Trip created by David Russell
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Region: West Highlands including Knoydart
Trip Type: Wilderness Walking
Comfort: Classic
Difficulty:
All you need to know about your trip, this essential document is a must for all adventures.
Download ItineraryJoin 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. 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.
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)
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
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
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
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
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
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
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)
To download a PDF copy of our Trip Itinerary, containing full details about this holiday, please complete the form below:
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation is a mixture of twin and single rooms in a simple wilderness lodge set by the beach in Knoydart. The bedrooms, which are fairly compact, are located on the upper floor while the ground level consists of a large lounge and open plan kitchen for tea & coffee. Shared bathroom facilities are next door to the kitchen with showers, basins & toilets. Electricity is generated on site during the day. Wifi is available while the power is on and cameras etc can be charged.
SINGLE ROOMS
There is no supplement charged to solo travellers, however, you will be required to share a room with another person of the same sex. There are a limited number of single rooms available on this trip at no extra charge.
Due to the nature of the accommodations we use, single supplements are limited and are allocated on a first come first served basis.
Freshly prepared and locally sourced meals are taken in the adjacent restaurant and are a real highlight of this trip. 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.
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.
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2 Booking(s) in the last 72 hours
| Trip Dates for 2019 | Availability | Status | Price | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13th Apr - 20th Apr 2019 | 4 place(s) left | CONFIRMED | £1,595 | Book Now |
| 4th May - 11th May 2019 | Trip Full | FULLY BOOKED | £1,595 | |
| 22nd Jun - 29th Jun 2019 | Trip Full | FULLY BOOKED | £1,595 | |
| 13th Jul - 20th Jul 2019 | Trip Full | FULLY BOOKED | £1,595 | |
| 10th Aug - 17th Aug 2019 | Trip Full | FULLY BOOKED | £1,595 | |
| 24th Aug - 31st Aug 2019 | 2 place(s) left | CONFIRMED | £1,595 | Book Now |
| Trip Dates for 2020 | Availability | Status | Price | Book |
| 2nd May - 9th May 2020 | 9 place(s) left | UNCONFIRMED | £1,595 | Book Now |
| 20th Jun - 27th Jun 2020 | 10 place(s) left | UNCONFIRMED | £1,595 | Book Now |
| 4th Jul - 11th Jul 2020 | 10 place(s) left | UNCONFIRMED | £1,595 | Book Now |
| 1st Aug - 8th Aug 2020 | 10 place(s) left | UNCONFIRMED | £1,595 | Book Now |
| 22nd Aug - 29th Aug 2020 | 10 place(s) left | UNCONFIRMED | £1,595 | Book Now |
| 12th Sep - 19th Sep 2020 | 10 place(s) left | UNCONFIRMED | £1,595 | Book Now |
Sometimes it's nice to get family and friends together and travel privately for some quality time. This means you benefit from all the features of the group departure, including hand-picked accommodation and expert local guides and we'll take care of it all. Then you can make your choice of departures dates and we'll get back to you to finalise the details.
David loves the lure of wild places. He’s regularly seen heading off with his canoe, camera and tent for a night under the stars. David spent 5 years as an outdoor guide and instructor with qualifications from the Mountain Training Association and British Canoe Association. He has a passion for photography and has been commended for his stunning photos of Scotland’s wild places – some of which include excellent pictures of the beautifully remote Knoydart.
- David Russell
Call David Ask David a QuestionBlue 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.
Rated 4.90 out of 5 based on 175 review(s) 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.
Anne Campbell
Reviewed on 19/09/2018
The Bottom Line
Nothing to complain about. Excellant in are key areas.
Andrew Leonard
Reviewed on 19/09/2018
The Bottom Line
A well-designed trip that was effectively delivered; quality was high but so was the price; many of my walking colleagues might baulk at the cost.
Alison Kershaw
Reviewed on 18/09/2018
The Bottom Line
Carol Way
Reviewed on 18/09/2018
The Bottom Line
Amazing trip, one you will never forget, its memories just so precious. Thank You.
Paul Moody
Reviewed on 18/09/2018
The Bottom Line
Our first experience with Wilderness Scotland was extremely positive in all aspects. A very memorable holiday
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