This is our most-asked FAQ
Getting the grade right means you'll be comfortable with the pace and you'll enjoy your walking holiday to the maximum. We thought it would be useful to clarify the grading system we use at Skyline so that you can choose the perfect guided trip to give you the kind of experience you want:
Grade 1
At this grade, expect relaxed walking, plenty of time taken to stop off at the odd café or to soak up the view at a delightful lakeside spot or waterfall. Expect walks to last 3-5 hours at the most and cover 4 to 6 miles in that time over fairly flat terrain. This grade is ideal if you enjoy unhurried walking through beautiful places and are happy to have extra time back at the hotel for relaxation.
Example trip: Borrowdale & Buttermere Easy Walks
Grade 2
At Grade 2, expect a full day’s walk to last 5-6 hours and to cover 7 to 10 miles in that time over undulating terrain. This grade is ideal if you want to see a new area of the country by walking through it, but don’t want the walk itself to be so tough that it distracts from the pleasures of exploration. The majority of our trips are at Grade 2, because many of our customers enjoy this emphasis, and want a sociable, rewarding day’s walk but still at a moderate pace with time for café stops along the way.
Example trip: Scotland’s Wild West Coast: Oban and the Islands
Grade 3
At this grade, expect tougher walking with some coastal path ‘ups and downs’ or ascent to bag a medium-sized summit. Day walks take 5-7 hours at most, and cover 7 to 10 miles. The main difference between this and Grade 2 is the increased ascent and descent, and that the ground underfoot may be more difficult. This an ideal grade if you enjoy the exhilaration of moderate summit-bagging or a more physical walk that gets heart and lungs working.
Example trip: The Cornish Coastal Path
Grade 4 and 5
These grades are given to trips where our main aim is to be up high each day. Expect tough walking with a fair amount of ascent to get up on the hill tops. Expect amazing views! Although this is tougher walking, we will still aim to take our time and make sure we stop to enjoy scenic views, etc. There is very little or no ‘scrambling’, as this would be beyond our walking grades. At Grades 4 and 5 we still want the emphasis to be on shared enjoyment of visiting amazing places, not on the physical effort of getting there. Grade 4 day walks take 6-8 hours and cover 9 to 12 miles. Grade 5 walks can be that bit tougher or longer, e.g. the ascent of Ben Nevis (not on the list for 2026).
Example trip: Borrowdale Skyline
If you have any queries about the suitability of any Skyline guided walking holiday please just drop us a line – we will be delighted to chat by phone or email to help you to choose the right trip that will give you a guided walking experience that is perfect for you.