Rock-scrambling to Grade 1, demanding days.
This 4 day event is a guided hiking holiday with one of our experienced and qualified guides.
Your guide will know the remote area well and be able to give you insight into the flora, fauna and geology.
The package includes 4 days guided biking, hiking and hill-walking on the Isle of Rum. The
Calmac Small Isles ferry costs from Mallaig to Rum are not included as some people may wish to arrive at different times or by charter boat, eg
Minch Adventures in Mallaig or
Bella Jane in Skye.
The maximum guide to client ratio on this event is 1:6.
Day 1 : Rum - getting to Harris
Sail over the sea to Rum and hike to our overnight camp
| Summits : | None intended |
| Grading : | easy day |
| Stats : | Ascent : 300m, distance : 11km, time : 2 hours |
Our camp location is at Harris, to the west of the Rum Cuillin.
A fine track which travels through a delightful wood, then passing remnants of the estate's sporting past, leads down to Harris bay with it's lonely cottage and weird mausoleum.
For those wanting to take the Calmac ferry, we'd suggest meeting up late morning in Mallaig from where the boat will take us out to the isle of Rum.
The journey takes a bit over an hour, giving us a chance to get to know each other, discuss kit and plan the days on the hills.
Arriving at Rum's harbour early afternoon, we'll meet up with those having made alternative journeys to Rum, then we have a leisurely cycle along fine tracks to Harris at the south-west of the island.
We'll set up camp and relax for the evening.
Day 2 : Rum Cuillin
A circular route over the Cuillin taking in Askival and Ainshval
| Summits : | |
| Grading : | demanding day |
| Stats : | Ascent : 1700m, distance : 16km, time : 7-9 hours |
Our primary goal for this event is to traverse the entire Rum Cuillin ridge.
This is a superb and varied route with some fine scrambling on the crests.
From Harris bay, your guide will lead you onto the Rum Cuillin ridge and up the Norse named Corbett peaks of Askival and Ainshval.
This is a hands-out-of-pockets day, where we will be rock-scrambling on narrow crests.
There are paths avoiding any difficulties should weather dictate a more cautious approach !
Hopefully our efforts will be rewarded with superb views over to the Skye Cuillin and Knoydart.
Day 3 : Orval and Guirdil
The peaks on the west of the isle and a visit to lonely Guirdil Bothy
| Summits : | |
| Grading : | demanding day |
| Stats : | Ascent : 1100m, distance : 21km, time : 7-9 hours |
Although not as high as the Rum Cuillin, the peaks on the western side of Rum have a wild charm of their own. They are rugged, quiet and have stunning views from the summits and crests.
After a well-rested night at Harris, we'll set off up pathless terrain onto the southern shoulder of Orval. The grassy summit, with its trig point and cairn is a lovely spot to take in the vast vista. Look for the Northern Pinnacle at the end of the crags below. We'll trace a route to the lonely bothy at Guirdil, then return back to Harris for a final night camping under the stars.
Day 4 : Kilmory Beach and return to Mallaig
A visit to Kilmory's white sands are a must before aiming home !
| Summits : | |
| Grading : | easy day |
| Stats : | Ascent : 400m, distance : 20km, time : 2-3 hours |
The white sands of Kilmory can sparkle in sunshine.
The view out over the clear seas and crashing waves to Skye is stunning.
We can also find out about the research work SNH gets up to around the bay !
As the Calmac return ferry leaves late morning, this leaves time for a bit more exploring if we get up early.
We'll bike back up along the track, then down to Kilmory bay to explore the area and take in some views.
Back to the harbour, we'll hopefully have time for a snack in the café before getting back on the ferry to Mallaig.
Rock-scrambling to Grade 1, demanding days.
To join this guided event, you are asked to :
- have a good level of fitness and stamina
- have done several hillwalks and are comfortable walking on ridges
- be comfortable hiking for 8 hours plus
- have had exposure to Scottish mountain weather or similar
- possess a reasonably good head for heights
For the most part, the routes are on fine tracks in the glens, leading up grassy slopes to mountain crests and ridges.
We've classed the main Rum Cuillin day as 'demanding' which also has some rock-scrambling up to Grade 1 with some variations at Grade 2.
Have a look at the
events grading page for more information.
For the days on the hills you'll need your general hiking gear appropriate to the conditions and time of year.
More information can be found on our
Mountain Gear page.
You'll also need backpacking and camping equipment for our overnights' stay.
A list of backpacking kit, along with hints, advice and a checklist is on our
Backpacking Gear page.
We don't hire out any backpacking gear, but are happy to advise on any kit you need to purchase for this event.
A bike will also be needed, though should you prefer to walk, we can meet you earlier and arrange meetup points.
You can arrange bike hire nearby if required - we can supply you with contact details for rental locations for you to arrange hire.
