Begin your first self-supported expedition on one of Britain’s wildest trails. Carry your kit through West Scotland’s remote glens and rugged mountains, wild camp beneath open skies, and finish at the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct—the famous Harry Potter bridge. Distance learning, pre-trip training, and expert guidance throughout help you build the skills to meet the challenge—and the confidence to take your next adventure further.
Spring brings fresh life to West Scotland’s glens and lochs. Longer days and usually fewer midges than in summer make it a rewarding time to explore. Conditions can still be demanding, giving you the chance to develop your skills in a landscape that will challenge and inspire you.
The Journey
Starting in the remote village of Inverie, we trek through rugged glens, beside sweeping lochs and into wild country. You’ll carry your expedition kit and wild camp along the way, visiting the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct—the famous Harry Potter bridge—before finishing near Fort William.
Carry Your Kit. Build Your Independence.
This is a self-supported expedition: you’ll carry your kit, food and camping equipment, put up your tent and prepare your meals. Our guides teach and support you as you learn to organise your load, look after yourself and contribute to the team.
There’s real satisfaction in reaching camp knowing you’ve carried everything you need. Making decisions, solving problems and adapting to changing conditions builds confidence grounded in experience—confidence you can take into future adventures and everyday life.
Getting There
The adventure begins before you put your boots on. Travel options include the overnight Caledonian Sleeper, the spectacular railway from Fort William to Mallaig and the boat crossing to Inverie.
Preparation and Training
You don’t need previous expedition experience. Distance learning and opportunities to train beforehand help you prepare. Before heading into the wilderness, practical campsite training covers navigation, campcraft and managing your kit. Throughout the journey, our guides help you put these skills into practice.
Why Join?
Experience the freedom of travelling through wild country with what you need on your back. With preparation, expert guidance and shared responsibility, you’ll build practical skills, resilience and the confidence to take your next adventure further.
“It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves.”
Itinerary
DAY ZERO: TUESDAY 9 MAY
Get on a train, sleeper train, or fly to Scotland
DAY ONE: WEDNESDAY 10 MAY
10:00 Team Meet at Fort William Train Station
Leave Clean Clothes
Stay at campsite in Fort William
Kit Check/ Packing Lesson
18:00 Cooking lesson
DAY TWO: THURSDAY 11 MAY
12:18 Train to Mallaig- Cross the Harry Potter Bridge (Not included)
14:15 Ferry to Inverie (Not included)
15:00 Arrive at Inverie
16:00 Arrive at Campsite
Tents lesson
18:00 Campfire or go to The Forge- Britain’s most remote pub
DAY THREE: FRIDAY
08:00 Breakfast
Final Checks
Hike 2-3 hrs to a Wild campsite
DAY FOUR: SATURDAY 29 APRIL
Hike to Souries
17:00 Wild camp Souries
(There is a disposable toilet)
DAY FIVE: SUNDAY 30 APRIL
Hike over stunning scenery and past a watershed
Hike to Wild Camp site (3)
DAY SIX: MONDAY 1 MAY
The last col of our trip to cross
Hike to Wild Camp site (4)
DAY SEVEN: TUESDAY 2 MAY
Hike to Glenfinnan Bridge
Transfer to Fort William
Pick up a clean kit
Showers
17:00 Hero’s Dinner at Restaurant
19:50 Sleeper Train Leaves for London Euston
Expedition Officially Ends
DAY SEVEN PLUS ONE: WEDNESDAY 3 MAY
08:00 Arrive Euston
What Is included
Pre-expedition team Zoom meeting
Pre-expedition Zoom seminars
Tents
Group first aid kit
Emergency equipment
Emergency satellite comms
Seven Firepot dehydrated expedition meals
Cookers
Fuel
Guide
Campsite on night 1
Cooking fuel, tents, water
1 small bag in baggage storage
All Main meals on the expedition, apart from the first evening meal
What Is not included
Sleeper train or flight to and from start (Inverness train station) of the expedition. (We will support with planning)
Train from Fort William to Mallaig
Ferry from Mallaig to Inverie
Snacks on the trek (we will teach you how to make an expedition food planner during the Zoom pre-expedition training sessions)
All personal equipment, including sleeping bags, rucksacks, boots, eating utensils and clothing (you can hire some at extra cost)
Expenses incurred in the unlikely event of an evacuation
Evening Meal at the 1st campsite
Comprehensive travel insurance covering remote evacuation and repatriation to your home country, trip cancellation and medical insurance
Personal use of satellite communication equipment
Expedition training weekend - Strongly recommended if you have not attended a wild camping event with Turn Wild
Celebration meal/ alcohol at the end of the expedition
Any food or drink at The Forge Britain
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Do I need to be experienced in wild camping?
No, we specialise in helping enthusiastic hikers embark on a big adventure for the first time, so don't worry; with our step-by-step guidance, you will have a challenging yet stress-free experience. All attendees must have completed our live Zoom training (included) to qualify for this expedition, as it is an arduous expedition that becomes even more challenging in adverse weather conditions.
Campcraft and packing lessons are included in the expedition and conducted at a campsite before we set off on our voyage. You must, however, turn up physically able to carry your backpack for 6 hours with a 500m ascent.
What will the weather be like?
This expedition is not for the faint-hearted. The weather can be unpredictable, last year it was very sunny! However, this is Scotland, the land of the brave, and you must be prepared for anything. Good news: the dreaded Scottish midge is not too bad at this time of year. You will need to pack for conditions that can drop below freezing at night. This means heavier equipment than a warmer-weather expedition.
How fit do I need to be?
The fitter you are, the more resilient you will be and the more you will enjoy it. You need to be able to carry a rucksack containing all your equipment and food for up to 6 hours per day, including ascending 500m on steep terrain. A fitness goal is to regularly run 10km, cycle 60km, or regularly hike 6 hours in mountainous terrain carrying 15kg. Please don't worry. We will provide you with a comprehensive Zoom seminar on expedition preparation!
Do I have to travel there and back by sleeper train?
No, you can fly into an airport, but you will have a long taxi ride. It’s two and a half hours to either Glasgow or Inverness. We will form a WhatsApp group with other team members who may wish to travel this way. However, the train to Fort William is a stunning and exhilarating experience, and we highly recommend it.
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The total cost is £795 per person. All bookings start with a one on one call with one of our qualified guides. This call is to make sure all your questions are answered so that all team members know about the expedition challenges and the commitment that must be made in preparation. You may also ask any further questions you may have around the expedition. After this call, a deposit of 30% will be sent to you to secure your place. The balance is due 50 days before the start of the expedition. For cancellations made within 30-40 days of the trip commencement date, Turn Wild reserves the right to retain 50% of the balance payment. For cancellations within 30 days of the departure date, Turn Wild will retain 100% of the total fee. For any further questions or to secure a place, please contact us via the details below. Thank you, and let your adventure begin!
Contact Ian on 07901 916 169 or Ian@turnwild.com. Find more about Turn Wild’s terms and conditions here.
