Highlands Packraft Traverse
Trek through the heart of the Highlands
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Small Team
max 8 participants
Number of participants
RED LABEL
‘Expedition Challenge’
Pittige, uitdagende tocht
Epic trekking with Packrafts through the Scottish Highlands
Ingredients:
Packrafting, trekking, historic castles, Scottish Highlands, wild lochs, iconic Munros, Commando Memorial
Highlands packraft traverse
You will cover 104 kilometers. On foot and by packraft. Through one of Great Britain’s most rugged landscapes.
Eleven days. 4,200 meters of elevation gain. Two guides. No van to pick you up.
From loch to Atlantic coast
The journey starts in Acharacle. On day one, you step into your packraft and paddle past Castle Tioram, a medieval fortress rising halfway out of the water.
Throughout the entire trip, you alternate between packrafting and hiking. Every day. You perform the first two major crossings over the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean, from one coast to the other. These are followed by lochs, narrow waterways, and mountain passes.
You carry a backpack. It weighs 21 kilos at departure. As the journey progresses, you eat it empty. You’ll feel that in your shoulders.
You spend the nights outdoors. On deserted beaches, small islands, in mountain valleys. Always in a tent, always in the heart of the landscape.
A choice day
Halfway through the trip, you plan a day around the basecamp. Three options, you choose:
- Climb a Munro. Peaks over 900 meters, with views over the Highlands to the horizon.
- To the Glenfinnan Viaduct, in the valley of Glen Finnan.
- A rest day in camp.
Commando country
The paths you follow are not random. During the Second World War, this area was the training ground for British commandos. Achnacarry Castle, which you pass along the way, was the training center. Here, men were prepared for the most dangerous operations of the war.
At the end of the trip, you pass the Clan Cameron Museum at Achnacarry and the Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge. Ben Nevis in the background. You will then know what happened here.
What this trip requires
Your fitness must be up to par. Packrafting on the open sea requires technique and endurance. Hiking with a heavy backpack through mountain terrain does too. You need both.
You work with a fixed group throughout the trip. On the water, in camp, on the mountain pass. That group is your team.
We work with a maximum of seven participants. Two guides lead the route. You are never on your own, but you do it yourself.
Your fitness must be up to par. Packrafting on the open sea requires technique and endurance. Hiking with a heavy backpack through mountain terrain does too. You need both.
You work with a fixed group throughout the trip. On the water, in camp, on the mountain pass. That group is your team.
We work with a maximum of eight participants. Two guides lead the route. You are never on your own, but you do it yourself.
Packraft Adventure across the Scottish Highlands
- Packraft expedition through the Scottish Highlands
- 11-day challenging trek
- Including airport transfers, all meals and hostels
- Discover castles, lochs and pristine wilderness
- Camp on islands, beaches and mountain valleys
- Experience the history of commando training grounds
- Use of group equipment and packraft gear
- 2 experienced guides with local expertise
- Maximum 8 participants for personal adventure
Highlights of the Highlands packraft traverse
Castle Tioram
On day one, you paddle past the ruins of this 13th-century MacDonald fortress. It rises from the water as you paddle your first meters.
Wild camping
A new spot every evening. White sandy beaches, uninhabited islands, quiet mountain valleys. You fall asleep to the sound of water. You wake up in misty silence.
Munros and Highland peaks
On the choice day, you can climb a Munro: a peak over 900 meters. The terrain demands something from your legs. The view gives you more in return.
Cape Wrath Trail
The route overlaps parts of Great Britain’s toughest trek. Rugged terrain, few people, no shortcuts.
Achnacarry Castle and Commando Memorial
This area was the training ground for British, Belgian, and Dutch commandos, among others, in the Second World War. You pass Achnacarry Castle, the former training center. At the end of the trip, you stand at the Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge. Ben Nevis in the background.
Lochs and open sea
You paddle across quiet lochs and cross open water twice via the Atlantic Ocean. From one coast to the other. Every crossing provides a different perspective on the landscape.
Wildlife
Eagles, red deer, otters, and seals are regular inhabitants of this area. Sometimes dolphins on the open water. You’ll see them when you’re ready.
Hiking and packrafting
Most trekkers see the Highlands from one side. You see them from two.
You walk over mountain passes and paddle into the same valleys. Places you cannot reach on foot, you reach by packraft. And vice versa. That is what distinguishes this route from an ordinary trek.
You carry everything yourself. You eat your backpack emptier and emptier. You set up your camp and break it down. The trip requires preparation and fitness. That is exactly why you will remember it.
We packraft in two-person packrafts.
GO ON AN ADVENTURE WITH THESE GUIDES
The Arctic Adventure A-Team
Our guides are there to guide your tour in the best way possible. They are fully part of the group and give space. Room for own initiative, own development and own opinions.
The attended first aid & guide training provide a good basis during adventure tours.
For us, it’s:”Out of your comfort zone. Within the safety zone. ”
Elevation profile Highlands Packraft Traverse in Scotland
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Highlands packraft traverse program
Day 1 – Arrival
You gather at Inverness Airport. From there, transfer to the starting point at Acharacle. In the evening, group introductions, equipment check, and a walkthrough of the route. Last night in a hotel.
Day 2 – Castle Tioram and first Atlantic crossing
The expedition begins at the ruins of Castle Tioram, a 13th-century MacDonald fortress rising out of the water. You launch the packraft for the first time. This is followed by the first crossing via the Atlantic Ocean: open water, no coast nearby. You alternate packrafting with hiking. Approx. 13 kilometers, 500 meters of elevation gain.
Day 3 – Second Atlantic crossing
Open water once again. The second crossing via the Atlantic Ocean, from one coast to the other. The rhythm of alternation takes hold: packraft, shore, on foot, water. Approx. 13 kilometers.
Day 4 – Into the Highlands
You move further east, away from the coast. The terrain gets higher. Hiking over ridges and through valleys, packrafting on inland lakes. Your backpack is already somewhat lighter than at departure. Approx. 13 kilometers, altitude up to 380 meters.
Day 5 – To Glenfinnan
One of the toughest days in terms of elevation: more than 1,000 meters of climbing. The route leads past the valley of Glen Finnan, with the Glenfinnan Viaduct in sight. Alternating packrafting and hiking through mountain terrain. Approx. 13 kilometers.
Day 6 – Choice day
A day around the basecamp at approximately 800 meters altitude. Three options:
- Climb a Munro. The route here goes above 900 meters, with views over the Highlands.
- To the Glenfinnan Viaduct in the valley of Glen Finnan.
- A rest day in camp. Resting, eating, recovering.
Day 7 – Descent and open terrain
From the highest point, the route descends. Rugged terrain, few paths. The route overlaps parts of the Cape Wrath Trail here, Great Britain’s toughest trek. Approx. 13 kilometers, more than 800 meters of descent.
Day 8 – Towards Achnacarry
You move further east through varied terrain. Packrafting on inland lakes, hiking over heather and mountain passes. The final major kilometers before the destination. Approx. 13 kilometers.
Day 9 – Achnacarry Castle and Clan Cameron Museum
You arrive at Achnacarry Castle, the former training center for British commandos in the Second World War. You visit the Clan Cameron Museum. The training grounds you walk through are the same ones where commandos were prepared for the most dangerous operations of the war. You pitch your tent at the adjacent loch. Approx. 13 kilometers.
Day 10 – Final crossing and Commando Memorial
You cross the loch. There are fish farms in the water; you paddle past them. On the other side, the Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge awaits. Ben Nevis in the background. The journey ends here. The taxi takes you to the hotel. Approx. 8 kilometers.
Day 11 – Return journey
Transfer to Inverness Airport. End of the Highlands Packraft Traverse.
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Preparation for the Highlands Packraft Traverse
Introduction and Route Discussion
Before departure, we meet once, live or digitally. The date is planned in consultation. During this meeting:
we get to know each other
we discuss the use of materials
we review the map and the route together
This way, you set off well-prepared.
Renting Equipment
Don’t have everything yourself? When you register, you can indicate which equipment you want to rent:
Tent (1- or 2-person)
Sleeping bag (RAB)
Sleeping mat (Therm-a-Rest)
Backpack (Lowe Alpine)
Walking sticks
You pick up the equipment a week before the journey, so you can pack and test your backpack well in advance.
Rent a complete gear package?
For just €149 you can rent the complete package for the entire expedition.
During the Expedition
Expedition Experience
Every journey with Arctic Adventure is an Expedition Experience. That means: adventure like on a real expedition. Sometimes challenging, sometimes relaxing, but always together.
Overnight stays in tents (in winter always at least 2 per tent, safety first)
Cooking, navigating, and moving together
Small team, maximum 8 participants → lots of personal attention
Often lasting friendships and reunions afterward
Contact via WhatsApp
In advance, we open a WhatsApp group for questions and practical information. Often, this group continues to exist after the expedition to share photos and memories.
Condition and Preparation
For the Highlands Packraft Traverse, you need good physical condition. We walk an average of 15 kilometers per day with a backpack weighing about 20 kilos.
Sports medical examination
Are you over 60 and want to participate in this journey? If so, we highly recommend you get a sports medical examination. Read more about the possibilities here.
Safety First
Our journeys go through remote areas. In emergencies, we are reachable, but rescue services may take time. Therefore, our guides always carry the following:
Satellite communication (satphone and inReach)
Digital navigation (GPS) and analog navigation (compass and map)
First aid and Wilderness Advanced First Aid knowledge
Training via the Wilderness Guide Association (WGA)
Additionally, there is always a Basecamp in the Netherlands available as an emergency contact for those at home.
Packing List
After your registration, you will receive a detailed packing list. This way, you know exactly what clothing, equipment, and personal items are needed to be well-prepared for the journey.
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Participants September 20 – 30, 2026
Guide: Onno de Boer & Cristian Rodríguez
Participant 1: Available
Participant 2: Available
Participant 3: Available
Participant 4: Available
Participant 5: Available
Participant 6: Available
Participant 7: Available
Participant 8: Available
The trip is confirmed with 5 participants and full with 8 participants.
There are still plenty of spots available for this trip.
Who Joins our Adventures?
Participants in our journeys mostly register alone.
It happens that couples sign up.
The age of most participants is between 30 and 50 years.
Exceptions certainly exist. The youngest participant was 23 and the oldest 66.
The male-female ratio is 50/50. The tougher tours attract just a little more men. 60/40.
But often the distribution is nicely balanced.
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Travel dates
September 20 – 30, 2026
Start date and location
September 20, 2026
We meet at 1:00 PM in the arrivals hall of Inverness Airport.
Return
September 30, 2026
The trek ends again in Inverness where you are taken by minibus to the airport.
Arrival at the airport is at 11:00 AM.
Total Trip Cost
€2,481
This Includes:
- All on-site transfers by minibus
- 2 experienced guides
- Overnight stays in a hostel upon arrival
- All overnight stays en route in tents or bothy
- Hostel stay at the end of the trek
- All meals from evening of arrival to breakfast on day of departure
But also including
- Group Material
- Packrafts and life jackets
- Stoves and pans
- Maps, compass and GPS
- (Satellite) Communication devices
- Tracking for the homebound
- Online photo share after the trip
- Contribution to the VZR guarantee fund
- Booking fees
Participants
Maximum 8
This Excludes:
- Transport to Inverness airport
- Travel Insurance
- Cancellation insurance
- Drinks personal expenses
- Personal equipment (see packing list tab)
Rent an equipment package
This package includes:
Lowe Alpine backpack
RAB sleeping bag
Therm-a-Rest sleeping pad
Tent (2 or 1-person)
Pair of hiking poles
The cost of this complete package is only €149. for the entire trip.
You will receive a detailed packing list after your registration, or upon request.
Note
If during the trip it is collectively decided to undertake extras (Excursions, overnight stays, meals), these costs will be divided among the participants.
We Provide
- 2-person packrafts and life jackets
- Food for the entire trip
- Stove
- Pots and pans
- Group first aid kit
- Repair Equipment
- Water purifiers
- Communication devices
- GPS, Map Compass
You Provide
- Personal hiking clothing
- Run-in walking shoes C category
- Personal medication
Rent an equipment package
This package includes:
Lowe Alpine backpack
RAB sleeping bag
Therm-a-Rest sleeping pad
Tent (2 or 1-person)
Pair of hiking poles
The cost of this complete package is only €149. for the entire trip.
You will receive a detailed packing list after your registration, or upon request.
Buying stuff
As a participant in our trips, you get a 10% discount in Beaver stores. So take advantage of that if you still need to buy stuff.
Check Marktplaats.nl for good used equipment.
Contact us if you have questions about the material.
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