Hiking levels explained; relaxed walking tours
- Experience Hikes
- May 23
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 2
Choosing a walking holiday is incredibly exciting! The anticipation of your next trip fills you with joy. You can look forward to beautiful nature, local culture, sociable groups, and active days outdoors. But one question is crucial before you book: is the hiking level right for me? Experience Hikes describes the hikes as level 2.5 on a scale of 1 to 5. That might sound average, but what does that mean in practice? Many people focus primarily on the number of kilometres of a hike. However, in mountainous terrain, that is far from the whole story. A 10-kilometre hike e.g. in the Netherlands feels completely different from a 10-kilometre hike in Greece, Cyprus, or the Rif Mountains in Morocco. |
In this blog we explain what you can expect from our hiking levels, what level of fitness is required, why good hiking boots are essential, and how to start your hiking trip optimally prepared. In consultation with our partners Fora Zakynthos and Slow Travel Sardinia.
Table of Contents
10. Conclusion
What Does a Walking Holiday Level 2.5/5 Mean?
The walking tours of Experience Hikes are suitable for people with basic hiking fitness. You absolutely do not need to be an experienced mountain hiker or top athlete, but reasonable hiking fitness is important. A level of 2.5 out of 5 generally means:
⏱️ Walks of a few hours per day
⛰️ Regular ascents and descents
🪨 Mountainous or hilly paths
👣 Sometimes uneven terrain
☕ Relaxed pace with suffiecient breaks
🌿 Focus on experiencing and enjoying, not on performance
Experience Hikes trips are deliberately designed to be small-scale and relaxed. It is not about speed or athletic performance, but about nature, culture, and being on the road together. Nevertheless, hiking in hilly terrain demands more from your body than many people expect.
What Level of Fitness Do You Need for Walking?
These walking holidays are a good fit for people who:
🚶 Walk regularly
💨 Can be active for a few hours without difficulty
⛰️ Are open to hilly terrain
🪜 Have no trouble climbing stairs or slight elevation changes
🌍 Want to travel actively without extreme challenges
Why Kilometres Don't Tell the Whole Story
This is perhaps the most important thing to understand regarding a hiking holiday. In the Netherlands e.g., you walk on average about 5 kilometres per hour on flat terrain. So, for 10 km, you are on the road for about 2 hours. But in mountainous terrain, it works completely differently. A 10-kilometre hike in Zakynthos or Cyprus can easily:
🕒 Take 4 to 5 hours
🔥 Cost much more energy
🪨 Contain more technical terrain
📈 Have steep sections
🐢 Require a slower pace
The elevation gain plays a huge role in this.
Example
That's why Experience Hikes doesn't look only at the distance, but also at:
📈 Elevation changes
🪨 Surface
🌦️ Weather conditions
🚶 Walking pace
💪 Total effort
These frameworks make the trips more accessible and realistic for participants.
Good Walking Shoes Make the Difference
One of the most underestimated aspects of a walking holiday is good shoes. Many complaints during walking trips arise from:
⚠️ Poor grip
⚠️ Insufficient support
⚠️ Wrong sole
⚠️ New shoes that have not been broken in
Good hiking boots are essential for Experience Hikes' hiking trips. The categories of hiking boots are clearly explained in this illustration. For hikes in hilly or mountainous terrain, category B or B/C boots are usually suitable:
What Requirements Must Good Walking Shoes Meet?
🦶 Good ankle support
🪨 Sturdy sole with grip
😊 Comfort during long walks
🌧️ Water-repellent material
👣 Well broken in before departure
Buy Shoes on Time
Never buy hiking boots just before departure. Wear them several times during walks in your own area first.
Why Using Walking Poles is Smart
Some people think that walking sticks are only intended for older hikers. That is a misconception. In mountainous terrain, even experienced hikers almost always use walking sticks. Why? Because they provide:
⚖️ More stability
🦵 Less strain on the knees
🪨 Extra grip when descending
🤸 Better balance on uneven paths
🔋 Less fatigue
Walking sticks can be a huge help, especially during descents.
When Are Walking Sticks Particularly Pleasant?
🪨 On loose stones
⬇️ On steep descents
⏳ During longer walks
🦵 When your legs are tired
🌧️ On slippery terrain
They often make walking more comfortable and safer.
What Do the Experience Hikes Walking Tours Look Like?
Experience Hikes trips combine hiking with culture, nature, and local experiences. This means that a hiking day might look something like this:
🌳 Hiking through olive groves
🌊 Mountain trails with sea views
⛪ Visit to a monastery
🍴 Lunch in a local village
🤝 Meeting locals
☕ Quiet stops along the way
The emphasis is not on athletic performance, but on truly experiencing. Participants' experiences also show that they appreciate our trips due to the combination of:
👥 Small scale
💚 Personal attention
🧭 Local guides
🏛️ Culture
🌿 Nature
☀️ A relaxed atmosphere
This is How You Prepare Well for a Walking Holiday
Good preparation makes your walking holiday much more enjoyable. Here’s a handy checklist to get you ready:
Physical Preparation
🚶 Walk regularly
📈 Gradually build up your fitness
⛰️ Practice with elevation changes
Equipment
👟 Broken-in hiking boots
🦯 Hiking poles
🧦 Good hiking socks
🎒 Small daypack
💧 Water bottle
Mental Preparation
Do not expect flat hiking trails
🐢 Take your time
🌿 Focus on enjoying yourself
💡 Tip: Listen to Your Body
You do not have to perform during a hiking holiday. Walking at a leisurely pace and drinking enough fluids are more important than speed.
Common Misconceptions About Hiking Trips
🤔 “Isn’t 10 kilometres easy?” Not in mountainous terrain. Elevation gain makes a huge difference.
🤔 “Walking poles are for the elderly.” No. They are used worldwide by experienced mountain hikers.
🤔 “I hike regularly at home, so I can always manage this.” Hiking in the mountains requires different muscles, more energy, and stamina.
🤔 “The fitter you are, the better.” At Experience Hikes, it is all about enjoying a relaxed experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Walking Holiday Levels
⛰️ How Strenuous Are Experience Hikes' Hiking Holidays?
The trips have an average level of 2.5 on a scale of 1-5. They are suitable for people with basic fitness and some hiking experience.
How Many Kilometres Do You Hike Per Day?
That varies per trip day. More important than kilometres are the elevation changes and the duration of the hike.
👟 Do I Need Hiking Boots?
Yes. Good hiking boots with grip and support are essential for comfortable and safe hiking.
🦯 Are Walking Poles Mandatory?
No, but they are strongly recommended for extra stability and support.
💪🏼 Do I Need to Be Sporty?
You don't have to be a top athlete. A reasonable basic level of fitness and a love for hiking are sufficient.
🚶🏽♀️ Conclusion: You Enjoy It the Most When You Are Well Prepared
A hiking holiday is all about discovery, enjoyment, and being active along the way. Experience Hikes trips are accessible to many people but do require a basic level of fitness and the right preparation. Above all, understand that:
🏔️ Mountainous terrain is different from hiking in flat terrain
👟 Good shoes are essential
🦯 Walking sticks are smart
📏 Kilometres aren't everything
Those who set off well-prepared get the most out of these special hiking experiences. 💚
Ready for Your Next Hiking Adventure?
View the current range of hiking trips from Experience Hikes and discover which destination best suits your hiking level.
Comments