Who Is It For?
This trip is designed for adventurers seeking a true escape into the wild. It suits walkers with good hill fitness who want to experience the challenge and satisfaction of expedition-style travel. If you’re curious about wild camping but want the support of expert leaders and high-quality gear, this journey offers the perfect balance of self-sufficiency and guidance.
Expect to return with new skills in navigation, campcraft, and backcountry travel—as well as memories of summits, starry skies, and the rare stillness that only remote landscapes can provide.
What gear can you expect?
To make your trip as easy as possible, we’ll set you up with a premium tent, sleeping bag and pad, selected based on the expert opinion of our members and curated for the unique demands of this adventure. For this trip, you can expect tents like:
Here’s what we provide for your trip:
A premium, specialist one-person tent, lightweight yet tough, chosen specifically for wild camping in these conditions. If you want to share a tent with another participant, please let us know in advance.
A sleeping bag rated for the expected temperatures. If you know you sleep particularly cold, just let us know — we’ll make sure you have an even warmer option.
A sleeping bag liner. All participants are required to use a liner to keep our bags fresh and clean.
A warm, high-quality inflatable sleeping mat, designed to give you the best night’s sleep possible on the hill.
A pillow and pillow case, because even under the stars, a bit of comfort goes a long way.
*Individual items may vary depending on availability. Free to contact us if you’ve any questions or special requests.
Trip Itinerary
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Your journey begins at Mallaig Ferry Terminal, meeting your guides before boarding the morning ferry. As the mainland slips from sight, keep an eye out for seabirds and marine life on the crossing to Kinloch. On arrival in Rùm, shoulder your pack and head out along wild coastal trails, your first glimpse of the Cuillin rising above.
By late afternoon, reach Harris Bay and pitch your tent beside the sea. After setting up with the support of your guides, there’s time for a wild swim, beach exploration, or simply soaking in the quiet before preparing dinner together and settling under the stars. -
Wake to the sound of the sea and enjoy breakfast before moving deeper into the island. Today’s route takes you toward the abandoned village of Papadil, following rugged terrain as red deer roam and eagles wheel above. A lunchtime stop offers sweeping views, then it’s onward into one of Rùm’s most remote corners.
Camp tonight is near the atmospheric ruins of Papadil, with the chance for an optional scramble up Ruinsival or a swim in Loch Papadil before sharing an evening meal by the tents. -
Breaking camp, you’ll head inland once more, this time following the Old Pony Path toward Dibidil. This ancient track winds through isolated moorland and rugged valleys with expansive Hebridean views. After a wild lunch on the trail, camp is set by the clear waters of the Dibidil River.
The evening here is yours—stroll along the valley, watch for deer as dusk falls, or simply relax beside the stream before cooking supper together under big skies. -
The big day. After an early breakfast, prepare for the full Rùm Cuillin traverse—a demanding, rewarding scramble over six peaks including Askival, the island’s high point. The terrain is bold, rugged, and exhilarating, with the sea ever present on the horizon.
By late afternoon, descend from the mountains and return to Kinloch, where the expedition culminates with a final celebratory evening wild camping near a BBQ hut, reflecting on the incredible journey achieved. -
Enjoy a hearty breakfast together before catching the morning ferry back to Mallaig. As the boat departs, take a last look at the peaks and ridges of Rùm—the perfect farewell to Scotland’s wild island gem.
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The trip starts at Mallaig Ferry Terminal, located at Mallaig Pier, Highland, PH41 4QD, Scotland. This ferry terminal is the gateway to the Inner and Outer Hebrides, including routes to Armadale (Isle of Skye), Canna, Eigg, Muck, Rum, and Lochboisdale. The terminal is close to the village of Mallaig, a picturesque fishing port on Scotland’s west coast.
By car: Mallaig is accessible from Fort William by following the A830 for approximately 42.6 miles. Approaching the village, follow signs to the ferry terminal located at the pier, near the harbour. On-site parking is limited, but there are free car parking options nearby. For stays of up to 5 days, the community centre car park and town centre parking are recommended, both a short walk from the terminal. Disabled parking spaces are available opposite the terminal.
By train: The Mallaig train station is a 5-minute walk from the ferry terminal, providing scenic rail connections from Glasgow via Fort William.
By bus: Local bus services operate near the tourist information opposite the ferry terminal, approximately a 5-minute walk away.
By air: The nearest airport is Inverness, about a 108-mile drive, or Glasgow, about 153 miles by road. From the airports, onward travel is best by car or rail to Fort William, then by train or road to Mallaig.
The ferry terminal has basic facilities, with cafés and shops located within a short walking distance in the village centre, providing convenient amenities while waiting for departures
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Group size: Small groups of no more than six, keeping things friendly and personal.
Guides: Experienced, trusted guides who know the Hebridean Isles inside out.
Fitness: Expect five full days of walking, activity, and practical instruction. The pace is steady, with regular breaks to rest, take in the scenery, and learn from your guide. You don’t need peak fitness, but you should be comfortable spending full days on your feet and moving with a backpack over varied and sometimes uneven terrain.
Flexibility: Routes can be adjusted depending on weather and trail conditions, always keeping safety, learning and enjoyment top of mind.
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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To make sure your trip is as comfortable, safe and memorable as possible, we’ve hand-picked a shortlist of tents, sleeping bags and pads that stand up to the unique demands of the Lake district — from the tough terrain to the famously unpredictable weather.
All our selections are based on countless hours of testing and the expert opinions of our members.
Here’s what we provide for your trip:
A premium, specialist one-person tent, lightweight yet tough, chosen specifically for wild camping in these conditions. If you want to share a tent with another participant, please let us know in advance.
A sleeping bag rated for the expected temperatures. If you know you sleep particularly cold, just let us know — we’ll make sure you have an even warmer option.
A sleeping bag liner. All participants are required to use a liner to keep our bags fresh and clean.
A warm, high-quality inflatable sleeping mat, designed to give you the best night’s sleep possible on the hill.
A pillow and pillow case, because even under the stars, a bit of comfort goes a long way.
It’s gear we’d happily trust on our own adventures — so you can focus on soaking up the mountains.
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Clothing & footwear
Walking boots (broken in — not fresh out of the box)
Walking poles with snow baskets (recommended, but optional)
6 pairs of socks (1 for walking, 1 spare)
Waterproof jacket & trousers
Gaiters (optional but useful)
Appropriate clothing
Hat & gloves (even in summer)
Sunglasses & sunhat
Backpack & kit
50L+ backpack, suitable for hillwalking, with a waterproof cover
Sitting pad (optional, but keeps your bum dry)
1.5L of water
Food & drink
Sufficient food for 5 full days
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 regular contact with you before the trip in advance of your trip, including links to recommended products, so you can get set up as easily (and cheaply!) as possible.
About your Guide
Michael - Mountain Leader, Climbing instructor and Mountaineer
With over 40 years in the field, Michael Curry is a respected outdoor professional and mountaineer known for exploration, leadership, and a strong connection to nature. As a qualified Mountain Leader and Rock Climbing Instructor, he brings expertise in technical climbing, navigation, expedition logistics, and outdoor education.
His adventures cover Europe’s wildest regions, including Norway, Iceland, the Alps, as well as expeditions in the Canadian backcountry and the Himalayas. This global experience allows him to blend local knowledge with internationally recognised best practices in guiding and teaching.
Michael is known for his calm authority, technical skill, and enthusiasm, leading groups through tough environments and mentoring many in mountain skills. His work focuses on safety, personal growth, and respect for nature, inspiring both beginners and experienced adventurers.
Beyond guiding, Michael advocates responsible outdoor access, contributing to training, conservation, and community projects—leaving a legacy of mentorship, adventure, and dedication to the mountains he loves.
Got Questions?
Feel free to contact us with any and all questions. We always aim to reply within 24 hours.
