Wilderness Walking
The Knoydart Peninsula

Day 1 – Travel Mallaig to Knoydart

We meet in Mallaig at 5:50pm. Mallaig is easily reached by car or train via the spectacular West Highland Railway Line. A short transfer by boat takes us to our base at Doune on the very tip of the Knoydart Peninsula. After a welcome brief, we sit down to our first dinner together. (D)

Day 2 – The Black Hills of Knoydart

Today we explore some rarely visited lower hills in western Knoydart, and visit 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 (441m), from where there is a good chance of seeing Golden Eagles or Red Deer. Descending northwards we pick up a coastal path which we follow, past the remote settlement at Airor, all the way back to the lodge. (B, L, D)

Walk details: 14km/ 9 miles | approx. 7 hours

Day 3 – The Isle of Eigg and an ascent of An Sgurr

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. The summit boasts fine views over this beautiful island and the nearby emerald wedge of Muck. (B, L, D)

Walk details: 8km/ 5 miles | approx. 4 hours

Day 4 – Across Knoydart via the Mam Barrisdale

This fantastic walk traverses the Knoydart peninsula from north to south, finishing at the door of the Old Forge – the most remote pub in Scotland! We enjoy a dramatic approach by boat through Loch Hourn before being dropped at beautiful Barrisdale Bay. 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: 14 km/ 9 miles | approx 6 hours

Day 5 – A Boat Trip to and a Walk on The Isle of Rum

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. Late afternoon we are whisked back to Doune in time for dinner. (B, L, D)

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

Day 6 – Loch Coruisk on The Isle of Skye

Our final island visit takes us into the heart of the Cuillin mountains on Skye. We circle the shores of stunning Loch Coruisk, surrounded by towering rocky peaks. (B, L, D)

Walk details: 11km/ 7 miles | approx. 5 hours

Day 7 – Sgurr Coire Choinnichean

This bold peak rises up behind Inverie village. From its summit, the views to Inverie Bay below us and over the sea to Skye are outstanding. The Outer Hebrides are often visible, more than 60 miles away across the Minch. 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/ 6 miles | approx. 5 hours

Day 8 – Return to Mallaig

Following a relaxed breakfast, we board the launch boat and, keeping our eyes open for Minke Whales which are often spotted in these waters, return to Mallaig. For those travelling by rail, we arrive in Mallaig in time to catch the mid-morning train back to Glasgow. (B)