Experience Nature, Responsibly While Hiking and Traveling   

Imagine hiking through a peaceful forest, crisp air filling your lungs, when suddenly, just ahead, a deer grazes quietly. It’s a moment to remember. But how you react matters more than you think. 

Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or a first-time trekker, understanding how to respect wildlife is essential. It protects animals and enriches your travel experience. At Macs Adventure, we’re passionate about sustainable hiking and proud to partner with Leave No Trace, promoting eco-conscious travel across the globe. As a B Corp certified company, we’re also committed to long-term nature conservation. 

What Is Wildlife - and Why Should We Respect It? 

Wildlife includes animals, birds, and insects that thrive in their natural environments, free from human interference. From red deer in the Scottish Highlands to puffins along the Atlantic coast, they’re essential to healthy ecosystems. 
 
But human behavior - from careless littering to noisy crowds - can disrupt animal routines and cause harm. Even a selfie gone wrong can frighten an animal into abandoning its nest. That’s why wildlife safety on hikes starts with awareness. 

“Understanding how our actions affect wildlife is key to protecting the places we love. Practicing Leave No Trace isn’t just about picking up trash - it’s about recognizing that even our smallest choices can influence the health of entire ecosystems.” 
  - JD Tanner, Director of Education and Training for Leave No Trace 

Quick Tips for Wildlife-Friendly Adventures: 

• Keep a respectful distance from animals 
• Never feed wildlife 
• Stick to marked trails 
• Leave no trace - even food scraps 
• Be mindful of sensitive seasons (mating, nesting) 
• Support conservation organizations 

How Macs Adventure Supports Low-Impact Travel 

At Macs Adventure, we design trips that tread lightly. Here's how we're actively promoting responsible tourism and protecting nature: 

• Lowering Carbon Emissions: We work with climate experts at ecollective to track and reduce the footprint of every tour. Read more >
• Supporting Trail Preservation: $5 from every booking on the West Highland Way, South West Coast Path, and Lech River Trail goes to maintaining these iconic routes. Read more >
• Partnering for Education: Through our collaboration with Leave No Trace, we equip travelers with knowledge for ethical hiking. Read more >
• Reducing Plastic Waste: We’ve digitized trip materials to cut down on single-use plastics and preserve the wilderness we explore. Read more >

Explore our self-guided hiking trips for an eco-friendlier way to travel. 

6 Wildlife Etiquette Tips for Sustainable Hiking 

Following these simple rules helps protect wildlife and ensures magical moments stay magical - for everyone. 

1. Keep a Safe Distance 

Use the thumb rule from Leave No Trace: extend your arm, thumb up, and close one eye. If your thumb doesn’t cover the animal, you’re too close. Step back until it does. 

Our partners at Leave No Trace say: “Wildlife needs its space in order to live a happy and healthy life.  If people get too close, not only will it cramp nature’s style, but it may result in the wildlife not feeling comfortable enough to go about their normal routine.  This could result in wildlife not having access to food, water, and the shelter they rely on.”. 

2. Don’t Feed the Animals 

Feeding wildlife alters their diet and encourages unhealthy dependence. Keep snacks for yourself - and don’t leave leftovers. 

3. Stay on Marked Trails 

Unmarked paths damage habitats and increase surprise animal encounters while hiking. Stick to official trails to stay safe and preserve the environment. 

4. Pack It In, Pack It Out 

Even orange peels and granola crumbs are a no-go. Animals attracted to human food often suffer poor health or become dangerously desensitized to people. Leave No Trace says to ask yourself this question: Would this [insert biodegradable item] be here if I weren’t? 

5. Respect Breeding and Nesting Seasons 

Be extra cautious in spring and early summer. Disrupting animals during sensitive seasons can lead to nest abandonment or stress-related harm. 

6. Give Back to Wildlife 

Support or donate to organizations like Leave No Trace, which conduct valuable research on coexistence and sustainable hiking tips. 

Why Self-Guided Hiking Is Better for Wildlife 

Compared to group tours, self-guided adventures offer flexibility and freedom, with a lighter environmental footprint. 

• Fewer Footsteps, Less Disturbance 
  Traveling solo or in pairs means quieter trails and fewer animal disruptions. 
• Digital Tools for Smarter Travel 
  Our GPS apps and pre-planned routes help you stay on track and avoid harmful detours. 
• Community-First Itineraries 
  Our routes support small businesses and nature-based tourism, helping local ecosystems thrive. 

Ready to plan a low-impact travel experience? Check out our eco-friendly hikes like the Tour du Mont Blanc or West Highland Way. 

Explore Nature the Responsible Way 

Looking for ethical hiking routes that balance adventure and conservation? Start with these curated options: 

• Classic European Trails 
   Walk the Camino de Santiago or bike Tuscany’s quiet backroads. 
• Slower Adventures 
   Recharge with our Sintra to Cascais coastal walk - perfect for wildlife watching and cultural immersion. 
• Iconic Pilgrimages 
   Explore long-distance hikes like the West Highland Way, built with sustainability in mind. 

Together, We Can Protect Wildlife 

Respecting wildlife isn't just a nice-to-have - it's essential for ensuring that the trails, forests, and mountains we love remain full of life for future generations. 

By traveling mindfully, supporting conservation, and choosing self-guided hiking with companies like Macs Adventure, you're helping to protect what matters most. 

“It is our job as visitors to understand the ways to protect wildlife while we are in their natural habitats. By doing so, we can preserve the quality of the experience for future generations to enjoy, just as much as we do.” - Leave No Trace 

Start planning your next eco-conscious escape - and leave only footprints behind.