Wild camping in the Isle of Rum or Knoydart is one of the most liberating experiences a hiker can have. However, these environments are fragile. A single poorly managed campsite can take years to recover.

On every Peak Adventures expedition, we follow the Leave No Trace principles. This isn’t just about picking up litter; it’s about ensuring that the next person to walk through the glen has no idea we were ever there.

1. The “Trowel Talk” (Waste Management)

It’s the conversation everyone wants to avoid, but it’s the most important. On a 5-day journey, managing human waste is a logistical necessity. We carry lightweight trowels and follow the $15\text{cm}$ rule: all waste must be buried at least $15\text{cm}$ deep and $30\text{m}$ away from any water source.

2. Fires vs. Stoves

A campfire scar stays in the soil for decades. On our expeditions, we use efficient canister stoves (like the Jetboils on our kit list) for all cooking. They are faster, safer, and leave zero impact on the ground. We don’t build fires—the “wild” should stay wild.

3. Durable Ground

Where you pitch your tent matters. We look for “durable ground”—surfaces like dry grass or gravel that can handle the weight of a tent without being crushed. We avoid boggy patches where the vegetation is easily damaged and we never “trench” or dig around a tent.

4. Respecting the Quiet

The “Remote Splendor” we seek is as much about sound as it is about sight. We keep groups small (maximum 6) to minimize our visual and audible footprint. Solo hikers often join us specifically for this quiet immersion, and we protect that experience for everyone.

The Invisible Hiker

Our goal is to be “invisible hikers.” We arrive, we experience the majesty of the Highlands, and we depart leaving only footprints. By joining a Peak Adventures trip, you aren’t just seeing the wilderness—you are helping to preserve it.