Each of our challenge events is designed to be achievable by most individuals, providing you are prepared to put the effort into training. You don’t need to be a professional athlete or super fit, however the fitter you are the more you will enjoy the challenge! 

Please keep in mind that these guidelines are to give an insight into the difficulty level associated with the challenge. You may find that an event rated ‘Challenging’, could have a ‘Tough’ day, or that a ‘Tough’ challenge, may have a ‘Challenging’ day.

Click the links below to skip to the activity you're considering:

• Trekking challenges
• Cycling challenges
• Sledding challenges

If you'd prefer to see all our events sorted by challenge grading, click here.

Our policy is to encourage and support as many people as possible to take part in our challenges. However, they may not be suitable for all people due to restrictions posed by limitations in mobility, physical or cognitive disability, pregnancy or other various medical conditions. If you have any doubts regarding your suitability for your challenge, please contact our office to speak to one of the team.

Trekking Challenges

UK CHALLENGES

CHALLENGING (1) 

With an activity duration of one day, a ‘Challenging’ trek requires a good level of fitness and usually involves undulating terrain and a long day of walking with plenty of ascent and descent – for example, on our Ben Nevis Trek we trek on varied terrain which is rocky and uneven underfoot, and at times the footpaths will be mainly scree and loose rock. When accommodation is provided, it will be camping on a twin-share basis or in a hostel with dormitory-style rooms.

TOUGH (2)

A ‘Tough’ trek features more demanding activities and greater elevation, and the days are generally longer and harder than a challenge graded as ‘Challenging’. The trek is likely to involve camping with basic facilities – for example, on our Hadrian’s Wall Trek, we walk on varied terrain which is rocky and uneven underfoot at times.

EXTREME (3)

An ‘Extreme’ trek requires a high level of stamina and fitness. It will usually involve lots of ascending and descending during successive long days of walking. Weather conditions are also likely to make walking more difficult. For example, on our Three Peaks Trek, rain on higher ground is a significant possibility, with anything from showers to storms at any time of the year. This is along with varied and uneven terrain and even completing some sections during darkness.

OVERSEAS CHALLENGES

CHALLENGING (1) 

A ‘Challenging’ trek requires a good level of fitness and as a general rule, does not go to an elevation above 3,500m. They usually involve varied terrain with some tough, long trekking days – for example, our Great Wall of China Trek includes varied terrain, from smooth, flat sections to rugged, rocky old sections of the Wall and will also involve some steep climbs. Hotels and lodges are used on ‘Challenging’ treks and any camping is kept to a minimum, and we are usually never too far away from civilisation. The weather may also be changeable.

TOUGH (2) 

A ‘Tough’ trek features more demanding activities, with generally longer and harder days than a challenge graded as ‘Challenging’, reaching a maximum elevation of 4,500m.  The trek is likely to involve considerable amounts of camping and facilities that we may not be accustomed to – for example on our Inca Trail Trek, when not in Cusco we will be camping in remote locations with basic facilities. The weather can also be more unpredictable on ‘Tough’ treks.

EXTREME (3)

An ‘Extreme’ trek will involve trekking at high altitude (over 5,000m) and in varying temperatures and conditions. For example, on our Everest Base Camp Trek temperatures can range from 26°C in Kathmandu to as low as -14°Cwhen we reach an altitude of over 5,000m. The weather can be more unpredictable on ‘Extreme’ treks, and the temperature can be very cold, very hot or anywhere in between!

SEE ALL TREKS

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Cycling Challenges

UK & EUROPEAN CHALLENGES

CHALLENGING (1)

A ‘Challenging’ cycle requires a good level of fitness and usually involves undulating terrain and relatively long cycling days. Hotels are used, but these are not luxury hotels and can be very basic. For example, on our London to Paris Bike Ride, we will cycle on varied terrain which is mostly tarmacked roads but at times will be testing, with tram lines and cobblestones.

TOUGH (2)

A ‘Tough’ cycle features more demanding activities and the days are generally longer and harder than a cycle graded as ‘Challenging’! It may also be classed as ‘Tough’ due to the weather conditions. The weather can be more unpredictable during these challenges, and the temperature can be very cold, very hot or anywhere in between.

EXTREME (3)

An ‘Extreme’ cycle requires a very high level of fitness and usually involves long days of cycling with plenty of steep ascents and descents and significant elevation. The weather can also be more unpredictable during these challenges. Hostels and bunkhouses are used, and these are very basic. For example, on our Land’s End to John O’Groats Cycle, we will be cycling for 12 consecutive days on varied terrain, which is mostly tarmacked roads but with gravel and loose stone cycle paths and narrow country lanes at times.

OVERSEAS CHALLENGES

CHALLENGING (1)

A ‘Challenging’ cycle requires a good level of fitness. They usually involve varied terrain, with some long cycling days, and the weather may also be a challenge. For example, on our Vietnam to Cambodia Cycle the cycling is not physically demanding in terms of terrain but the high temperatures and humidity make it more difficult, especially for the first couple of days until you acclimatise. Hotels and lodges are used on challenging cycles, and any camping is kept to a minimum. We are usually never too far away from civilisation.

TOUGH (2) 

A ‘Tough’ cycle features more demanding activities and the days are generally longer and harder than a cycle graded as ‘Challenging’! It may also be classed as ‘Tough’ due to the weather conditions. The weather can be more unpredictable on ‘Tough’ cycles, and the temperature can be very cold, very hot or anywhere in between!

EXTREME (3)

An ‘Extreme’ cycle will involve some very long days in the saddle, and you will be tackling some significant climbs across varied terrain. It may also be classed as ‘Extreme’ due to the weather conditions. 

SEE ALL CYCLES

Sledding Challenges

TOUGH (2) 

 The Lapland Husky Trail Sled is graded as ‘Tough’. Please don’t underestimate this challenge just because you aren’t trekking or cycling long distances, as some of the sledding will be fairly demanding. You will be sledding for 6 consecutive days and should expect long but extremely rewarding days of at least 14 hours. We travel through mountains and hills, dismounting to help push the sled when the gradient becomes too steep for the huskies to pull alone. You will participate in all aspects of the challenge, including feeding, bedding and preparing the dogs, putting up and taking down tents, making hot drinks and generally helping around camp.

SEE ALL SLEDS

All Our Events - From Challenging to Extreme

Overseas Treks

UK Treks

Overseas Cycles

UK & European Cycles

Sleds

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