Summit Ben Navis and hike remote loch trails

April to September

8 days| 7 nights

Eco-score 4/5

What you will experience

Walk along Loch Ossian, a 10 km long lake accessible only by the West Highland Line, in the heart of an almost untouched wilderness.

Climb three iconic peaks in one day: Carn Dearg (941 m), Sgor Gaibhre (955 m) and Sgor Choinnich (938 m), with 360° panoramic views of the Highlands.

Explore the north face of Ben Nevis (1,345 m, the UK's highest peak), which is less popular than the classic route, with cliffs and the CIC Hut punctuating the ascent.

Cross the Glenfinnan valley and admire its iconic viaduct, a spectacular backdrop made famous by Harry Potter, before climbing to the top of the Sgùrr Thuilm (963m).

Discover itineraries untouched by traditional tourism with Julien, a guide who is passionate about the Highlands, guaranteeing you a complete change of scenery in these vast and astonishing landscapes!

Savour the contrast of the Highlands: absolute silence, icy winds on the ridges and warm fires in the remote inns of Corrour and Fort William.

Itinerary

1
DAY1/ 8
- 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: Pack a picnic lunch for dinner on the train (shopping can be done in Glasgow before departure).

2
DAY2/ 8
- Accommodation·Auberge
  Where we'll be spending the night
- D-·400m
  descent
- D+·400m
  Vertical ascent
- Activity time·5h30
  Time spent on sporting activities
- Distance·18km
  KM covered
We'll start our stay on the north shore of Loch Ossian, on the shores of which our hostel is situated. We'll discover the landscape we've just arrived in and the isolation in which we find ourselves!

We'll climb Beinn Na Lap (935m) to get an overview of the area and be immersed in the wilderness of this holiday.

In the evening, we'll walk for around twenty minutes to dine at Corrour Station House, a cosy restaurant just a 20-minute walk from the hostel.
3
DAY3/ 8
- Accommodation·Auberge
  Where we'll be spending the night
- D-·930m
  descent
- D+·930m
  Vertical ascent
- Activity time·7h30
  Time spent on sporting activities
- Distance·19km
  KM covered
If the weather is good, we'll set off on a long loop along the ridges south of Loch Ossian. The aim is to climb three iconic peaks: Carn Dearg (941 m), Sgor Gaibhre (955 m) and Sgor Choinnich (938 m).

This route will immerse you in the atmosphere of the Highlands: open landscapes, ridge lines and a feeling of immensity. The route is wild and rarely used.

Return to the hostel at the end of the day, followed by dinner at Corrour Station House.
4
DAY4/ 8
- 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.
5
DAY5/ 8
- Accommodation·Auberge
  Where we'll be spending the night
- D-·1000m
  descent
- D+·1000m
  Vertical ascent
- Activity time·6h
  Time spent on sporting activities
- Distance·10km
  KM covered
This day will be an opportunity to get close to the UK's highest peak: Ben Nevis (1345 m). Rather than making the classic ascent, we'll be exploring the wilder north face.

A taxi will drop us off at the North Face Car Park. We'll climb up to the CIC Hut at the base of the cliffs, then walk back down to Fort William along the normal tourist trail - an off-piste itinerary devised by the guide and away from the tourists.

Return to the inn at the end of the day, then we will enjoy dinner at the restaurant.
6
DAY6/ 8
- Accommodation·Auberge
  Where we'll be spending the night
- D-·860m
  descent
- D+·860m
  Vertical ascent
- Activity time·6h30
  Time spent on sporting activities
- Distance·17km
  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.
7
DAY7/ 8
- Accommodation·Auberge
  Where we'll be spending the night
- D-·1100m
  descent
- D+·1100m
  Vertical ascent
- Activity time·7h30
  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 the Stop Ban (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!
DAY8/ 8
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.

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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 will sleep every night in a hostel in a comfortable shared room.

Meals: All meals are included, from breakfast on day 2 to breakfast on day 8.

Rail travel from Glasgow (Day 1), from Corrour to Fort William (Day 4), transfers to the trailheads or back to accommodation from the trailhead (Days 5, 6 and 7).

Bus journey from Fort William to Glasgow (Day 8).

Not included

Return journey from your home to Glasgow Queen Street station.

Picnic lunch and evening meal on Day 1 (during the train journey to Corrour).

Meals in restaurants (Days 2, 3 and 5).

Any personal expenses.

What level should you expect

Level 3

You should be at least 18 years old to participate

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

Getting there

Start · 16h30

Glasgow Queen Street Station

End · 12h20

Glasgow Queen Street station

Transport

By train

Want to avoid traffic jams and travel in peace? The train is your best bet. You can reach Glasgow via London:

Departure station > London St Pancras International (Eurostar)
London St Pancras International > London Euston (15-minute walk)
London Euston > Glasgow Central Station (4h30)

Finish with a short 9-minute walk to Glasgow Queen Street station, the meeting point for your expedition.

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 do we prepare physically?

To prepare yourself physically for this expedition, you can do some regular walking in varied terrain and some outings with a difference in altitude and endurance. The use of poles is recommended, especially for descents.

How comfortable are youth hostels?

The hostels at Loch Ossian and Fort William are simple but comfortable, located in the heart of nature for a complete break from the hustle and bustle: shared beds, hot showers, shared kitchen and backpacker atmosphere.

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 50-litre rucksack, good shoes, walking poles, etc.

Do we have to carry your 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 Hostel for the first 3 nights and at the Fort Williams Hostel for the following 4 nights, it will be possible to leave your luggage on site and take only what is strictly necessary 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 brea 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.

25% 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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