Moderate grade fitness guide

Moderate is suited to moderately fit and active walkers looking for a rewarding physical challenge. Our Moderate walking holidays are designed for those who want a true hiking experience with substantial daily movement. These trips take you deeper into the landscape, offering a satisfying blend of physical effort and scenic exploration.

This guide will help you understand exactly what to expect from a Moderate graded holiday, from typical walking distances and terrain to the level of fitness that's recommended. Read on to see whether a Moderate trip is the right fit for you.

What fitness level do I need for a Moderate walking holiday?
To take part in our Moderate-grade walking holidays, you should be moderately fit, active, and comfortable being on your feet for 4–7 hours a day. Previous hiking experience is recommended.

How does a Moderate walk feel?
These walks feel like a solid, fulfilling day on the trail. You will maintain a steady rhythm and tackle sustained inclines, feeling a healthy level of exertion before resting well in the evening.

 

You’ll enjoy this if you can:

• Walk for 4-7 hours continuously.
• Walk approximately 15 km / 9.3 miles in a day.
• Climb 600–800m / 1,968–2,625 feet of ascent in a day.
• Manage a step count of 25,000 to 30,000 steps per day.
• Maintain a steady pace for 4–7 hours including stops.

How far do you walk each day on a Moderate walking holiday?
Each of our walking trips is different, but on a typical Moderate-grade walking trip, you’ll take around 25,000 to 30,000 steps each day and cover about 15 km / 9.3 miles. You can see a breakdown of daily distances and any elevation on each tour’s trip page.

What should I expect from a Moderate-grade walk?
While each route is different, here’s what you can generally expect from a Moderate-grade walk:

• Terrain: A variety of trails, including rolling hills and moderate inclines.
• Pace: An active, sustained pace spanning 4–5 hours of daily walking.
• Elevation: Noticeable ascents and descents, climbing 600–800m / 1,968–2,625 feet per day.
• Weather: Expect varied outdoor weather conditions, requiring proper layering and waterproof gear.

How should I prepare for a Moderate walking holiday?
Preparation should begin several weeks prior with consistent hiking routines. Here’s what we recommend:

• Complete 3–4 walks per week.
• Include one longer hike (around 5 hours) most weekends.
• Incorporate hill training or stair climbing.
• Do strength training focused on legs and core (lunges, squats) and cardio 1–2 times weekly.