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

Lydford Gorge Circular

united-kingdom/Dartmoor National Park, England
VS
Route B

Riffelalp to Riffelberg (The Matterhorn Reflection)

switzerland/Zermatt, Valais

Lydford Gorge Circular vs Riffelalp to Riffelberg (The Matterhorn Reflection): Intensity Score Comparison

Both routes share a similar overall intensity (23 vs 24). Depending on personal strengths, the challenge relies more on Riffelalp to Riffelberg (The Matterhorn Reflection)'s technicality versus the physical output of the other.

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

Intensity Difference
+1 Riffelalp to Riffelberg (The Matterhorn Reflection) is harder
Higher Physical Load
Riffelalp to Riffelberg (The Matterhorn Reflection)
Higher Technical Seriousness
Riffelalp to Riffelberg (The Matterhorn Reflection)
Greater Commitment
Riffelalp to Riffelberg (The Matterhorn Reflection)
Overall HikeMetrics Score
Riffelalp to Riffelberg (The Matterhorn Reflection)wins 5 of 5 metrics
0
Route A
5
Route B
united-kingdom/Dartmoor National Park, England

Lydford Gorge Circular

STANDARD // RT
Full Route Report

Lydford Gorge is the deepest river gorge in the South West of England, a spectacular chasm carved by the River Lyd over thousands of years. This incredible 3.5-mile (5.5km) circular walk encompasses both the high, ancient oak woodland rim and the deep, roaring riverbed floor. The highlight at one end of the trail is the towering 30-metre White Lady Waterfall, and at the other, the demanding 'Devil's Cauldron'—a series of dark, churning potholes cut deep into the solid rock where the river boils through a narrow slot. It is an immersive, almost prehistoric-feeling hike dripping with ferns, mosses, and constant river spray.

switzerland/Zermatt, Valais

Riffelalp to Riffelberg (The Matterhorn Reflection)

STANDARD // RT
Full Route Report

One of the most scenic high-altitude walks in the Zermatt region. Following the 'Mark Twain Trail' and parts of the Gornergrat transport axis, this route starts at the Riffelalp station (2,222m) and climbs steadily toward Riffelberg. The absolute highlight is the Riffelsee, a small alpine lake that, on calm days, provides a perfect mirror reflection of the Matterhorn's East and North faces. It is a walk through high-alpine larch forests and rocky tundra, with the constant presence of the 4,478m 'King of Mountains'.

Head-to-Head Metric Analysis

Intensity ScoreHigher Overall Demand
23
WINNER24
Physical LoadMore Physically Taxing
16
WINNER24
Technical Seriousness
27
27
DistanceLonger route
5.5 km
WINNER7.5 km
Elevation GainMore vertical
115 m
WINNER420 m
Highest PointHigher summit
217 m
WINNER2,582 m
Duration
1 days
1 days
Hazard Level
STANDARD // RT
STANDARD // RT
Crowd Level
4 / 5
4 / 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
Lydford Gorge Circular
STANDARD // RT
extreme slippery rock: The path along the riverbed is permanently soaked by waterfall spray and deep shade. The dark slate and granite rocks are incredibly slick, almost acting as black ice.
steep muddy ascents: The path drops steeply down to the bottom of the gorge and should inevitably climb steeply back up wooden steps and muddy forest tracks.
Route B // Hazard Verdict
Riffelalp to Riffelberg (The Matterhorn Reflection)
STANDARD // RT
altitude effects: Starting above 2,200m can cause mild breathlessness or headaches for those coming directly from sea level.
rapid weather shifts: At 2,500m, temperature can drop 10 degrees in minutes if a cloud obscures the sun.

Required Gear Comparison

Lydford Gorge Circular
Waterproof hiking boots with deep, soft rubber treadLightweight waterproof jacket (for the constant spray at the falls)OS Explorer map OL28 (Dartmoor)Camera with a good strap (dropping a phone into the gorge means it is lost forever)
Riffelalp to Riffelberg (The Matterhorn Reflection)
Supportive trail shoes with good gripPolarized sunglasses (crucial for snow and lake glare)Sunscreen (high altitude UV is intense)WindbreakerRefillable water bottle

Compare with Other Routes

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Dachstein Krippenstein — The 5 Fingers & Alpine Shark
STANDARD // RT
austria
The Gaisalmsteig — Achensee’s Fjordside Path
STANDARD // RT
austria
Grossglockner — The Gamsgrubenweg Trail
STANDARD // RT
austria
Krimml Waterfalls — The Vertical Mist
STANDARD // RT
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Ravensburger Hütte — The Rote Wand Panorama
STANDARD // RT
australia
Three Capes Track
STANDARD // RT