HikeMetrics
Global Hiking Index
HikeMetrics
Global Hiking Index
HikeMetrics // Comparison Engine
Route A

Baggy Point Circular

united-kingdom/Devon, England
VS
Route B

Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)

argentina/mendoza

Baggy Point Circular vs Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing): Intensity Score Comparison

Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing) is unequivocally more demanding overall (+45 points). While Baggy Point Circular is a serious endeavor, Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing) pushes the limits further, particularly regarding sustained physical exertion.

Model-based (not a field report) · Evaluates overall route demand, not danger.

Intensity Difference
+45 Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing) is harder
Higher Physical Load
Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)
Higher Technical Seriousness
Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)
Greater Commitment
Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)
Overall HikeMetrics Score
Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)wins 8 of 10 metrics
2
Route A
8
Route B
united-kingdom/Devon, England

Baggy Point Circular

MODERATE // CHLG
Full Route Report

This spectacular 10-mile (16km) circular route captures the essence of the North Devon surfing coast. Starting from the bustling surfer hub of Croyde Bay, the route follows the South West Coast Path out to the rugged sandstone headland of Baggy Point. From the point, sweeping views encompass Bideford Bay and Lundy Island. The trail then continues north, dropping down to the immense, 3-mile golden sweep of Woolacombe sand. After reaching Woolacombe, the return journey cuts inland over the high downs and farmland, offering a peaceful, elevated contrast to the busy beaches below.

argentina/mendoza

Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)

EXTREME // LETHAL
Full Route Report

Following the historic path used by the Army of the Andes in 1817, this 6-day trans-Andean expedition traverses the central cordillera from Mendoza, Argentina, to the Cajón del Maipo in Chile. The route crosses two significant high-altitude barriers—Portillo Argentino (4,330m) and Paso Piuquenes (4,030m). Hikers move through a high desert landscape of volcanic rock, vast glacial valleys, and the powerful Tunuyán River. The terrain consists primarily of rocky mountain paths, loose scree on the steeper pass approaches, and high-altitude plateaus where exposure to wind and sun is constant.

Head-to-Head Metric Analysis

Intensity ScoreHigher Overall Demand
32
WINNER77
Physical LoadMore Physically Taxing
35
WINNER79
Technical SeriousnessMore Technically Demanding
35
WINNER55
DistanceLonger route
16 km
WINNER110 km
Elevation GainMore vertical
260 m
WINNER3,200 m
Highest PointHigher summit
120 m
WINNER4,330 m
DurationShorter commitment
1 days WINNER
6 days
Hazard LevelMore accessible
MODERATE // CHLG WINNER
EXTREME // LETHAL
Crowd LevelLess crowded
5 / 5
WINNER1 / 5
RemotenessMore remote
1 / 5
WINNER5 / 5

HikeMetrics Hazard Scale — Explanation

1
LOW // ACCESS
2
STANDARD // RT
3
MODERATE // CHLG
4
EXPERT // HAZARD
5
EXTREME // LETHAL

The HikeMetrics Hazard Scale is a proprietary 5-point classification system that evaluates hiking routes across five dimensions: physical demand, technical complexity, altitude exposure, weather risk, and rescue accessibility.

Unlike generic star ratings, the Hazard Scale is calibrated against altitude profiles, elevation gain per day, and logistical isolation factors — making it the most precise route classification system available.

Full Scale Documentation
Route A // Hazard Verdict
Baggy Point Circular
MODERATE // CHLG
unguarded cliff edges: The path around Baggy Point itself is wide and well-maintained, but there are sheer drops of over 150ft to the rocks below without fencing.
inland navigation mud: While the coastal path is obvious, the inland return route over the downs crosses numerous farm fields that can become deep bogs in winter.
Route B // Hazard Verdict
Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)
EXTREME // LETHAL
acclimatization_and_ams: Prolonged exposure above 4,000m poses a risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
river_crossings: The Tunuyán River involves significant water volume and current strength, particularly in the afternoon.

Required Gear Comparison

Baggy Point Circular
Comfortable walking shoes or bootsWindproof layer (the headland is highly exposed)OS Explorer Map 139 (Bideford, Ilfracombe & Barnstaple)Sunscreen (zero shade on the coastal sections)
Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)
Sturdy mountain boots with high ankle supportThermal system rated for temperatures down to -15°CHigh-performance wind and sun protectionTrekking poles for loose scree descentsPassport and necessary travel documents for border transit

Compare with Other Routes

argentina
Cerro Tronador (Refugio Otto Meiling)
MODERATE // CHLG
argentina
Huemul Circuit
EXTREME // LETHAL
argentina
Laguna Torre (Cerro Torre)
MODERATE // CHLG
argentina
Nahuel Huapi Traverse (4 Refugios)
EXTREME // LETHAL
austria
Berliner Höhenweg — The Zillertal High-Route
EXTREME // LETHAL
austria
Coburger Hütte — Seebensee & Drachensee
MODERATE // CHLG