"Am I suitable for this trip?". This is likely the first question you will ask yourself, so we aim to make it easy for you to choose your trip by grading them by activity level. We take great care to ensure that you select a tour suited to your interests and physical capabilities. 

The gradings set out on below are a starting point to appreciate what the trip involves and should be consulted in conjunction with our detailed trip notes. We also encourage you to consult with one of our staff. 

Please remember, the fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your North American active adventure. 

Where trips are graded ‘Introductory to Moderate’ or ‘Moderate to Challenging’, the trip involves a combination of two grades, with some days being tougher than others.

All of our trips require participants to be active in their daily lives. Trips listed as Grade 3 and above require regular exercise. 

Grade 2: Active Touring

Active Touring trips may visit remote areas where facilities are often basic. Some of these trips involve camping or basic lodging. These adventure tours will sometimes involve long journeys and rough roads. Sightseeing and optional day walks are often included and these days may involve up to 5 hours of physical activity. To enjoy these adventures we suggest you are reasonably fit, healthy, have a moderately active lifestyle and have a positive attitude.  

Suggested preparation: Two or three times a week, we recommend you walk on undulating terrain for an hour or more, for at least 3 months prior to departure. 

Grade 3: Introductory tours

These trips involve hiking or cycling for up to five or six hours a day at a slow but steady pace and should never be misinterpreted to mean they are easy trips. Hikes are mainly on well-defined trails with undulating terrain and cycling is on mostly flat surfaces. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health.

Suggested preparation: 30 minutes of aerobic exercise (either cycling or jogging) three times a week for 3 months leading up to your trip. 

GRADE 4: Introductory to Moderate tours

These trips involve a combination of what is described in our Introductory and Moderate levels. The emphasis is on introductory activity with some moderate components. Hiking trips typically require carrying a daypack only, but could involve carrying a pack of up to 20 pounds (9kg), depending on personal gear. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health. 

Suggested preparation: We recommend 45 minutes of aerobic exercise three times a week from a minimum of 3 months leading up to your trip. This can include swimming, jogging, hard walking or cycling. For hiking trips, hill or stair walking with a 15lb daypack is highly recommended at least once per week.

Grade 5: Moderate tours

These tours involve hiking or cycling for up to 6 or 7 hours a day at a steady pace. Many moderately graded hiking trips involve the carrying of a daypack only, though some may involve carrying a backpack of up to 30 pounds (14kg), depending on personal gear. Hikers should be prepared for plenty of roots, rocks, significant elevation gain, wilderness camping, and potential variable weather conditions. Cyclists should be prepared for undulating terrain and some steep hills. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health.

Suggested preparation: 1 hour of aerobic exercise, three to four times a week and extended periods of exercise during the weekend. This can include swimming, jogging, hard walking or cycling. For hiking trips, hill or stair walking with a full day pack is strongly recommended at least once per week (or a 30lb pack for backpacking trips).

GRADE 6: Moderate to Challenging tours

These trips involve a combination of what is described in our Moderate and Challenging levels. The emphasis is on moderate activity with some challenging components. Hikers should be prepared for very rugged off-trail hiking, significant elevation gain, wilderness camping, and to carry a pack weighing up 45 pounds (20kg), depending on personal gear. You will need to be completely comfortable in adverse weather conditions, have an excellent level of fitness and be in good health. Suggested preparation: 1 hour of aerobic exercise, four to five times per week for three to six months leading up to departure. Hill walking with a full pack in variable weather conditions or on/off road cycling is essential. 

Suggested preparation: 1 hour of aerobic exercise, four to five times per week for three to six months leading up to departure. Hill walking with a full pack in variable weather conditions or on/off road cycling is essential.

Grade 7: Challenging Tours 

These adventures involve trekking or cycling in remote areas in variable weather conditions for up to 8 to 10 hours a day (possibly more subject to weather conditions and altitude). Hikers should be prepared for very rugged off-trail hiking, significant elevation gain, wilderness camping, and to carry a pack weighing up to 45 pounds (20kg), depending on personal gear. You will need to be completely comfortable in adverse weather conditions, have an excellent level of fitness and be in good health.

Suggested preparation: 1 hour of aerobic exercise, four to five times per week for three to six months leading up to departure. Hill walking with a full pack in variable weather conditions or on/off road cycling is essential.