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

Cheddar Gorge Circular

united-kingdom/Somerset
VS
Route B

Three Capes Track

australia/tasman-peninsula-tasmania

Cheddar Gorge Circular vs Three Capes Track: Intensity Score Comparison

Three Capes Track is unequivocally more demanding overall (+14 points). While Cheddar Gorge Circular is a serious endeavor, Three Capes Track pushes the limits further, particularly regarding sustained physical exertion.

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

Intensity Difference
+14 Three Capes Track is harder
Higher Physical Load
Three Capes Track
Higher Technical Seriousness
Three Capes Track
Greater Commitment
Three Capes Track
Overall HikeMetrics Score
Three Capes Track wins 8 of 9 metrics
1
Route A
8
Route B
united-kingdom/Somerset

Cheddar Gorge Circular

STANDARD // TRAIL
Full Route Report

Cheddar Gorge is England’s largest limestone gorge, with soaring cliffs rising around 120 metres above the valley floor. This short but steep circular loop gains the clifftops quickly for wide views across the Mendip Hills and Somerset Levels, then returns via the opposite rim. The terrain combines polished limestone steps, grassy cliff-top paths, and rougher rocky sections near the pinnacles, with the North Rim descent often feeling slicker than expected.

australia/tasman-peninsula-tasmania

Three Capes Track

STANDARD // TRAIL
Full Route Report

The Three Capes Track is a 48km point-to-point trekking route within Tasman National Park, Tasmania. Starting at the Port Arthur Historic Site with a marine transfer across the bay to Denmans Cove, the route traverses the high sea cliffs of the Tasman Peninsula. The track is highly engineered, featuring wide gravel paths and boardwalks that provide safe access to vertical dolerite columns reaching 300 meters above the Southern Ocean. Management is handled by the Tasmania Parks & Wildlife Service, with a regulated north-to-south flow. The route transitions through diverse environments including coastal heathland, dry sclerophyll forest, and temperate rainforest.

Head-to-Head Metric Analysis

Intensity ScoreHigher Overall Demand
32
WINNER46
Physical LoadMore Physically Taxing
24
WINNER63
Technical SeriousnessMore Technically Demanding
14
WINNER14
DistanceLonger route
6.4 km
WINNER48 km
Elevation GainMore vertical
275 m
WINNER1,400 m
Highest PointHigher summit
254 m
WINNER457 m
DurationShorter commitment
0 days WINNER
4 days
Hazard Level
STANDARD // TRAIL
STANDARD // TRAIL
Crowd LevelLess crowded
4 / 5
WINNER3 / 5
RemotenessMore remote
1 / 5
WINNER3 / 5

HikeMetrics Hazard Scale — Explanation

1
LOW // ACCESS
2
STANDARD // TRAIL
3
MODERATE // CHALLENGING
4
SERIOUS // HIGH CONSEQUENCE
5
LETHAL // NO-MARGIN

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
Cheddar Gorge Circular
STANDARD // TRAIL
Limestone Slip Hazard: Polished limestone steps and worn rock sections become noticeably slippery after rain, especially on steeper descents and around the busiest access points. The Lion Rock-side descent on the North Rim is the section most walkers report as slickest.
Unguarded Cliff Edges: Several rim sections run close to unfenced cliff edges, where wind and distraction can quickly reduce your margin for error.
Route B // Hazard Verdict
Three Capes Track
STANDARD // TRAIL
maritime wind exposure: The Tasman Peninsula is directly exposed to Southern Ocean frontal systems, which can deliver high-velocity gusts and sudden thermal shifts.
topographical exposure: Portions of the track follow cliff lines reaching 300 meters. While the path is wide, these sections remain unfenced in several areas.

Required Gear Comparison

Cheddar Gorge Circular
High-traction hiking bootsWindproof shell (ridge exposure)Offline navigation (GPS or OS Map 141)Water (no sources on ridge)
Three Capes Track
Supportive hiking footwear (optimized for gravel and stone stairs)Technical waterproof and windproof shellSynthetic or wool thermal base layersLightweight sleeping bag (mattresses are provided)Self-sufficient food supply for 4 daysSun protection and insect repellent

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