Highland Wilderness Journey
Re-wild your mind and body – wild camping in Scotland.
Join us for a unique three day wild camping journey through Scotland’s most stunning landscapes. These immersive mountain adventures are an opportunity to learn new skills, challenge yourself and boost your well-being.
You will be fully supported and guided through the experience by Shona Macpherson, Anna Danby and Lindsay Warrack.
Anna and Lindsay are a Mountain Leaders with a particular interest in sharing the stories of landscapes, enabling exploration off the beaten path and helping you gain mountain skills and confidence.
Shona is an IFS (Internal Family Systems) counsellor/ psychotherapist. She’s passionate about helping people find time and space to slow down and to listen and connect with all parts of themselves and with the natural world. She’s been running outdoor connective experiences for the last 6 years and has recently trained as Forest Therapy Practitioner.
Your Guides
Our Approach
Over the past few years we have worked collaboratively to bring a unique approach to mountain guiding founded on a desire to help others become healthier and happier. Our personal experience has shown us that time in wild places is synonymous with well-being. The mountains can gift us a different perspective and allow us to explore emotions in new and productive ways. ⠀
The potential for this is greatest when the physical challenge of adventure is balanced with purposeful engagement with surroundings. Our guiding interweaves both these things.
Through this three day retreat, moments of learning about geology, nature, history are offered alongside mindful activities such as sit spots, nature connection invitations, self-reflection and sharing. ⠀⠀
The sheer act of being in the hills for an extended period, unplugged from everyday distractions, is life changing. Give yourself this time to slow down, listen to nature and discover how to live more with less.
Accessibility
Our wild camping journeys in Scotland are designed to be as accessible as possible.
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The journeys are open to all regardless of gender, age and previous experience.
We work hard to create an inclusive atmosphere where everyone can feel at ease and participate on their own terms. All of the activities are ‘invitations’ and if you do not want take part in anything then you do not have to. We believe that the most valuable experience is one that you feel an active participant within, able to shape your own journey. You will never be made to do anything that you do not resonate with.
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There is no requirement to own camping equipment or have access to a car.
Locations can be reached by public transport and we provide all the technical kit, food, navigational and camp-craft skills. This removes the requirement for you to own expensive equipment and provides a supported environment in which to learn regardless of previous experience. Enabling you to come together with other like minded people to spend three days walking, living, learning and connecting in remote and beautiful Highland settings.
The Journeys
There are two different styles of journeys, to enable you to choose the one that best suits the level of challenge and type of experience you are looking for.
Each journey will evolve depending on the participants, the weather and conditions underfoot. This means the exact route, distances and ascents will be determined together as a group. However, the following gives you an idea what to expect. If you are at all unsure about whether this is for you please get in touch and we will happily discuss more details with you.
Earth
Earth journeys will be lower level routes, exploring the forests, glens and smaller hills of Scotland. There may be the opportunity to reach a mountain summit but this will not be the focus. As a result these slower paced journeys will suit people for whom this is their first experience of hiking and wild camping or who prefer a more relaxed approach with plenty of time to just ‘be’ in nature.
Distance: up to 10 km per day
Ascent: up to 400m per day
Walking Time: up to 6 hours per day at a relaxed pace
Terrain: Paths and rough trails, with rocky uneven ground in places. Gradual ascents and descents and the occasional short, steeper section.
Physical Requirements: A good level of general fitness and comfortable walking on rough ground. You should be able to walk uphill at a steady pace without needing regular stops. You will also need to be able to carry a rucksack weighing approximately 10kg.
Sky
Sky journeys will head for higher ground. Weather permitting they will incorporate multiple mountain summits and involve travelling over some of Scotland’s challenging steep and rocky terrain. They will be more physically demanding than the Earth routes. This means they are best suited to people who have some previous experience of hiking with a heavy bag and are looking to take their skills and confidence to the next level.
Distance: 10 – 15 km per day
Ascent: up to 1000m per day
Walking Time: up to 8 hours per day
Terrain: Rough trails and pathless, uneven ground. Some steep ascents and descents with exposed rocky sections.
Physical Requirements: A good level of mountain fitness and comfortable walking on rough, rocky ground. You should be able to walk uphill at a steady pace without needing regular stops and have recent experience of mountain hiking. You will also need to be able to carry a rucksack weighing approximately 10kg.
What is provided for you?
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Expert Guidance
Throughout the journey you will benefit from our professional guidance and coaching.
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Top Quality Equipment
All the technical camping equipment required for the journey is provided for you. All you need to bring is your own personal walking clothing and footwear.
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Delicious Food
All of the food and drink required is provided by Stronaba Produce. Liz has created a bespoke menu packed full of goodness and suitable for carrying in the hills.
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A unique experience
Most importantly you get to create a valuable memory that will stay with you and give you skills and confidence to shape your own future adventures.
Booking
Click the journey you would like to join for full booking details and to reserve your space.
Not so keen on camping?
If you like the sound of these journeys but aren’t so keen on camping, or maybe the dates above don’t suit, then check out our Wild Mountain Retreats or Wild Yoga Journeys which are similar experiences.
