The adventure
Starting with an early morning ferry from Fort William to the iconic Glenfinnan, you’ll swiftly transition from the bustle of rail travel to the solitude of unmarked glens, rugged lochs, and steep mountain passes. The trail is remote, with stretches of bog, pathless terrain, and river crossings demanding good navigation and stamina.
Your first night’s wild camp will be set beside a tranquil loch, where you can enjoy a simple but satisfying boil-in-the-bag meal under vast skies. Day two propels you deeper into the wilderness of Knoydart itself, crossing slopes and valleys with breathtaking views before reaching the remote hamlet of Inverie, a rarity in Britain accessible only by foot or boat. Here, a warm welcome awaits at the Old Forge pub or you may choose to camp nearby.
On your final day, ferry to Mallaig reveals a stunning coastal panorama, before a scenic train journey returns you to Fort William. This trip is a perfect fusion of wilderness solitude, physical challenge, and cultural discovery.
Trip Itinerary
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Awaken in the heart of the Highlands, stepping off the sleeper train or arriving straight from your lodgings, you need to make your own way to the start point, but we have designed the trip to coincide with timings for the Caledonian Sleeper. After a quick resupply for your adventure ahead, a short ferry ride will whisk you away to the mystical Glenfinnan. There, witness the awe-inspiring Glenfinnan Viaduct, a cinematic marvel made famous by Harry Potter, as it gracefully spans the dramatic Scottish landscape.
Embrace the wilderness with a thrilling fastpack through the enchanting Cona Glen, a journey that will lead you to the tranquil beauty of Loch Beoraid. While the terrain offers runnable stretches, be prepared for some boggy sections – a true test of your adventurous spirit. As dusk settles, we will find a perfect wild camp spot by the serene Loch Beoraid, or if time and spirit allow, push on towards the wilder shores of Loch Nevis. Dinner will be a well-deserved boil-in-bag feast, you will need to provide your own food but we can advise what to bring, enjoyed with unparalleled lochside views under the vast Highland sky.
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The day begins with boots on the trail at first light, pushing straight into some of the most remote ground in the UK. From the steep climb over Mam Barrisdale to the wild sweep of Barrisdale Bay, the route demands grit — but rewards with soaring ridgelines, raw silence, and the thrill of standing in a place few ever reach.
This is Knoydart, Britain’s last wilderness: a land of plunging glens, endless lochs, and mountain corridors that test both stamina and spirit. Each step takes you further from the ordinary and deeper into terrain that feels untamed, elemental, and unforgettable.
The descent delivers you into Inverie, a village without roads and accessible only by foot or boat. For the bold, it’s the perfect place to toast the adventure with a pint at The Old Forge, known as the UK’s most remote pub. As night falls, choose your camp beneath the stars or crash at a bunkhouse — either way, the sense of having conquered one of Scotland’s wildest journeys stays with you long after dinner.
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After a final hearty breakfast and packing up, we’ll make the short walk down to Inverie pier for the morning ferry across to Mallaig. The crossing takes around 30–45 minutes and is a highlight in itself, with sweeping views of the Knoydart coastline and the chance to spot seabirds and marine wildlife along the way.
Once ashore in Mallaig, the bustling fishing village marks a sharp contrast to Knoydart’s remote feel. We’ll stop here for lunch – classic fish and chips or one of the local cafés – before a little time to explore the harbourfront, browse small shops, or take a short stroll for sea views.
From Mallaig we board the West Highland Line, one of Scotland’s most scenic train journeys. The ride to Fort William (around 90 minutes) carries us back through dramatic lochside scenery and mountain views, with arrival mid‑afternoon. By 3–4pm we’ll be back in Fort William, marking the end of our Knoydart adventure, having travelled from wilderness paths all the way back to the rails.
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The trip starts and finishes at Fort William Railway Station (PH33 6EN), perfectly located for those arriving by train (including the Caledonian Sleeper) or car.
By train: Fort William is well connected by the West Highland Line, with services via Glasgow, Edinburgh, and London. The Caledonian Sleeper also provides overnight travel direct from London.
By car: Easily reached via the A82, with parking available in Fort William. Allow around 3 hours from Glasgow or 2 hours from Inverness.
By air: The nearest major airports are Inverness, Glasgow, and Edinburgh. Onward travel is most straightforward by train or hire car, with travel times of 2–4 hours.
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Group size: Small teams of no more than 6 participants, ensuring personal instruction and support.
Guides: Experienced, trusted local guides skilled in both fastpacking routes and Cape Wrath Trail navigation.
Fitness: Expect long, physically demanding days of 25-25km across mixed ground with steep climbs, remote crossings, and full trail packs. You should be a confident, fit runner or hiker comfortable with multi‑day endurance efforts.
Flexibility: As in all wild places, routes may be adjusted to suit weather, tides, or group ability, keeping safety, enjoyment, and learning as the highest priorities.
Why Book with the GBAC?
Adventure, Authentically Delivered
Every journey with GBAC is led by passionate outdoor leaders who design their own adventures—trips as unique and inspiring as the guides themselves. Expect one-of-a-kind experiences that dive deeper, excite the senses, and promise memories no ordinary itinerary can match.
The UK’s Most Trusted Guide Network
Join the adventure community built by outdoor lovers, for outdoor lovers. With one of the largest guide networks in the UK, there’s always support, if a guide is unwell, your trip goes ahead with someone just as qualified and enthusiastic.
Create Unforgettable Memories
Our trips are crafted to leave a lasting mark—whether it’s summiting a new peak, discovering hidden wild places, or simply sharing laughter around the campfire. With GBAC, every adventure becomes a story worth telling, and the moments you share become lifelong memories.
Safety and Peace of Mind
Our guides are handpicked, fully insured, and qualified. Every one of them holds an enhanced DBS check and meets strict GBAC standards, so you can relax knowing your adventure is in safe, expert hands.
Feel-Good Booking, Fair Pay, Real Impact
GBAC guides and outdoor leaders are valued and fairly rewarded. We pay better by taking only a commission—helping expert guides earn more and focus on the experience, not just the job. Every adventure booked helps sustain a thriving, passionate community of outdoor leaders.
Small Groups, Big Adventures
Our trips aren’t crowded. Smaller groups mean a friendlier, more personal atmosphere—letting journeys unfold naturally, stories get shared, and every moment feel memorable.
Ready to create unforgettable memories in the wild? Choose GBAC—where every booking powers a more passionate outdoors, one unique journey at a time
Kit List
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Clothing & footwear
Trail Running Shoes (broken in — not fresh out of the box)
Running poles
3 pairs of socks (2 for running, 1 spare)
Waterproof jacket & trousers
Warm layers for the evening — it gets chilly once you stop moving
Hat & gloves (even in summer)
Sunglasses & sunhat
Light weight Sleep system
Backpack & kit
Trail Running pack 20l+
Soft Flask Water Bottles
Water filter
Safety & essentials
Personal first aid kit (your guide will carry a kit, but bring your own for blisters & small scrapes)
Foil survival blanket (tiny and light)
Whistle
Head torch
Personal medication (your guide will ask you for any relevent medical information prior to your departure)
Miscellaneous
Mobile phone
Debit/credit card
A bit of cash (just in case)
Insect repellent
Don’t worry, your guide will be in contact before your trip to discuss anything you need.
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You’ll need to be fit enough to manage a 80km trail run over 3 days carrying your kit over undulating terrain. The pace and intensity can vary depending on the group, and we’ll always do our best to accommodate everyone — but a good level of fitness is essential for this adventure.
About your Guide
David – Qualified Mountain Leader, Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor
David’s roots in Yorkshire gave him both a love for the outdoors and a spirit of determination that has shaped a lifetime of adventure. From completing long-distance challenges such as the Northern Traverse and the Dragon’s Back Race, to exploring wild landscapes on skis, bikes, and on foot, he has always been drawn to journeys that test both body and spirit.
Now a full‑time mountaineering instructor, David brings that same passion to his guiding. Whether he’s introducing beginners to the basics of movement on rock, building confidence on mountain paths, or leading a team safely across snow and ice, his calm expertise ensures every day is safe, supportive and rewarding.
As a coach, David goes beyond summits and milestones. He believes adventure is as much about connection as achievement — with the landscape, with those you travel alongside, and with yourself. Grounded in the values he learned growing up in Yorkshire — hard work, good humour, and the joy of simple moments — he shares journeys that inspire confidence, build resilience, and create memories that last long after the boots are off.
Got Questions?
Feel free to contact us with any and all questions. We always aim to reply within 24 hours.
