Choosing a hike: understanding the FFRandonnée rating

“Is it right for me?” is the question I am asked most. To answer honestly, every hike is rated using the French Hiking Federation (FFRandonnée) method, which scores three criteria from 1 to 5.

Effort

It combines duration, ascent and distance. Effort 1 (easy) is a walk under 2 hours with little climbing; effort 3 (moderate), a 4–5 hour day with 600–800 m of ascent; effort 5 (hard), a long, demanding day.

Technicality

It describes the ground under your feet: wide track (1), rocky path or roots (2–3), sections where you use your hands, scree, limestone pavement (4–5). This, more than fitness, is often what makes a hike feel hard.

Risk

It assesses the consequences of a fall or mistake and how remote you are: a forest path near a road (1) is nothing like an airy ridge far from anywhere (4–5).

Where do you stand?

1. You walk little or are getting back into it: aim for 1 to 2 on each criterion.
2. You regularly hike for a few hours: 3 is within reach.
3. You string together 1,000 m days: ratings 4 and 5 are for you.