| trek grades |
This is an indication of just how easy or challenging a trek is. Each trek is illustrated by a simple 'grade dial' like the ones shown here. They are divided into three general levels: |
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| easy |  |  |
| Most weekend walkers are quite capable of doing treks in this grade, as long as you are in good health and reasonably fit. Altitudes are generally low but even in the foothills trails are rarely totally flat, so expect a fair amount of ups and downs. |
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| varied |  |  |
| Treks of this grade are most typical, where days within a trek can vary significantly. Most days can still be quite easy, but there are ones, matybe crossing a main pass, which are decidedly tough. Confidence in your fitness is therefore important at this level, with the knowledge that you have the willpower to complete any harder than average days. |
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| serious |  |  |
| We recommend that you have previous experience of walking the mountain terrain before you join a trek at this level. You must be fully confident of your fitness, and be happy to walk some long days, up to 10 hours sometimes. With previous experience, many parts ill be straightforward, but terrain can be rough and steep and you should be prepared for some extremes in altitude or weather. |
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| expedition |  |  |
| One step beyond; in this grade serious trekking provides the acclimatisation to take on actual summits. Though still a 'trekking peak' category to alpine PD at max, requiring little technical climbing beyond the training we provide, you must have previous experience in mountain trekking, preferably at altitude, and be very confident of your general fitness and determination. |
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| Of course, every trek is unique. There are relative degrees of difficulty within each level, and no exact cut-off point between them. So the 'grade dial' gives a visual representation of just where a particular trek falls very 'easy' for example, or verging on 'varied'. You should match your expected fitness to the trek you choose. If you need to talk it through, feel free to call us with our experience we can help you select the trek you'll most enjoy. |
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