2025 EARLY BIRD SALE NOW ON!

Save up to 15% on selected trips
Views of the Inner Hebrides from the Isle of Rum, Scotland
4.7
| 26 reviews

Hike and Wild Camp on the Isle of Rùm

4 nights
Challenging

A truly wild mini-expedition on a remote island in Scotland's stunning Inner Hebrides

What's Included?

Activities & Certified Guides

All itinerary activities with expert, local, certified mountain guides

Hostel & Wild camping

3 nights wild camping, 1 night in a bunkhouse

Meals

All breakfasts, lunches, and dinners

Transfers

Return ferry tickets from Mallaig to Kinloch

Equipment

Expedition tents

Small Like-minded Groups

Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 10 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people
From

excluding flights
From

excluding flights

What's it like?

4.7
| 26 reviews
Great trip to a special place
August 2024
Rosemary H.
Cause I'm on top of the world
August 2024
Joep V.
Cause I'm on top of the world
August 2024
Joep V.
Cause I'm on top of the world
August 2024
Joep V.
I booked this trip on
August 2024
Angelika L.
I booked this trip on
August 2024
Angelika L.
I booked this trip on
August 2024
Angelika L.
I booked this trip on
August 2024
Angelika L.
Fantastic Trip
May 2024
Ian
Looking for great scenery, and not bumping...
July 2022
David
Looking for great scenery, and not bumping...
July 2022
David
Looking for great scenery, and not bumping...
July 2022
David
Looking for great scenery, and not bumping...
July 2022
David
This was a fantastic trip - I was excited a...
July 2022
Jo
We didn’t go to the Isle of Rùm due to terr...
July 2022
Louise
We didn’t go to the Isle of Rùm due to terr...
July 2022
Louise
We didn’t go to the Isle of Rùm due to terr...
July 2022
Louise
We wanted to do Isle of Rum expedition, ins...
June 2022
Ja
We wanted to do Isle of Rum expedition, ins...
June 2022
Ja
We wanted to do Isle of Rum expedition, ins...
June 2022
Ja
We wanted to do Isle of Rum expedition, ins...
June 2022
Ja
We wanted to do Isle of Rum expedition, ins...
June 2022
Ja
Don’t mind what the Scottish weather throws...
June 2022
Jessica
Don’t mind what the Scottish weather throws...
June 2022
Jessica
Don’t mind what the Scottish weather throws...
June 2022
Jessica
Don’t mind what the Scottish weather throws...
June 2022
Jessica
The only word to describe this trip is WILD...
September 2021
Dawn
The only word to describe this trip is WILD...
September 2021
Dawn
The only word to describe this trip is WILD...
September 2021
Dawn
The only word to describe this trip is WILD...
September 2021
Dawn

Traverse the six peaks of the Rùm Cuillin ridge, topping out on Askival (812m) for the ultimate panorama of the Western Isles

Soak up life on Scotland's hidden gem: an island of no roads, forgotten castles and a mere 29 residents

Seek out deserted spots to wild camp under the stars – Rúm is Scotland's first International Dark Sky Sanctuary

Keep watch for eagles, otters, seals, dolphins and the ubiquitous red deer as you explore rocky shorelines

Key Information

Day 1

Hop on the ferry to Rùm and hike to Harris Bay

Hiking

4hrs · 13km · 310m up · 310m down

Meet your guide at the port in Mallaig first thing this morning. Hop on the ferry and settle in for the 90-minute crossing, with views of the Western Highlands and the nearby Isles of Skye and Eigg. Arriving at Kinloch on Rùm you'll start the hike straight from the jetty, following an excellent trail cutting through the wild interior with spectacular views of the Rùm Cuillin. End up at Harris Bay, a beautiful spot to wild camp, grab a swim in the sea and explore the nearby mausoleum.

Day 2

Harris to Papadil

Moody clouds settling on the mountains above two hiker on Scotland's Isle of Rum.

Hiking

5-6hrs · 9km · 550m up · 500m down

Tuck into breakfast and coffee overlooking the bay, keeping watch for otters, sea eagles, seals, dolphins and if you're super lucky, orca and basking sharks – both species spend time in the waters around Rùm. Load up the pack for the next hike around the coast, tackling rougher terrain off the trail today with some rocky sections, moorland and bog. You'll definitely see a good number of Rùm's large red deer population around here, and if conditions are good you'll scramble up your first of the island's peaks: Ruinsival. Wild camping tonight is at Papadil, an abandoned settlement on the coast a short walk from Loch Papadil.

Day 3

Papadil to Dibidil

Hiking

4-5hrs · 5km · 400m up · 375m down

Today you’ll continue along an old pony path that steers you through some tricky terrain, it can be slow going as you navigate the rough ground in this wild area. On a clear day, you can see the distant silhouettes of the Outer Hebridean chain of islands; Barra, Uist, Lewis and Harris. Skirt around the edge of Sgùrr nan Gillean as the full arc of the Rùm Cuillin comes into view while you descend towards Dibidil bothy. The camp tonight is in a beautiful spot next to the Dibidil River which flows down from the Cuillin, forming a waterfall into the sea while the Isle of Eigg hovers in the distance. You have your choice of wild swim spots in the river or ocean before some much-needed sleep ahead of tomorrow.

Day 4

The Rùm Cuillin Traverse

Hiking

7-8hrs · 13km · 1590m up · 1625m down

Today is the big day of the expedition with the aim being a full traverse of the Rùm Cuillin. You’ll take in six peaks with lung-busting climbs, exposed ridges and summit scrambles including to the high point of the island at the top of Askival (812m), rewarding you with 360-degree views back along the Rùm Cuillin, across to the Outer Hebrides and over to the famous Black Cuillin mountains on the Isle of Skye. After high-fives on the top of Askival, embark on a fun frolic to the finish line, scrambling down the boulder-strewn peak, along a ridge, up and over Hallival (722m) and down into Kinloch - the only hamlet on the island and home to 29 people, one of whom will cook you up a sumptuous feast while you sip a well-earned beer overlooking the bay.

Day 5

Wave goodbye to the Isle of Rùm

It's time to say cheerio to your new favourite Scottish island as you head back to the jetty this morning to hop on the ferry back to Mallaig. Stand out on deck for farewell vistas of the Rùm Cuillin which you successfully traversed yesterday. The adventure ends as the ferry pulls into Mallaig at around 14:00.

The Area

map

Logistics

Starts

Mallaig

09:00 on Day 1

Ends

Mallaig

14:00 on Day 5

Transfers

The start and end point of the trip is in Mallaig. You'll need to make your own way to the Mallaig ferry terminal at 09:00 to leave plenty of time ahead of the ferry departing for Rùm. Your host will meet you at the ferry terminal. There is a Co-op store round the corner to grab any last-minute supplies.

Travel options

Rail travellers are in for a treat. You can take the West Highland Line to Mallaig through one of the most scenic rail routes in the world, passing over the Glenfinnan Viaduct – used in the Harry Potter films for the Hogwarts Express. If you're taking the train to Mallaig, you'll need to arrive the day before the trip starts and spend the night in Mallaig as there are no trains that will get you into Mallaig in time for the ferry.

Mallaig is roughly a 3.5-hour drive from Glasgow, or a 4-hour drive from Edinburgh. You can leave your vehicle in the long-stay car park adjacent to the ferry port for free, on the left as you drive into town. There are three rapid electric vehicle charging points available in Mallaig at the West Bay Car Park, approximately 300m from the ferry terminal.

Mallaig is easily reached by bus from Glasgow with a change in Fort William. Shiel Buses operate a service departing from Fort William, which will officially link up with the ferry departure on Day 1.

Day 1

Wild camping · Solo tent

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 2 – Day 3

Wild camping · Solo tent

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 4

Hostel · Solo tent

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 5

Departure day

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

What is the food like?

The food on the trip is proper expedition-style, as there are no shops at all until you reach Kinloch on the evening of Day 4. Your host will bring along lightweight but hearty expedition meals to be distributed so that everyone carries their own food. Expect oats and coffee for breakfast, sandwiches and fruit for lunch and a selection of curries, risottos, pasta and couscous from the array of dehydrated dinners. Make sure to bring along a good supply of your own energy and protein bars. After the big Cuillin traverse on Day 4, you'll be cooked a delicious dinner by one of the locals in Kinloch who runs a small restaurant called Kim's Kitchen. Here you can tuck into venison from Rùm itself, almost certainly the most sustainable meat found anywhere, given the lack of food miles and the need to control the deer population to allow trees and shrubs to regenerate on the island.

Most dietary requirements can be accommodated, including vegetarian and vegan diets.

What is the accommodation like?

Wild Camping

You'll be wild camping at spots on Harris Bay, Papadil and next to the Dibidil River. The locations are stunning and make for a big part of the adventure. You'll stay in a solo tent supplied by your host - sleeping mats are also provided, but you'll need to pack your own sleeping bag. If you'd prefer a twin tent your host can provide one, please request this at the time of booking.

As this is really wild camping there are no facilities available - we advise bringing biodegradable soap if you would like to wash in the (very cold!) sea and to be comfortable enough with finding wild toilet spots on land. Your guide will give you a full briefing on the etiquette and practicalities of outdoor toileting, and will provide the necessary equipment. For more information on this, please see our FAQs below.

Rùm Bunkhouse

Your final night is spent at the Isle of Rùm community bunkhouse in Kinloch. You'll stay in 4-bed rooms, or twin rooms depending on group size and availability. The bunkhouse is situated on a gravel track right on the waterfront a short walk from the jetty. It has a spacious and comfortable living and dining area with a log burner, plus all-important hot showers after your days in the wilderness.

Upgrades

Due to the very limited space at the bunkhouse and a lack of alternative accommodation on the island, private room upgrades are not possible on this trip. You will automatically have a solo tent for the 3 nights of wild camping.

This trip has been rated as Challenging

An epic off-grid adventure! This trip has been rated as challenging as you will be walking for between five and eight hours each day on several consecutive days on uneven and steep terrain. The weather conditions can be variable on Rum which adds another challenge to the experience. To enjoy this trip fully, you should have hiking experience, a good level of fitness, and be prepared for complete wilderness camping.

There are a few scrambling sections along the Cuillin which range from Grade 1 to 2. However, the Grade 2 sections are minimal and all sections are more than doable alongside your experienced and highly qualified mountain guides. Day 4 is also particularly challenging with over 1500m ascent and descent to tackle on this long day.

The best way to prepare for this trip is to get out walking in the hills at home and try to mimic the daily distance and elevations you will encounter. We’d recommend trying to get in at least a couple of back to back days over weekends in the build up to the trip. This will also provide a chance to test out kit, footwear and all important snack choices! It's a good idea to take your backpack on your preparation hikes before the trip so you are happy with the gear you plan to bring on the trek and the amount you are carrying. General cardio, strength and flexibility programs will also help build your fitness and preparedness for hiking in the mountains, it’s best to begin preparations at least 8-12 weeks prior to your trip. The fitter and more prepared you are, the more you will enjoy this trip. Make sure to bring along a sense of adventure and a willingness to go with the flow!

What will I need to carry?

You will be carrying your gear throughout the hike, including a sleeping bag, tent and food. Your load will be lighter on Day 4 for the big push over the Rum Cuillin.

The weather in the Western Isles can easily offer all four seasons in one day so you should be prepared as such. Your guides will be assessing the weather constantly and will adjust the route based on wind and wet weather predictions. Weather is important for the Cuillin traverse with wet rock taking twice as long to cross as dry rock so this will be factored into the plan for the day. It's important to bring good waterproof clothing, dry bags and ideally Goretex hiking boots - see the kit list for more detail.

Rosemary H.(August 2024)
Great trip to a special place
Great trip to a special place

As others have said, Rùm is spectacularly beautiful but wild. In our case, we were fortunate that most of the heavy rain was at night but high winds made it too risky to camp the first night – fortunately the bunkhouse and glamping huts had space! Despite another dubious forecast, the winds calmed enough to permit us reaching the summit on the final day which was a highlight in more ways than one: great views, fun Grade-1 scrambling, and a real sense of achievement in excellent company!

The guides (Connor and Micheal) were both outstanding in dealing with the changing weather (and assorted other curve-balls) whilst keeping us active, informed, and safe (as well as suitably entertained!). The supplied kit and food were high quality – I probably slept and ate better than I do at home and barely needed my own supply of energy bars. We missed camping at Harris Bay (though had a nice lunch stop there) but the campsites at Papadil and Dibidil are both amazing locations with "refreshing" on-site swimming options. Perhaps the only drawback in the itinerary is that Papadil and Dibidil are so close together – maybe with better weather we'd have been offered a higher-level route between them but, as it was, we reached Dibidil by lunchtime which didn't feel particularly adventurous (though did leave plenty of time for exploring independently around Glen Dibidil).

Overall, I really enjoyed this trip; the scenery and wildlife (and some of the running jokes) will live long in the memory! If you have a sense of adventure (and are prepared for possible changes in plan), I'd wholeheartedly recommend it to you! Personally, I'm already thinking about a return to Rùm...

Joep V.(August 2024)
Cause I'm on top of the world
Cause I'm on top of the world
Cause I'm on top of the world
Cause I'm on top of the world

I went wild camping for the first time in years, and it was an incredible experience. Despite the challenges of heavy rain and rough terrain, the adventure was worth every moment. Reaching the summit of Askival, the island’s highest peak, felt amazing, with breathtaking views and an unmatched sense of accomplishment. Though the trip lasted only four days, it felt like weeks. Stepping out of my comfort zone and into the true wilderness made it one of the coolest and most rewarding things I’ve ever done.

Angelika L.(August 2024)
I booked this trip on
I booked this trip on
I booked this trip on
I booked this trip on
I booked this trip on

I booked this trip on a whim as a last minute option, without giving it much thought, and it turned out to be a gamble that paid off. The scenery on Rum is simply breathtaking, with vast landscapes that make you feel truly immersed in nature, far from any crowds. Our guides were Connor and Micheal; passionate about the outdoors, quick thinking when re-arranging the itinerary and handling the wild weather challenges. This was an incredible adventure with the company of great like-minded people. And for those who love cheese, there's a delightful surprise in store! 😊

Ian(May 2024)
Fantastic Trip
Fantastic Trip

OMG, this was everything I dreamed of and more... When I first booked I thought it was a bit pricey, but it's not as you couldn't do it without the support and the guide. Rum is a beautiful island, completely unspoilt with fantastic views of many other islands from every vantage point, and a great mountain and ridge in the middle. The guide we had Lizzie, was just a super girl, positive, knowledgeable, patient and I got the feeling she was in about 2nd gear at most taking us up the hills. Camping was great, food was better than I ever imagined vacuum packed meals would be, and the whole thing was just a huge adventure and switch off from the real world. You need some basic fitness, and maybe I should have practiced a bit more with carrying a full bag, but it was all OK as I am pretty fit anyway. Would I recommend, yes 100%, saw deer, goats, and an eagle plus the islands of Eig, Muck and Skye from the hills and a lovely bothy ay Dibildil, where I also got to have a cold water dip. Last day is the big day, but Lizzie built us up for Askival summit and we all got there. Do it is my advice

Robert(July 2023)

Fantastic trip - highly recommended! Very well planned, with excellent guides. If you want some remoteness with stunning scenery, likeminded company, and don't mind carrying a heavy backpack, then this trip is for you! (Weather not guaranteed unfortunately.....)

Stuart(May 2023)

Absolutely excellent guides, views and crew - an extremely wild adventure I will never forget!

Robert(May 2023)

Excellent adventure.

Michael(September 2022)

Rum was unfortunately closed due to bird flu outbreak but we ended up with an equally great trip on knoydart! Our guides Jamie and Rachel were fantastic, the scenery was amazing as well and even though we weren't on rum, the sense of wilderness on knoydart was quite something! Make sure you're happy walking long distances with a heavy pack on this trip!

David(July 2022)
Looking for great scenery, and not bumping...
Looking for great scenery, and not bumping...
Looking for great scenery, and not bumping...
Looking for great scenery, and not bumping...

Looking for great scenery, and not bumping into lots of other hikers, do this trip. Absolutely gorgeous landscapes - I will be thinking about the views and the trip for years to come. Admittedly, we were lucky with the weather, which helped. (Even the train journey from Glasgow - Mallaig has stunning views before you even start hiking).

Jo(July 2022)
This was a fantastic trip - I was excited a...

This was a fantastic trip - I was excited about it and it went far beyond what I expected. Helped along by great weather, but largely that was due to a top leader - in Jeannie - and a great (and eclectic) group! 3 days of trekking and camping without meeting another living sole - you'd have to travel some to match that. Campsites to die for. Challenging peaks. Great swimming holes. Kit better than my own. Top food (if anything too much!) - all rounded off with a local venison steak and wine at the Rum Community Centre. A1+

Louise(July 2022)
We didn’t go to the Isle of Rùm due to terr...
We didn’t go to the Isle of Rùm due to terr...
We didn’t go to the Isle of Rùm due to terr...

We didn’t go to the Isle of Rùm due to terrible weather, so we went to the Cairngorms instead- where we ended up camping in a gale! The tents broke, so for the final two nights we were in accommodation in Fort William. Connor was a fantastic guide and helped us to make the most of a trip that definitely didn’t go according to plan!

Megan(June 2022)

Although we didn't get to Rum, Connor bent over backwards to make this trip an experience for us and he was constantly thinking on his feet in the most unexpected adverse conditions! The food was great, the company was great, and we all had a fantastic adventure, despite it not being quite what we'd signed up for!

Ja(June 2022)
We wanted to do Isle of Rum expedition, ins...
We wanted to do Isle of Rum expedition, ins...
We wanted to do Isle of Rum expedition, ins...
We wanted to do Isle of Rum expedition, ins...
We wanted to do Isle of Rum expedition, ins...

We wanted to do Isle of Rum expedition, instead we got a much better adventure. Namely, weather conditions on Isle of Rum during our planed tay were extremely bad and basically dangerous. The amazing guide, Connor, was quick on his feet and instead of us being miserably stuck in tents or cancelling our tour, he proposed to take the adventure to Cairngorms, where weather forecast was drastically better. After the whole group enthusiastically agreed, he created a matching itinerary of our hiking program on Rum and we had a truly lovely time! He even taught us the basics of scrambling and showed us "the roads less traveled" in the area, so our trip felt truly special ! All in all, it was a wonderful adventure ! Thanks Connor !

Jessica(June 2022)
Don’t mind what the Scottish weather throws...
Don’t mind what the Scottish weather throws...
Don’t mind what the Scottish weather throws...
Don’t mind what the Scottish weather throws...

Don’t mind what the Scottish weather throws at you? Feel fit and have some experience of walking with a big pack? Want a challenge? Then this is the trip for you! The guides, Jeannie and Duncan, were fantastic and incredibly knowledgeable. I haven’t done much scrambling before so felt in very safe hands particularly up on the ridge. If you want to try more scrambling this is a great way to do so. The packs are heavy so I would definitely recommend some practice walks to get used to carrying everything. Rùm is beautiful. Sadly it likes to be mysterious and hide behind a lot of rain and cloud at times…. So, be sure to make the most of breaks in the weather. Conditions can change quickly but that’s part of the fun. The food that is provided is filling and will keep you going. If, like me, you’re not a huge fan of energy bars you should bring some treats of your own to have as snacks. Just avoid anything too heavy unless you plan to eat it on the first day! The kit that is supplied is a tent, a sleeping mat, eating/drinking utensils, and stoves that are shared amongst everyone. For a group of 6 we had two stoves so carried the stoves and gas canisters between us. Be sure to pack ALL your stuff in dry bags. Furthermore, use a waterproof inner liner of some sort - I used a sturdy bin bag. Waterproof socks like Sealskinz are useful and decent waterproof jacket/trousers are a must. The trip is knackering and exhilarating. The walk on day 1 (Kinloch to Harris) is a gentle introduction to the island. Expect things to get much more rugged on the following days.

Dan(May 2022)

A brilliant experience overall, the local guides Jeannie and Duncan are superb and look after everyone well. This trip is truly wild - the animals, the terrain and of course the weather! Make sure you have good waterproofs and hiking boots. The difficulty of the hiking and scrambling is adjusted to the abilities of the group and the weather, it's tough but achievable. The equipment and food provided was of a high standard, much like the terrible dad-jokes provided by Duncan. Rum is a beautiful place and I'll definitely be back. Would recommend!

Chris(February 2022)

Rum is beautiful and you're not likely to be disappointed with the landscape no matter the weather. Sam and Janine were reassuringly experienced guides and with some refinements the trip will continue to excite adventurous expedition members in future. The group had a great sociable vibe and Kims Kitchen and the local after party was a superb way to end the trip.

Caroline(February 2022)

Rum is beautiful but very remote. Be prepared for no distinct footpaths, bogs and lots of long grass. Take a tick remover. If you are not used to carrying a heavy pack up and down steep hills- probably not the trip for you, start smaller. Invest in good kit before you go- my waterproof walking boots were fantastic and made life much more comfortable.

Dawn(September 2021)
The only word to describe this trip is WILD...
The only word to describe this trip is WILD...
The only word to describe this trip is WILD...
The only word to describe this trip is WILD...
The only word to describe this trip is WILD...

The only word to describe this trip is WILD. Wild; scenery, weather, animals, seas. If that's your bag, and you have a natural tendency for adopting slightly (no - very) feral behaviours, you're going to love it. Guides Connor and Jeannie are stone cold legends and absolute experts and have made it their mission to ensure everyone is having the best possible time. Food was tasty and plentiful, equipment provided is top notch.

Robert(September 2021)
This was an awesome trip .
The 1st time I...
This was an awesome trip .
The 1st time I...
This was an awesome trip .
The 1st time I...
This was an awesome trip .
The 1st time I...

This was an awesome trip . The 1st time I have travelled with a group of people I didn't know and it was an amazing experience. My love for the isle of rum started a few years ago after seeing it from the mainland. And the island did not dissapoint Rum is a beautiful wild place with amazing coastline ,rugged hills lots of wildlife and friendly locals.

Exploring with two very knowledgable and experienced guides Connor and Jeannie was an absolute pleasure their enthusiasm and dynamic as a team was brilliant. Boundless energy always smiling and gently encouraging where needed, building team spirit and helping us believe we could achieve whatever we wanted. Their boundless enthusiasm was contagiois. Nothing but great company no matter what nature threw at us. The kit supplied was more than adequate, the food was top notch. Definetly make sure your kit is up to whatever nature can throw at you because this island is Wild in every sense of the word..

Sachin(September 2021)
The trip was amazing. It was my first time...
The trip was amazing. It was my first time...
The trip was amazing. It was my first time...

The trip was amazing. It was my first time to wild camping and didn't know what to expect. We each had to carry our own gear, including food, tents, equipment etc. We were off the beaten track and went into the unknown. The guides were extremely helpful and assisted in every way possible to make our experience comfortable and more memorable. The only flaw I can say about the trip was the weather. It rained constantly and the winds were high. The path was mostly bog like, making the walk even more difficult than expected. But the weather is something that cannot be controlled and had to simply roll with the punches. For future reference I wouldn't to do this trip at the end of the summer period. It should only be listed during the good months of summer. But overall, I was very satisfied with the expedition.

Liam(September 2021)
Had an amazing time on Rum with our guides...

Had an amazing time on Rum with our guides Connor and Jeannie, loads of fun and laughs. We had some wild Scottish weather which matched the wild landscape that you find on the island. Camp food was exceptional. If you come with real expectations and an excitable and open attitude you’ll have the best time on this rare piece of the planet. 5 out of 5, would visit again

How likely a

Amanda(September 2021)

The wildest experience I've ever had in the UK! If you want to get away from it all, this is your trip. It is challenging terrain mostly unmarked paths which is one of the things that makes it so exciting. The guides Connor and Jeannine were absolutely fantastic and went above and beyond to make our trip as safe and enjoyable as it could be. The scenery is out of this world and the soundtrack to lull you to sleep every night is either the sound of a waterfall or the wild Atlantic sea crashing against the shore. The food way exceeded expectations, I think I ate better this last week than I usually do at home. Dinner on the last night was especially wonderful with fresh lobster which was a real highlight. If I could give others considering this trip a couple of tips it would be check your boots for rips before you go, take the warnings about Gortex gear seriously, invest in some waterproof socks and definitely take some sort of sturdy sandal or crocs with you! I would go as far as to say I am a changed human being after this experience in more ways than one.... I publicly promise to never take the mic out of people who wear crocs ever again. I get it. Finally.

Peter(August 2021)
This is a fantastic trip! Rùm is a beautifu...
This is a fantastic trip! Rùm is a beautifu...
This is a fantastic trip! Rùm is a beautifu...
This is a fantastic trip! Rùm is a beautifu...

This is a fantastic trip! Rùm is a beautiful, wild island and the scenery is superlative throughout. The traverse of the Rùm Cuillin is some of the most exciting walking I’ve ever done - this was my highlight! Fully embrace the wild camping - be prepared to get wet and dirty - it’s all part of the experience. Our leaders - Sam and Jeannie - were great: funny, informative, supportive and passionate about wild places. One of the best short holidays I’ve ever done! Top tips: bring Smidge and a head net, dry bags to separate your gear, and a light, compact sleeping bag.

Mickey(August 2021)

Sam and Jeannie were great guides who remained positive and enthusiastic at all times despite bad weather. Rum is an amazing place to explore and wild camping in different spots felt quite special.

Bach(August 2021)
Could be amazing, I'm sure the next one wil...
Could be amazing, I'm sure the next one wil...
Could be amazing, I'm sure the next one wil...

Could be amazing, I'm sure the next one will. It's an extremely difficult and challenging task not to be taken lightly when booking. You will be wet, cold, and find your self in difficult situations. But as a group and with Jeannie and Sam Percival you will be lead to safety. It's a life changing experience and the people were amazing.

Csilla(August 2021)

This is the perfect introductory adventure for those new to multiday hikes with wild camping. Rum was beautiful, it felt remote and very much off the beaten path.

The ridge walk included an exciting bit of scrambling and Sam did an excellent job guiding us through it making sure everyone felt safe and had a great time.

Sam and Jeannie were amazing guides and did their best to offer different walking routes each day to cater for the different abilities in the group.

Itinerary Activities

  • Guided hike from Kinloch to Harris Bay
  • Guided hike to Papadil via Ruinsival peak
  • Guided hike to Dibidil bothy
  • Guided hike to traverse the six peaks of the Rùm Cuillin, including Askival (812m) – Rùm's highest point

Guides

  • Expert, local, certified mountain guides

Accommodation

  • 3 nights wild camping
  • 1 night in a bunkhouse

Meals

All your meals are provided for the duration of the trip. This includes:

  • 4 hot breakfasts
  • 4 expedition-style lunches
  • 4 tasty dinners

Transfers

  • Ferry from Mallaig on Day 1
  • Ferry back to Mallaig on Day 5

Equipment

  • Expedition tents and sleeping mats

Our trips are hassle-free by design. We include all the activities and equipment, as well as many of the meals, so you can simply rock up with your rucksack and share the adventure with your new pals.

Travel to and from the trip

Our trips do not include flights, trains or other travel to the start point and back from the end point.

Tips

Tips are not included in the trip cost; these are entirely at your discretion. If you would like to tip, the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality.

Personal Expenses

You know your own spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals and drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness. Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine, as their insurance offers all of the above.

Visas

Visa requirements often change, and you are responsible for obtaining any required visas for this trip. Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice.

Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear

In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.

What's included?

  • Solo expedition tent
  • Sleeping mat

Your host will also carry essential group equipment such as a first aid kit and group shelter.

What do I need to bring?

Pack as light as you can, you'll be carrying everything for the whole trip.

BAGS

  • Hiking rucksack (we recommend 60 litres +) with waterproof liner
  • 2 x drybags: one for your tent and one for your sleeping bag

CLOTHES

  • Good quality waterproof hiking boots (not shoes)
  • Long hiking trousers (not shorts)
  • Hiking socks, two or three pairs
  • Thermal base layer, merino best
  • Fleece top – not cotton
  • Synthetic or down jacket, ideally lightweight and packable with stuff sack
  • Heavy-duty waterproof jacket and trousers
  • Hat
  • A pair of good gloves
  • Neck buff

OTHER

  • Sleeping bag, season 3 rated, ideally as lightweight as possible
  • Lightweight camping pillow
  • Head torch
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Energy snacks
  • Sunglasses
  • Sun cream
  • Lightweight towel (if you fancy a dip in the sea!)
  • Tick remover
  • Biodegradable wet-wipes
  • Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
  • Insect repellant (Smidge is good for midges)
  • Power bank or solar charger

OPTIONAL

  • Walking poles (if you like to use them)
  • Extra dry bags for clothes or valuables

No optional extras are available for this trip.

We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.

What's the number?
It works out on average at 49kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.

The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.

But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:

  • Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
  • A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
  • 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.

What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.

Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.

Each guide holds the Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor Certificate - having been assessed and approved by Mountain Training UK. This is the highest professional certification for Summer Mountaineering in Great Britain. They all hold First Aid certifications as well.

Yes. As the mountain weather on Rùm can be unpredictable your guide will be making regular decisions regarding which routes to take, particularly on Day 4 for the traverse of the Rùm Cuillin. If the conditions are not good, the traverse can be shortened so that you hike half of the range, including the two highest points which is still a tough but brilliant day! There is also a coastal hike to Kinloch if conditions are so bad as to not allow any part of the Cuillin to be attempted. Your guide will make the ultimate decision on routes based on safety considerations. There will be two guides on the trip, allowing for the group to break off if some people wish to tackle the Cuillin ridge, while others wish to take the easier coastal route back to Kinloch.

Midges are very tiny winged flies, often found in Northern Scotland between May and October when conditions are damp, humid and warmish. While they don’t have a great reputation, they generally aren’t as bad as they are made out to be: they can be an annoyance, but they don’t carry any diseases. So they're pretty harmless, apart from a small itchy red bite.

You don’t really get midges on Rùm, as it’s often too windy – they can’t fly in anything more than a light wind, so on breezy days you're unlikely to be bothered by them.

There are preventative measures you can take if you do find there are some midges around. Wear white or light-coloured clothing – midges are drawn to dark colours. Use a repellent, such as Smidge (a DEET-free insect repellent developed in Scotland) – Avon's Skin So Soft is also often recommended as an effective deterrent. Antihistamine creams or tablets will help with any itchy bites. Whilst midges are so small that they can pass through a mosquito net, you can buy 'midge-proof' head nets made with a fine mesh that will keep them away.

You'll be filling up your water bottle throughout the trip from burns and rivers that flow down from the Rùm Cuillin. These are safe to drink directly from, with no water treatment necessary. Make sure to bring along a reusable water bottle. In Kinloch you'll be able to fill up from the islands tap water supply, which again is safe to drink from.

This trip visits locations which can be considered to be remote, where the travel time to the nearest medical facility is likely to be above 12 hours, even with outside assistance. Outside communications in some locations may be limited. An evacuation may require a change of route from the originally planned one and the use of a support vehicle, either privately owned or public transport by land, air or water, to reach a point of medical care. Additional consideration should be given by and to those with pre-existing medical conditions with specific care needs and should be raised with your host before the trip. Those with pre-existing medical conditions should also seek guidance from a health professional prior to travelling. Should you experience health issues during your trip you should inform your guide immediately so the proper care can be provided. All travellers should have suitable and adequate travel insurance in place to provide cover for potential additional costs.

You will set up tents provided by your host in remote locations with amazing opportunities for star gazing. You will be assisted by your guide to set up camp if you don’t have previous experience. Because the campsites are in pristine, wild areas, there are no bathroom or shower facilities. Expect to go to the toilet outdoors and wash in the (very cold!) sea. Your group will be following the leave-no-trace principles of camping as best as possible in the situation, so no waste will be left behind - everything needs to be packed and taken with you. This is real wild camping, and whilst outdoor toileting is all part of a wilderness adventure, it can have a negative impact on the surrounding environment, if not practiced carefully. For those who have periods, we have also written a handy guide, to help you manage these whilst adventuring.

Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.

Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).

For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.

We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.

We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.

If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.

All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.

You're always in good company on one of our adventures.

Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.

Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.

It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.

Don't just take our word for it:

  • 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
  • 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
  • 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends

See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.

Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.

We've got your back

Guaranteed to run

All Much Better Adventures trips are now guaranteed to run. Once you’ve booked your spot you can immediately make your travel arrangements, no uncertainty, no hanging about (excludes 'request to book' departures). Full details

Flexible payments

Secure your spot with the minimum deposit and pay off the remaining balance in as many instalments as you like, with no interest or fees. Full details

Happiness Guarantee

We’re so confident you’ll have an amazing time we’ll put our money on it. Full details

Full financial protection

To give you complete peace of mind Much Better Adventures is backed by ABTOT, ABTA and ATOL memberships. Full details

Tried & Trusted

Much Better Adventures is rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot with over 1000 verified trip reviews averaging 4.8/5.

Connect before you go

You'll be invited to join a WhatsApp group to get to know each other before your big adventure together. Full details

DEPARTURE DATES

May 2025

Wednesday 28th May 2025

to Sunday 1st June 2025
Guaranteed to run
Illustration of a group of people kayaking

Go private and split the bill with ease.

Forget complex logistics, we've taken care of all the details to ensure a hassle-free get together. All of the adventure, none of the faff.

Still Undecided?

A few other trips to tickle your fancy