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

Three Capes Track

australia/tasman-peninsula-tasmania

Lydford Gorge Circular vs Three Capes Track: Intensity Score Comparison

Three Capes Track is unequivocally more demanding overall (+23 points). While Lydford 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
+23 Three Capes Track is harder
Higher Physical Load
Three Capes Track
Higher Technical Seriousness
Lydford Gorge Circular
Greater Commitment
Three Capes Track
Overall HikeMetrics Score
Three Capes Trackwins 7 of 9 metrics
2
Route A
7
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.

australia/tasman-peninsula-tasmania

Three Capes Track

STANDARD // RT
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
23
WINNER46
Physical LoadMore Physically Taxing
16
WINNER63
Technical SeriousnessMore Technically Demanding
27 WINNER
14
DistanceLonger route
5.5 km
WINNER48 km
Elevation GainMore vertical
115 m
WINNER1,400 m
Highest PointHigher summit
217 m
WINNER457 m
DurationShorter commitment
1 days WINNER
4 days
Hazard Level
STANDARD // RT
STANDARD // RT
Crowd LevelLess crowded
4 / 5
WINNER3 / 5
RemotenessMore remote
2 / 5
WINNER3 / 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
Three Capes Track
STANDARD // RT
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

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)
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

Compare with Other Routes

austria
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
austria
Ravensburger Hütte — The Rote Wand Panorama
STANDARD // RT
brazil
Morro Dois Irmãos (Two Brothers Hill)
STANDARD // RT