JUNE 1 - 5 - WILDS OF ASSYNT (optional Summer Isles wildlife viewing boat tour)

Backabush is going back to Scotland to hike the spectacular North Highlands of Assynt!

Max group size - 12. Nights - 4. Cost - £349. Accommodation - Sea-front hostel.

Assynt is in the far north of Scotland on the west coast. It's mountains are unique, individual islands of torridonian sandstone rising steeply from a vast, glacially scoured moorland. They call it a 'knock & lochan' landscape and it's found in very few places worldwide.

Our plan is to meet at Inverness Airport. From there we will drive north to the town of Ullapool to find our hostel overlooking the sea on the shores of Loch Broom. Located in the town centre of Ullapool, we will not only have great access to the surrounding wilderness but also the convenience of the local shops, restaurants and the famous Seafood Shack.

For our 3 full hiking days in Assyst we plan to visit the some of the highlights of Northern Scotland. If the weather allows then this means mountain summits such as the magnificent Suilven (pictured above) an iconic fin shaped lonely mountain and a destination on many hikers UK tick list.

We will also plan to visit the wild coastline and playful lower summits around the bizarre geology of Stac Pollaidh, a unique collection of rocky towers atop an accessible 400m peak. We are really spoiled for hiking choices in Assynt, a wilderness littered with alluring peaks. Other classic hikes in the area are the triple Corbetts of Quinag and the grand Munros of Ben More and Conival.

Due to the nature of the hills in the area our hikes will involve lengthy walks (up to 12 miles/21km) through mountain terrain with no opportunity for short cuts. Therefore this trip is suitable only for fit and experienced hikers.

Wildlife lovers will also have the option to enjoy an amazing boat tour from Ullapool out to the Summer Isles, a stunning unique archipelago of islands at the mouth of Loch Broom. This highly recommended morning cruise provides jaw-dropping scenery including the mountains of Coigach and Scoraig peninsulas with views all the way to the Hebrides on a clear day. This remote coastline is dotted with remnants of ancient Scottish settlements and the quite unique coastal communities are still there today. Further out are the islands which are home to abundant marine life and birds, and made of fascinating geological features. Sea Eagles can often be sighted nesting high up on the cliffs!

WHAT IS INCLUDED:

• 4 nights hostel accommodation in shared dorm rooms booked exclusively for our group.
• All transport from Inverness.
• 3 full days of guided hikes by trained Mountain Leaders and qualified first aiders.
• Financial protection in accordance with the Package Travel Law 1992.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:

• Meals - There are many local restaurants in Ullapool and we can help make some reservations so our group can dine together. There is also a self catering kitchen at the hostel.
• Transport to Inverness.
• Travel Insurance.
• Optional Summer Isles wildlife boat cruise.

TRAVEL & MEETING DETAILS

The meeting point will be at Inverness Airport on Saturday 1st June at 14:30. We will drop you off at Inverness Airport on Wednesday 5th June at 13:00.

Our airport transfers will be timed to meet the following flights:

• OUTBOUND - Saturday 1st June
easyJet flight EZY847
Departs - 12:25 London Gatwick
Arrives - 14:10 Inverness

• INBOUND - Wednesday 5th June
easyJet flight EZY848
Departs - 14:55 Inverness
Arrives - 16:35 London Gatwick

IF YOU CHOOSE TO BOOK ALTERNATIVE TRAVEL PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT YOU ARRIVE NO LATER THAN 14:10 ON 1st JUNE AND DEPART NO EARLIER THAN 14:55 ON 5th JUNE.

We can also do a pick up/ drop off in Inverness town centre for those catching trains or staying in Inverness.

HOW TO BOOK A PLACE ON THIS TRIP

To book onto this trip please email backabushxplorers@yahoo.com and send full payment to the Backabush account. Please use Assynt as your payment reference:

Account Name: BACKABUSH XPLORERS

Sort Code: 090127

Account Number: 22440622

Your RSVP alone is NOT enough to secure your place, payment is needed to make a reservation.