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

Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path

united-kingdom/East Anglia, England
VS
Route B

Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)

argentina/mendoza

Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path vs Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing): Intensity Score Comparison

Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing) is unequivocally more demanding overall (+25 points). While Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path is a serious endeavor, Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing) pushes the limits further, particularly regarding sustained physical exertion.

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

Intensity Difference
+25 Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing) is harder
Higher Physical Load
Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)
Higher Technical Seriousness
Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)
Greater Commitment
Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)
Overall HikeMetrics Score
Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)wins 8 of 10 metrics
2
Route A
8
Route B
united-kingdom/East Anglia, England

Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path

STANDARD // RT
Full Route Report

Originally two separate trails, they now form a single 134-mile (215km) National Trail offering two profoundly different landscapes. The first section, the 46-mile Peddars Way, follows a dead-straight ancient Roman road through the quiet, flat agricultural heartland and pine forests of Suffolk and Norfolk. Upon reaching the coast at Hunstanton, the trail abruptly turns east to become the Norfolk Coast Path. Here, it follows the starkly beautiful, flat coastline for 88 miles past vast salt marshes, golden sandy beaches, huge skies, and the sweeping low cliffs of Cromer. It is arguably the best trail in the UK for birdwatching and dramatic 'big sky' photography.

argentina/mendoza

Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)

EXTREME // LETHAL
Full Route Report

Following the historic path used by the Army of the Andes in 1817, this 6-day trans-Andean expedition traverses the central cordillera from Mendoza, Argentina, to the Cajón del Maipo in Chile. The route crosses two significant high-altitude barriers—Portillo Argentino (4,330m) and Paso Piuquenes (4,030m). Hikers move through a high desert landscape of volcanic rock, vast glacial valleys, and the powerful Tunuyán River. The terrain consists primarily of rocky mountain paths, loose scree on the steeper pass approaches, and high-altitude plateaus where exposure to wind and sun is constant.

Head-to-Head Metric Analysis

Intensity ScoreHigher Overall Demand
52
WINNER77
Physical LoadMore Physically Taxing
70
WINNER79
Technical SeriousnessMore Technically Demanding
27
WINNER55
DistanceLonger route
215 km WINNER
110 km
Elevation GainMore vertical
600 m
WINNER3,200 m
Highest PointHigher summit
80 m
WINNER4,330 m
DurationShorter commitment
10 days
WINNER6 days
Hazard LevelMore accessible
STANDARD // RT WINNER
EXTREME // LETHAL
Crowd LevelLess crowded
3 / 5
WINNER1 / 5
RemotenessMore remote
2 / 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
Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path
STANDARD // RT
tidal cut offs: While flat, the coastal path frequently crosses or skirts tidal salt marshes and wide sandy beaches (like Holkham). Fast-moving tides can quickly cut off unwary walkers.
pavement fatigue: The Peddars Way section involves walking long, straight stretches on hard-packed Roman roads and quiet tarmac lanes.
Route B // Hazard Verdict
Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)
EXTREME // LETHAL
acclimatization_and_ams: Prolonged exposure above 4,000m poses a risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
river_crossings: The Tunuyán River involves significant water volume and current strength, particularly in the afternoon.

Required Gear Comparison

Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path
Lightweight, flexible walking shoes (maximum cushion)Premium windproof jacket (the flat coast offers zero shelter from the bitter North Sea wind)Binoculars (essential for the immense bird reserves)OS Explorer maps 250, 251, 236, and 252Sunscreen (there is almost no tree cover on the coast)
Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)
Sturdy mountain boots with high ankle supportThermal system rated for temperatures down to -15°CHigh-performance wind and sun protectionTrekking poles for loose scree descentsPassport and necessary travel documents for border transit

Compare with Other Routes

argentina
Huemul Circuit
EXTREME // LETHAL
argentina
Nahuel Huapi Traverse (4 Refugios)
EXTREME // LETHAL
austria
Berliner Höhenweg — The Zillertal High-Route
EXTREME // LETHAL
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