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

Highway Lakes — Blindsee & Weißensee

austria/Fernpass, Tyrol
VS
Route B

Tintagel to Boscastle Coastal Walk

united-kingdom/Cornwall, England

Highway Lakes — Blindsee & Weißensee vs Tintagel to Boscastle Coastal Walk: Intensity Score Comparison

Tintagel to Boscastle Coastal Walk is unequivocally more demanding overall (+19 points). While Highway Lakes — Blindsee & Weißensee is a serious endeavor, Tintagel to Boscastle Coastal Walk pushes the limits further, particularly regarding sustained physical exertion.

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

Intensity Difference
+19 Tintagel to Boscastle Coastal Walk is harder
Higher Physical Load
Tintagel to Boscastle Coastal Walk
Higher Technical Seriousness
Tintagel to Boscastle Coastal Walk
Greater Commitment
Tintagel to Boscastle Coastal Walk
Overall HikeMetrics Score
Tintagel to Boscastle Coastal Walkwins 5 of 8 metrics
3
Route A
5
Route B
austria/Fernpass, Tyrol

Highway Lakes — Blindsee & Weißensee

LOW // ACCESS
Full Route Report

The Blindsee and Weißensee lie below the Fernpass road in Tyrol, Austria. The trail forms a short loop around Blindsee and includes an optional detour to Weißensee. The lakes are surrounded by limestone slopes and mixed forest, offering clear water and alpine scenery.

united-kingdom/Cornwall, England

Tintagel to Boscastle Coastal Walk

MODERATE // CHLG
Full Route Report

This magnificent 5.3-mile (8.5km) section of the South West Coast Path links two of North Cornwall's most dramatic locations: the mythical ruins of Tintagel Castle (legendary birthplace of King Arthur) and the historic, fjord-like harbor of Boscastle. The route is defined by the raw power of the Atlantic Ocean crashing against towering slate cliffs, deep rocky coves, and sweeping headlands. Along the way, you pass the stunning Rocky Valley—where a river has carved a spectacular gorge through the slate—and sweeping views out to Lundy Island. The constant, steep descents and ascents out of the coastal valleys (known as "coombes") make this short distance surprisingly strenuous.

Head-to-Head Metric Analysis

Intensity ScoreHigher Overall Demand
17
WINNER36
Physical LoadMore Physically Taxing
16
WINNER26
Technical SeriousnessMore Technically Demanding
23
WINNER40
DistanceLonger route
5.5 km
WINNER8.5 km
Elevation GainMore vertical
120 m
WINNER400 m
Highest PointHigher summit
1,100 m WINNER
120 m
Duration
1 days
1 days
Hazard LevelMore accessible
LOW // ACCESS WINNER
MODERATE // CHLG
Crowd LevelLess crowded
3 / 5 WINNER
5 / 5
Remoteness
2 / 5
2 / 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
Highway Lakes — Blindsee & Weißensee
LOW // ACCESS
slippery roots near water: The path around the Blindsee is narrow and features many wet tree roots.
Route B // Hazard Verdict
Tintagel to Boscastle Coastal Walk
MODERATE // CHLG
unstable slate cliffs: The North Cornish coast is composed of fragile, crumbling slate. The cliff edges are prone to sudden collapses, especially after winter storms.
steep coombe ascents: The path repeatedly drops from high clifftops down to sea level across several deep river valleys, requiring immediate, grueling climbs back up.

Required Gear Comparison

Highway Lakes — Blindsee & Weißensee
Light hiking shoesSwimwear (the Blindsee is one of Tyrol's most rewarding swim spots)Polarized sunglassesCamera
Tintagel to Boscastle Coastal Walk
Lightweight walking boots or robust trail shoes with deep lugsWindproof and waterproof jacket (the Atlantic squalls roll in fast)OS Explorer map 111 (Bude, Boscastle & Tintagel)Camera (for the legendary coastlines)Plenty of water (no facilities between the two villages)

Compare with Other Routes

argentina
Cerro Tronador (Refugio Otto Meiling)
MODERATE // CHLG
argentina
Laguna Torre (Cerro Torre)
MODERATE // CHLG
austria
Coburger Hütte — Seebensee & Drachensee
MODERATE // CHLG
austria
Hochkeil — The Hidden Panorama
LOW // ACCESS
austria
Kaisertal — The Stairway to Heaven
MODERATE // CHLG
austria
The High Descent — Kaiser-Franz-Josef-Höhe to Heiligenblut
MODERATE // CHLG