How Difficult are UK mountain trips?

Stuart
Nov 4
3 min read

Updated: Nov 5

Choosing the Right Adventure | City Mountaineering

At City Mountaineering, our mission is simple: to make sustainable mountain adventures accessible to everyone — no matter your experience or ability.

Whether you’re new to hiking or ready for your next big challenge, choosing the right trip is key to making your adventure safe, enjoyable, and rewarding.

Our Hike Grading System

⭐ A simple 1–5 difficulty rating, built on real feedback from asking over 1,000 participants who’ve joined more than one City Mountaineering trip.

This grading system gives you an honest idea of how each trip feels — physically, technically, and mentally — based on the experiences of people who’ve actually done it.

Why We Created the Grading System

After guiding thousands of people through the mountains, we kept hearing the same thing:

“I wish I knew how tough the trip would be beforehand.”

So, we listened.

Our new rating system helps you:

✅ Pick the right trip for your current ability and confidence

📈 Progress from easier to more demanding adventures at your own pace

🧘‍♀️ Feel prepared, not overwhelmed

🤝 Trust our ratings—they’re based on real feedback, not just guides’ opinions

This clear and consistent system helps you plan your next adventure confidently, even with a busy schedule.

How the Rating Works

🎯 We asked over 1,000 returning clients to rate each trip they’d completed, comparing how difficult each trip felt in relation to other trips they had been on.

They considered:

Fitness: duration, elevation gain, pace, and pack weight
Terrain: path quality, scrambling, weather, and wild camping
Mental challenge: exposure, remoteness, and commitment

We combined all that data to create a single, reliable score showing each trip’s relative difficulty.

What Affects a Trip’s Difficulty?

Several factors determine how challenging a hike feels. Understanding these helps you prepare better and enjoy more.

Distance: Longer trails require more stamina and energy.
Total Ascent: The more you climb, the harder it gets on your legs and lungs.
Slope Gradient: Steeper trails need balance, endurance, and strong legs.
Pack Weight: Heavier backpacks make every step feel tougher.
Ground Conditions: Rocky, muddy, or uneven paths slow you down and test stability.
Duration: Longer days demand pacing, rest, and nutrition.
Altitude: Higher elevations mean thinner air, which can cause fatigue more quickly.

What Can Change Difficulty on the Day?

Even with a reliable 1–5 rating, real-world conditions can make a trip feel easier or harder than expected.

🧍 Your Fitness & Experience

Everyone experiences a hike differently. A 3/5 trip for one person might feel like a 4/5 for another, depending on:

Current fitness level
Recent activity or recovery
Experience with rough terrain
Comfort in exposed or remote areas

💡 Tip: Be honest about your ability and contact us if you’re unsure which trip suits you—we’re here to help.

🌧️ Weather Conditions

Weather can completely change a hike.

Rain can make paths slippery or boggy
Snow or ice can turn an Autumn 3/5 trip into a Winter 4/5 trip
Strong winds slow progress
Heat increases dehydration and fatigue

Our guides monitor conditions and adjust plans to keep everyone safe — flexibility is key in the mountains.

⛰️ Trail & Ground Conditions

Mountain paths in the UK can be uneven, rocky, or disappear altogether. Rain or snowmelt may wash out routes or slow the group’s pace. Even a well-marked trail can feel much tougher when footing is poor or the pack is heavy.

👥 Group Dynamics

Each group has its own rhythm. Fitness levels, pace, rest breaks, and teamwork can all affect how challenging the day feels.Our guides are experienced at managing expectations and supporting everyone along the way.

In Summary

Our 1–5 difficulty rating is based on real experiences, giving you a trusted guide for choosing the right challenge.

But remember: No number can capture everything. The mountains are dynamic, unpredictable, and that’s what makes them exciting.

🧗 Choose a trip that challenges you, but leaves room for the unexpected.Our guides will support you every step of the way.

Not Sure What’s Right for You?

Choosing the right level is personal—it’s about fitness, confidence, and experience.

If you’re unsure:

📧 Email us — we’re always happy to help

🗺️ Start with an easier trip to build confidence

🙋‍♂️ Ask questions — our guides have been there too.

All City Mountaineering trips are:

✅ Led by experienced, qualified guides

👥 Run in small, supportive groups

🎒 Fully supported—so you can focus on the experience, not the logistics

Ready to Choose Your Next Adventure?

Whether you’re after a relaxed weekend hike or a remote mountain expedition, our new difficulty ratings help you make the right choice every time.

👉 Explore upcoming trips at citymountaineering.com and check the difficulty score right at the top of each trip page.

Let’s find the adventure that’s challenging — in the best way possible — for you.