The Knoydart Peninsula

Day 1 – Mallaig to Knoydart

Meet your Wilderness guide in Mallaig this afternoon at 5:50pm. Easily reachable by car or train, this pretty working fishing port is nestled on the northwest coast, and situated along the famous Road to the Isles. A short transfer by boat will take us to our cosy wilderness lodge located on the very tip of the Knoydart peninsula. As gulls wheel white against the evening sky, enjoy the stunning views across the water as you settle in and relax before dinner. (D)

Day 2 – Hiking in the Black Hills

After a hearty breakfast, head out to explore some rarely visited hills in western Knoydart, and the beautiful coastline surrounding Airor. Straight from the door, hike into the rugged, wild landscape towards the rocky summit of Roine na Beinne (441m). As you walk, keep an eye out for the herds of red deer that can be seen grazing on moorland and mountainside. The recognised icon of Scotland, the stags are often adorned with impressive antlers. With your guide, descend northwards and pick up a coastal path which winds its way past the remote settlement at Airor. Arrive back at the lodge later this afternoon and relax. (B, L, D)

Walk details: 14 km/9 miles | 750 m/2,460 ft of ascent | approx. 7 hours

Day 3 – Exploring the Isle of Eigg

This morning take a small boat over to the wild Isle of Eigg. Community-owned since 1997, the island is fully powered by its own renewable energy. Accompanied by your guide, hike up the conical pitchstone peak of An Sgurr, an impressive remnant of the last volcanic eruption. The views from the top are spectacular in all directions, and on a clear day, you can see the mainland mountains of Lochaber. From singing sands to featherbed bogs, the landscape of Eigg is compact but incredibly diverse. On your descent, enjoy chatting with your guide about its biodiversity before taking the boat back to your lovely wilderness lodge. (B, L, D)

Walk details: 8 km/5 miles | 500 m/1,640 ft of ascent | approx. 4 hours

Day 4 – Hiking to Inverie via Màm Uidhe

After breakfast, join your guide for a coastal walk that winds its way to Inverie. As the ethereal west coast light shifts across the water, and mountains the colour of lavender press against the sky, keep a look out for the eye-catching red-orange bills of oystercatchers. As you walk, learn about the region’s history, a past rich in stories and shaped by the Highland Clearances. Later, arriving at the little white cottages of Inverie, stop in at the Old Forge – a community-owned pub which began life as a smiddy’s forge and is now one of the most remote pubs in Britain. (B, L, D)

Walk details: 16 km/10 miles | 460 m/1,510 ft of ascent | approx. 7 hours

Day 5 – Exploring the Isle of Rum

Today, take a small boat across the Sound of Sleat to explore the diamond-shaped Isle of Rum. Striking an unmistakable silhouette against the sky, the island is the largest of the Small Isles and a place of deep glens, sharp ridgelines and beaches of rich white sand. Declared a National Nature Reserve in 1957, many of Rum’s features are considered to be of international importance, including its geology, habitats and seabirds. Spend the day hiking and exploring with your guide, returning to the mainland for dinner under an inky, star-strewn sky. (B, L, D)

Walk details: 10km/ 6 miles | approx. 5 hours

Please note that we are updating this trip to be 7 days/6 nights in 2024 and this day will no longer be on the itinerary.

Day 6 – The Isle of Skye

This morning take a boat into the very heart of the Black Cuillin on the magical Isle of Skye. As you cross the water, look out for sleepy seals lounging on the warm rocks and the dorsal fins of dolphins. Upon reaching the shore leave the boat behind to explore Loch Coruisk. Also known as the Cauldron of the Waters, the deep dark loch stretches like a shadow below the impressive volcanic peaks. Accompanied by your guide hike the perimeter of the loch, enjoying the wild, sea-stung scenery and watching for the kelpie – a shape-shifting water spirit that’s said to roam the lonely shores. (B, L, D)

Walk details: 11 km/7 miles | 120 m/400 ft of ascent | approx. 5 hours

Day 7 – Sgurr Coire Choinnichean

The bold peak of Sgurr Coire Choinnichean rises high into the velvety sky behind Inverie village. From its summit, the views of the sweeping bay below and the sharp Cullin Ridge are breathtaking. With your guide enjoy the walk that makes its way across the hillside onto the airy ridge. On a clear day, the Outer Hebrides are often visible, which are more than 60 miles away across the Minch. It’s a wonderful vantage point from which you can admire the whole peninsula. Return to the lodge for a well-earned and celebratory dinner this evening. (B, L, D)

Walk details: 10 km/6 miles | 880 m/2,890 ft of ascent | approx. 5 hours

Day 8 – Return to Mallaig

This morning, enjoy a coffee overlooking the tranquil bay, watching for otters on the rocky shoreline. Packed up and ready to rumble, step aboard the boat and cruise across the glittering water to the salty streets of Mallaig. Arriving in time to catch the mid-morning train back to Glasgow, say goodbye to your guide and begin your journey home. (B)