Difficulty rating chart
This guide attempts to classify the difficulty level of various activities. Given that many routes (hiking, biking, etc.) are unique, this classification is largely approximate or subjective. For example, two different mountaineering groups might evaluate the same route quite differently. There are also routes which do not exactly fit into one category and are therefore placed in the closest suitable class. The following also play an important role in all activities:
proper equipment
information (from the information provided with each excursion or by the Greekly office)
the pace of the group
weather conditions and
our state of mind
Before making the classification, it is essential to point out that where outdoor activities are concerned, there is always an element a. of effort (corresponding to the described level), b. fatigue and c. teamwork (we operate only under the terms and conditions of a team).
We are also exposed to the natural environment, and that means uphills, downhills, varying altitudes, changeable weather conditions (great variability in temperature, rainfall, wind, such as the northerly ‘meltemi’ of the Cyclades, snow and so on), exposed areas where someone with a fear of heights might have difficulty, passes where it might be necessary to use our hands, rocks, mud, insects, thorns and many other factors. There are elements which at first might cause hesitation, insecurity and even fear. But it seems that anyone who wants meaningful contact with nature usually finds a way to respond to whatever may arise, either in the short term (e.g. by buying special equipment), or in the long term (e.g. by working to gradually develop better fitness levels and skills) in order to undertake the routes one wants.
Strolling, hiking, mountaineering:
Strolling: it's exactly what it says. We find ourselves in a beautiful place and simply stroll around it. There is no goal of reaching some peak, nor are we bound to keep up a particular pace as a team. We stop whenever necessary, always as a team, and we show respect for even the most inexperienced member, as we make long and leisurely pauses and stops for a break. Strolling is ideal for beginners but not for those who have not walked for a while, or who have health and/or mobility issues. The only objective when strolling is to return to our starting point after a certain length of time so we can continue with other enjoyable activities for the rest of the day. In this category we include touring wineries or archaeological sites (such as Mycenae), collecting herbs with a knowledgeable guide, and hunting for mushrooms. In these cases, it is possible we will be walking off-trail, where there may be a steeper incline or some scree.
Hiking with difficulty level of 1/10: specific hiking route, with a starting point, a middle and an end. Either going and returning along the same route, or following a circular route, or hiking across a particular area. Participants should be in good shape physically and emotionally open and even more ready to explore not only the surrounding landscapes but their inner landscapes as well. The mild aspect of strolling gives ways to a more energetic pace, while pauses and stops are made only when the hike leader suggests it (about 5-10 minutes per hour), or if a specific reason calls for it. Variation in altitude is 300 metres or less, while hiking time is about 1-3 hours (+ about 40% added time for comfortable pauses, stops, meals, photos and resting). At this difficulty level, the routes are not very long, but there may be sections that are not suitable for people who have a fear of heights or are unfamiliar with steep inclines or scree, even if the difficulty level is only 1/10. It is also possible we will need to use our hands for a bit (e.g. a total of 5-10 minutes) for some sort of climbing.
Hiking with difficulty level of 2/10: specific hiking route, with a starting point, a middle and an end. Either going and returning along the same route, or following a circular route, or hiking across a particular area Participants should be in good shape physically and emotionally open and even more ready to explore not only the surrounding landscapes but their inner landscapes as well. The mild aspect of strolling gives ways to a more energetic pace, while pauses and stops are made only when the hike leader suggests it (about 5-10 minutes per hour), or if a specific reason calls for it. This is where some of the morphological difficulties arise (scree, steep inclines, areas exposed to winds, and others). From this difficulty level on, the usefulness of appropriate equipment becomes even more apparent (e.g. boots and trekking poles), even though if we go “by the book”, such things are necessary even for a short stroll. Variation in altitude is about 300-600 metres, while hiking time is about 2-4 hours (+ about 40% added time for comfortable pauses, stops, meals, photos and resting). It is also possible we will need to use our hands for a bit (e.g. a total of 10 minutes) for some sort of climbing.
Hiking with difficulty level of 3/10: specific hiking route, with a starting point, a middle and an end. Either going and returning along the same route, or following a circular route, or hiking across a particular area. Participants should be in a very good shape physically and emotionally open, though, at this level prior experience is a must, as we use different muscle groups which, if they have never worked together, may become quite strained and tired, despite being generally fit in other activities. The mild aspect of strolling gives ways to a much more energetic pace, while pauses and stops are made only when the hike leader suggests it (about 5-10 minutes per hour), or if a specific reason calls for it. Morphological difficulties are normal here (scree, steep inclines, exposed areas with wind, stones or wet rocks, and so on). Variation in altitude is about 500-800 metres, while hiking time is about 3-5 hours (+ about 40% added time for comfortable pauses, stops, meals, photos and resting). It is also possible we will need to use our hands for a bit (e.g. a total of 15 minutes) for some sort of climbing.
Hiking with difficulty level of 4/10: specific hiking route, with a starting point, a middle and an end. Either going and returning along the same route, or following a circular route, or hiking across a particular area. At this level, one should be extremely fit and emotionally open or make up for it with wild enthusiasm in order to experience nature in all its grandeur (often the latter is more important). A respectable amount of experience is a must as well (e.g. 7-8 previous hikes at a level 3 or 4 and at a comparable pace), as we use different muscles groups which, if they have never worked together, may become quite strained and tired, despite being generally fit in other activities. This level bears no relation to strolling! We are a hiking or mountaineering group with a specific objective. We want to make a quick crossing so we can rest at a specific beautiful spot or some lake, or catch an incredible view from a particular peak, or because we enjoy sliding around on the scree, or because we find fog thick as soup absolutely thrilling! We are happy when it rains because it brings out all of the fragrances of the mountain. The morphological difficulties inspire and excite us (scree, steep slopes, windy areas, etc.), and a good tumble may be the highlight of the experience that we talk about for a whole week. Pauses and stops are made only when the hike leader suggests it (about 5 minutes per hour), or when there is good reason. The special equipment is absolutely mandatory and it should have been tried several times already (e.g. boots should have been worn in and not cause blisters). Variation in altitude is about 600-1000 metres, while hiking time is about 4-7 hours (+ about 40% added time for comfortable pauses, stops, meals, photos and resting). It is also possible we will need to use our hands for a bit (e.g. a total of 20 minutes) for some sort of climbing.
Hiking with difficulty level of 5/10: specific hiking route, with a starting point, a middle and an end. Either going and returning along the same route, or following a circular route, or hiking across a particular area. At this level, one should be extremely fit and emotionally open or make up for it with wild enthusiasm in order to experience nature in all its grandeur (often the latter is more important). A respectable amount of experience is a must as well (e.g. 7-8 previous hikes at a level 3 or 4 and at a comparable pace), as we use different muscles groups which, if they have never worked together, may become quite strained and tired, despite being generally fit in other activities. Clearly this is no longer just a stroll! We are a hiking or mountaineering group with a specific objective. We want to make a quick crossing so we can rest at a specific beautiful spot or some lake, or catch an incredible view from a particular peak, or because we enjoy sliding around on the scree, or because we find fog thick as soup absolutely thrilling! We are happy when it rains because it brings out all of the fragrances of the mountain. The morphological difficulties inspire and excite us (scree, steep slopes, windy areas, etc.), and a good tumble may be the highlight of the experience that we talk about for a whole week. Pauses and stops are made only when the hike leader suggests it (about 5 minutes per hour), or if there is a serious reason. The special equipment is absolutely mandatory and it should have been tried several times already (e.g. boots should have been worn in and not cause blisters). Variation in altitude is about 800-1200 metres, while hiking time is about 6-9 hours (+ about 40% added time for comfortable pauses, stops, meals, photos and resting). It is also possible we will need to use our hands for a bit (e.g. a total of 30 minutes) for some sort of climbing, such as before climbing Mytikas peak on Mt Olympus.
Hiking with a difficulty level of 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 (out of 10): we organise this only upon request by a specific group or company, because in general we prefer to balance our time with other things as well, such as doing something to help the body recover, enjoying a delicious meal we can linger over for 2-3 hours, or a special event (perhaps live music) in the evening.
For those who are interested, the following aspects increase according to the difficulty levels:
the number of hours walking (without as many stops, in order to return before night falls on the mountain)
the difference in altitude (you reach the peak of Mt Olympus in one go and head for work the next day)
the weight we have to carry (you carry a tent, food and cooking utensils because there is no hut where you are going, or because you are doing a crossing) and
the special equipment (such as crampons and ice axes, ropes, ice screws, pickets and other things needed for snow, especially frozen snow).
The difficulty level of a particular route can also change depending on the weather.
example 1: a route that usually takes three hours can become more difficult and take five hours if it has snowed a few days earlier.
example 2: a route easily completed in spring or autumn in comfortable temperatures can be more difficult and even unbearable in the summer sun. Note that during the summer, we recommend hiking only early in the morning, or in green areas with plenty of shade.
Biking:
Biking with difficulty level of 1/10: specific hiking route, with a starting point, a middle and an end. Either going and returning along the same route, or following a circular route, or biking across a particular area. Participants should be in good shape physically and emotionally open and even more ready to explore not only the surrounding landscapes but their inner landscapes as well. The mild aspect of biking gives ways to a more energetic pace, while pauses and stops are made only when the biking leader suggests it (about 5-10 minutes per hour), or if a specific reason calls for it. Variation in altitude is rarely more than 150 metres, while the (biking) time is about 1-2 hours (+ about 40% added time for comfortable pauses, stops, meals, photos and resting). At this difficulty level, the routes are not long, but there may be sections that are not suitable for people who have a fear of heights or are unfamiliar with steep inclines or scree, even if the difficulty level is only 1/10. It may be necessary to carry the bike for a short distance or push it by hand (e.g. 5-10 minutes total) if the terrain is not suitable for biking (particularly mountain biking routes).
Biking with difficulty level of 2/10: specific hiking route, with a starting point, a middle and an end. Either going and returning along the same route, or following a circular route, or biking across a particular area. Participants should be in good shape physically and emotionally open and even more ready to explore not only the surrounding landscapes but their inner landscapes as well. The mild aspect of biking gives ways to a more energetic pace, while pauses and stops are made only when the biking leader suggests it (about 5-10 minutes per hour), or if a specific reason calls for it. Variation in altitude is rarely more than 300 metres, while the (biking) time is about 2-3 hours (+ about 40% added time for comfortable pauses, stops, meals, photos and resting). At this difficulty level, the routes are not very long, but there may be sections that are not suitable for people who have a fear of heights or are unfamiliar with steep inclines or scree. It may be necessary to carry the bike for a short distance or push it by hand (e.g. 15 minutes total) if the terrain is not suitable for biking (particularly mountain biking routes).
The difficulty level of a particular route can also change depending on the weather or the quality of the road
example 1: a route that usually takes 2 hours can become more difficult and take 3 hours if it has snowed a few days earlier.
example 2: a route easily completed in spring or autumn in comfortable temperatures can be more difficult and even unbearable in the summer sun. Note that during the summer, we recommend biking only early in the morning, or in green areas with plenty of shade.
example 3: routes over unpaved roads are taken at a slower pace, since more care is necessary and they present more difficulties.
The contact person for each excursion and the Greekly office are available to everyone before, during and after the trip, for any additional clarification.