Start Points

A small village on its titular loch under spectacular mountains. It’s a start point that requires a bit of planning to get there.  However it is well worth the effort with several wonderful stalkers paths leading through spectacular scenery though the tough terrain makes it better suited to those with previous Scottish experience.

Strathcarron is a straggly village just inland from the sea loch. It is another start that gives you quick access to remote, wild territory and a variety of challenging routes that will involve some pathless trekking whichever way you go.

Plockton is a very pretty village which actually faces east! Another lightly used start point as routes out are not initially obvious but a bit of invention and a sense of adventure will lead you to some remote and lonely places where very few day walkers venture.

Dornie is a small village between Lochs Alsh and Duich. A beautiful setting with Eilean Donan Castle as a dramatic backdrop for your start photos and you are soon walking in remote country.

Shiel Bridge is a small settlement at head of Loch Duich.  It is frequently the most popular start point as it gives quick access to remote country on relatively good paths such as the Affric-Kintail Way and a plethora of Munros for those seeking a high route.

Glenelg is lovely village facing Skye offering the chance to explore some beautiful remote country. Not as easy to access as some but well worth the effort. It has an excellent community café and the Glenelg Inn is perfect for a pre-Challenge meal.

Mallaig is a bustling fishing port and is one of the most popular start points, especially with first timers. Many take the ferry to Knoydart which is a spectacular way to start a crossing, but with a little imagination there are routes you can fashion without crossing the water . . .

Morar is a small village with a superb beach and views to Rum. Another start point best used by those with experience of trackless walking in Scotland as it offers challenging but rewarding routes over very rough ground in the Loch Morar area. It has been lightly used so if you’ve a few crossings under your belt why not give it a go.

The Lochailort Hotel sits at head of the sea loch and gives access to some truly wild country.  To the south the rough Ardgour Corbetts and to the north many will walk along Loch Beoraid or over to Oban bothy.  All routes are hard going, often pathless but rewarding.  It’s a great start point for those with previous Challenge experience but not ideal if this will be your first walk in Scotland.

A small village at the south end of Loch Shiel.  A mile or so from the coast where you can dip your toes in the Atlantic at Castle Tioram or the “Singing Sands”. It gives access to plenty of Corbetts in Ardgour. Loch Linnhe can be crossed by ferry at Corran or Camusnagaul.

Kilchoan is a small remote community on the western tip of the Ardnamurchan peninsula.  It’s one for those who are not in a hurry as it adds a day or so to most routes but it offers a chance to take in the Scottish mainland’s most westerly ground – Ardamurchan Point. Follow the peninsula’s fabulous north coast including Sanna Bay or access Morvern via the east the ferries to Tobermory and from Fishnish to Lochaline.

Oban is a major tourist town and ferry port.  It is another popular start point giving access to more southerly routes with generally good tracks. Most routes involve a bit of road walking to start with but there are a myriad of possible routes including the option to take a ferry to Mull or Lismore.

A small town at the east end of the Crinan Canal, on Loch Fyne which actually faces east. Relatively lightly used but offers a great start with a chance to explore a mass of ancient artefacts and some lonely moorlands. Don’t be put off by the forestry – there are ways of avoiding it if you are willing to explore a little!

Portavadie is on the southern tip of the beautiful Cowal Peninsula giving access to the Cowal Way and a host of infrequently visited smaller hills. A great start for first timers and experienced Challengers looking for some new territory to explore.