EWT Walking Levels Descriptions
Physical requirements of our walking/trekking programs; the walks/treks are designed for people who are regular walkers/hikers and in excellent physical health overall. The levels are based on the combination of altitude, climate, daily walking/trekking distance, duration, terrain and gradients involved. Levels 2, and 3 involve extensive uphill and downhill walking and the difficulty strengthens as you move up the levels. Trekking is our most challenging level, suitable for people with very active lifestyles and comfortable with up to six hours of physical activity per day.
Description of Walking Levels:
For the most enjoyable and rewarding experience, we ask that you use your best judgment to make a selection(s) in keeping with your health, physical condition, and individual circumstances. Please bear in mind that walking programs involve group activities in which your level of preparedness and ability will have an impact on the other participants.
Level 1 - Low level walks of 3-5 miles, approximately 2-4 hours per day. 500-800 feet elevation change over 2 miles. Relaxed pace with frequent stops on well-marked trails and/or dirt roads with gentle undulating terrain. Few ascents and descents. Terrain also includes valleys and meadows, around lakes and rivers., and the trails are not flat. Private coach or local transportation to travel to different day locations, then concentrate the walking on the beauty of the area.
Level 2 – Walking/hiking 4-8 miles, approximately 3-5 hours per day. 1000-2000 feet elevation change over the entire day. Walks/hikes will be on paths and mountain trails up and down over mixed terrain; valleys, meadows, around lakes and rivers. The shorter walks will occur on days where we cover larger distances by “road” and usually follow longer days of walking. Private coach or local transportation will be used to travel to different day locations, then concentrates the walking on the beauty of the area.
“It’s primarily the pace which makes a hike more or less strenuous and even a bit of a longer uphill is not hard if you can hike at your own pace."
Level 3 – In addition to Level 2, hiking 4-12 miles, approximately 4-6 hours per day. The hikes take place on steeper and longer ascents/descents on very uneven rugged terrain, mountain trails with small stones and rocks, and narrow trails with elevation changes up to 2000 feet. Trekking – 5-12 miles daily, approximately 5-7 hours per day, over rugged mountain terrain, narrow and rocky trails and ridges. Elevation changes 3000-5000 feet, and participants must be able to carry a backpack with 2-5 days of clothing.
Walks or hikes normally proceed rain or shine. Walking boots highly suggested for Level 1, 2, 3 and trekking; ankle-high, sturdy with good tread are required.