What counts as a Moderate hiking tour

A route with 12–16 miles a day and genuine ascent on many stages, on well-marked and well-established trails. It's our most popular grade across the portfolio.

Which routes are graded Moderate

The classic West Highland Way, the Cotswold Way in England, Ireland's Dingle Way, and Norway's Hardangerfjord trail are among our core Moderate routes.

Is luggage transfer included on Moderate routes

Luggage transfers are arranged between stops where listed in your itinerary.

Do I need previous hiking experience for a Moderate route

Not necessarily, but good everyday fitness helps. Many Moderate routes are a natural next step after an Easy-Moderate trip.

Can I do a Moderate route solo

Yes. Most Moderate routes carry no singles supplement, and solo hikers make up a large share of bookings on the West Highland Way and Cotswold Way.

What gear do I need for a Moderate hiking tour

Comfortable waterproof hiking boots, a lightweight waterproof jacket, and good walking socks. No technical or mountaineering gear is needed at this grade.

Can I customize a Moderate route itinerary

Many Moderate routes offer several duration options - the West Highland Way runs 7–11 days, and the Cotswold Way 5–12 days. Contact our team to find the right fit.

Moderate Hiking Tours

Moderate is our most popular grade - good everyday fitness, genuine ascent on many stages, and daily distances that reward the effort with real scenery. This collection brings together our Moderate-graded routes from across the portfolio.

The classic 8-day West Highland Way, England's Cotswold Way, Ireland's Dingle Way, and Norway's Hardangerfjord trail all sit at this grade. Expect 12–16 miles a day, well-marked trails, and enough elevation to feel like a proper day's hiking without tipping into strenuous.

Macs Adventure has graded routes Easy to Extreme for 20+ years, and Moderate is where most of our hikers land, backed by luggage transfers and detailed route notes.

12-16 miles a day
Daily distances of 12–16 miles with genuine ascent on many stages, without needing specialist mountain experience
Featured routes
Featured routes include the West Highland Way, Cotswold Way, Dingle Way and Norway's Hardangerfjord trail
Well-marked trails
Well-marked, well-established trails throughout, so navigation is never a source of stress
Right for regular hikers
The right fit for regular hikers with a few multi-day trips or a solid base of day hikes behind them
Luggage transfers
Luggage transfers are arranged between stops where listed in your itinerary.

Scotland
4.8 (2,169)
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
4.6 (396)
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
Republic of Ireland
4.7 (220)
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
Norway
4.8 (23)
Walking the Hardangerfjord
Easily reached from Bergen, Hardanger is the perfect introduction to the Norwegian Fjords.
Walking
8 days
from$4,085CAD pp
View Route
Norway
4.7 (23)
Walking the Sognefjord
Enjoy fjord views and wild green valleys surrounded by mountains around the ‘King of the Fjords’
Walking
8 days
from$3,925CAD pp
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Scotland
4.7 (458)
Great Glen Way & Loch Ness
Walk one of Scotland's iconic long-distance trails from Fort William to Inverness in the Highlands.
Walking
5–9 days
from$1,720CAD pp
View Route
Scotland
4.5 (65)
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
Republic of Ireland
4.3 (53)
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
Republic of Ireland
4.7 (220)
Best of the Dingle Way
Walk the best of Ireland’s Dingle Peninsula, staying in comfortable and characterful hotels
Walking
7 days
from$2,595CAD pp
View Route
Scotland
4.6 (150)
Fife Coastal Path
Take in the east coast's spectacular scenery, fishing villages & long sandy beaches.
Walking
5–8 days
from$1,645CAD pp
View Route
England
4.7 (77)
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
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England, Scotland
4.7 (234)
St Cuthbert's Way
Begin in Melrose, the starting place of St Cuthbert's religious journey, and finish by the sea.
Walking
5–9 days
from$1,525CAD pp
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England
4.7 (263)
The Cotswold Trail
Hike through the quintessentially English countryside of the Cotswolds.
Walking
4–9 days
from$1,085CAD pp
View Route
England
4.6 (909)
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
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Republic of Ireland
4.6 (26)
Beara Way
Hike the Beara Way, set on a peninsula in south west Ireland
Walking
6–10 days
from$1,670CAD pp
View Route

What makes a route Moderate grade
Daily distances of 12–16 miles with genuine ascent on many stages, on well-marked, well-established trails. It's our most popular grade - demanding enough to feel earned, not overwhelming.
Which destinations have Moderate routes
The classic West Highland Way, England's Cotswold Way, Ireland's Dingle Way, and Norway's Hardangerfjord trail are among our best-loved Moderate routes.
When to go
May through September for most Moderate routes. The West Highland Way and Cotswold Way are especially popular May–June and September, when trails are quieter.
What fitness level is expected
Good everyday fitness - comfortable covering 12–16 miles with some hills over consecutive days. A few prior day hikes are useful preparation, but not essential.
Where you stay
Inns, B&Bs and small hotels along the route, hand-picked for walkers.
How does Moderate differ from Easy-Moderate
Moderate routes cover more distance and more sustained ascent per day. Easy-Moderate stays gentler throughout, with shorter stages and less elevation change.

Hiking
The Dingle Way vs The Kerry Way
The Dingle Way vs The Kerry Way - You've probably heard whispers about two iconic trails: The Dingle Way and The Kerry Way. But which one is right for you?
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Hiking
How many days to hike the Cotswold Way?
Read How many days to walk the Cotswold Way? from the Macs Adventure Blog. Get further insight into our Cotswold Way walking tours.
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Scotland
How Many Days Do You Need to Hike the West Highland Way?
Not sure how many days you'll need for the West Highland Way? Explore our guide for the best itineraries, tips, and self-guided hiking tours.
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