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Classic Hiking Routes

Some routes earn their reputation over decades of walkers, and this collection is built around them - the trails that come up again and again when hikers ask us where to start. They span every grade and several countries, and they're consistently our most-booked itineraries.

The West Highland Way through Scotland's Highlands, the Cotswold Way across England's Cotswolds, the Tour du Mont Blanc circling three countries, and Hadrian's Wall Path along Roman England all feature here, alongside Alta Via 1 in the Dolomites and Ireland's Dingle Way.

Macs Adventure has run self-guided versions of these classic routes for 20+ years, with luggage transfers, hand-picked accommodation, and route notes refined trip after trip.

Why choose Classic Routes

What makes a route earn a place in our Classic collection

  • Most-booked routes

    Decades of walker traffic and consistently strong reviews - these are our most-booked routes year after year

  • West Highland & Cotswold Ways

    The West Highland Way and Cotswold Way are the US's best-loved multi-day trails, both graded for a wide range of hikers

  • Tour du Mont Blanc

    The Tour du Mont Blanc crosses France, Italy and Switzerland in a single celebrated circuit

  • Established waymarking

    Well-established waymarking and infrastructure throughout, built up over years of foot traffic

  • Easy to Challenging

    Routes spanning Easy to Challenging, so a first-time or seasoned hiker both find a classic that fits

  • West Highland Way
    Scotland

    West Highland Way

    Hike through the wild beauty & ancient glens of the Highlands along this famous long-distance trail.

    • Walking
    • 5–11 days
    from$1,885CAD pp
    View Route
  • England

    Cotswold Way

    Hike in classic English countryside on the Cotswold Way, one of Britain's finest National Trails.

    • Walking
    • 5–12 days
    from$1,675CAD pp
    View Route
  • France, Italy, Switzerland

    Tour du Mont Blanc in Comfort

    Hike the TMB, staying in comfortable accommodation, with bag transfer included.

    • Walking
    • 5–14 days
    from$2,480CAD pp
    View Route
  • Views from the Trail
    France, Italy

    Classic Walks of Mont Blanc

    Enjoy Alpine classics on this twin centre walking holiday based in Chamonix and Courmayeur

    • Walking
    • 8 days
    from$3,090CAD pp
    View Route
  • France, Italy, Switzerland

    Tour du Mont Blanc in Huts

    Hike the TMB and stay overnight in traditional, scenic alpine huts and hotels.

    • Walking
    • 8–14 days
    from$3,910CAD pp
    View Route
  • Dunquin
    Republic of Ireland

    The Dingle Way

    Walk south west Ireland’s Dingle Peninsula, the Emerald Isle's most popular trails

    • Walking
    • 6–10 days
    from$1,530CAD pp
    View Route
  • England

    Coast to Coast Walk

    Hike Alfred Wainwright's famous Coast to Coast, one of the world's great walks.

    • Walking
    • 9–18 days
    from$2,795CAD pp
    View Route
  • England

    Hadrian's Wall Walk

    Roman history, wild Northumberland moorland and a warm northern welcome—hike Hadrian’s Wall your way.

    • Walking
    • 5–10 days
    from$1,455CAD pp
    View Route
  • Italy

    Alta Via 1 (Dolomites)

    An iconic hike along the Italian Alta Via 1 route through the Dolomites

    • Walking
    • 7–10 days
    from$2,245CAD pp
    View Route
  • River Liffey running through the center of Dublin
    Republic of Ireland

    The Wicklow Way

    The Wicklow Way, Ireland’s oldest trail with some of the most spectacular views in Ireland

    • Walking
    • 5–10 days
    from$1,675CAD pp
    View Route
  • England

    Dales Way

    Cross two national parks as you make your way from the Yorkshire Dales to Lake Windermere.

    • Walking
    • 8 days
    from$2,720CAD pp
    View Route
  • Killin
    Scotland

    Rob Roy Way

    Beautiful scenery and easy-going walking - a relaxing week in historical Scotland.

    • Walking
    • 8–9 days
    from$2,100CAD pp
    View Route

Get to know Classic Routes

  • What makes this list 'classic'

    These are our longest-running, most-booked routes - the West Highland Way, Cotswold Way, Tour du Mont Blanc, Hadrian's Wall Path, Alta Via 1, and the Dingle Way. They span multiple grades and countries.

  • When to go

    April through October for most classic US and European routes. May–June and September are the sweet spots for the West Highland Way and Cotswold Way - mild weather, good conditions, fewer crowds.

  • What these trails are actually like

    Well-waymarked, well-established long-distance paths with a long history of foot traffic. Terrain ranges from gentle Cotswold farmland to Highland mountain passes on the West Highland Way.

  • Where you stay

    Inns, guesthouses, B&Bs and small hotels along the route, hand-picked for walkers, with mountain refuges on hut-to-hut sections of Alta Via 1.

  • How fit do I need to be

    It depends on the route. The Cotswold Way suits most active adults, while the West Highland Way and Alta Via 1 ask for regular hiking fitness and some hill experience.

  • How far in advance should I book a classic route

    The West Highland Way and Tour du Mont Blanc book out 6–12 months ahead for peak summer dates. Other classic routes are typically fine at 3–6 months.

Get inspired for Classic Routes

  • Hiking

    Best Hikes in Europe

    Discover the best hikes in Europe, from alpine trails in Switzerland to coastal paths in Portugal. Explore top destinations & plan your perfect adventure today!

    Read blog

  • Scotland

    Your Ultimate Guide to Hiking the West Highland Way

    A guide to hiking the West Highland Way. Discover tips, must-see sights, and planning advice for Scotland's iconic trail. Book your adventure today!

    Read blog

  • France

    Tour du Mont Blanc vs. Alta Via 1: Which Alpine Trek is Right for You?

    Tour du Mont Blanc or Alta Via 1? Compare difficulty, scenery, accommodation and trail experience to choose your perfect alpine hiking vacation.

    Read blog

Know before you go