Walking Grades Explained
At Large Outdoors, our walking grades are designed to help you choose the right trip for your experience and fitness.
No two landscapes are the same. A 10-mile coastal day feels very different from 10 miles in the hills, and muddy ground can feel harder than dry rock. That’s why our grades reflect the overall feel of the day — including terrain, ascent, pace and time on your feet — rather than distance alone.
Distances are given as a guide. Weather, underfoot conditions and group pace can all influence how a walk feels on the day. If you’re unsure which grade suits you, just ask — we’re always happy to help.
Walking Levels
Distances are given as a guide only. Effort varies depending on terrain, weather and ground conditions. A shorter, steeper mountain day may feel more demanding than a longer coastal walk.
Leisurely
Leisurely trips are steady, relaxed days out designed to be enjoyable without feeling demanding. The pace is comfortable, there’s time to chat and take in the surroundings, and breaks are built into the day.
Walks at this level are typically between 6 and 10 miles. In many of the areas we visit, completely flat routes aren’t possible, but ascent is usually gentle and manageable. When distances approach the higher end of that range, the terrain is generally flatter and straightforward underfoot.
Leisurely is ideal if you’re a regular walker who prefers a sociable pace and doesn’t want long or sustained climbs.
Leisurely Plus
Leisurely Plus builds on the Leisurely grade with either slightly longer days, more ascent, or sections of rougher ground. The pace remains steady, but you can expect to work a little harder at times.
Distances are often in the 7 to 11 mile range, with moderate hills or uneven terrain such as rocky sections, moorland paths or steeper slopes. You don’t need to be a hill specialist, but you should feel comfortable walking for most of the day.
This grade suits walkers who are used to full days out and are happy with some effort along the way.
Active
Active trips involve longer days, greater ascent and more varied terrain. These are proper hill days where you’ll feel like you’ve earned the views.
Daily distances are commonly between 8 and 14 miles, though sometimes shorter routes at this level can still feel demanding due to sustained climbs, rough ground or exposure. You should be comfortable walking for 5–7 hours and managing consistent ascent and descent.
Active is best suited to walkers with good hill fitness who enjoy a more energetic pace and challenging terrain.
Active Plus
Active Plus represents our most demanding walking grade outside of specialist formats. These days are typically in more mountainous or remote areas and may include steeper ground, exposure or short sections where you need to use your hands for balance.
Distances are often 10 miles or more, with significant ascent and longer days on foot. The terrain can be rocky, uneven or sustained in gradient, and you should be confident moving in upland environments.
Active Plus is aimed at experienced, hill-fit walkers who are comfortable with longer, tougher mountain days.
Specialist Formats
Some trips involve additional factors beyond distance and ascent.
Winter Walking
Winter trips take place in snow and icy conditions and include the use of crampons and ice axes. Even moderate distances can feel more demanding due to heavier kit, cold weather and underfoot conditions.
Scrambling
Scrambling involves steeper rocky terrain where you will use your hands as well as your feet to make progress. A head for heights is essential.
Wild Camping
Carrying overnight kit adds to the physical effort, even if daily distances are moderate. Terrain may also be more remote and less defined.