Cycling Difficulty Rating System

We offer bespoke guided rides for people of all abilities.

On our route idea pages we have a rating system to indicate who might enjoy that ride.

Our rating system is explained below.

This is meant to be used as a guide and may differ from ride to ride.

1. Base ⭐

  • Distance: Up to 50 km (31 miles) per day
  • Elevation Gain: Up to 500 m (1,640 ft) per day
  • Terrain: Mostly flat to gently rolling, paved or well-maintained gravel may be used for short sections to keep off busy roads
  • Route Type: Mostly flat, accessible routes, low traffic
  • Expected Duration: 2–4 hours of relaxed riding
  • Ideal For: Beginners – Most comfortable on gradual slopes. Infrequent riding done on easy routes. Reasonable overall level of fitness. Covers 50kms in a month.

2. Intermediate ⭐⭐

  • Distance: 50–80 km (31–50 miles) per day
  • Elevation Gain: 500–1,000m (1,640–3,280 ft) per day
  • Terrain: Rolling hills, moderate climbs
  • Route Type: Getting hillier
  • Expected Duration: 3–5 hours
  • Ideal For: Skilled Riders – Able to ride moderate routes in most weather conditions. Has good control of bike and is most comfortable on gentler gradients. Rides at least a couple of times a month and is fit. Covers 100kms in a month.

3. Tough ⭐⭐⭐

  • Distance: 80–110 km (50–70miles) per day
  • Elevation Gain: 1,000–1,500 m (3,280–4,922ft) per day
  • Terrain: Steep climbs, technical descents
  • Route Type: Longer routes with some challenging ascents
  • Expected Duration: 5–7 hours
  • Ideal For: Advanced Riders – Able to ride moderately challenging routes in all weather conditions. Rides most weekends and maintains a high level of fitness. Covers 100kms in a week.

4. Epic ⭐⭐⭐⭐

  • Distance: 110km-150km (70-95 miles) per day
  • Elevation Gain: 1,500-2,000m (4,922-6,560ft) per day
  • Terrain: Significant climbs
  • Route Type: Long, complex, many challenging ascents
  • Expected Duration: 7+ hours or multi-day rides
  • Ideal For: Expert Riders – Fit and experienced. Rides every weekend on major undulations covering long distances quickly. Covers 200kms in a week.

5. Extreme ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  • Distance: 150km+ (95 miles+) per day
  • Elevation Gain: 2,000+ m (6,560+ ft) per day
  • Terrain: Extremely tough climbs
  • Route Type: Long tough rides with endless ascents
  • Expected Duration: 10+ hours or multi-day rides
  • Ideal For: Pro Elite Riders – Extremely fit, long training sessions on major undulations every weekend and during the week, covering long distances very quickly, covers 300kms in a week.