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

Urnerboden to Altdorf (Klausenpass Route)

switzerland/Central Switzerland (Uri/Glarus)

Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path vs Urnerboden to Altdorf (Klausenpass Route): Intensity Score Comparison

Both routes share a similar overall intensity (52 vs 51). Depending on personal strengths, the challenge relies more on Urnerboden to Altdorf (Klausenpass Route)'s technicality versus the physical output of the other.

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

Intensity Difference
+1 Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path is harder
Higher Physical Load
Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path
Higher Technical Seriousness
Urnerboden to Altdorf (Klausenpass Route)
Greater Commitment
Urnerboden to Altdorf (Klausenpass Route)
Overall HikeMetrics Score
Urnerboden to Altdorf (Klausenpass Route)wins 6 of 10 metrics
4
Route A
6
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.

switzerland/Central Switzerland (Uri/Glarus)

Urnerboden to Altdorf (Klausenpass Route)

MODERATE // CHLG
Full Route Report

Technically Stage 8 of the Swiss Via Alpina, this traverse crosses the border between the Cantons of Glarus and Uri. Starting at Urnerboden—Switzerland's largest alpine pasture—the trail climbs toward the Klausenpass before a massive, spectacular descent into the Schächental valley. The path stays high on the sunny northern slope (the 'Schächentaler Höhenweg'), offering constant views of the jagged Glarus Alps and the limestone spires of the Schärhorn. It is a hike of immense scale and pastoral charm, passing through active cheese-making settlements.

Head-to-Head Metric Analysis

Intensity ScoreHigher Overall Demand
52 WINNER
51
Physical LoadMore Physically Taxing
70 WINNER
52
Technical SeriousnessMore Technically Demanding
27
WINNER50
DistanceLonger route
215 km WINNER
27 km
Elevation GainMore vertical
600 m
WINNER1,050 m
Highest PointHigher summit
80 m
WINNER1,948 m
DurationShorter commitment
10 days
WINNER1 days
Hazard LevelMore accessible
STANDARD // RT WINNER
MODERATE // CHLG
Crowd LevelLess crowded
3 / 5
WINNER2 / 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
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
Urnerboden to Altdorf (Klausenpass Route)
MODERATE // CHLG
knee strain extreme descent: The final 1,900m descent from the high trail into Altdorf is incredibly taxing on the quadriceps and knees.
navigation in mist: If the fog rises to the trail level, visibility can drop, making it hard to follow the white-red-white markers through the pastures.

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)
Urnerboden to Altdorf (Klausenpass Route)
Well-broken-in hiking bootsTrekking polesKnee supports (if prone to joint pain)Wind-blocker and light insulation2L water capacity

Compare with Other Routes

argentina
Cerro Tronador (Refugio Otto Meiling)
MODERATE // CHLG
argentina
Laguna Torre (Cerro Torre)
MODERATE // CHLG
austria
Coburger Hütte — Seebensee & Drachensee
MODERATE // CHLG
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