The Ardnish Seatrek Trail

We are proud to introduce our first overnight seatrek in partnership with Slow Adventure - The Ardnish Seatrek Trail.

First of its kind in Scotland, join us on a seatrekking adventure to The Ardnish Peninsula on the magnificent west coast of Scotland.

The peninsula, steeped in history and known for incredible sunsets, dark skies, bird and wildlife watching, is the perfect place to unplug, relax and unwind after your seatrekking journey.

The Trail

Day 1.

The trail starts by changing into wetsuits and preparing our seatrekking bags before setting off. We cover a mixture of land and sea, scrambling and swimming along the coast to reach the bothy. After changing into dry clothes and warming up beside the fire, your guide will help you settle in and make the bothy your home for the night. While your guide prepares the evening dinner, head out to explore this beautiful historic peninsula or relax with a book or a board game. Spend an evening together dining, storytelling and making the most of the unique experience. The guide will leave you (staying nearby and available for emergencies) to enjoy a beautiful sunset and incredible dark skies.

Day 2.

In the morning, your guide will arrive back at the bothy to prepare breakfast for you and plan the day. After eating a delicious expedition style breakfast, pack up your kit (leaving the bothy clean and tidy) and start your walk out of the peninsula. The walk from the bothy can be rough in parts and will take around 3 hours. With plenty of storytelling and nature interpretation along the way, you'll leave the peninsula behind with a deeper understanding of the unique west coast natural and cultural history.

The Bothy

Peanmeach bothy was built in 1905 and was originally the home of the schoolmistress, back when Peanmeach was a township with a population of 50, with other settlements dotted around Ardnish.

During the day there are stunning views across the bay, a variety of wildlife to see, hidden coves and old villages to explore. At night if there are no clouds the skies are bright with stars.

The bothy can sleep up to 6 people in camping beds, has a small kitchen area with gas camping stoves and a wood burning stove in a living room space.

The bothy is 100% off-grid, there is no electricity, no toilets and water must be gathered from a nearby stream and boiled before use.

Who is this adventure for?

Calling all wild swimmers, snorkelers, lovers of adventure, coastline and wildlife.

The Ardnish Seatrek Trail requires a good base level of fitness, the ability to swim, to be able to walk over rough and uneven ground, to be confident in water and be prepared to potentially encounter bad weather on either or both of the days.

Although having experience wild swimming or snorkelling is beneficial, it is not essential, please contact us if you have any questions about experience or wondering if this adventure is right for you.

What’s included:

  • 2 days guided seatrekking

  • 1 night in private bothy

  • 1 expedition dinner

  • 1 expedition breakfast

  • Transport to and from nearest train station or Fort William

  • Seatrekking equipment

  • Bothy camping equipment

What to bring:

  • Swimwear

  • Trainers that can get wet

  • Sturdy footwear for walk out

  • Comfortable clothes for walk out and bothy

  • Warm hat

  • Warm layers

  • Waterproof jacket and trousers

  • Medication and basic toiletries

  • Picnic lunch for 2 days and snacks

  • Midge net and smidge

Price

This experience costs £340 per participant. For this price you receive the following;

  • Transport to and from location from either Mallaig, Lochaliort train station or Fort William  

  • Full day guided seatrekking experience and guided walk

  • High quality knowledgeable guides

  • All seatrekking and camping (bothy) equipment provided

  • Expedition breakfast and dinner provided

Dates, Booking and Availability

For the 2024 season we will be running this experience on the following dates;

July - 1st - 2nd & 29th - 30th

August - 26th - 27th

The maximum capacity for this experience is 6 participants and the minimum to capacity is 2 participants.

It is important to note that this is an “open” experience, meaning participants not known to you can join the group.

Bookings can be made by contacting SeatrekScotland directly via info@seatrekscotland.co.uk

 FAQs

  • Seatrekking follows a route along the coastline blending light coasteering and walking with snorkeling and wild swimming whilst towing a floating, watertight bag with a change of clothes and some food.

    The west coast of Scotland offers some incredible seatrekking opportunities bristling with wildlife, rocky outcrops and secluded sandy beaches. Our trips will allow you to be fully immersed in this wonderful environment and to see Scotland from a unique perspective.

  • Yes, for this trip being able to swim and being confident in the water is required.

  • It certainly won’t be tropical but our high quality wetsuits will keep you warm during the activity.

  • Can anyone take part?

    This trip is open to people over 16 (U18 accompanied by parent or guardian) with a moderate level of fitness and the ability to swim.

  • There is no toilet, running water or electricity at the Bothy. There are water sources nearby and care as to where people go to the toilet must be taken, if necessary your guide will go through the etiquette of going to the toilet in the wild.