Knoydart Wilderness

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive Mallaig West Coast Scotland. Afternoon preparations for Expedition, and overnight in Mallaig.

Day 2
Depart on Expedition. Trek into Knoydart—via North Morar Peninsular, to beautiful beach at Sourlies Bothy—our first night’s camp. Distance approx 15 miles.

Day 3
A longer, more arduous trek via the high Peaks of Meall Buidhe, and Luinne Bheinn. Dropping down finally into the spectacular Barrisdale, where we stop for our second night's camping.

Day 4
We shall rise early for our big return to civilisation, climbing up and over the highest peak in the Knoydart, Ladhair Beinn, via a spectacular ridge approach, before descending via a couple of smaller peaks into Gleann na Guiserein, for the final easy walk to a well deserved rest, wash, and refreshment in the unique village of Inverie… this is going to be a classic adventure… don’t miss it!
This evening should bring forth good fun and entertainment in the UK’s most remote pub—in Inverie. We shall stay in B&B accommodation here.

Day 5
Morning will see us waving goodbye to our newfound friend, the Knoydart, catching the ferry back to Mallaig, and then onto home.

Accommodation

Night 1 - Simple, clean bunkhouse.
Night 2 - Wild camping
Night 3 - Wild camping
Night 4 - Comfortable bunkhouse

What is a Level 4.0 Trekking Challenge Like?

You are now moving into the realms of serious challenges - where you are likely to encounter rough and steep terrain, sleep deprivation – ie very long days, or even high altitude. In any case - be prepared for an event which is going to take you well past the limits of your comfort zone. Trekking days will be up to 13 hours, or slightly less if the event stretches over several days. The severity of the challenge may be magnified by various factors - and you will need to be more resilient - variable weather conditions, simple food and maybe camping – these factors forms a part of the challenge. You need to be in good shape to undertake any of these events, and you need to be training regularly. The height gain each day is greater than for level 3 - so expect plenty of hills! A level 4 challenge would involve a very long day (in excess of 28 miles) or some serious hill climbing (multiple peaks in one day) - or possibly both!

How Fit Do I need to be to join a Level 4.0 ‘Trek’?

To participate in these events you need to be in very good fitness. You enjoy taking exercise, and do it regularly (a couple of times a week minimum). You may well partake in several different types of activity, possibly including the gym, swimming, running, or circuit training. You probably are capable of running up to 5 or 6 miles, but in a good steady speed (around 9-10 minute miling). If you do not run - you should be regularly undertaking challenging walks or other strenuous exercise. You should be comfortable walking 17-19 miles in the English lowland countryside.

Medical Issues

Please note, it is extremely important for this physical challenge that you are in good health. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, please consider carefully whether you should be joining the challenge. Please ensure you fill in the booking form accurately and honestly, this is important. In the case of serious conditions (epilepsy, diabetes, heart conditions, recent illness or operations), please discuss the challenge with your GP. Please also ensure you notify us of any allergies or similar.

You should be used to walking reasonable distances each day to contemplate this trek. It requires stamina and good aerobic fitness - but good willpower will also come in handy! Failure to disclose medical conditions is a serious omission - that could have serious repercussions on any of our challenges.

Included In Trip

Detailed Joining Instructions, Qualified & First Aid Trained Mountain Leader, Safety system for the weekend, Tents & Stoves, Group safety equipment, 1 night simple bunkhouse (first evening), 1 night comfortable bunkhouse (last evening), Ferry out of Knoydart Dinner for 2 nights whilst wild camping, and breakfasts

Excluded From Trip

Transport to and from Mallaig, Lunches, 2 Dinners, Sleeping Bags.

Equipment Required

Medikit
Water Purification Kit, Suncream, Blister Repair Kit
Plasters, Vaseline, Rehydration Salts
Painkillers, Sunbloc, Insect Repellant

Washkit
Pack Towel (lifesystems recommended)
Small Towel / Flannel, Soap
Toothbrush, Toothpaste

Overnight Items
Mess Tin (recommended) or Bowl
Matches or Lighter
Tin Cup / Plastic Beaker (with handle)
Fork, Spoon
Bag, without holes, for rubbish
Personal trowel for correctly and discretely burying toilet stops
Lunches for all trekking days - time may be available before setting out, but a good idea to bring certain items from home (dried fruits, nuts, flapjacks, etc.)
Food should be compact and high density source of energy and durable - please ask if unsure

Trail Items
Sleeping Bag - 2/3 season rated to 0° C comfort rating (check whether required for each trip)
Sleeping Mat (thick Karrimat/Thermarest style)
Large Rucksack (60-70 litre)
Rucksack Liner / Plastic Liner for Rucksack
Bladder System (highly recommended - or other water bottles e.g. exercise bottle/Nalgene bottle)
Walking Poles (highly recommended)
Sun Hat / Cap, Neck Scarf

Warm Clothing
Medium Weight Fleece, Lightweight Gloves
Fleece hat, Balaclava

Trek Clothing
Long Cotton trekking Trousers x 2
Comfortable Trekking Shirts (long/short sleeved) x 2
T-Shirts x 2
Walking Boots (broken in with ankle protection)
Walking Socks, Liner Socks
Underwear, Sandals

Waterproofs
Outer Fully Waterproof Jacket (Gore-tex, E-vent)
1 Pair Outer Fully Waterproof Bottoms

Other
3 Pocket sized packets of tissues, Spare Laces
Small piece of folded Duck Tape, Sewing Kit
Camera, Film / Memory Card
Wallet, Money Belt, Credit Cards (for your triumphant return to civilisation!), Cash
Sunglasses, Penknife
Emergency Rations (energy foods - for the tough days on trek)
Head Torch with spare batteries and bulb

Specialist Camping Items (These are provided by Adventure Café)
Tent (two sharing in a 2-3 man tent),Stove (one between 2 or 3)
Mess Tins, Evening Meals, Breakfasts
Please note - you should allow sufficient space in your rucsack for the team equipment - this is important!

Safety Information

By nature all activities contain an element of risk.Your leader will be first aid qualified and will carry the appropriate safety kit for the activity, such as mountain safety shelters, walking rope and from time to time mobile radios. Safety equipment carried will be appropriate to trip. The leader's primary role is to ensure your safety, but it is your responsibility to listen to their guidance and instructions.

Weather

At this time of year rain is a distinct possibility, and severe weather almost a certainty. So wrap up warm, and be ready for anything! – make sure you pack according to the list! Remember that layers are the key, allowing you to adjust your level of warmth more easily. We will almost certainly experience some rain during the expedition, so make sure you have suitable waterproof gear—both top and leggings.

Notes on Trekking Events

Trek the Mountains of the World with Adventure Cafe, and our fantastic team of qualified leaders. From the UK, to the Alps, Pyrenees, Atlas Mountains, Himalayas and even Kilimanjaro. Put our International Mountain Leaders to the test! Check.

Adventure Cafe Booking Terms and Conditions

To Reserve Your Space on this Challenge