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
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- Moderate to Strenuous Hiking Tours
Moderate to Strenuous Hiking Tours
Why choose Moderate to Strenuous Hiking Tours
What defines a Moderate to Strenuous Macs Adventure route
12-17 miles a day
Daily distances of 12–17 miles with more elevation gain than our Moderate grade, often 600–1,000m in a day
Featured routes
Featured routes include the full West Highland Way, harder stages of Alta Via 1, and Ireland's Kerry Way
Longer days
Longer days on your feet - typically 6–7 hours of walking, with some sections requiring sure-footedness
Step toward Challenging
A genuine step toward Challenging grade, ideal for hikers ready to push their multi-day distance and elevation
Luggage transfers
Luggage transfer included on every road-accessible stage, even on our tougher routes
Popular Moderate to Strenuous Hiking Tours
ItalyAlta Via 1 (Dolomites)
An iconic hike along the Italian Alta Via 1 route through the Dolomites
- Walking
- 7–10 days
from$2,245CAD pp
Republic of IrelandThe Kerry Way
Walk Ireland’s longest national trail and experience the unspoilt beauty of the Kerry Way.
- Walking
- 5–12 days
from$1,285CAD pp
ScotlandA Long Walk on The Isle of Skye
Challenging walks on the renowned Skye Trail, rugged mountain scenery on an island like no other.
- Walking
- 8–9 days
from$4,365CAD pp
France, Italy, SwitzerlandTour du Mont Blanc in Comfort
Hike the TMB, staying in comfortable accommodation, with bag transfer included.
- Walking
- 5–14 days
from$2,480CAD pp
France, Italy, SwitzerlandTour 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
SwitzerlandHigh Trail to the Matterhorn
Cross the Swiss Alps on foot from Brig to Zermatt, with views of the Matterhorn and its neighbouring 4,000m giants along the way.
- Walking
- 8 days
from$4,235CAD pp
France, SwitzerlandWalker's Haute Route
Walk from the foot of Mont Blanc to the shadow of the Matterhorn on the Walker’s Haute Route, a classic Alpine journey from Chamonix to Zermatt.
- Walking
- 8–15 days
from$3,590CAD pp
EnglandCoast 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
SloveniaHigh Trails of the Julian Alps
From the shores of Lake Bled, explore Slovenia’s Alps while staying in mountain huts
- Walking
- 8 days
from$2,695CAD pp
EnglandPennine Way
Walk the UK's first National Trail through the Peak District, Yorkshire Dales and Northumberland.
- Walking
- 21 days
from$8,275CAD pp
SloveniaMountains & Lakes of the Julian Alps
Explore Slovenia’s Alps as you walk to Lake Bohinj at the heart of the Triglav National Park.
- Walking
- 8 days
from$3,345CAD pp
EnglandThe Lake District Trail
Walk from the shores of Windermere through the rugged Central and Eastern fells to Keswick.
- Walking
- 5–7 days
from$1,620CAD pp
SwitzerlandVia Alpina
Cross the length of Alpine Switzerland on the Alpine Pass Route, finishing on the shores of Lake Geneva.
- Walking
- 10–18 days
from$5,300CAD pp
Get to know Moderate to Strenuous Hiking Tours
What makes a route Moderate to Strenuous grade
Daily distances of 12–17 miles with meaningful elevation gain, often 600–1,000m a day, and some sections requiring sure-footedness. It sits between our Moderate and Challenging grades.
Which destinations have Moderate to Strenuous routes
The full West Highland Way in Scotland, harder stages of Alta Via 1 in the Dolomites, Ireland's Kerry Way, and sections of Norway's Hardangerfjord trail.
When to go
May through September for most Moderate to Strenuous routes, when daylight is longest and trail conditions are at their best. Book 6–9 months ahead for the West Highland Way.
What fitness level is expected
Regular hikers with experience of consecutive multi-day walking and comfort with sustained hills. This isn't the grade for a first multi-day trip.
Where you stay
Inns, guesthouses and small hotels along the route, hand-picked for walkers, with refuges on hut-to-hut sections of Alta Via 1. Luggage transfer is included on road-accessible stages.
How does this differ from Challenging
Moderate to Strenuous routes ask for more effort than our Moderate grade, but stay on more established trail with fewer high-exposure sections than true Challenging routes.
Get inspired for Moderate to Strenuous Hiking Tours
Hiking
What to Pack for the Alta Via 1
Pack smart with our essential Alta Via packing list in the Dolomites! Essential gear and tips for unforgettable hikes with stunning views.
Hiking
Essential Facts About the Kerry Way
There are some considerations when walking the Kerry Way in Ireland and our team of experts have come up with the questions they are most frequently asked.
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.
Know before you go
Popular destinations
Scotland
England