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
Discover the Wild Heart of Scotland on Foot and by Packraft
Picture this: an 11-day journey of 130 kilometers and 4,200 meters of elevation gain through one of Scotland’s most rugged and beautiful landscapes.
A unique combination of hiking and packrafting takes you over mountains, along quiet valleys and across wild lochs, deep into the heart of the Highlands.
You’ll take on this adventure under the guidance of two experienced guides.
We packraft in two-person packrafts.
The adventure starts at the village of Acharacle, where your first packraft journey is unforgettable: past the mysterious ruins of Castle Tioram, a medieval fortress rising from the water.
Then you alternate between hiking and packrafting: over mountain passes, through valleys, and along quiet waterways.
You camp in tents, on deserted beaches, small islands, and in mountain valleys, always surrounded by nature.
This is no ordinary journey, but a full immersion into the Scottish Highlands, where nature, history, and adventure come together.
The History and Spirit of the Highlands
While packrafting may be modern, the paths and lochs you follow are centuries old.
Generations of Highlanders have driven their cattle here, traded goods, and conducted raids.
Castles and clan stories bring this route to life.
Along the way, you also step into more recent history:
Visit to the Clan Cameron Museum near Castle Achnacarry, the former Commando Training Centre from World War II.
Pass the impressive Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge, with views of Ben Nevis and the Great Glen.
Additionally, the route overlaps parts of the legendary Cape Wrath Trail, known as Britain’s toughest trek.
You also climb iconic Munros (peaks over 900 meters) that reward you with panoramic views of mountains, lochs, and islands stretching to the horizon.
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
Start your adventure beneath the ruins of this 13th-century MacDonald fortress. An excellent start to your packrafting expedition.
Wild Camping
Every evening a new spot: white sandy beaches, uninhabited islands, or quiet mountain valleys.
Fall asleep to the sound of water and wake up in misty silence.
Munros & Highland Peaks
Climb iconic Scottish peaks for breathtaking panoramic views. Challenging, but unforgettable.
Cape Wrath Trail
Walk parts of Britain’s toughest trail, through rugged terrain and pure wilderness.
Castle Achnacarry & Commando Memorial
Reflect on the history of the commandos and visit one of Scotland’s most famous war memorials.
Lochs & Waterways
Paddle over quiet lochs that reflect the surrounding mountains.
Each crossing reveals the landscape in a new way.
Scottish Wildlife
Chance encounters with eagles, red deer, otters, seals, and with luck, even dolphins.
What Makes this Expedition Unique?
Unlike a regular trek, the Highlands Packraft Traverse combines hiking with packrafting.
This way you reach places that remain inaccessible to others.
You carry everything yourself and are completely self-sufficient.
We packraft in 2-person packrafts.
An expedition in the purest sense.
The journey demands physical effort and perseverance, but the reward is great: silence, adventure, camaraderie, and a deep connection with nature.
Whether you’re gliding quietly across a loch, climbing a windy peak, or cooking together on a remote beach.
This is Scotland in its purest form.
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 in Scotland
Gather at Inverness Airport, where the group meets.
From here, transfer to the expedition’s starting point.
In the evening, get acquainted with the route, check equipment, and spend the last night in a comfortable hotel.
Day 2 – 3 – Start at Castle Tioram and First Packraft Journeys
The expedition begins spectacularly at the ruins of Castle Tioram.
Here, you launch the packraft for the first time and paddle past this medieval fortress.
Then follows a mix of packrafting over quiet lochs and hiking through rugged valleys.
Overnight stays in tents, on beaches, or remote spots in nature.
Day 4 – 6 – Munros and Remote Lochs
We venture deeper into the Highlands, over mountain passes and along quiet lakes.
A couple of iconic Munros are climbed, rewarding you with panoramic views over a maze of mountains and water.
You camp wild: sometimes on a small island, sometimes in a sheltered valley.
Here, you experience the peace and rhythm of a true expedition.
Day 7 – 8 – Cape Wrath Trail and Pure Wilderness
These days, we follow parts of the Cape Wrath Trail, known as Britain’s toughest trek.
The terrain is rugged and largely without paths.
The silence and solitude of the Highlands are at their peak here.
We alternate between hiking and packrafting, experiencing the full intensity of Scotland’s wilderness.
Day 9 – Castle Achnacarry and Commando Memorial
After days in nature, we encounter history once more.
We pass Castle Achnacarry, the former Commando Training Center from World War II.
Shortly after, we reach the impressive Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge, with views of Ben Nevis.
A place that connects the adventure with the history of the Highlands.
Day 10 – Fort William
The expedition ends in Fort William, at the foot of Ben Nevis.
Here, we enjoy the last evening together and conclude the journey with a well-deserved dinner and a comfortable bed.
Day 11 – Return to Inverness
Transfer from Fort William to Inverness Airport for the return flight.
End of the Highlands Packraft Traverse and the beginning of memories that will last for years.
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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.
Renting a complete gear package?
For just €149,- you rent the complete package for the entire expedition.
During the Expedition
Expedition Experience
Every journey with Arctic Adventure is an Expedition Experience. This means: adventure just like on a real expedition. Sometimes challenging, sometimes relaxed, 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
Before departure, we create a WhatsApp group for questions and practical information. This group often continues to exist after the expedition to share photos and memories.
Condition and Preparation
For the Highlands Packraft Traverse, you need to be in good physical condition. We hike 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 registration, you’ll receive a detailed packing list. This way, you’ll know exactly which clothing, equipment, and personal items you need to be well-prepared for your journey.
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Participants April 25 – may 5, 2026
Guide: Henk-Jan Geel & Cristian Rodríguez
Participant 1: Male, 45
Participant 2: Male, 46
Participant 3: Male, 46
Participant 4: Male, 44
Participant 5: Female, 45
Participant 6: Male, 58
Participant 7: Male, 43
Participant 8: Available
The trip is confirmed with 5 participants and full with 8 participants.
There is currently 1 spot available for this trip.
Participants may 7 – 17, 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
April 25 – may 5, 2026
May 7 – May 17, 2026
Start date and location
April 25 or May 7, 2026
We meet at 1:00 PM in the arrivals hall of Inverness Airport.
Return
May 5 or 17, 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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