Trip difficulty levels
Every trip is rated on four levels. Pick the one that matches your fitness today; a trip is more fun when you are not struggling.
Easy
- Suits
- Anyone who enjoys a relaxed walk, including children and older travellers who walk regularly.
- The trail
- Short, well-marked paths with little climbing and rest stops close by. Much of the day is by vehicle or at viewpoints.
- Getting ready
- No special training. Comfortable shoes with good grip are enough.
Moderate
- Suits
- People who can walk 3–5 hours a day with breaks. No hiking experience needed.
- The trail
- Some steep sections on dirt, rock or roots, which can be slippery in the rainy season. You walk at the group's pace.
- Getting ready
- Brisk walks or stairs 2–3 times a week for 2–3 weeks beforehand make it far more enjoyable.
Challenging
- Suits
- People who exercise regularly and are ready for 5–8 hour days carrying their own pack.
- The trail
- Long, sustained climbs, perhaps stream crossings or short scrambles. Summits get cold, and nights are often in tents.
- Getting ready
- Train on hills or stairs with a loaded pack for 4–6 weeks, and break in the shoes you will wear.
Extreme
- Suits
- Fit travellers who have done challenging trips before and can handle several days of discomfort.
- The trail
- Several days in remote terrain, very steep or rocky ground, heavy packs and fast-changing weather.
- Getting ready
- Build endurance for at least two months with loaded hill walks and cardio, and get a health check before you go.