If you are fit and healthy, and enjoy taking a weekend walk then you can manage this grading. The trails in the mountains are seldom flat so do expect a reasonable amount of ascent and descent. This can mean a climb of 300-500m (984-1640ft) and the same on descent. You will normally walk for 3 to 4 hours a day. The maximum altitude on these trips is unlikely to exceed 2000m (6560ft). This altitude is only likely when we have taken a cable car to higher ground to being our walk. The emphasis is on enjoying the mountains, but with minimum effort.
Designed to be suitable for most walkers in good health who exercise regularly. These walking holidays are predominantly on good paths and at an altitude of between 1000m (3280ft) and 2000m (6560ft). We would expect you to have had some experience of walking in the mountains. You should be prepared to deal with hiking in bad weather if necessary. Expect to walk for between 4-6 hours per day and with ascent and descents of up to 800m (2624ft) per day.
Suitable for those of you who consider yourself ‘hill-walkers’, these trips involve longer days at an altitude of up to 2800m (9184ft) on good paths and tracks. A good level of fitness is required as these treks can involve considerable amounts of ascent and descent and the occasional difficult day on rougher paths. There may be an occasional day with ascents/descents of up to 1350m (4428ft). We would expect you to have previous experience of walking on consecutive days in the mountains, and have experience of hiking in bad weather. Expect to walk 5-7 hours per day.
These holidays are physically challenging and are suitable for regular hill-walkers who are used to extended days. These treks can involve difficult and demanding days on rough and sometimes loose terrain, as well as crossing passes that are at an altitude of up to 3100m (10,168ft). There may also be sections of path where the trail is good but exposed, however, these sections will be short. There may be the occasional day with ascents/descents of up to 1800m (5904ft). A good level of fitness and previous trekking experience is essential. You need to be able to deal with bad weather when necessary. Expect to be walking 6-7 hours per day with the occasional longer day.
Our toughest trips are those we deem to be ‘challenging’. By this we mean challenging physically and mentally. You need a high level of fitness, considerable previous experience of multi day walking trips, and a good attitude. You should enjoy walking for full days and be prepared to cope with regular ascents/descents of between 1300-1800m (4264-5904ft), and crossing passes at up to 3500m (11,480ft). You need to be able to deal with bad weather and to be able to look after your self in terms of being too cold, too hot, too wet, too tired. You do not need to be an athlete or a super hero, but you do need to know what it is like to walk all day to get to where you are going. You should be able to cope with rough and loose terrain, and deal with exposed sections of paths, and occasional sections of cabling or ladders to assist on steep ground. Expect to walk for up to 9 hours a day.
5 DaysDURATION | BeginnersGRADE | £1075FROM |
Excellent spa hotel, delicious Italian coffee, and wonderful ski tracks. Cogne offers first class cross country skiing making it the perfect location for your first experience on 'skinny' skis. It really is the perfect winter break!
View trip9 DaysDURATION | IntermediateGRADE | £1965FROM |
The best of the best! One of the most famous long distance walks in the world done in a week of 'highlights'. Three countries, three cultures, and glorious mountain views, including the highest in Western Europe, the mighty Mont Blanc. Sample alpine culture, folklore, wildlife, food and fill your lungs with fresh mountain air as you walk these ancient trails over high mountain passes taking you from France, to Italy and then Switzerland.
View trip15 DaysDURATION | ExpertGRADE | £3795FROM |
It's famous throughout the world as one of the top walks in Europe, and certainly the GR20 across Corsica earns its reputation as a challenging undertaking. Heading from north to south we trade precipitous rocky trails, and fine ridges, for a more mellow land of lakes and forests. Enjoy dramatic coastal scenery, gorgeous mountain villages and the satisfaction of completing a true trek of a lifetime.
View trip8 DaysDURATION | IntermediateGRADE | £1695FROM |
The Grand Canyon of Europe and it's yours to explore! This is a one week walking trip combing lavender fields, olive groves, cute Provencal villages, AND the spectacular Verdon Gorge. As well as easy walking through meadows we also descend into the Gorge to enjoy its towering cliffs, jade green pools, ancient walkways, and the vultures soaring overhead.
View trip8 DaysDURATION | IntermediateGRADE | £1295FROM |
This is one of Italy's best kept secrets! Trek in Tuscany through an ancient landscape of breathtaking mountain walking and exceptional hospitality. A gorgeous Tuscan farmhouse awaits, with first class homegrown food. Prepare to be surprised by the stunning views, and wild limestone ridges.
View trip10 DaysDURATION | Cross Country Ski InstructionGRADE | £1895FROM |
A unique experience in the forests of Finland as we ski along the Finnish-Russian frontier. Immerse yourself in local tradition, learn the history of this fascinating area, and if we are lucky the Aurora Borealis will light up the skies! A great combination of several days instruction at Finland's top cross country ski area, and then a three day journey along the frontier.
View trip8 DaysDURATION | AdvancedGRADE | £1995FROM |
Crossing the Hardangervidda is one of the great classic ski journeys of the world. A wild, remote and immense plateau the Hardanger is world famous for its beauty, space and solitude. It is also home to wildlife such as arctic foxes, and beaver, and has the largest wild reindeer herds in Scandinavia.
View trip8 DaysDURATION | Cross Country Ski InstructionGRADE | £2195FROM |
The Jotunheim is famed as a land of stunning mountains and wide open vistas, perfect cross-country ski terrain. This week is an exploration of Sjodalen where we spend the week working our way from north to south up this remote valley. This trip is perfect if you want to improve your technique and enjoy a journey on skis. We enjoy three different hotel locations, linking them on skis with our luggage being taken ahead for us.
View trip8 DaysDURATION | Point to Point Track SkiingGRADE | £2075FROM |
Ski the best of the Swiss and French Jura. An area rich in history and tradition, the Jura mountains offer perfect Nordic ski terrain. Sample both the famous Grande Traversée du Jura (or GTJ) in France and Trans Jura Swiss with this week long point-to-point ski tour.
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