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Two people walking on the Great Glen Way

First Time Adventures

First Time Adventure Vacations

Your first self-guided hiking or biking trip should feel exciting rather than daunting, and Macs Adventure has spent over 20 years building routes that are easy to follow from day one.

Easier grades, single-center options and clearly marked trails make these trips a confident entry point, whether you're walking England's Cotswold Way or biking Tuscany's quieter backroads.

Join the 40,000+ travelers a year who explore with Macs Adventure, a leader in self-guided travel.

  • A place these routes go

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Real photos, real stories, straight from the trail

Over 26,000 travelers strong, our community shares #MacsMoments, swaps tips and advice, and helps each other plan the perfect trip. Many connect long before they set off - and some even meet up on the trail!

  • Pilgrim standing in front of Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela after completing the Portugués Way

    I'm headed back to the states and have a mixture of emotions. So much to process. I feel like a different person!

    October 2026

    Camino de Santiago, Spain

  • A smiling hiker beside a West Highland Way marker post below a mountain

    Thank you Macs for the brilliant adventure! We loved all the accommodations provided

    June 2026

    West Highland Way, Scotland

  • A hiker standing in a pasture amongst horses

    October 2026

    Hadrian's Wall Path, England

  • A hiker beside a wooden signpost by an ivy-covered wall

    June 2026

    Cotswolds to the Cornwall Coast, England

  • A hiker stops on the trail for an interaction with a local cow

    August 2026

    Via Alpina, Switzerland

  • A group selfie in front of a river on a blue sky day

    In fact, if you're looking for sensory magic, give this trip a try

    October 2026

    Walking the Dordogne in Style, France

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Get to know First Time Adventures

  • Is a first time adventure trip really self-guided?

    Yes, but with easier navigation, detailed route notes and 24/7 support to help if you need it

  • How fit do I need to be?

    First time routes suit walkers and cyclists with an average fitness level, no experience required

  • What's a single-center trip?

    You stay in one base accommodation and take day routes out and back, avoiding the need to pack up each night

  • Where do you stay?

    Handpicked B&Bs, guesthouses and small hotels chosen for comfort and easy access to the route

  • Do you handle luggage?

    Yes, luggage transfers are included on multi-center first time trips, so you only carry a day pack

  • How do I know which trip suits a beginner?

    Every trip is graded and our team can recommend routes suited to first-time self-guided travelers

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