Cape Wrath Trail (Fort William → Cape Wrath)

The place

The Cape Wrath Trail is Britain's most remote and challenging long-distance walking route: approximately 370 km from Fort William to Cape Wrath — the most north-westerly point of mainland Britain — over 20–25 days. Entirely unofficial, with no consistent waymarking, it crosses some of Scotland's most dramatic and isolated landscapes: Knoydart (the 'last great wilderness' of Scotland), Torridon's ancient sandstone mountains, the bogs of Sutherland and the wild north coast. Navigation skills are essential; river crossings can be dangerous in spate. The Cape Wrath Trail is for experienced, self-sufficient hillwalkers only.

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.

Day by day

1. 1
   S01 · Fort William → Glenfinnan26.00 km · +700 m
2. 2
   S02 · Glenfinnan → Morvich (Kintail)38.00 km · +1200 m
3. 3
   S03 · Morvich → Strathcarron32.00 km · +900 m
4. 4
   S04 · Strathcarron → Torridon (Beinn Eighe)36.00 km · +1000 m
5. 5
   S05 · Torridon → Kinlochewe28.00 km · +700 m
6. 6
   S06 · Kinlochewe → Shenavall Bothy (Fisherfield)38.00 km · +1100 m
7. 7
   S07 · Shenavall → Ullapool (An Teallach)35.00 km · +900 m
8. 8
   S08 · Ullapool → Rhiconich (Assynt & Sutherland)50.00 km · +1000 m
9. 9
   S09 · Rhiconich → Sandwood Bay (via Kinlochbervie)30.00 km · +500 m
10. 10
    S10 · Sandwood Bay → Cape Wrath24.00 km · +400 m