Hiking 15-Miles To Mainland Britain's Most Remote Village

Knoydart, sometimes known as Scotland's last wilderness, is a 55,000-acre peninsula located between Loch Nevis (which means heaven, in some Gaelic translations) and Loch Hourn (which means hell). It’s one of mainland Britain's most remote areas and is the only sizeable area in Britain that remains inaccessible to vehicles. It’s accessible only by foot or boat.
Over the next two days, I’ll be hiking a 15-mile route alone across the Knoydart Peninsula in the Scottish Highlands from Kinloch Hourn to Inverie, the most remote community on mainland Britain. Inverie is an isolated community and is home to the Old Forge, the UK's most remote pub.
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WHO AM I?
If we haven't met before... Hi, I'm Ruth 👋 and I recently bought a campervan to travel my home country of Scotland after living overseas for 12 years. I’ve hardly seen anything or been anywhere in Scotland and now is the time to change that!
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[@ruthaisling]

If you're considering doing this same hike, please ensure you have the correct equipment and are ready for all weather conditions. While I was lucky with sunny weather, remember that in Scotland, the weather can change quickly and conditions can turn dangerous. Knoydart is a very remote and isolated place and there is no phone network for the majority of the hike.

[@heather333]

Very wise words with the recent sad news of Dr Michael Mosley's death while taking a short walk on the Greek Island of Symi.

[@ruthaisling]

@@heather333so awful 😢

[@gordy3714]

What footwear have you got on Ruth.

[@ruthaisling]

@@gordy3714 Dachstein boots. In the Arran video I showed them close up!

[@achmadosman9807]

Ruth, on the subject of hiking equipment, in my part of the world, we insist on taking a hiking staff when going away from a well trodden path. You could twist an ankle or worst still, break a leg. In those cases, a staff with a good piece of thin rope can save your life in a remote location and provide assistance. Also, again in my location, a staff can ward off a snake or some suchlike.

[@DMBall]

One of the pleasures of Ruth's videos is that she doesn't pretend to be some infallible travel expert. If she steps in a bog, or worries about deer, or has trouble with her cooker, it's all included.

[@user-eo7dc9jj7u]

May be more personal pleasure dude …

[@NeilSoudan]

What you were looking at, 23.51 on the video, they are dollop mounds created by a 360 ° digger (usually), it is ground preparation for planting tree seedlings, the seedling is planted on the dollop, it gives the seedling a chance to establish before the grass, bracken or rushes choke the young tree out. Great videos Ruth, thank you.

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks for that information!

[@gordonshaw1975]

As a boy I was always told to filter water before drinking it. My science teacher’s brother died after drinking water from a stream. Upon investigating the cause, a dead sheep was found up stream from where he drank. When I saw Ruth drink the water I thought about that, then when she showed us the dead deer later, it just reinforced the point. You can get bottles with filters, definitely better to be safe. Besides the gloom, I never knew about this place-I wonder if a mountain bike can get along that path? If you can catch the weather this would be perfect.

[@MsMesem]

H2O2

[@LoremIpsum1970]

What's almost as bad is when people openly defecate near a water source...

[@composimmonite3918]

​@MsMesem , that's hydrogen peroxide, you muppet.

[@ascott1953]

I did this walk with my Fell Terrier about 20 years ago. The bothy was much more basic in those days. Met some guys there who were climbing the local hills, other than that did not see any one on the trail. The first day was good weather, the second day it was very wet. Walked to the pub and had a beer before getting on boat back to Mallaig. I certainly recognise parts of the trail - it was a good trip down memory land.

[@ruthaisling]

I’m so glad you enjoyed it and thanks for sharing your memories!

[@chellele5816]

What beautiful scenery! Thank you for taking us along ❤️

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks for watching!

[@ron7447]

Hello from the states. Another beautiful journey through the Scottish countryside. Can't wait to see it in person. You are a perfect tour guide 😊Best wishes.

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks for watching Ron!

[@constance1122]

I made it to Scotland last month for the 1st time and it truly is awe inspiring for sure!

[@brianwood699]

My wife and I got married at Duns Castle 14 years ago and we love Scotland so much. In 2025 we will return for our anniversary. We look at your videos and we are considering a hiking tour (light hiking) haha mainly because of your lovely videos. Stay safe and be well from Florida.

[@ruthaisling]

That sounds amazing, hopefully the weather will be good for you!

[@user-fu2oy6dp4j]

WOW, Ruth, what a beautiful sight!! Enjoy! Blessings

[@cammy9r]

Fantastic, incredible views and peace and quiet. Well done on that hike, don't think I would manage it anymore. Thank you for bringing us along.

[@ruthaisling]

The views were incredible! Thanks for watching!

[@inthehouse1960]

I live in Colorado, US and there were 3 bull elk attacks on pedestrians in the town of Estes Park this month. It is rutting season so they can be aggressive. The State Wildlife Agency is issuing warnings for people to stay as far as possible from wildlife, which I'm sure is common sense to most. Take good care and thank you for sharing your journey.

[@rogercreighton3950]

A great video Ruth ,Thank you very much!

[@ruthaisling]

Glad you liked it!

[@ericrabinowitz6390]

What a stunningly beautiful trek! You earned your rest in Inverie. I hope the rest of your hike is just as lovely; I can hardly wait to see. This is quite an experience ... Go Ruth!

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks Eric! I was so happy to reach Inverie! 😂

[@markfinlay422]

Thanks so much for sharing this Ruth. It looks an amazing place

[@ruthaisling]

It is, thanks for watching Mark!

[@willbostonehouse4713]

Amazing video, thanks Ruth. ❤

[@ruthaisling]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@steveparkinson8887]

Wonderful Ruth, awesome, thank you so much

[@belkin59]

Great Video these are the type of show that the main TV channels should be showing us.

[@ruthaisling]

Glad you think so! Thank you.

[@nedkelly2677]

Amazing trip. Thanks a lot for sharing.

[@garethgeorge580]

Very nice vid Ruth ❤️ Lovely part of 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Looking forward to the next chapter 👌👌

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks Gareth!

[@BaronVonBattenberg]

What a great video. Stunning landscapes and coming along with you feels just amazing ❤

[@ruthaisling]

I’m glad you enjoyed the video, thanks for watching!

[@alanbrown9178]

The "Cape Wrath Trail" isn't a fixed route. If you asked half a dozen walkers what the route is, you might get half a dozen different answers. There are at least two guide books on the walk. The point to remember is that the further North you go, the more remote from habitation, shops, public transport etc. Enjoyed this video. Thanks.

[@bbwoolfy]

Yup, it doesn't go via knoydart though, just the rough bounds, which explains why Ruth didn't encounter any walkers along the last stretch.

[@ruthaisling]

Good to know, thanks for sharing. I'd love to do it sometime!

[@M.M.52]

Love your videos. Living vicariously though them.

[@ruthaisling]

Thank you so much! ❤️

[@justhavinfun7467]

I so love, and look forward to, your episodes! You are a stellar ambassador to Scotland my friend! Seeing your homeland from your perspective is enlightening and beautiful...Thank you!

[@ruthaisling]

Thank you so much!

[@rascal1956]

Fabulous scenery, l so look forward to your Sunday evening videos. Thanks.

[@ruthaisling]

Thank you!

[@Autumnbreeze3000]

Thank you for sharing, Ruth! Love your vlogs!

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks for watching!

[@delmiller4184]

Such a great video! Thanks so much for showing us this spectacular area. Your presentation is wonderful. ❤

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks Del!

[@philmbridges]

What an amazing adventure! So exciting

[@user-qz3oo4nw5j]

Loved this one! So beautiful and peaceful.

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks!

[@mikebell1961]

Ruth, that was amazing. Thank you for sharing all of the beautiful Scottish scenery, and the hiccups along the way :)

[@ruthaisling]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Ultraw]

great video, amazing wilderness

[@ruthaisling]

Many thanks 😊

[@miradaros]

Beautyfull places and glad to found ya again dear RuthSan😊

[@Alastair6]

Wow! What a beautiful area of Scotland! Great video, and outstanding drone shots as well. Thanks for taking us along,

[@ruthaisling]

Thank you, glad you liked the drone shots!

[@MarkLowe-im3fs]

Great video Definitely added to bucket list I love your presenting style 😊

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@robertbelliottjr5773]

Another great video Ruth. You are so appreciative of your surroundings and describe them so eloquently. Thank you again for sharing.

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks Robert!

[@sloanbooks]

Fantastic, and you always manage to look great. Well done!

[@marypost2353]

Love this video Ruth! I watched it on the big screen so I could really enjoy those beautiful views! That hike was amazing! It’s a lot of funny to meet people from other countries. I’m sure you enjoy your conversations with them. Looking forward to the next one! Keep up the great work! ❤

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks Mary! It is always nice to meet people from other countries and hear about why they came to Scotland!

[@roadwarrior8560]

I love your honest reviews and opinions Ruth.

[@barbohanley3882]

Truly enjoyed this video,thanks for sharing 🇨🇦

[@ruthaisling]

Thank you for watching!

[@TXMEDRGR]

What a great adventure in a beautiful spot. I'm glad you met nice people along the way. Thanks for sharing, I'm looking forward to the next episode.

[@ruthaisling]

Thank you!

[@marjorieorveau6707]

What a beautiful hike and what a beautiful video. You really show and portray Scotland at its best!

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks for watching Marjorie!

[@bradkirbey1560]

Wonderful video. Such wonderful scenery and wildlife!!

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks!

[@Thecrystalhavenuk]

Loved this, your drone work is brilliant ❤

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@THE-RIVER-RAT]

Fantastic Ruth, so beautiful and you hit the weather just right, can't wait for part 2

[@ruthaisling]

Was so lucky with the weather!

[@debleeray]

Wonderful post! Can't wait to see this remote village!

[@ruthaisling]

Very soon!

[@declanconway2903]

Great video again thanks for sharing enjoy.

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks for watching!

[@robmcvaigh796]

Thank you Ruth! I really enjoyed this

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks for watching Rob!

[@KarySchump]

What a beautiful hike! Thanks for sharing it with us!!

[@ruthaisling]

Glad you enjoyed it! 😍

[@kevingreen8581]

Great views Ruth. What a beautiful place.

[@ruthaisling]

Thank you 😊

[@bryonystimpson7562]

Lovely to you getting more adventurous 👍

[@TheCdnLibertarian]

Deer will attack people. It is very rare. It almost always happens during the rut and almost always when people get too close to the bucks during the rut. Give them space during the rut and you won’t be bothered. I have the original Jet Boil and love it for heating water and have used it a couple of times for a stew. It will hold the propane can, burner assembly, and the stand The smaller one does seem to have a packing issue. I use freeze dried food packs for the back country. Having said all that. This was a fantastic video. I really enjoyed the scenery and your commentary. Beautiful places.

[@rickmiller6520]

Very beautiful country in all areas! Thank you for bringing us along to enjoy!

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks Rick!

[@delboyg2690]

Think I’ve found my new favourite channel Ruth. You look like you have a blast on these adventures. Thanks for sharing your experiences 🙏🏻

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@0HARE]

Really such a wonderful episode, and a spectacular hike. Thanks so much for the work you put into “taking us along”.

[@ruthaisling]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@nicholson392005]

Another beautiful video of the Scottish countryside and a much better Bothy experience for you.....wishing I was my younger and fitter self to be able to enjoy a hike ....hope you have a great week ahead Ruth x

[@rey_card]

Nice hike, beautiful landscape.

[@ruthaisling]

It really is so beautiful!

[@markgubbins1958]

What a wonderful hike. That is some beautiful scenery to walk through.

[@ruthaisling]

It's a lovely area!

[@janevalentine6391]

I was so glad when i saw you had put up your new video! It was such a treat with all of the beautiful scenery and water along the way. I just love your videos and your enthusiasm. Will be looking forward to the next one!!😊

[@ruthaisling]

Thank you so much Jane!

[@robertalan3214]

Well done Ruth, good job, great hike, beautiful scenery, I'll look forward to next week and Inverie, I was there a few years ago by boat from Mallaig to visit The Old Forge pub ❤

[@bondbug73]

Amazing area to explore. Love your videos Ruth. ❤

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@donnamcardle8928]

Thank you , Ruth, for sharing your adventure and your beautiful country! ❤

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks for watching!

[@Finlanderfive]

I really like outdoor videos like this. Especially your videos. Thank you for sharing your trips.

[@ruthaisling]

Glad you like them!

[@DavidBarker-ke2on]

Magnificent. Thanks Ruth.❤

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks for watching!

[@bettymaugeri7316]

Loved going along with you on this hike - amazing countryside.

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks for watching!

[@colinblack7049]

Hi Ruth, that was a great walk, fantastic scenery.

[@ruthaisling]

It was fantastic!

[@andrewrawlance6651]

Hello Ruth, so nice to see parts of Scotland that I am unable reach. many thanks for the good video. Regards. Andrew.

[@Paul2377]

Such stunning scenery and you were lucky with the weather! Really enjoyed this video. It was a real tonic for the soul as I took a quick work break. :)

[@ruthaisling]

The scenery really is amazing 😍

[@philipsidaway5188]

You went off grid...wow...that's wonderful. Great video. 😀

[@Allan-tf2ge]

New subscriber to your channel which I think is marvellous informative and so enjoyable to watch😊. You do a fantastic 👏 Job. Take care Ruth.

[@ruthaisling]

Welcome aboard! I hope you enjoy all the videos.

[@maturefox1]

Thank you soooooo much for uploading this wonderful video - I love Scotland and somedays I'll be back there! 😉💜🦊

[@captmulch1]

Nice one Ruth!

[@ruthaisling]

Thank you! 😃

[@louisewhite9152]

Hi Ruth I’ve just popped in to say hello quickly. I’m just due the medication round in about 10 minutes then I can settle down and watch your vlog/video ~ I hope you’ve had a lovely weekend and I hope you have a great week. Sending loads of love and hugs.~ Xxx Xxx

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks Louise! I hope you had a nice weekend too and enjoy the video!

[@andoncroft]

Ruth don't realise how beautiful and hot she is 😊

[@faygal2]

@@andoncroftrather a creepy comment

[@composimmonite3918]

​@andoncroft learn some respect you revolting creep.

[@Patricia.rogers]

Enjoying and loving your video's . Thankyou for sharing. Watching from the South Island New Zealand. :)

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks for watching! Love New Zealand 🇳🇿😍

[@tubeWyrme]

Beautiful walk with absolutely stunning scenery

[@ruthaisling]

It really is! I loved it 😍

[@peterkelly1665]

Another great adventure thank you for sharing

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks for watching Peter!

[@itsmephil2255]

There's something so relaxing about your videos Ruth Just chilling with a glass of white and caught up with this hike Thankyou for posting

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks Phil! Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@itsmephil2255]

@@ruthaisling looking forward to seeing the next one 👌🏼

[@Djiviews]

Absolutely brilliant video, love watching all of your videos on KZbin. So easy and enjoyable to watch. Keep up the amazing work Ruth. And please keep bringing the videos !!!!! Watching over in Ireland 🇮🇪, Mark.

[@ruthaisling]

Thank you for watching in Ireland!

[@heather333]

Regarding the lack of trees, Mar Lodge in the Cairngorms is dedicated to regeneration of tree cover. Mar Lodge is an estate owned by the National Trust for Scotland. Andrew Painting who works there wrote a great book called Regeneration: the rescue of a wild land. It's worth a read, and a visit. Fantastic journey. It's on my list!

[@ruthaisling]

Thank you for the suggestion! I’ll try and read that book!

[@rjandy2]

Very much enjoy hiking/camping videos from the UK, discovered your channel and had to subscribe. The scenery is incredible and your commentary on the history of the areas you explore adds to the enjoyment. New subscriber from the USA.

[@ruthaisling]

Welcome aboard! Thanks for your support and I’m glad you’re enjoying the videos.

[@thehighlandlife2023]

This looks epic!

[@rory_russell]

Loved this! Now added to my TO-DO 😁👌

[@ruthaisling]

Fantastic!

[@stephens3749]

Always so good, Ruth. I love your content and the locations that you take us to.

[@ruthaisling]

Thank you!

[@ruthaisling]

Thank you!

[@TakeOffPongenex]

So calm ❤

[@michaelhaig1317]

How inspiring!

[@Erin.C.G]

Another beautiful video! I subscribed to your channel when I saw your first Bothy video & was keen to see you try another. Such gorgeous scenery & certainly off the beaten track. Glad you got GPS maps... That has helped me out a couple of times in the past. Will look forward to your next video. ☺️

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks Erin! This bothy was definitely nicer than that last one 😂

[@chrisfowler5079]

Beautiful scenery, and another great episode. Make sure you use a filter if you’re going to drink from the streams. That dead deer is a prime example of why you should never drink straight from a stream. You don’t know what’s just up stream from you, and it could put you in hospital, or worse!

[@ruthaisling]

Yes very true! I’ll make sure to get one for my next hike!

[@laurencejohnson4106]

That was some hike!👍👍

[@DrBLReid]

Well, Miss Ruth, all the views look more breathtaking when you are in them! Beauty just adds to beauty! God Bless Miss Ruth!

[@sunking9050]

A remarkable walk on your own. Glorious views

[@thewilksourlife631]

What a lovely area. First the drive in then followed by an amazing walk. Oh yesss. Mega.

[@ruthaisling]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching 😊

[@erinikeuchi6447]

A wonderful adventure. I love your videos.

[@ruthaisling]

Thank you very much! 😊

[@JohnBuchanan-oq5gv]

Great adventure and content and narration superb as always Ruth 🫶🏻 You are correct it is deer fencing to stop them eating new trees. Sometimes using a repellent in areas now aswell as it saves continuously having to replace the trees with those methods. And the ‘Burroughs’ (heehee 😅) are mounds for the new trees to be planted on. Sometimes known as restock sites and replacing dead or eaten trees is often called a beat up. Thanks for sharing another great video on your amazing journey 🙏🏻

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks so much John! That’s interesting information, I don’t know much about trees or forests!

[@HighlandMike325]

Hi Ruth, to answer the question about whether deer attack people, I live not a million miles away from Knoydart. There was a horrible incident in my village about 10 years ago when a holidaymaker accidentally cornered a stag in the garden of her holiday cottage late at night. The stag charged at her and she was partially disembowelled. She survived, but spent many months in hospital.

[@ruthaisling]

That sounds horrendous. Thank you for answering.

[@auldfouter8661]

I remember reading about this incident with the stag at the time. Awful. I spent my life working with dairy cattle and the bulls can be very dangerous too , though thankfully dehorned nowadays.

[@i_m_sandy]

You are so lucky to get such a lovely sunny weather ☺️ Scotland - always a special for me.

[@ruthaisling]

The best weather! And no midges 👍

[@martinwaddell8429]

Wow, Ruth, another fabulous video. I’ve done the walk from Kinloch Hourn to Barrisdale and back twice, staying at the bothy 2 nights each time, with the aim of climbing Ladhar Bheinn, the most westerly Munro on the Scottish mainland - didn’t manage it the first visit, which is why I had to go back a second time. I found the hike from Kinloch Hourn really strenuous - that little burn you found so easy was in spate at the time and quite tough to cross. And Barrisdale Bothy is a great place. I’d love to go back, but probably beyond me now 😢

[@ruthaisling]

It is a beautiful place. Well done on conquering that Munro!

[@lab1966]

Love your videos, great content and a wonderful personality to go with it.

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks so much!

[@crawfordg]

Hi Ruth What a spectacular vlog! The scenery was fabulous and you were very lucky with the Scottish weather as it is so unpredictable.It did not appear that you did not have too much trouble with midge! Kind Regards Crawford

[@ruthaisling]

The weather was great for my three-day trip! This was filmed in April before the midges arrive haha!

[@wozoutdoors1439]

good video ,the scenery there is great.

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks 👍 Yes, stunning scenery 😍

[@myadventuro]

Hiking alone is challenging and inspiring, not many people dare to do it. Keep the spirit !

[@ruthaisling]

Thank you 😊

[@ytu77]

Scotland is the best for its landscape ❤❤❤❤

[@LoremIpsum1970]

and midges! 🤣

[@ytu77]

@@LoremIpsum1970 😂

[@frankmckie2992]

Love your videos ..... what a beautiful country Scotland is. Thanks for sharing ❤

[@ruthaisling]

Glad you enjoyed it!