Cape Wrath Trail (Bendronaig → Craig → Kinlochewe)
The place
hiking trail in Highland, Scotland, UK
Why go
Knoydart Peninsula (only accessible on foot or by ferry — no road). Sandwood Bay (one of Scotland's most beautiful and remote beaches). Quinag and Suilven (spectacular Torridonian sandstone peaks). Cape Wrath lighthouse at Britain's NW tip. Red deer, golden eagles, otters.
A bit of history
Popularised by David Paterson's 1996 guidebook, the Cape Wrath Trail has no official status and no single definitive route — it is a concept, a general line from south to north, with numerous variants. Its allure lies precisely in this freedom and the sheer remoteness of the country it crosses.
Getting there
Fort William: train from Glasgow (2h15) or Inverness (1h30). Cape Wrath: minibus ferry across the Kyle of Durness then minibus to the lighthouse. No public transport to Cape Wrath — must arrange return.
Recommended gear
Tent (mandatory). Waterproof sleeping bag. Navigation by OS 1:25 000 maps and compass (no phone signal in many areas). Emergency PLB or satellite communicator. Trekking poles. River sandals for crossings. Full waterproofs.
Best season
May to September. June–August: best weather, long days, severe midges. May and September: fewer midges, potentially colder. Avoid October–April.