Mountain Fit: How to Prepare for Your First Multi-Day Expedition
Moving beyond “gym fitness” to handle the rugged, pathless terrain of the Isle of Rum and Knoydart.
The most common question we get from solo hikers is: “Am I fit enough?”
Our expeditions on the Isle of Rum and through Knoydart are designed to be achievable for fit hill walkers, but they are sustained mountain journeys. You don’t need to be an ultra-runner, but you do need “Mountain Fitness”—the ability to move steadily across rough ground while carrying a multi-day pack.
1. The Golden Number: $12\text{kg} – 15\text{kg}$
On a Peak Adventures expedition, we aim for a total pack weight of 12kg to 15kg. This includes your tent, sleep system, and food. If you turn up with 20kg+, the “splendor” of the remote Highlands quickly turns into a grueling slog.
Pro-Tip: Don’t guess. Weigh your pack before you leave home. If it’s over 15kg, start looking for the “kitchen sink” items you can leave behind.
2. Train for the Terrain, Not the Distance
Knoydart and Rum aren’t polished trail walks. You will encounter rough paths, boggy sections, steep climbs, and trackless ground. Training on a flat pavement won’t prepare your stabilizer muscles for a Highland bog.
- Progressive Loading: Start walking with a 5kg pack and gradually increase it to 12kg over several weeks.
- Off-Trail Movement: Practice walking on uneven grass, heather, or rocky coastal paths to build ankle strength and balance.
- Full Days Outdoors: Our trips involve multiple, sustained days in the mountains. Aim for long, slow weekend walks rather than short, fast bursts.
3. The Specifics: Rum vs. Knoydart
Each journey has its own rhythm:
- Isle of Rum: You need the stamina for a full traverse of the Rùm Cuillin—a committing mountain journey with sustained rough ground.
- Knoydart: The challenge here is the point-to-point journey. You are moving camp every day, which means your recovery between stages is just as important as your leg strength.
Ready to Step Out?
Preparation is what allows you to lift your head and enjoy the “remote splendor” instead of just staring at your boots. If you’re unsure about your fitness or pack weight, get in touch—we’re here to help you get dialled in before we hit the ferry.