Some routes that we walk are more challenging than others due to length, steepness, trail surface, altitude, exposure, or the amount of pasta you consumed at lunch. Generally speaking, the steeper the path, the slower we go. The following rating guide will help you decide if a tour is right for you. We use a scale from 1-5. Generally these descriptions and ratings apply to the routes that we walk in the countryside, on the days when we are exploring towns you can walk as much or as little as you desire. Some walks can be shortened for those who wish an easier day.
It is not uncommon for someone to have an inaccurate and overly optimistic idea of their own level of physical fitness. Reading this guide may re-orient you to what you need to be prepared for in order to have fun and participate in all the great hikes with your group.
Our hiking guides and tour leaders set a moderate pace in order to enjoy the trail but still complete it in a reasonable length of time. If a hiker is too unsteady, has less-than-average balance skills, or walks far slower than the pace set by the hiking guide, it prevents them (and the group) from completing a hike in a reasonable length of time. That’s why it’s your responsibility to read each day’s hiking description, understand the ratings, apply it honestly to your own abilities, and then make sure you prepare yourself physically in the months leading up to the tour by following the minimum recommended training suggestions in this Activity Level Guide.
It’s important you understand that the Go Get Lost tour leader will be the final authority when determining your fitness for participation in any activities. If a tour leader deems that participation in the day’s activities will present a safety hazard to you, and/or your traveling companions, the tour leader may, at their discretion, advise you that you will not be able to participate in the activity. Although the tour leader may arrange for an alternate activity, it is not guaranteed, and it may not be included in the tour price. No refunds will be given for any activities missed because of non-participation, whether by your choice or by tour leader decision.
Keep in mind that all of these ratings are for people who are fit, and are accomplished walker/hikers. The ratings apply to an average middle-aged walker/hiker, not beginners and not experts. If you fall outside of these baselines (fitness, age, etc) then you should adjust your expectations. For example, a Moderate rating means that a fit hiker will enjoy the route but not be challenged by it. If you don’t have a history of fitness or hiking, (couch potato), or if you are beyond “middle-aged” then the Moderate route will be more like the Challenging route to you. Likewise the Challenging route may be more than you can handle. The tour leader will assess your fitness level on the first day or two of the trip. They will then be able to counsel you on what the best route for you may be on certain days, or when a particular walk may be more than you can handle. Please don’t sign up for a hiking trip unless you plan to prepare yourself physically. For your safety and for the group safety, all decisions of the trip leader are final.
#1-Easy
An Easy walk is between 2 and 6 miles, with mostly flat or gently rolling terrain. Although steps and steep stretches may be encountered, they are not frequent. Surfaces are generally solid, but can have occasional stretches of loose stones or uneven surfaces, requiring normal balance skills. Walking times will vary between 2-4 hours. To prepare for this level of hike you should be walking 2-5 miles at least twice a week, with some occasional hills or steps. You’ll need to get off the paved trails on at least half of your training hikes.
#2-Easy/Moderate
An Easy/Moderate hike is generally between 3-7 miles, with mostly flat or gently rolling terrain. Some steps and steep stretches may be encountered. Trail surfaces are generally solid, but can have frequent stretches of loose stones or uneven surfaces, requiring normal balance skills. Walking times will vary between 2-5 hours. To prepare for this level of hike you should be walking 3-6 miles at least twice a week, with some frequent hills or steps. You’ll need to get off the paved trails on at least half of your training hikes.
#3-Moderate
A Moderate hike is between 4 and 8 miles, with some moderate to steep inclines or steps. Paths will vary from cobblestones and pavement to dirt, rocks, or grass. Surfaces can be loose and uneven, requiring normal to above-average balance skills. Some easy scrambling over boulders may be required. Walking times will vary between 2-6 hours. To prepare for this level of hike you should be walking 4-6 miles at least 2 times per week prior to the trip. You’ll want to find some longer hills, steps, and various trail surfaces too. (Not just paved trails.)
#4-Moderate/Challenging
When a hike is rated Moderate/Challenging, it will usually be between 4 and 10 miles, with some moderate to steep inclines or occasional long flights of steps. Paths will vary from cobblestones and pavement to dirt, rocks, or grass. Surfaces can be loose and uneven, requiring above-average balance skills. Some easy scrambling over boulders may be required. Walking times will vary between 3-6 hours. To prepare for this level of hike you should be walking 4-7 miles at least 2 times per week prior to the trip. You’ll want to find some longer hills, steps, and various trail surfaces too. Most of your training hikes should be on natural surfaces, no paved trails.
#5-Challenging
A hike that is rated Challenging will normally be between 5-12 miles, over occasional to frequent steep inclines and declines. You should be able to negotiate any type of trail surface, from loose gravel and fist-sized stones to coarse ash (on volcanic surfaces). Surfaces can be loose and uneven, requiring good balance skills. Paths may be exposed to heights, sunny with no shade, or windy and cold. Walking times will vary between 4-7 hours. To prepare for this type of hike, you should be hiking 5-7 miles at least twice a week prior to the trip, and at least one hike as long as the longest hike on your itinerary. You’ll want to have some steep uphills and downhills, various trail surfaces, and be able to keep up a steady pace.
