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

Wainwright's Coast to Coast

united-kingdom/Northern England
VS
Route B

Cordillera Apolobamba Traverse

bolivia/lapaz-department-northern-andes

Wainwright's Coast to Coast vs Cordillera Apolobamba Traverse: Intensity Score Comparison

Both routes share a similar overall intensity (74 vs 79). Depending on personal strengths, the challenge relies more on Wainwright's Coast to Coast's technicality versus the physical output of the other.

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

Intensity Difference
+5 Cordillera Apolobamba Traverse is harder
Higher Physical Load
Cordillera Apolobamba Traverse
Higher Technical Seriousness
Wainwright's Coast to Coast
Greater Commitment
Cordillera Apolobamba Traverse
Overall HikeMetrics Score
Cordillera Apolobamba Traversewins 6 of 9 metrics
3
Route A
6
Route B
united-kingdom/Northern England

Wainwright's Coast to Coast

EXTREME // LETHAL
Full Route Report

Devised by the legendary fell-walker Alfred Wainwright in 1973, the Coast to Coast is arguably the most famous long-distance trail in the UK. Spanning 192 miles (309km) across the width of Northern England, the route starts at the red sandstone cliffs of St Bees on the Irish Sea and finishes at Robin Hood's Bay on the North Sea. It threads its way through three dramatically different National Parks: the mountainous, glacial lakes of the Lake District; the rolling, limestone valleys of the Yorkshire Dales; and the expansive, heather-clad hills of the North York Moors. It is a grueling, magnificent cross-section of English geography and rural culture.

bolivia/lapaz-department-northern-andes

Cordillera Apolobamba Traverse

EXTREME // LETHAL
Full Route Report

The Apolobamba Traverse is a remote, high-altitude backpacking route in the northern Bolivian Andes. Spanning approximately 92km between the villages of Pelechuco and Curva, the trek crosses the ancestral territory of the Kallawaya people—traditional herbalists recognized by UNESCO. The route follows ancient stone paths and animal trails, staying almost exclusively above 4,200m. It traverses several high passes, including the 5,100m Sunchuli Pass, offering direct views of the 6,000m peaks of the northern Apolobamba range. Due to its distance from major cities, it remains one of the least-trafficked and most preserved regions of the Bolivian Andes.

Head-to-Head Metric Analysis

Intensity ScoreHigher Overall Demand
74
WINNER79
Physical LoadMore Physically Taxing
72
WINNER82
Technical SeriousnessMore Technically Demanding
75 WINNER
45
DistanceLonger route
309 km WINNER
92 km
Elevation GainMore vertical
7,000 m WINNER
3,200 m
Highest PointHigher summit
780 m
WINNER5,100 m
DurationShorter commitment
14 days
WINNER7 days
Hazard Level
EXTREME // LETHAL
EXTREME // LETHAL
Crowd LevelLess crowded
4 / 5
WINNER1 / 5
RemotenessMore remote
3 / 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
Wainwright's Coast to Coast
EXTREME // LETHAL
lake district navigation weather: The first third of the walk through the Lake District features the most severe weather and trickiest pathfinding over high mountain passes (e.g., Grasmere to Patterdale).
cumulative fatigue: Averaging 13-15 miles a day for 12-14 days over an estimated 7,000 meters of cumulative ascent breaks many walkers' knees and feet.
Route B // Hazard Verdict
Cordillera Apolobamba Traverse
EXTREME // LETHAL
extreme isolation and logistical collapse: Access to Pelechuco requires a 12-hour journey on dangerous mountain roads. Once on the trail, there is zero medical support or communication for 100km.
rapid high altitude weather deterioration: Being on the edge of the Amazon basin, the Apolobamba receives sudden, sustained snowstorms even in the dry season.

Required Gear Comparison

Wainwright's Coast to Coast
Well-broken-in, waterproof hiking boots (Category B)Trekking poles (vital for the heavy ascents and descents)Extensive blister management kit (Compeed, zinc tape)OS Maps covering the entire width of Northern EnglandWaterproof pack-liner or cover
Cordillera Apolobamba Traverse
Technical mountain tent (4-season)Sleeping bag rated to -15C or lowerSturdy mountain boots (waterproof/Gor-Tex)Satellite communication device (InReach/BivyStick)Layered alpine clothing including down parkaUV protective glasses and face buffWater purification system for stream water

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