Day 1 — Ferry to Rùm & hike to Harris Bay

Hiking: approx. 4 hrs · 13 km · 310 m ascent/descent

Meet your guide at Mallaig Ferry Terminal in the morning for introductions and a trip briefing. After crossing to the Isle of Rùm by ferry, the walk begins directly from the jetty at Kinloch. The route follows good trails inland, offering early views of the Rùm Cuillin as you head into the island’s wild interior.

The day finishes at Harris Bay, a superb coastal location for your first wild camp. Settle into camp, explore the shoreline and, if conditions allow, enjoy a sea swim before dinner.

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Day 2 — Harris Bay to Papadil

Hiking: approx. 5–6 hrs · 9 km · 550 m up / 500 m down

After breakfast overlooking the bay, today’s route follows a rougher coastal line. Expect slower progress over rocky ground, moorland and bog, with frequent pauses to take in the changing views and wildlife.

Camp tonight is near Papadil, an abandoned coastal settlement close to Loch Papadil, offering a quiet and atmospheric place to spend the evening.

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Day 3 — Papadil to Dibidil

Hiking: approx. 4–5 hrs · 5 km · 400 m up / 375 m down

Shorter in distance but often slower underfoot, today involves navigating faint paths and rough terrain through one of the island’s most remote areas. This is a great day for developing practical navigation and route-finding skills.

The route descends towards Dibidil where camp is set beside the river flowing from the mountains. Depending on conditions, there may be opportunities for a wild swim in the river or the sea.

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Day 4 — High-level mountain day (weather dependent)

Hiking: approx. 7–8 hrs · up to 13 km · significant ascent & descent

This is typically the most demanding day of the expedition. If weather and conditions allow, the aim is a high-level mountain journey on the Rùm Cuillin, involving sustained climbs and hands-on terrain in places.

Your guide will assess conditions carefully and adapt plans as needed. If high ground is unsuitable, a lower-level alternative will be used, still offering excellent scenery and learning opportunities.

The day finishes back near Kinloch. There may be the option to upgrade to a local hostel or campsite for the final night, subject to availability. If unavailable, the group will wild camp as planned.

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Day 5 — Return to Mallaig

After a relaxed final morning, the group returns to the jetty for the ferry back to Mallaig. Enjoy final views of the island before arriving on the mainland in the early afternoon.

Exact timings depend on ferry schedules and weather conditions.

• Designed for confident, experienced hikers comfortable on consecutive full days.
• Expect 4–8 hours of hiking per day while carrying a backpack.
• Terrain includes rocky coastline, steep climbs, boggy ground and pathless sections.
• The high-level day involves significant ascent and exposure to remote mountain terrain.

• Waterproof jacket & trousers, warm layers, hat & gloves
• Sturdy, worn-in hiking boots + spare socks
• Backpack, dry bags or waterproof liners
• Headtorch, personal first aid items and any medication
• Camping kit unless hiring during booking (subject to availability)
• Additional snacks or drinks if desired

A full equipment list will be sent before departure. You can also view our detailed equipment list to help you prepare.

• High-calorie dehydrated meals provided for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• Wild camping most nights; one night typically at Kinloch campsite.
• Water collected from natural sources and treated or filtered.
• Facilities are limited — expect remote, simple conditions.
• Low-impact, Leave No Trace principles followed throughout.

• Meeting point: Mallaig Ferry Terminal (exact time confirmed pre-trip).
• Ferry: Return ferry Mallaig ↔ Kinloch (Isle of Rùm) included.
• Start / finish: The expedition begins and ends in Mallaig.
• Optional hostel: Final-night hostel upgrade subject to availability.
• Ferry schedules and plans may adjust due to weather conditions.

• Routes and objectives adapt to weather, ground conditions and group ability.
• Your guide may change plans at any time for safety reasons.
• Alternative lower-level routes are used if high ground is unsuitable.
• Group safety equipment is carried and used when required.

• Do I need wild camping experience? No — guidance is provided throughout.
• Can I hire equipment? Yes, subject to availability during booking.
• What if the weather is poor? Plans adapt to keep the trip safe and rewarding.
• Is the hostel guaranteed? No — it is optional and subject to availability.

New to wild camping? Our full Wild Camping FAQs cover safety, equipment and what to expect.