Hike the Scottish Highlands: Loch Ossian, Glenfinnan and the Mamores

April to September

6 days| 5 nights

Eco-score 4/5

What you will experience

Take a walk along Loch Ossian, a 10-kilometre-long loch accessible only via the West Highland Line, set amidst almost untouched wilderness.

Take the West Highland Line to Corrour, a remote hamlet accessible only by train, on the shores of Loch Ossian.

Experience a total immersion in the Highlands as you climb four peaks between 909 and 999 metres, traverse wild ridges and take in sweeping views of the lochs and Scottish mountains.

Walk through the Glenfinnan Valley and admire its iconic viaduct – a spectacular setting made famous by Harry Potter – before climbing to the summit of Sgùrr Thuilm (963m).

Discover routes off the beaten track with Julien, a guide who is passionate about the Highlands, who guarantees you a complete change of scenery in these vast, breathtaking landscapes!

Start with two nights at Loch Ossian Youth Hostel, surrounded by nature and far from civilisation, before returning to the welcoming atmosphere of Fort William.

Itinerary

1
DAY1/ 6
- Accommodation·Youth hostel
  Where we'll be spending the night
We meet at 4.30pm at Glasgow Queen Street station.

We'll do some shopping together for breakfasts and picnics for the first three days, according to each person's preferences. Then we'll board the train for Corrour, a remote hamlet accessible only by rail, on the shores of Loch Ossian.

This journey is made on the West Highland Line, often cited as one of the most beautiful railway lines in the world. It passes through landscapes of moorland, lochs and mountains. We arrive in Corrour at 9.20pm.

A short 25-minute walk will take us to our accommodation for the night, the Loch Ossian Youth Hostel, in the heart of the countryside (bring a headlamp for the September stay).

Note: Bring a picnic for dinner on the train (you can buy one in Glasgow before departure).

2
DAY2/ 6
- Accommodation·Auberge
  Where we'll be spending the night
- D-·650m
  descent
- D+·650m
  Vertical ascent
- Activity time·6h
  Time spent on sporting activities
- Distance·16km
  KM covered
We’ll begin our trip on the north shore of Loch Ossian, where our guesthouse is situated. This will give us a chance to take in the landscape we’ve just arrived in and appreciate just how remote we are!

We’ll climb Beinn na Lap (935 m) to take in a panoramic view of the area and immerse ourselves in the wild beauty of this trip.

In the evening, we’ll walk for about twenty minutes to have dinner at the Corrour Station House, a cosy restaurant.
3
DAY3/ 6
- Accommodation·Auberge
  Where we'll be spending the night
- D-·550m
  descent
- D+·550m
  Vertical ascent
- Activity time·4h
  Time spent on sporting activities
- Distance·13km
  KM covered
After breakfast, we'll check out of the Loch Ossian hostel. Our overnight bags will be dropped off at the Corrour Station House, a stone's throw from the station. We will then set off to climb Leum Uilleim (909 m).

We return in the early afternoon to catch our 3.20pm train to Fort William, a small town nestling at the foot of Ben Nevis.

On arrival, we check into our new accommodation, the Fort William Backpackers, and then go shopping in the town. Dinner will be prepared at the hostel together.
4
DAY4/ 6
- Accommodation·Auberge
  Where we'll be spending the night
- D-·1140m
  descent
- D+·1140m
  Vertical ascent
- Activity time·8h30
  Time spent on sporting activities
- Distance·22km
  KM covered
Today, we'll take the train to Glenfinnan, famous for its railway viaduct featured in the Harry Potter films.

After admiring the structure, we'll head up the Glenfinnan valley, vast and unspoilt, before tackling an off-trail slope that will take us to the summit of Sgùrr Thuilm (963m). This viewpoint offers a 360° panorama of the surrounding lochs and mountains.

We will return to Fort William by train and have dinner at the hostel.
5
DAY5/ 6
- Accommodation·Auberge
  Where we'll be spending the night
- D-·1100m
  descent
- D+·1100m
  Vertical ascent
- Activity time·5h
  Time spent on sporting activities
- Distance·18km
  KM covered
Today we discover the Mamores, a spectacular massif facing Ben Nevis. A short taxi transfer will take us there.

We'll climb Stob Bàn (999 m), either via a wild valley or a more direct ridge. From the summit, if the sky is clear, we can see as far as the Glencoe valley, renowned for its dramatic scenery.

Return to Fort William in the afternoon. Dinner will be at a pub located in a beautiful deconsecrated chapel that serves good pizza and a wide selection of beers on tap. If we feel like it, we can extend our last evening and enjoy the atmosphere of Scottish pubs!
DAY6/ 6
We finish the trip with a bus journey through another part of the Highlands. This journey offers a final glimpse of the Scottish landscape, including a trip through the Glencoe valley.

The bus will leave Fort William at 9am (time to be confirmed), arriving in Glasgow at 12.20pm.

This itinerary may be changed at any time by the guide, depending in particular on weather conditions, the participants' physical and technical abilities, accommodation availability or any other unforeseen event. The guide has the final say on the programme.

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The guides who will lead your adventure

Julien

Mountain leader (AMM)

French

English

Julien has had an unusual career: an engineer and doctor of mathematics who became an actor for 15 years, he finally swapped the stage for the trails. Now a qualified mountain guide, he combines a passion for the great outdoors with a love of words, sometimes with an impromptu reading along the way. Based in the Massif Central, he also guides in Scotland, a country he knows well and is particularly fond of.

Find out more about Julien

What's included in the price

Included

Guiding: You will be guided by a qualified mountain leader throughout your stay.

Accommodation: you'll stay in a hostel every night, in a simple and welcoming shared dormitory.

Meals: All meals are included, from breakfast on day 2 to breakfast on the final day, except for meals taken at a restaurant on the evenings of days 2 and 5.

Train journeys from Glasgow (Day 1), from Corrour to Fort William (Day 3), and a return journey on Day 4 to the Glenfinnan Valley.

The taxi journey to the Mamores (day 5) and the bus journey from Fort William to Glasgow (the last day).

Not included

Return journey from your home to Glasgow Queen Street station.

The picnic dinner on Day 1 (we’ll eat it on the train to Corrour).

Meals at restaurants (days 2 and 5).

Any personal expenses.

What level to expect?

Level 3

Participants must be at least 18 years old

WHO IS THIS FOR?

This trek is for experienced hikers wanting to cross the wildest of the Scottish Highlands, from Loch Ossian to Ben Nevis.

You're at the right level if:

You are able to walk for an average of 6 to 7 hours a day, with stages varying from 13 to 19 km, and ascent and descent of over 1000 m on some days
You are comfortable walking on paths that are sometimes unmarked and over varied terrain (ridges, moors, rocky areas, unmade paths)
You are not afraid of changeable weather, and experiencing the 4 seasons during the day is commonplace
You can carry your day pack, with all the logistics taken care of (meals, accommodation, transfers)
You will be staying in rustic hostels and collective dormitories

Take the level quiz

Getting there

Start · 16h30

Glasgow Queen Street Station

End · 12h20

Glasgow Queen Street station

Transport

By train

Want to avoid traffic jams and travel stress-free? The train is your best bet. You can travel to Glasgow via London:

Departure station > London St Pancras International (Eurostar)
London St Pancras International > London Euston (15-minute walk)
London Euston > Glasgow Central Station (4 hours 30 minutes)

Finish with a short 9-minute walk to Glasgow Queen Street Station, the meeting point for your trip (there’s the option to meet up in Paris or Lille (or London) in the morning for those travelling by train – check with your guide)

By car

Do you prefer the freedom of a road trip?

Paid car parks are available near Glasgow Queen Street station to leave your vehicle for the whole duration of the trip.

Do consider carpooling: a WhatsApp group will be set up 10 days before departure so you can organise this with the other participants.

How to register

Step 1

Choose your departure date and number of participants

Step 2

Book online by paying a deposit or the full amount directly. It is also possible to book by telephone by calling +32 460 25 61 85 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm).

If the minimum number of participants is reached, departure is confirmed!
If the minimum number of participants is not reached, we will give you a full refund.

Departure is confirmed 15 days in advance for adventures lasting more than 4 days. Departure is confirmed 7 days prior for adventures lasting less than 4 days.

Step 3

In the case of a deposit, the remaining amount will be debited from your account before departure.

Your reviews

The opinions of our participants who have placed their trust in us

4.7/ 5 · based on 83 reviews in this category

Denise H.

Guide très agréable, à l écoute des désirs et des aptitudes des participants. Refuge, accueil très sympathique, repas de qualité et très savoureux. Belle experience. Merci

Marie F.

Absolument ravie d’être passée par Wildhartt pour ma première expérience de trek/bivouak ! Notre guide Thomas était top, l’organisation parfaite (matériel, repas, logistique) La création du groupe Whatsapp en amont du départ est un vrai + Hâte de réserver ma prochaine aventure !

Christophe R.

Nous avons participé cet été à cette randonnée itinérante de 5 jours avec des ânes en famille, avec nos deux enfants de 8 et 11 ans, et nous en gardons un très beau souvenir. Un grand merci à notre accompagnateur, Romain, qui a parfaitement géré le séjour du début à la fin, y compris lors des moments plus compliqués. Il est très présent et prend en charge une grande partie des aspects pratiques, ce qui est particulièrement appréciable. Il faut cependant garder à l'esprit qu'il reste tout de même un certain nombre de choses à gérer en tant que participant, notamment lorsqu'on voyage avec des enfants. Le matériel fourni pour les ânes était parfaitement adapté et nous a permis de profiter pleinement de l'expérience. Quant au parcours, il était tout simplement magnifique, avec des paysages variés et superbes. Nous avons particulièrement apprécié le premier bivouac, qui se trouvait dans un cadre splendide, ainsi que la nuit en auberge dont le confort a été très apprécié après deux étapes fatigantes. Concernant les points plus mitigés, nous avons trouvé que le début du parcours était sensiblement plus difficile et technique que ce à quoi nous nous attendions au regard du niveau annoncé pour le séjour. La conduite des ânes demande un temps d'adaptation, et la combinaison de cette découverte avec des étapes de randonnée déjà exigeantes a rendu les deux premiers jours assez sportifs. Heureusement, Romain a su s'adapter à la situation en modifiant intelligemment l'itinéraire afin d'alléger la troisième journée. Cette adaptation nous a permis de récupérer et de profiter pleinement de la suite du séjour. Malgré cette réserve sur le niveau de difficulté du début du parcours, nous recommandons cette expérience pour la qualité de l'encadrement, la beauté des paysages et l'originalité de l'aventure avec les ânes.

Laetitia L.

Une randonnée magnifique, dépaysante, avec des paysages variés à couper le souffle. Grâce à Raphaël, nous avons pu voyager autant dans cet espace magnifique que dans le temps, grâce à ses explications sur la géologie de cet environnement.

Serge D.

Partis en rando-ânes en groupe réduit, nous avons pu bénéficier d’un guide exceptionnel qui par son implication, ses connaissances du milieu naturel et son expérience a rendu ce séjour de 5 jours dans les Cévennes inoubliable.

Frequently asked questions

How should I prepare physically?

To prepare physically for this expedition, walk regularly on varied terrain and do a few longer outings with some elevation gain to build your endurance. Walking poles are recommended, especially for the descents.

How comfortable are the hostels?

Both hostels are simple but comfortable: dorm beds, hot showers, a shared kitchen and a friendly hiker atmosphere. At Loch Ossian, you're at the end of the world, far from any road or village. In Fort William, the hostel is right in town, a short walk from the pubs.

What equipment do we need?

Once you've registered, we'll send you a full list of the equipment you'll need to prepare for your stay. Don't worry, all you'll need is what you'll need for your hike: a 30-litre daypack, good shoes, walking poles, etc. Your travel bag stays at the hostel during the hikes.

Do I have to carry my things every day?

Yes, we do not organise the transport of luggage from one accommodation to another. However, as we will be staying at the Loch Ossian Youth Hostel for the first 2 nights and at the Fort William Backpackers for the following 3 nights, you can leave your luggage on site and take only what you need for the daily walks.

Are instalment payment options available?

Yes, that's right! At checkout, you can choose the Alma option to pay for your booking in 2x, 3x or 4x. All you have to do is select Alma at checkout and follow the instructions. It's simple, fast and secure.

Can I privatise this expedition for my group?

Yes, all our expeditions can be privatised for a group already formed, on the dates of your choice.

To make your request, go to the expedition that interests you and click on "Privatise the expedition". We'll take care of the rest!

What kind of people usually join Wildhartt expeditions ?

You don’t need to be a top athlete or adventure expert to feel at home. Most Wildhartt participants are between 25 and 60 years old, with a balanced mix of women and men.

Many join solo or in small groups of two or three. They often live in cities and are looking for a meaningful break — some time to reconnect with nature, slow down, and enjoy something real.

They usually have a regular movement practice (hiking, running, yoga...), but not with a competitive mindset. They’re in good shape, but don’t necessarily have technical skills. What brings them together is a shared desire to disconnect, observe, learn, and experience nature in a more grounded, accessible way.

If that speaks to you, you'll feel right at home. The group spirit is kind and open, and the pace adapts to everyone.

What happens if the weather is bad?

At Wildhartt, nature is our playground, rain or shine. Rain, snow or wind: our guides adapt the itinerary, activities and accommodation to guarantee you the best possible experience.
Unless safety is at stake (storm, avalanche, flood...).

In this exceptional case, we can cancel an expedition, at least one week before departure.
If this happens:
→ You can postpone your adventure at no cost,
→ Or receive a full refund.

What does the price of a Wildhartt adventure include?

At Wildhartt, transparency is essential. The price of your expedition reflects a clear breakdown of costs:

30% for our guides, the mainstays of every adventure.
35% for accommodation and meals, essential for your comfort.
10% for equipment and transport, to guarantee safety and fluidity.
24% for organisation and logistics, from first contact to the end of the expedition.
1% for the rewilding of Europe, a concrete commitment to give back to nature what it gives us.

Our priority: to offer you a quality experience, with complete clarity.

Do you have any questions? Contact us.

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