Knoydart, a remote peninsula on the West coast of Scotland. With no roads or access apart from a rough 16-mile hike in or on a boat. It’s obvious why its classed as one of Britain’s last true wildernesses.

But what classes as wilderness? There are no big predators left in the UK, there are not many views where you can’t spot some resemblance of man’s presence in our country. So why is it that Knoydart gets this title?

3 days into a week-long trip here, boots are soaked, everyone’s cheeks have the red glow you only get from hiking up something steep. And you begin to enjoy the warm squelch you make every time you place your foot. We’ve not seen a soul since leaving the port days ago, and apart from an unexpected amount of frogs we’ve felt quite alone.

It’s August, and we are under no illusion that despite it being the height of summer we’re prepared for all seasons to hit us. It’s a strange victory when the gale force winds & rain batter against you as you’re making you way along a precarious ridgeline. This is Scotland, and it’s the very reason we love it. The fleeting pockets of skyline we were treated to on the first few days spurred us on, knowing full well we were surrounded by epic views It felt even more apt that we had to truly earn them.

Knoydart is a grand, high, wild, difficult place. It’s made for adventures, it’s the unknown that keeps you on your toes. Knowing that you’ve got everything you need on your back, we just go with the flow and enjoy whatever gets thrown our way.

Wilderness is taking a step and wondering ‘Has anyone ever trodden here before’ pitching your tent and feeling like you might be the only one to ever wake up with that exact view. For me wilderness is a place where you feel like your intruding on nature, you get the feeling that life has just been allowed to evolve here without us pesky humans getting involved.

On our 3rd night, we eat dinner outside of the tent for the first time, with this praised break in rainfall we didn’t relax too much as we were joined by the most unwelcome summer guest - the midges. Grabbing all of our cooking kit, we scrambled up towards the sunlight and the promise of a ridgeline breeze. Bellies full, legs tired from an unexpected hill sprint and a moment to just sit back and enjoy the view. The small victories in life are the best.

Our final morning in camp you could feel a group-wide reluctance as we packed up. Although everyone was physically exhausted with sodden boots dreaming of a warm shower. We savored every minute of it. Exploring somewhere so raw and untouched makes returning to the modern world hard. It makes you feel alive. Despite even thinking myself that I was ready to go back home, the moment I stepped off the boat I wanted nothing more than to be back bog dodging our way across Knoydart.

Join us this Summer for our 5-Day Knoydart Wilderness Trek. Come and enjoy the wild Penisula with us, no adventure is ever the same there!

Upcoming Trips