Your adventure starts here!
If you would like to discuss your trip, we would love to hear from you and would be happy to arrange a Zoom or WhatsApp call. Just complete the contact form or email anne@freedomtrailtreks.com and we can organise it to discuss any aspect of the trip you are thinking of. This is normal for us and a nice way to meet your team, or part of it!
CHALLENGING Trip grade 1
This is our entry-level grade. Trips are designed to be challenging for those in good health and fitness, but achievable for most people with a can-do attitude. Please note that this is called Challenging for a reason. It may be the lowest grade on our scale, but it is still not easy!
Expect to be trekking for an average of 6-7 hours per day across a range of terrain, some of which could be exposed. Conditions could be hot, humid, cold, windy, or rainy.
Examples: Peak district 9 edges challenge, Coastal Freedom Trail, Cornwall WW2.
DEMANDING Trip grade 2
Some long days over tough terrain require good stamina, fitness and a determined attitude. They are usually hillier than Challenging trips, have some longer days, or present other challenging aspects.
Expect 7-8 hours trekking per day and up to 1,000 meters height gain. There may be steep terrain and rocky steps. On certain treks, there may be a level of exposure.
Examples: Andorra Freedom Trail, Cathar Way
TOUGH Trip grade 3
Tough trips involve tough terrain. Weather, altitude, and/or basic living conditions are expected. They demand good fitness and a determined attitude.
Trips with a significant time spent above altitudes of 3,000 meters altitudes are usually graded Tough or include technical sections, where you may have to hold onto a wire or move across a boulder field.
Examples: Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Sanctuary, Wadi Rum & Petra
INTENSE Trip grade 4
Intense trips involve exposed terrain and tough conditions, usually at altitude. As well as good fitness and stamina, they demand a determined approach and total commitment.
There will be many sections throughout the day where you need to be vigilant and confident while moving on rough mountain terrain. You may have experienced a wild camp leaving you tired, or other conditions where resilience is needed to complete the trip.
Examples: Pyrenees Freedom Trail – technical, Kilimanjaro Trek – altitude
EXTREME OR EXPLORATORY Trip grade 5
Extreme trips involve highly taxing terrain and conditions for the majority of the trip, often with extremes of temperature, altitude, jungle environment, or a combination of factors that will test your resilience. They may be exploratory, taking you to a new area or mountain range.
These trips generally involve climbing above 6,000 meters or involve aspects of ropework. Part of this may involve sleeping in very cold conditions (down to -20 °C) in very primitive accommodations or in the jungle, where it is necessary to be vigilant for insects and animals that could potentially cause harm.
Examples: Venezuela Expedition, Winter freedom trail expedition, Aconcagua, Mongolia, Pakistan, objectives in unusual places, high peaks, interesting countries, far from help etc.
*We carry out a risk assessment for each of our trips. You will be part of this after we have reviewed your experience on your booking form and spoken with you. During the trip, your guides will dynamically risk assess.