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, connect with nature 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

sunset and wild camping above Glen Nevis
wild swimming in a waterfall with tents pitched wild camping in Scotland

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.

Throughout this experience 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 24th - 26th April; West Highlands, meet Fort William

    19th - 21st June; Cairngorms, meet Aviemore

The Journeys

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.

Distance: around 10 km per day
Ascent: up to 800m of climbing per day
Walking Time: 6 - 8 hours per day at a relaxed pace with plenty of breaks during the day
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.

wild camping at Loch Avon in the Cairngorms

Highland Wilderness Journeys explore the stunning landscapes of The Cairngorms and the West Highlands of Scotland. Routes incorporate remote glens, ancient forests and expansive lochs. Whilst there will be an opportunity to reach a mountain summit but this will not be the focus.

These journeys move at a relaxed pace and will suit you if this is your first experience of hiking and wild camping or if you prefer an exploratory approach with plenty of time to just ‘be’ in nature. If you are looking for a more challenging expedition then our Discover Knoydart or Discover Ben Alder & Corrour journeys may be more suitable for you.

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Two hikers walking along the Grey Corries ridge

What is provided for you?

  • Hiking in Cairngorms national park

    Expert Guidance

    Throughout the journey you will benefit from our professional guidance and coaching.

  • three tents pitched for a wild camp in Scotland

    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.

  • group enjoying wild camping food

    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. 

  • a wild camp by a loch West Highland Scotland

    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.

  • One of the best weekends I’ve had in the outdoors! An amazing adventure that I will remember forever.

    Highlands Wilderness Sky Journey participant

  • Our guides’ knowledge, respect and passion for the landscape was infectious. The equipment provided was top notch and the food delicious. I learned so much over these 3 days, about the mountains and myself and feel so refreshed by the challenge and empowered to get out more.

    Highland Wilderness Earth Journey participant

  • I would highly recommend joining as it’s worth every last penny – in fact you get back way more than you think you will! Whether you are a seasoned hill walker or have never set up a tent in your life, the experience will be equally magical. A heartfelt thank you for making a truly positive impact on our wellbeing and confidence in the outdoors.’

    Christina Skounti, wellbeing retreats in Scotland participant

  • I recently spent a weekend in the Cairngorms with Wild Roots Guiding on an Earth journey. I had the absolute time of my life in the most beautiful place! Our guides Lindsay and Shona were both fantastic, so knowledgeable and caring. I felt incredibly safe with them. I've never done wild camping before so I was nervous but I really didn't need to be. The amount of planning that goes into these trips is phenomenal. From the food, which was fantastic. To the contingencies in place when the weather became challenging. For me, everything was perfect. I cannot recommend Wild Roots Guiding enough. And I will definitely be back. Sooner rather than later hopefully. Thank you so much!

    Alice Fennell, Cairngorms Earth journey participant

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.

Wild Mountain Retreat
Wild Yoga Journey
Loch Ossian Youth Hostel