Cape Wrath is closer to the Arctic Circle than it is to London – no wonder, then, that it’s one of Britain’s wildest walks.
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Cape Wrath is a land of ferocious drama and quiet beauty. Those wanting to visit the most north-westerly point of mainland Britain could catch the ferry across the Kyle of Durness then journey overland by bus to the peninsula’s eponymous lighthouse. But there is a second and altogether wilder way to venture to mainland Scotland’s outer reaches.
It’s entirely unmarked. In fact, with no official route, it’s not really a trail at all but instead a guideline through the loneliest expanses of the Scottish Highlands, from the remote ridgelines of Knoydart and the great sea lochs of Wester Ross to Assynt’s immense gneiss mountains and Sutherland’s white-sand shores.
A lack of services means walkers need to carry food between resupply points and camping gear in the event that bothies are full. Sections of the way are pathless, so strong navigational skills are essential, while boot-engulfing bogs and river crossings make the notion of dry feet but a distant dream.
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Where does the Cape Wrath Trail start and end?
The Cape Wrath Trail starts in Fort William and ends in Cape Wrath.
How long is the Cape Wrath Trail?
The Cape Wrath Trail is 230 miles/370km.
How long does it take to walk the Cape Wrath Trail?
Expect to take 2-3 weeks to complete the trail in its entirety. In April 2023, the Polish endurance runner, Pawel Cymbalista, set a record for the Cape Wrath Trail (following Glenfinnan Variant) by completing it unassisted in three days, 14 hours and 49 minutes.
What's the elevation gain?
The elevation gain on the Cape Wrath Trail is 13,249m. The elevation gain per mile is 57.6m.
What are the most beautiful sections of the Cape Wrath Trail?
The most isolated sections perhaps burn the brightest in the hiker’s soul. Case in point are the six miles between Barrisdale Bay and Kinloch Hourn in Knoydart.
What's the highest point on the Cape Wrath Trail?
The highest point of the Cape Wrath Trail is 720m, at Bealach Coire Mhàlagain.
How remote is the Cape Wrath Trail?
The route is very remote in places, so walkers will need to bring food supplies and tents in case nearby bothies are full. Kinloch Hourn is recommended as a place to stay, where shelter, food and a bed can be sought at the cosy Lochhournhead B&B and Tea Rooms. The Ozone Cafe, at Cape Wrath, is famous for being the most remote cafe in the UK.
What's the terrain like?
The terrain of the Cape Wrath Trail has rugged trails, bogs and river crossings.
What's the weather usually like?
In May, the average high temperature is 10°C and the average low temperature is 6°C (both taken in Torridon). In May, average rainfall is 120mm on 19 days.
How tough is the Cape Wrath Trail?
We'd score the Cape Wrath Trail 10/10 for toughness. Difficult terrain, very little facilities and unmarked paths means it's best tackled by experienced hikers and navigators.
What wildlife can you see on the Cape Wrath Trail?
When the sun shines, seals can be seen lazing on Loch Hourn’s rocky shores; when it rains, they drop into the water leaving whirlpools in their wake. Red deer, golden eagles, an array of frog species and more can be glimpsed throughout.
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Main image: Cape Wrath Trail near Shiel Bridge/Getty
