The Cape Wrath Trail is a long distance walk from Fort William to the northwesternmost point of mainland Britain, Cape Wrath. The route is unmarked and there is no official line. It is a superb route for very experienced long-distance backpackers, passing through magnificent wild landscapes for most of the route, with the freedom to choose your own exact route; we cover both the common variations starting via Glenfinnan and via the Great Glen.
Welcome to the Walkhighlands' guide to the Cape Wrath Trail; we have a detailed description and mapping covering every stage of the route, accessed via clicking on the stages below. You can also check out the excellent trip reports below for further photos and personal experiences from the trail.
| Route via Glenfinnan | Length | Time | Done |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort William to Glenfinnan | 35km | 8-10 hours | |
| Glenfinnan to A'Chuil | 19km | 5-6½ hours | |
| A'Chuil - Barrisdale Bay | 25km | 8-11 hours | |
| Barrisdale Bay - Morvich | 33km | 9-11 hours | |
| Inverie Variant | Length | Time | Done |
| A'Chuil - Inverie | 25km | 8-11 hours | |
| Inverie to Barrisdale Bay | 14km | 4.5-5 hours | |
| Route via Great Glen | Length | Time | Done |
| Fort William to Gairlochy | 17km | 4-4½ hours | |
| Gairlochy to Mandally | 25km | 6-7 hours | |
| Mandally to Poulary | 19.5km | 4-4½ hours | |
| Poulary to Cluanie | 17.5km | 5-6 hours | |
| Cluanie to Morvich | 26km | 6½-7 hours | |
| Combined onward route | Length | Time | |
| Morvich to Maol Bhuidhe | 22.5km | 6½-7 hours | |
| Maol Bhuidhe to Craig | 24.25km | 6½-7 hours | |
| Craig to Kinlochewe | 16.5km | 4-5 hours | |
| Kinlochewe to Shenavall | 26.25km | 7-8 hours | |
| Shenavall to Inverlael | 18.75km | 4-5 hours | |
| Inverlael to Oykel Bridge | 34.5km | 8-11 hours | |
| Oykel Bridge to Inchnadamph | 30.75km | 8-11 hours | |
| Inchnadamph to Kylestrome | 27.5km | 10-11 hours | |
| Kylestrome to Rhiconich | 29km | 9-10 hours | |
| Rhiconich to Sandwood Bay | 19km | 4½-5 hours | |
| Sandwood Bay to Cape Wrath | 12.5km | 3½-4½ hours |
BAGGAGE TRANSFERS AND WALKING PACKAGES
Click to find organised Cape Wrath Trail packages and baggage transfer providers.
THE CHALLENGE
The trail is completely unmarked and passes through rugged and remote terrain, far from any services or help for much of the distance. Although many sections follow paths and tracks, there are also some sections which are pathless and a high degree of navigational skill is required. Walkers need to be self-sufficient and to carry food needed between resupply points. There are also several unbridged river crossings which can become impossible in spate conditions.
The route has the reputation of being Britain's toughest long distance walk. Much of the route is shared with the Scottish National Trail which starts at Kirk Yetholm near the English Border.
ACCOMMODATION
The vast majority of people completing the Cape Wrath Trail carry a tent. Details of other accommodation and services along the way is included in the description of each stage.
BOTHIES AND THE BOTHY CODE
There are several bothies - unlocked open shelters providing four walls and a roof - along the route. Most of these are maintained by volunteers from the Mountain Bothy Association, and the popularity of the Cape Wrath Trail has led to heavy use. You might like to consider joining, but if making use of a bothy, please do follow the bothy code:
Respect Other Users
Please leave the bothy clean and tidy with dry kindling for the next visitors. Make other visitors welcome and be considerate to other users.
Respect the Bothy
Tell the MBA about any accidental damage. Donât leave graffiti or vandalise the bothy. Please take out all rubbish which you canât burn. Avoid burying rubbish; this pollutes the environment. Please donât leave perishable food as this attracts vermin. Guard against fire risk and ensure the fire is out before you leave. Make sure the doors and windows are properly closed when you leave.
Respect the Surroundings
If there is no toilet at the bothy please bury human waste out of sight. Use the spade provided, keep well away from the water supply and never use the vicinity of the bothy as a toilet.Never cut live wood or damage estate property. Use fuel sparingly.
Respect Agreement with the Estate
Please observe any restrictions on use of the bothy, for example during stag stalking or at lambing time. Please remember bothies are available for short stays only. The ownerâs permission must be obtained if you intend an extended stay.
Respect the Restriction On Numbers
Because of over crowding and lack of facilities, large groups (6 or more) should not use a bothy.Bothies are not available for commercial groups.
BOOKS AND MAPS
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
The start of the trail is in Fort William, which is easily reached either by train or city link bus. The end of the trail is remote Cape Wrath, linked by a seasonal tourist bus and ferry to near Durness. The Durness bus can provide onward transport.
