- Access some of the finest walking routes in Scotland by boat as you explore the most remote mountains in the UK
- Visit the wonderful Small Isles for day walks with excellent wildlife viewing opportunities on both land and sea
- Enjoy the unparalleled wilderness of the rough bounds of Knoydart and experience the wildlife that thrives there
- Sample some of the finest cuisine in Scotland while staying in a unique lodge which can only be accessed by boat
- 7 nights accommodation in a remote wilderness lodge by the shore. Accommodation is in twin or single rooms
- All meals during the trip, from dinner on night of arrival to breakfast on day of departure (Meals included indicated as B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
- The services of an experienced and knowledgeable walking guide and boat skipper throughout
- All boat transport throughout the trip, starting and finishing in Mallaig
Blue Graded Walking Holidays
Our Blue grade walking trips involve climbing some of Scotland’s best mountains and ridges. The walks are conducted at a good pace and you may be out hiking for 8 or 9 hours a day. The terrain underfoot can be anything from stalker’s paths to rough or boggy ground, boulder fields and mountain tops.
The daily walks will occasionally involve a mountain ascent of over 3000ft / 900m high. To help you decide if you are fit enough for this trip, ask yourself:
Can you comfortably hike for 10+ miles (16+km), climbing mountains and covering a variety of challenging underfoot conditions? How often do you do this?
Accommodation
Our accommodation partners are carefully chosen according to a number of factors; charming locations, very good facilities and a reputation for providing Highland hospitality.
On this trip we utilise a unique wooden hiking lodge set by the shore and overlooking the sea. Meals are taken in the restaurant building which is a short walk from the accommodation and outdoor footwear is essential to walk between the buildings. Our hosts offer superb home cooking featuring delicious local ingredients often sourced from the hills and waters immediately around us. We often sea wildlife such as Red Deer from the windows of the lodge.
The lodge has a large bathroom with private shower and toilet cubicles. Sleeping arrangements are in twin rooms only however a few single rooms are available.
Single Room Supplement
There is no single person supplement charged to solo travellers however you will be required to share a room with another person of the same sex. If you require a single room please request this at the time of booking and we will check availability for you. On this trip there is no supplement for single occupancy however availability is limited.
You will be met by your Wilderness Scotland Guide on the main platform at Mallaig Railway Station at 5:50pm on Day 1 of your trip. The time coincides with the arrival of the train from Glasgow. At Mallaig we board our private launch to take us to our accommodation which is approximately a 30 minute crossing.
You will be returned to Mallaig railway station at 10.00am on the last day, shortly before the Glasgow train departs Mallaig.
Customer Kudos
Every client receives a feedback survey when they return from their guided, self guided or tailor made holiday with us.
Once completed the review is published on our website just as soon as our database updates. The little touches and details are important to us and where issues are raised we make positive changes to our trips to improve your experience.
That's why we read each of our client's reviews and although we don't respond to all of them, if it's glowing feedback then we get the satisfaction of helping to make your holidays truly memorable.
by Margie Moore Aten 09/08/2017
Pre-Trip Service
Great communication
Trip Comments
Knoydart Peninsula was amazing. Loved doune lodge. Food was awesome. Hiking was challenging
Accommodation and Food
Amazing food and lodge was beautiful
Your Guide
Andy received feedback well that the hiking on the first day was too fast paced and didn't allow time for rest breaks or lunch. He slowed the pace down after that.
The Bottom Line
Scotland is a wild and rugged place that is beautiful and challenging
by Sarah Leigh 08/08/2017
Pre-Trip Service
basic accommodation but Ok very good Wifi. I got to used to sharing loos !!
Trip Comments
We had such fun. we had a nightly guessing game which everyone at Doune took part in. That was very bonding for the group. we had an impromptu ceilidh with Jane who sings classically and beautifully, Liz on the fiddle and Andy ( boat) on the piano accordion. We laughed a lot. tough walking at quite a pace
Accommodation and Food
excellent
Your Guide
he gave us 11/10 and said we were the best group he'd every had. He relaxed and joined in with us all and managed a very diverse group of people.
The Bottom Line
excellent
by Judy Cornish 08/08/2017
Pre-Trip Service
I had to request the equipment list in the few weeks before the trip departed. Although it is possible this might have been sent to me earlier and I had overlooked it.
Trip Comments
Doune was a very special place by virtue of it's setting, but also the culture created by the staff. They were so welcoming and hospitable. The food was out of this world. The boat trips to the start of each walk added an element of excitement and adventure, and a chance to really soak up the views - the combination of hillside and water was spectacular. I know I'm in a minority but I loved being able to swim in the sea in the bay just outside the lodge and know I could quickly warm up with a hot shower just a few steps away. I liked the simple accommodation which struck the perfect balance between communality so we got to know eachother, but the twin/single rooms also allowed a enough privacy so we could find our own space when it was needed
Accommodation and Food
Please see previous comments, it couldn't have been better. I have never eaten so well and I loved getting to know the cooks who seemed to put their heart and soul into everything they served us.
Your Guide
Somehow Andy managed to pull off being extremely professional and technically competent, whilst at the same time being relaxed and fun. He was very supportive to us all, as well as concerned to ensure the needs of individual members of the - very varied - group were met. He went beyond the call of duty to respond to his demanding clients - demonsrating his ceilidhl dancing with good humour. He is clearly passionate about the Scottish highlands, and seemed to enjoy the trip as much as we did, which makes for a great atmosphere.
The Bottom Line
An unbeatable combination of peace, mountain and sea, made very special by the hospitality and warmth of the team at Doune.
by Glenn Macdonald 01/08/2017
Pre-Trip Service
Staff was great about answering my questions re: travel details.
Trip Comments
Accommodation and Food
Your Guide
Andy handled a diverse group with grace and intelligence. His knowedge of yhe area was also first rate.
The Bottom Line
Professionally planned trip in all areas.
by Liam macdonald 01/08/2017
Pre-Trip Service
The website was easy to follow and the directions were concise and clear.
Trip Comments
My favorite moments were the climb on Eigg and the trek on Skye. The food was excellent as well.
Accommodation and Food
You are doing a terrific job. Believe me. It's great.
Your Guide
Andy was a great guy with a lot of experience and a lot of enthusiasm. It's clear he loves what he does.
The Bottom Line
Great value for a great trip.
by Lizzi Thistlethwayte 01/08/2017
Pre-Trip Service
Trip Comments
I loved it all: the walking which pushed me as far and even further than I'd hoped; the boat rides out to the islands to climb hills and walk; the delicious food back at Doune each evening; the care and expertise of our guide; in short it was an it was exceptional week far exceeding my expectations!
Accommodation and Food
the food was exceptional. I can't think of another time or holiday when I have eaten so well! And the bunkhouse at Doune was perfect. the beds comfy, endless hot water for showers after a day on the hill.
Your Guide
our guide was caring, encouraging, considerate and knowledgeable
The Bottom Line
Quite simply, I loved it! We were provided with all the right information and equipment list before the trip began
by Emma Thistlethwayte 01/08/2017
Pre-Trip Service
Really thorough with all info that you needed
Trip Comments
Amazing accommodation and hospitality. Great guide and well organised
Accommodation and Food
Never had such amazing food and the staff bent over backwards to fit in with my food intolerances and to make a special day for my mums birthday
Your Guide
Friendly and reassuring and made sure all walks suited everyone whatever their ability
The Bottom Line
by Kim Heiser 18/07/2017
Pre-Trip Service
I particularly liked the recommended item packing list.
Trip Comments
The particular area - Knoydart - was fantastically beautiful and isolated. I liked the fact that transport was by boat shuttle on a daily basis.
Accommodation and Food
The food was the best food I have ever had on an organized trip. The freshness and bountifulness was unbelievable. Now I am spoiled and want to eat that way everyday.
The lodge was in a beautiful setting; there was immediate access to the islands trails and to the boat service. It was fun to live dormitory-style with a group of middle-aged strangers who were all wonderful people.
Your Guide
Our guide was very prepared with the hiking skills necessary for the trip and very personable. She accommodated all of us. She acted appropriately in our "emergency" situation (Coast Guard rescue). One downside - she didn't allow much time for "appreciation" of the surroundings. In general, we hurried along across much rough cross-country terrain. But we never had any concern about missing the water shuttle so we could have proceeded more slowly. I was probably the slowest member of the group but I didn't feel I hindered the group's time schedule.
I had, however, signed up for the particular time of this trip - late June - specifically because of the reviews given to another guide who ended up not being part of this trip. In that, I was disappointed because he was known to have a keen knowledge of the natural history of the area. Notice of his substitution arrived "last minute."
The Bottom Line
A big thumbs up for people looking for outstanding natural beauty and great hospitality.
by Simone DeLoach 11/07/2017
Pre-Trip Service
Trip Comments
Accommodation and Food
The food at Knoydart was the finest cuisine I have ever had on a trip! It was world-class.
Your Guide
The Bottom Line
We had a great time and would love to come back! This was our second trip with Wilderness Scotland and we are hooked. We are already looking at a trip for next year.
by Tim Hare 10/07/2017
Pre-Trip Service
Minor complication with emails as I was booked on the holiday by my colleague. Sorted after a phone call. Suggest all holiday participants are addressed on relevant emails.
Trip Comments
This was my second time with Wilderness Scotland and another major tick in the box for an wonderful week's walking in Knoydart. The accommodation was fine on this remote peninsular and the dining was superb ! I cannot recommend Doune - and their very charming staff - too highly. The boat trips added to the sense of adventure. An excellent - and very beautiful - base from which to conduct our walks.
Our guide Rosie Mackenzie was terrific - professional, charming and with good humour. Indeed she had to manage a wide range of walking skills and contend with an emergency (she handled the incident with aplomb). She was a credit to the company.
All in all a cracking week in wonderful Knoydart with some fine walking. Will visit again !
Accommodation and Food
Doune is a magical place from which to operate. Accommodation is more than adequate and the dining superb ! Very charming and helpful staff !
Your Guide
Rosie Mackenzie was a an excellent guide and credit to the company. See my comments in an earlier Q.
The Bottom Line
A terrific week's walking in the Knoydart which will live in the memory fro some time !
Prices and Departures
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Trip Details
Join us on our truly classic hiking adventure in Scotland’s Wilderness.
Often described as the last wilderness in Scotland, the Knoydart peninsula has an island feel about it. Isolated from the rest of the Western Highlands by the ‘rough bounds’ – a notorious strip of mountainous terrain – it remains an untamed and beautiful area of high mountains and twisting sea lochs.
Knoydart has always been best accessed by boat, and from our base at a remote wilderness lodge we make full use of the sea. Making passages to Skye, the Small Isles and remote corners of the Knoydart peninsula we often encounter whales, dolphins and porpoises before we even begin the day’s walk.
For this we use the fast boat, ‘Mary Doune’, allowing us to enjoy tremendous linear walks over mountain passes and giving access to the Small Isles of Rum and Eigg, notable for their variety and distinctive landscapes and history. This combination of wilderness, remarkable mountains and a plethora of wildlife, make for an unforgettable holiday.
EARLY SEASON PRICE: The April departure will be available at a price of £1,295. Please call to confirm your booking!
Trip Itinerary – Knoydart Walking Holiday
Day 1 – In the evening we meet in Mallaig, which is easily reached by car or train via the spectacular West Highland Line from Glasgow. In Mallaig we meet our private launch a short transfer by boat takes us to our base at Doune on the very tip of the Knoydart Peninsula. (D)
Day 2 – We explore some rarely visited lower hills in western Knoydart, and explore the beautiful coastline around Airor. Leaving directly from the door of the lodge, we hike into the Black Hills, possibly towards the rocky summit of Roine na Beinne. (B, L, D)
Walk details: 14km, approx 7hrs.
Day 3 – Taking to the sea, the goal for the day is the highest point on the island of Eigg – An Sgurr. A dramatic plug of columnar pitchstone, rising abruptly from wild moorlands, it is a fantastic sight as we walk in – and easier than it looks! The summit boasts fine views over this beautiful island, and the nearby emerald wedge of Muck. (B, L, D)
Walk details: 8km, approx 4hrs.
Day 4 – This fantastic walk traverses the Knoydart peninsula from north to south, finishing at the most remote pub in Scotland! The normal route we follow takes a good path up to the Mam Barrisdale col at 450m before enjoying a long descent down Glean an Dubh-Lochain to Inverie. (B, L, D)
Walk details: 14km, approx 6hrs.
Day 5 – Using the ‘Mary Doune’, we speed across the Sound of Sleat towards Rum. We may traverse this wild and beautiful island or climb one of the dramatic peaks in the Rum Cuillin, relishing their thick Viking names. Late afternoon, we are whisked back to Doune in time for dinner. (B, L, D)
Walk details: 10km, approx 5hrs.
Day 6 – Our final island visit takes us into the heart of the Cuillin mountains on Skye. We circle the shores of Loch Coruisk which, surrounded by towering rocky peaks, is one of the most atmospheric places in all of Scotland. If time permits, we may hop over to Canna to complete our tour of the Small Isles, (B, L, D)
Walk details: 11km, approx 5hrs.
Day 7 – The peak of Sgurr Coire Choinnichean rises up behind Inverie village. We follow an easy ridge to its top and from the summit the views to Inverie Bay below us and over the sea to Skye are outstanding. It’s a wonderful point from where we can admire the whole peninsula and reflect on our week in Knoydart. (B, L, D)
Walk details: 10km, approx 5hrs.
Day 8 – Following a relaxed breakfast, we board the launch one last time and, keeping our eyes open for Minke Whales, return to Mallaig. For those travelling by rail, we arrive in Mallaig in time to catch the mid-morning train back to Glasgow. (B)
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