fbpx
Close
Articles by Year

<<     >>

Articles by Category
866 740 3890

Activities

Locations

Selected Trips

    Wilderness Walking

    The Knoydart Peninsula

    265 reviews

    Next Trip: 25th - 31st May 2024 Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights

    From: £1,875 View Prices & Dates

    Travel Planning & Advice

    Book With Confidence

    Trip created by Paul Easto
    View Paul's Profile

    Region: West Highlands including Knoydart
    Trip Type: Wilderness Walking
    Accommodation: Classic
    Max Group Size: 10
    Confirmed: When 4 Travellers Book
    Deposit From: £483

    Grading:

    Carbon Footprint: 71kg ? What does this mean?
    Click here to find out about our carbon labelling project and what we're doing to be more sustainable.

    All you need to know about your trip, this essential document is a must for all adventures.

    Download Itinerary

    Join us on our truly classic hiking adventure in Scotland’s Knoydart Peninsula.

    Often described as the last wilderness of Scotland, the Knoydart peninsula is beautiful, wild and remote. Bounded by the deep sea lochs of Loch Nevis and Loch Hourn, and cut off from the mainland road network, it remains an untamed and captivating place.

    Knoydart has always been best accessed by boat, and from our base at a remote wilderness lodge, we make full use of the sea. As we sail to the start points of many of our walks, we often encounter whales, dolphins and porpoises before we’ve even begun our day’s adventures. Hiking on the magical Isle of Skye or the community-owned Isle of Eigg means we enjoy walking through stunning landscapes, while also learning about the region’s distinct histories, stories and traditions. On a trip that blends rugged mountains, wonderful wildlife and vivid coastal culture, a visit to Knoydart makes for a truly unforgettable holiday.

    Please note: Due to the nature of the accommodation we use, and the number of rooms available, we are unable to offer solo occupancy rooms on this trip. Solo travellers must be willing to share a twin room with a traveller of the same sex. In some circumstances, a private room may be available by default, in which case, it will be allocated to the first solo traveller who has booked.

     

     

    Trip Highlights

    • 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.

    Day by Day Itinerary

    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). Pause on the summit to take in the sweeping views of the rough bounds of Knoydart. 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 Mam Barrisdale

    After breakfast, take the boat from our lodge around the peninsula and along Loch Hourn to be dropped off in the wilds, meeting a path that winds its way up and over the pass of Mam Barrisdale 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 – 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 6 – 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 7 – 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)

    X
    Wilderness Walking
    The Knoydart Peninsula

    To download a PDF copy of our Trip Itinerary, containing full details about this holiday, please complete the form below:

    Fields marked with * are mandatory

    The phone number field is not required but if you would like us to give you a call to help find the trip for you, then enter your telephone number including the country code.

    Trip Dates & Prices

    All payments taken in local currency GBP

    Trip Dates for 2024AvailabilityStatusPriceBook
    25th May - 31st May 20245 places leftGuaranteed £1,875Book Now
    8th Jun - 14th Jun 2024Trip FullFULLY BOOKED £1,875
    29th Jun - 5th Jul 20241 place leftGuaranteed £1,875Book Now
    10th Aug - 16th Aug 20249 places leftAvailable £1,875Book Now
    7th Sep - 13th Sep 202410 places leftAvailable £1,875Book Now
    21st Sep - 27th Sep 20246 places leftGuaranteed £1,875Book Now

    Trip Details

    Accommodation Read More

    Accommodation is a mixture of twin and double rooms in a simple wilderness lodge set by the beach in Knoydart. The bedrooms all have ensuite facilities, and are located on the upper and ground levels. There is a large lounge area and open plan kitchen for tea & coffee. The lodge is totally off-grid so all the power is from solar, a small hydro and a battery inverter system, backed up by a generator if needed. Wifi is available, and phones etc. can be charged.

    Single Rooms

    Due to the nature of the accommodation we use, and the number of rooms available, we are unable to offer solo occupancy rooms on this trip. Solo travellers must be willing to share a twin room with a traveller of the same sex. In some circumstances, a private room may be available by default, in which case, it will be allocated to the first solo traveller who had booked.

    Meals Read More

    All meals are included from dinner on your first evening to breakfast on your last morning on this all inclusive trip. Included dinners are two courses as standard.

    Freshly prepared and locally sourced meals are taken in the adjacent restaurant. Special dietary requirements can be catered for but must be advised at the time of booking. The restaurant is licensed and offers an excellent choice of wines, beers and spirits. Shoes with decent grip are needed to walk to the restaurant.

    Inclusions Read More
    • 6 nights accommodation in a remote wilderness lodge by the shore. Accommodation is in twin or double rooms
    • All meals during the trip, from dinner on the night of arrival to breakfast on the 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
    Trip Grading Read More

    Blue Graded 4-6

    Blue graded walking holidays are suitable for fit and experienced hikers. We walk at a good pace and you can expect to be out for 6-8 hours a day. You will not always be on a path and the terrain underfoot can be rough and boggy, including boulder fields and mountain tops. Some of the daily walks will involve a mountain ascent of over 3000ft / 900m high. Daily distances will be typically up to 16km but may be longer occasionally. Daily hike details are available in the itinerary.

    Travel – Arrival and Departure Read More

    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.

    Photo Gallery

    Make This Trip Private

    Fancy this trip just for your group? Get together with family and friends spend quality time exploring wild places. A private trip allows you to benefit from all the features of the group departure, including hand-picked accommodation and expert local guides but with the advantage of the flexibility to tailor the days to your group. Make the trip more or less challenging depending on your experience or choose to add in some optional extras like castle or distillery visits depending on your interests. The price of a private trip will depend on the number of travellers in your group. Let us know your prefered departure date and we'll take care of the rest.

    Speak to an Expert

    Bridget Brown

    Our friendly office team hail from across the world but share a passion for the outdoor and wild spaces of Scotland. We are committed to providing you with the best customer service and are more than happy to chat through options and provide help and advice. Get in touch to find your perfect adventure.

    Ask Bridget a Question

    Meet Your Guide

    Difficulty Grades Explained

    Blue Graded Walking Holidays

    Blue graded walking holidays are suitable for fit and experienced hikers. We walk at a good pace and you can expect to be out for 6-8 hours a day. You will not always be on a path and the terrain underfoot can be rough and boggy, including boulder fields and mountain tops. Some of the daily walks will involve a mountain ascent of over 3000ft / 900m high. Daily distances will be typically up to 16km but may be longer occasionally. Daily hike details are available in the itinerary.

    Compare walking grades

    Trip Reviews

    Rated 4.91 out of 5 based on 265 reviews of Wilderness Walking – The Knoydart Peninsula

     

    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.

    MB

    Mary Bremigan

    Reviewed on 10/12/2023

    Age: 50 - 60
    Country: United States
    Trip Date: 05/08/2023
    Trips Taken: 1

    The Bottom Line

    The Bottom Line

    I loved it! Hiking 'off trail' was a new experience for me and I enjoyed the adventure. The mix of highlands and ocean and islands was fabulous. Our group bonded well and I really appreciated that we were an encouraging team on the hikds. Kirsty helped establish that 'vibe'. I love Scotland! Can't wait to return.

    RW

    Robin Werner

    Reviewed on 03/10/2023

    Age: 60 - 70
    Country: USA
    Trip Date: 09/09/2023
    Trips Taken: 2

    The Bottom Line

    The Bottom Line

    A very nice trip, especially for those who enjoy rugged terrain.The scenery was beautiful and the day trips by boat we very special. If I understood better ahead of time the nature of the terrain, I definitely would have given a 5 star rating.

    JP

    John Pritchard

    Reviewed on 26/09/2023

    Age: 50 - 60
    Country: United States
    Trip Date: 09/09/2023
    Trips Taken: 1

    The Bottom Line

    The Bottom Line

    Excellent trip and something I'd be keen to repeat. Great overall experience, adventure, and memories.

    Want more Wilderness in your life?

    Sign up for our newsletter and be the first to hear about trip news, blogs and offers.