- 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?
22nd Jul - 29th Jul 2017
Andy Hague
Cheery Andy will happily guide you up any Scottish mountain!12th Aug - 19th Aug 2017
Gordon Anderson
Hailing from Skye and growing up in Inverness, Gordon has a rich Scottish heritage.Accommodation
Our accommodation partners are carefully chosen according to a number of factors u2013 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 Karen Williams 12/06/2017
Pre-Trip Service
Provision and gathering of information prior to the trip was thorough, staff were very helpful via email and phone,
Trip Comments
Accommodation and Food
Great accommodation and the most wonderful food
Your Guide
Pete was knowledgeable, encouraging, enthusiastic and clearly passionate about the Scottish wilderness and experiencing it fully.
The Bottom Line
A great experience - a wonderful way to experience the Scottish Wilderness and go to places I otherwise wouldn't have been able to.
by Susan Newton 24/05/2017
Pre-Trip Service
person phoned had good knowledge of trips and advised accordingly
Trip Comments
good not excellent only because of sleeping arrangements and shared bathroom but we know this could not have been any different in these circumstances
Accommodation and Food
food excellent accommodation commented on before
Your Guide
novel, knowledgeable, and promoted confidence
The Bottom Line
by Peter Newton 24/05/2017
Pre-Trip Service
clear website. person not machine on the end of the 'phone
Trip Comments
accommodation/shared bathrooms-but understand cannot be changed
Accommodation and Food
food excellent but not accommodation-see previous
Your Guide
good "reader" of people
The Bottom Line
will look forward to another trip
by Becky McCormick 24/05/2017
Pre-Trip Service
Trip Comments
Accommodation and Food
The lodge was basic as has been commented on - earplugs are a must! But it was in an amazing setting, and the food was absolutely fantastic.
Your Guide
Pete was great - a good laugh, a gentle way of including everyone, full of knowledge, and some great stories. Most of his jokes were funny too ;-)
The Bottom Line
by sheena melrose 23/05/2017
Pre-Trip Service
All enquiries received prompt and friendly replies
Trip Comments
The opportunity to visit islands and remote lochs by boat, be dropped off and explore with a knowledgable guide was wonderful.
Accommodation and Food
I expected the accommodation to be basic so no problem as it was comfortable and homely. The locally sourced and home cooked food and dining experience was truly amazing.
Your Guide
Pete had a lovely way of keeping the group together with individual needs considered.
The Bottom Line
You couldn't manage to do a holiday like this without the wonderful organisiation of Wilderness Scotland. You are paying for their service and you are rewarded with an amazing and memorable experience.
by Pamela Johnson 04/05/2017
Pre-Trip Service
I was impressed by the patience and communication from the Wilderness Scotland team prior to our trip. I had a phone conversation with David and emails with David and Jane around some specific insurance questions as well as some questions about hairdryers at the lodge (embarrassing in hindsight ) - all were professional and always helpful! I also loved the specific equipment list that was sent out prior to the trip and the information on the website on gradation and finding the right level of trip for my level of fitness and comfort.
Trip Comments
I loved the variety of hikes, the attention to detail, thoughtfulness and education on the hikes - David informing us about the lichens and Pete reading poetry before the hike. Pete was an excellent guide - balancing the various needs of the group. He quietly registered the many dynamics at play. I always felt comfortable and well taken care of - he didn't miss a beat. I also loved his humour and his encouragement around truly "Being" in nature. His perspective was unique and extremely considerate. The Doune lodge experience was also fantastic - an amazing place with down to earth, kind people and wonderful food - so welcoming and considerate. The fact that we experienced so many different hikes thanks to Andy and Pete co-collaborating depending on the conditions and Andy ferrying us from home base to the Islands also made for a very unique and meaningful experience - and the detail of having a hot cuppa on the boat at the end of the day was heaven!
Accommodation and Food
Your Guide
As mentioned earlier - I thought Pete was just fantastic. A thoughtful, considerate man with a real passion for nature and ensuring the group got a very unique experience. And a fantastic sense of humour and play!
The Bottom Line
This was a fantastic trip - a unique experience. I will be thinking back on this trip with a full heart and much gratitude for such a wonderful holiday for a long time!
by Suchitra Davies-Webb 04/05/2017
Pre-Trip Service
i would have appreciated knowing a few more specifics about the Knoydart trip proactively like: gaiters are an absolute must, the bedrooms aren't heated, hairdryers are not encouraged, that lunch food probably should be augmented with your own snacks, and that your luggage will be taken from you from the boat to the lodge.
Trip Comments
Pete, our beloved guide and David from your office were generous, knowledgeable, supportive, elegant leaders. they adjusted to our needs and the changing conditions without fuss or ego. Doune was marvelous, Andy and Liz were so attentive especially with our delicious lunches and dinners and special needs - and the boat transportation was perfect (that brew onboard at the end of the hike tasted so good)
Accommodation and Food
gorgeous!
Your Guide
Pete's life experience and specific wisdom as an outdoor enthusiast was perfect for our group. He is humble and gentle while being real and pointed. I adore him! He shares his beliefs about wilderness through poetry and they align with mine so I loved his perspective and approach. He made it easy to ask for help...and to sink into and enjoy the moment. i am so grateful he was our guide.
The Bottom Line
I can see why Knoydart is your signature trip. The boat access to such a range of hikes and experiences was spectacular. The weather was unusually fantastic for April and there were no midges and no other hikers to speak of. Our group gelled really easily. Pete was the perfect guide for us... irreverent, wise, gentle yet direct, I always knew we were safe and going to learn along the way. And having David there to teach us from his playbook was a lovely bonus. i couldn't be more delighted! Thank you! I will be back.
by Mary Hahessy 01/05/2017
Pre-Trip Service
Widlerness Scotland Team always responded very soon after query or reservation and in a very personable way - I liked that I could call on individual members of staff if i needed to email or call. Very clear information and communication.
Trip Comments
For me, it's difficult to find any fault with my Knoydart trip. What a glorious part of the (still) wild world. Privileged to visit there.
The boat trips were spectacular and elemental. Crossing the Knoydart Peninsula and finishing to the call of the cuckoo. The people who made the week were not only the great group visiting, but the marvellous team at Doune.
Pete Long is a superb guide who throws in challenges, aspirations, inspiration and fun, manages groups seamlessly and is the guide any group would wish for.
Add to that the enthusiasm, knowledge, generosity and overall charm of David (Wilderness Scotland "Gem") and Kirstie. Such pleasure to have spent the week in their company.
Accommodation and Food
Liz repeatedly produced the most amazing, delicious locally sourced food. Hard to beat. And she plays the fiddle well too! Endless energy and talents.
Very peaceful, comfortable, relaxing accommodation.
Your Guide
As already written - Pete Long is a superb guide. Very knowledgeable and passionate about walking, wilderness, nature, people and how we engage and respond. His quirky sense of humour and "start of day" readings of poetry or prose were an inspiration joy. A truly great guide.
We were also particularly fortunate to have David R. (Wilderness Scotland) with the group. David's knowledge and enthusiasm, and Kirstie's 'joie de vivre', added to a truly memorable trip.
The Bottom Line
Beautiful, unspoilt places accessed in a way that benefits the people there, giving the highest standards of guidance, food and accommodation while respecting and protecting these places. No stone left unturned when it comes to looking after guests who want to visit, while respecting the environs.
The ethos of "Wilderness Scotland" really impresses me and, from my experience, they are true to their word.
by Andy Green 26/04/2017
Pre-Trip Service
I booked my travel at the same time - I didn't realise I should wait until you confirmed the booking. Not a problem in my case, but you might want to make that clear ( or did I miss it?)
Trip Comments
Great setting (Doune), particularly the dining experience.
Accommodation and Food
as above
Your Guide
I enjoyed the 'immersive' experience, I'm unlikely ever to be a big poetry fan, but enjoyed seeing that aspect, and all the other stuff (firelighting, bones, flora, birds, oneness with nature, etc)
The Bottom Line
Brilliantly conceived and executed - mixture of remoteness of walks, with comfort in the evenings
by Andrew Williams 25/04/2017
Pre-Trip Service
Trip Comments
Pete, our guide was great. What made it special was his offering of a poem at the start of every day, which he made relevant to each individual trip.
The group was fantastic, we even got together on the last night to take part in a proper Ceilidh - each person taking turns to read a poem or sing a song. A truly memorable experience.
The food was excellent, Andy and Liz took very good care of us and were exceptionally kind. All-round, a great holiday.
Accommodation and Food
Liz and the team's cuisine was truly excellent. I have put on 7 pounds but it was well worth it!
Your Guide
Pete, thanks for your calm, thoughtful manner and great wit. We loved having you as our guide; you made the holiday truly great.
The Bottom Line
I would recommend this company each time for a memorable holiday. Thanks guys!
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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