle grade, with longer walks, some ascent, and possible steps, stiles, or off-path uneven ground. Typically, 6-7 miles (10-12km) with around 1,000ft (300m) of ascent.

Longer distance full-day walks with mixed terrain, and moderate ascents and descents with regular stops. Suitable for regular countryside walkers who are fit and agile enough to climb obstacles such as stiles and stream run offs. Previous multi-day hill-walking experience desirable. 

• Walks are typically between 8-12 miles (13-19km) 

• Terrain is mixed, may include sections of uneven, muddy, boggy, and/or in parts rocky ground. Multiple steps and stiles are also possible. 

• Expect moderate ascents/descents typically 1,300-1,800ft (400-560m) over the course of the day.  

• You can expect to walk for approximately 6-7 hours each day (excluding breaks) and be comfortable maintaining a steady pace of around 2 miles per hour on flat ground. 

• Your leaders will slow the pace over uneven ground and on ascents/descents 

Demanding but rewarding full-day, full-on walks over longer distances. Expect steep ascents/descents over rugged mountainous terrain, and/or significant mileage. Stops will only be for snacks and lunch. Suited to very fit and agile walkers with previous and recent multi-day mountain-walking experience.  

• Walks are typically long-distance 12+ miles (19+km) 
• Terrain may be rugged, mountainous and may include off-path, boggy, rocky ground. Short sections of low grade 1 scrambling may be included. Routes may include exposed ridges. 
• Expect steep ascents/descents totalling 2,300-3,300+ft (700-1000+m) over the day.  
• You can expect to walk for around 8 hours each day, and occasionally longer, excluding stops. Suitable for those who are comfortable maintaining a fairly fast pace of around 3 miles per hour on flat ground. Your leaders will pace slower over uneven ground and on ascents/descents.  
• Some walks will be longer with less ascent, some shorter with greater ascents.