Walk on the Wild Side 4-day Wild Camping Adventure into Knoydart
With Mark Reid FRGS – author of ‘The Inn Way’ guidebooks & Mountain Leader
Hike for 3 days through Britain’s last wilderness from Glenfinnan to Inverie on the Knoydart peninsula on this wild camping adventure trip. Knoydart is so remote that the only way to get there is on foot or by boat, which is exactly what we’re going to do on this trip!
From Glenfinnan, with its famous ‘Harry Potter’ viaduct, we’ll hike for 33 miles over 3 days (with 2 nights wild camping) through some of Scotland’s most rugged, wild and remote glens and mountain passes to reach the small village of Inverie on the west coast of the Knoydart peninsula, which is so remote it is not connected to the UK road network. In the evening, we’ll celebrate our memorable journey at the Old Forge pub, Britain’s most remote mainland pub.
We will then stay for 2 nights at Inverie’s beachside campsite and enjoy a day of mountain walking in the area before catching the small passenger ferry back to Mallaig.
This promises to be a mountain adventure to remember!
We can provide most of your camping kit – choice of lightweight backpacking tent (1-person or 2-person), sleep-mat, expedition rucksack, dry-bag, JetBoil stove & gas (please provide your own sleeping bag, walking clothes & food).
WHAT AN EXPERIENCE!
- 4 day wild camping adventure into the Knoydart peninsula, Britain’s last wilderness
- Hike 33 miles to the Old Forge, mainland Britain’s most remote pub
- Experience the peace, quiet & solitude of true wilderness
- Self reliance, personal development & achievement
- A real ‘bucket list’ adventure!
- Explore the mountains in confidence with Mark Reid & Richard Duckworth (Mountain Leaders)
- Small group size – 14 people with two Mountain Leaders
- Mark has over 80 nights of wild camping experience
PERFECT FOR
- A group of friends or family – a trip away to remember
- Relaxing time in nature away from the stresses of life
- Quality time away with your son or daughter in the Great Outdoors
- Gaining mountain knowledge & experience
- A true mountain adventure experience
ITINERARY
MONDAY
9am – Meet at Mallaig in Lochaber, on the west coast of the Highlands of Scotland, to discuss the expedition, weather forecast and gear check. Mallaig has a train station, parking, amenities and facilities.
10:10am – Catch the 10:10am train from Mallaig to Glenfinnan (48 minute train journey)
11am – Set off on our walk up from Glenfinnan, passing the Glenfinnan Monument built to commemorate the 1745 Jacobite Uprising, and then beneath Glenfinnan Viaduct, of Harry Potter fame. We’ll then gradually head into more remote, lonely and wild country via Glen Final, Beach a’ Chaorainn (471m) and down into Glen Pean where we’ll camp. 18.5 km (11.5 miles) with 630m of ascent.
5pm – Wild Camp; set up camp, eat dinner, watch the sunset
9pm – Retire to your tent
TUESDAY
8am – Breakfast and break down camp.
9am – Continue on our walk into remote, rugged and wild landscapes via Glen Dessarry and over the mountain pass of Bealach an Lagain Duibh (with an array of towering Munros to the north) before dropping down passing the small lakes of Lochan a’ Mhaim to reach Sourlies at the head of the magnificent sea loch of Loch Nevis, where we’ll camp for the night. 19 km (12 miles) with 550m of ascent.
5pm – Wild Camp; set up camp, eat dinner, watch the sunset
9pm – Retire to your tent
WEDNESDAY
8am – Breakfast and break down camp.
9am – Our final leg of our hike to Britain’s most remote mainland pub, we’ll leave Loch Nevis and soon climb to the mountain pass between Sgurr Sgeithe and Meall Bhasiter, before dropping steadily down through Gleann Meadail to reach the small village of Inverie on the coast and journey’s end. 15.5 km (9.5 miles) with 700m of ascent.
3pm – Inverie Campsite; set up camp (there is a village shop at Inverie to restock supplies)
7:30pm – Meal at the Old Forge pub, Inverie
THURSDAY
8am – Breakfast
9am – Guided walking day exploring the coastline, hills, mountains and Munros around Inverie and Knoydart, such as Ladhar Bheinn (1010m), Roinn na Beinne (441m) or a coastal beach and headland walk. The route will be chosen depending on weather conditions, group needs etc.
5pm – Inverie Campsite
7:30pm – Meal at the Old Forge pub, Inverie
FRIDAY
8am – Breakfast and break down camp
Morning – Catch the small passenger ferry from Inverie to Mallaig (approx. 30 minutes), then head home.
The hike from Glenfinnan to Inverie covers 53 km (33 miles) through very remote and rugged mountainous terrain with 1,880m of ascent, spread over 3 days with 2 nights wild camping. All timings and distances are approximate. Meals at the Old Forge not included.
Useful links:
West Highland Railway
Inverie Campsite
Old Forge pub, Inverie
Inverie to Mallaig passenger ferry
Knoydart Village Information
