Expedition Grades

Grading a trek or expedition is very subjective – after all, one man’s hill is another man’s mountain!

We would rather talk and chat over experience or how suitable and enjoyable a trip will be with regard to your experience and aspirations. But, for your reference, we have added a basic framework to give you an idea of the trip grade and experience needed for each trip.

We have graded our treks and expeditions in 5 “Exped Grades”.

Grade one

Means ‘Great first Experience’. No previous experience is needed.

Grade two

Means ‘Some previous experience needed’. This experience doesn’t have to be international. Experience throughout the UK can be just as transferable as a trek internationally.

Grade Three 

Means ‘Basic summer techniques must be at a good standard’. Normally at grade three level there is a new skill or environment that requires a firm foundation in the summer skills to allow you to concentrate on the new techniques.

Grade Four

Means ‘Basic summer and winter techniques must be at a good standard’. At grade four, either there is advanced skills needed or the trek or expedition is requiring people to operate at a high standard as soon as they step off the plane. Example being on our Hardangervidda crossing when you step off the train you are pulling a pulk, covering 25km’s a day, in a very remote and wild environment.

Grade Five

Means ‘Advanced knowledge in the summer and winter environment is essential’ These trips are either very technical i.e rock climbing and advanced scrambling, very high altitude which would require a CV of previous high altitude experience, or very remote and in an extreme environment.

Please read the detailed trip notes to understand exactly what the trek involves. If you have any concerns then please do call and speak to us.