Outdoor Adventures

Walk on the Wild Side Knoydart Wild Camping Adventure

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 30 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 and enjoy a day of beach, coastline and hill walking in the area before catching the small passenger ferry back to Mallaig.

This will 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!
  • Wild camping adventure into the Knoydart peninsula, Britain’s last wilderness
  • Hike 30 miles over 3 days (with 2 nights wild camping) via remote glens and mountain passes to the Old Forge, mainland Britain’s most remote pub
  • Spend a day exploring the beautiful hills, bays, beaches and coastline around Inverie and the Knoydart Peninsula
  • 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
  • Small group size – 8 people
  • Mark has 94 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 and Glen Dessarry where we’ll camp. 19.5 km (12 miles) with 690m of ascent. 
6pm – 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. 13 km (8 miles) with 400m of ascent. 
5pm – Wild Camp; set up camp, eat dinner, watch the sunset
9pm – Retire to your tent

WEDNESDAY

7am – Breakfast and break down camp.
8am – 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. 16 km (10 miles) with 690m of ascent. 
4pm – Arrive at Inverie – there is a village shop to restock supplies
7pm – Meal at the Old Forge pub, Inverie (optional)

THURSDAY

9.30am – Guided walking day exploring the bays, beaches, coastline, headlands and hills around Inverie and the Knoydart Peninsula, including the amazing beach of Sandaig (where there is a lovely cafe) and the rugged hill of Roinn na Beinne (441m) which affords superb views of the area. The route will be chosen depending on weather conditions, group needs etc. If you’d prefer a more relaxing day then there are other options available at Inverie including e-bike hire, waymarked nature trails, cafes and beaches. 
5pm – Return back to Inverie
7pm – Meal at the Old Forge pub, Inverie (optional)

FRIDAY

Morning – Catch the small passenger ferry from Inverie back to Mallaig (approx. 30 minutes), then head home.

The hike from Glenfinnan to Inverie covers 48 km (30 miles) through very remote and rugged mountainous terrain with 1,780m of ascent, spread over 3 days with 2 nights wild camping. All timings and distances are approximate – the daily distances may vary according to weather and ground conditions, as well as group needs.

Please arrange your own accommodation at Inverie. This varies from a basic beach campsite to a bunkhouse or B&B – see Useful Links below. Mark Reid will be camping at Long Beach Campsite at Inverie.

Useful links

West Highland Railway
Inverie Campsite
Old Forge pub, Inverie
Inverie to Mallaig passenger ferry 
Knoydart Village Information

YOUR GUIDE - MARK REID

FITNESS & INFORMATION

BOOK NOW

This includes:

  • 3 days of guided walking from Glenfinnan to Inverie on the Knoydart peninsula through remote glens and mountain passes, with 2 nights wild camping
  • 1 day of beach, coast and hill walking around Inverie.
  • Guided by Mark Reid, an experienced Mountain Leader
  • Lightweight backpacking tent
  • Expedition rucksack
  • Camping kit (drybag, sleepmat, stove & fuel)
  • Use of our waterproof clothing & boots if required.
  • TeamWalking Loyalty Reward scheme
PLEASE PROVIDE:
  • 3-season sleeping bag
  • Packed lunch, camp food, drinks and snacks for 2 nights and 3 days (on days 3 & 4 we'll eat at the Old Forge pub at Inverie, where there's also a well-stocked shop).
  • Mug and spoon
  • Personal walking clothing and equipment (base layers etc)
  • Accommodation at Inverie - this varies from a basic beach campsite to a bunkhouse or B&B. 
  • Train from Mallaig to Glenfinnan (£9.70) on the morning of Day 1 and ferry from Inverie to Mallaig (£7.50) on the morning of Day 5 (prices approximate)
NB: Please provide food, travel & accommodation (other than wild camping, as this is the key activity of this trip). A detailed list of what to wear and bring will be sent to you.
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