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

The Pennine Way

united-kingdom/The Pennines, England
VS
Route B

Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)

argentina/mendoza

The Pennine Way vs Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing): Intensity Score Comparison

The Pennine Way is unequivocally more demanding overall (+16 points). While Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing) is a serious endeavor, The Pennine Way pushes the limits further, particularly regarding technical seriousness and exposure.

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

Intensity Difference
+16 The Pennine Way is harder
Higher Physical Load
Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)
Higher Technical Seriousness
The Pennine Way
Greater Commitment
Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)
Overall HikeMetrics Score
Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)wins 5 of 9 metrics
4
Route A
5
Route B
united-kingdom/The Pennines, England

The Pennine Way

EXTREME // LETHAL
Full Route Report

The Pennine Way is the grandfather of British National Trails, a legendary and notorious 268-mile (435km) walk along the rugged 'backbone of England'. Starting in Edale in the Peak District and finishing just over the Scottish border in Kirk Yetholm, the route traverses some of the wildest and most exposed high moorland in the country. Walkers should navigate the peat bogs of Kinder Scout, the limestone pavements of the Yorkshire Dales, the high desolate fells of the North Pennines, and the ancient ruins of Hadrian's Wall before the final, grueling crossing of the Cheviot Hills. It is revered, feared, and widely considered the toughest extended hiking trail in England.

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
93 WINNER
77
Physical LoadMore Physically Taxing
72
WINNER79
Technical SeriousnessMore Technically Demanding
95 WINNER
55
DistanceLonger route
435 km WINNER
110 km
Elevation GainMore vertical
12,000 m WINNER
3,200 m
Highest PointHigher summit
893 m
WINNER4,330 m
DurationShorter commitment
18 days
WINNER6 days
Hazard Level
EXTREME // LETHAL
EXTREME // LETHAL
Crowd LevelLess crowded
3 / 5
WINNER1 / 5
RemotenessMore remote
4 / 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
The Pennine Way
EXTREME // LETHAL
peat bog and hypothermia: The trail is notorious for its deep, energy-sapping peat bogs (particularly around Kinder Scout and Bleaklow) and the high likelihood of continuous rain and fog.
the helm wind: Cross Fell (the highest point at 893m) is the only place in the UK to experience a named wind—a sustained, shrieking easterly gale that can knock walkers off their feet in zero visibility.
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

The Pennine Way
Heavy-duty, fully waterproof mountain boots with deep treadWaterproof gaiters (essential for the ubiquitous bogs)Bothy bag or emergency survival shelter (crucial on the high fells)A full set of physical, waterproof OS Explorer maps and a compassAt least 3-4 pairs of high-quality merino wool hiking socks
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
australia
Larapinta Trail
EXTREME // LETHAL
belize
Victoria Peak Trail
EXTREME // LETHAL
bolivia
Cordillera Apolobamba Traverse
EXTREME // LETHAL