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

Liechtensteinklamm — The Helix Chasm

austria/St. Johann im Pongau, Salzburg
VS
Route B

Porthcurno to Land's End

united-kingdom/Cornwall, England

Liechtensteinklamm — The Helix Chasm vs Porthcurno to Land's End: Intensity Score Comparison

Porthcurno to Land's End is unequivocally more demanding overall (+41 points). While Liechtensteinklamm — The Helix Chasm is a serious endeavor, Porthcurno to Land's End pushes the limits further, particularly regarding sustained physical exertion.

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

Intensity Difference
+41 Porthcurno to Land's End is harder
Higher Physical Load
Porthcurno to Land's End
Higher Technical Seriousness
Porthcurno to Land's End
Greater Commitment
Porthcurno to Land's End
Overall HikeMetrics Score
Porthcurno to Land's Endwins 6 of 8 metrics
2
Route A
6
Route B
austria/St. Johann im Pongau, Salzburg

Liechtensteinklamm — The Helix Chasm

LOW // ACCESS
Full Route Report

One of the longest, deepest, and most impressive gorges in the Alps. The Liechtensteinklamm is famous for its narrow walls that are so close they almost block out the sky. Following a massive rockfall in 2017, the gorge was upgraded with the 'Helix'—a spectacular spiral staircase made of corten steel that descends 30 meters into the depths of the chasm. The path leads over bridges and through tunnels to a massive 50-meter waterfall at the end of the walkable section.

united-kingdom/Cornwall, England

Porthcurno to Land's End

EXPERT // HAZARD
Full Route Report

This scenic 6.5-mile (10.6km) point-to-point hike along the South West Coast Path links the iconic white sands of Porthcurno with the absolute westernmost tip of England: Land's End, often continuing slightly further to the huge surfing beach at Sennen Cove. It is a walk defined by dramatic granite cliffs, hidden coves, and the relentless pounding of the Atlantic Ocean. You will pass the spectacular jutting headland of Treryn Dinas (home to the precarious Logan Rock), drop into tiny sandy inlets like Porthgwarra (famous from Poldark), and finally arrive at the striking sea stacks off Land's End.

Head-to-Head Metric Analysis

Intensity ScoreHigher Overall Demand
8
WINNER49
Physical LoadMore Physically Taxing
10
WINNER29
Technical SeriousnessMore Technically Demanding
5
WINNER54
DistanceLonger route
1.5 km
WINNER10.6 km
Elevation GainMore vertical
100 m
WINNER411 m
Highest PointHigher summit
710 m WINNER
80 m
Duration
1 days
1 days
Hazard LevelMore accessible
LOW // ACCESS WINNER
EXPERT // HAZARD
Crowd LevelLess crowded
5 / 5
WINNER4 / 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
Liechtensteinklamm — The Helix Chasm
LOW // ACCESS
steep stair climb: The main physical demand is the 440-step staircase section.
Route B // Hazard Verdict
Porthcurno to Land's End
EXPERT // HAZARD
unguarded granite drops: Unlike the softer slate of North Cornwall, the granite cliffs here are sheer, vertical drops of hundreds of feet. The path often runs right along the edge.
relentless undulations: The path is characterized by severe 'ups and downs' (descending into deep rocky coves and climbing steeply back out), making the 6.5 miles feel much longer.

Required Gear Comparison

Liechtensteinklamm — The Helix Chasm
Comfortable walking shoesLight shell jacket (it stays cool and damp even in summer)Camera
Porthcurno to Land's End
Sturdy walking boots with excellent ankle support (the path is very rocky)Premium windproof shell layer (complete exposure to Atlantic gales)OS Explorer map 102 (Land's End, Penzance & St Ives)Sunscreen (zero shade on the coastal path)Water (refill points are scarce between Porthcurno and Land's End)

Compare with Other Routes

argentina
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EXPERT // HAZARD
argentina
Perito Moreno Glacier Trail
EXPERT // HAZARD
austria
Highway Lakes — Blindsee & Weißensee
LOW // ACCESS
austria
Graukogel — Pine Forests & strenuous Ridges
EXPERT // HAZARD
austria
Hochkeil — The Hidden Panorama
LOW // ACCESS
austria
Prossautal — A Glacial Box Valley in Hohe Tauern
LOW // ACCESS