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Geowalk difficulty guide
Cornwall Geologist endeavours to make activities as accessible as possible. A range of activities are offered to accommodate people of varying abilities, with each one providing accessibility information so you can make informed decisions for if it is right for you. More information can be found in the Cornwall Geologist Accessibility Statement.
Each Geowalk is measured against a difficulty guide, ranging from 1 (Accessible) to 5 (Adventurer). This scale considers both the technical difficulty (walk length, terrain, elevation) and the recommended fitness and accessibility levels for each activity. Each level includes a brief description to help you determine what to expect, allowing you to make an informed choice and find the best walk for you to enjoy.
Difficulty Level
What to Expect
1. Accessible ♿
➡ Distance – typically less than 2 miles.
🌍 Terrain – accessible. Routes follow well-maintained trails, and surfaced roads and footpaths. No stiles.
⛰ Elevation change – barely any. Mostly flat ground with some gentle slopes.
🩷 Fitness and accessibility – suitable for all age groups with limited or no hiking experience. Suitable for people with mixed fitness levels but in general good health to be outdoors. Accessible for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and pushchairs*.
2. Leisure
➡ Distance – typically less than 2 miles.
🌍 Terrain – easy-going. Routes follow well-maintained trails with minor sections that are rocky, uneven, boggy, or overgrown. May include stiles.
⛰ Elevation change – barely any. Mostly flat ground with some gentle slopes.
🩷 Fitness and accessibility – suitable for all age groups with limited or no hiking experience. Requires a reasonable level of fitness. May have some access for those with mobility limitations, but not suitable for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and pushchairs.
3. Rambler
➡ Distance – typically 2-4 miles.
🌍 Terrain – moderate. Routes follow trails that can be well-maintained, but sections can be rocky, uneven, boggy, or overgrown. May include stiles.
⛰ Elevation change – moderate. Up to 100 m of elevation change with some moderate slopes.
🩷 Fitness and accessibility – suitable for ages 10+ with some hiking experience. Requires a decent level of fitness. May impact those with illnesses or disabilities that impact fitness and mobility.
4. Explorer
➡ Distance – typically greater than 4 miles.
🌍 Terrain – moderate to challenging. Routes follow trails that are largely rocky, uneven, boggy, or overgrown, with stiles.
⛰ Elevation change – moderate to challenging. Over 100 m of elevation change with moderate to steep slopes.
🩷 Fitness and accessibility – suitable for ages 16+ with a good level of hiking experience. Requires above average levels of fitness. Not suitable for those with illnesses or disabilities that impact fitness and mobility.
5. Adventurer
➡ Distance – typically greater than 5 miles.
🌍 Terrain – challenging. Routes follow trails that are rocky, uneven, boggy, or overgrown with stiles. Can venture off the beaten track across open access land, rocky foreshore and coastal slopes.
⛰ Elevation change – challenging. Over 100 m of elevation change with steep slopes and rocky outcrop that may require scrambling (not climbing).
🩷 Fitness and accessibility – suitable for adults (18+) with more advanced hiking experience. Requires above average levels of fitness with no health issues or disabilities that impact mobility and fitness. Contact Cornwall Geologist in advance to discuss the route and challenges involved before you book.
*Wheelchair or pushchair users may need assistance on some sections, please contact Cornwall Geologist in advance to discuss details.
This guide is an approximation only. Walking and hiking difficulty can be influenced by multiple factors, so it is important to consider if a walk is suitable for you. Individual activities can vary based on terrain, distance, and elevation changes. For example, a 2 km walk with a 100 m elevation gain on uneven ground may be more challenging than a 5 km walk on well-maintained, flat trails. Weather conditions, personal fitness, and health can also impact the difficulty of a walk.
During all activities, we prioritise group safety by continuously assessing risks and may modify plans at short notice if necessary. Private activities can be tailored to individuals or groups, with the difficulty level agreed upon at the time of booking. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this guide, Cornwall Geologist does not accept liability for descriptions of specific locations.
Version 1.1. Updated: 21st March 2025