Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. (average walk: 1-2 days), A majestic and tough day as you climb out of Inchnadamph before dropping to the startlingly beautiful loch Glencoul and over the headland to Glendhu bothy. The route is unmarked and there is no official line. Much of the route is shared with the new Scottish National Trail which starts at Kirk Yetholm near the English Border. It typically takes between two and three weeks to walk. It’s a good step up from waymarked trails such as the West Highland Way and Pennine Way – although both routes make good initial training for the CWT. One of my favourite memories - dawn breaking as we reached the little Shielling just before the descent to Achfary. (average walk: 1-2 days), The stunning Glen Oykel is your companion for most of this leg before you climb up through Gleann Dubh and descend to Inchnadamph. The Great North Trail links the Pennine Bridleway with the northern tips of mainland Scotland, through some of Britain’s most stunning upland areas and four National Parks. The start of the trail is in Fort William, which is easily reached either by train or city link bus. 2 Helpful votes. The path is not waymarked and has many variations. https://t.co/89banAKpil, A comprehensive guide to the Cape Wrath Trail, Contact the author or inquire about advertising on the site enquiries@capewrathtrailguide.org, Watercolour of Sourlies Bothy, Knoydart by Anthony Harper Early in April I set out to walk the whole length of the Cape Wrath Trail, from Fort William to the Cape Wrath, in 8 days. (average walk: 1-2 days), Although not a particularly long leg, this covers the first rough ground and is harder than it looks on paper, particularly for legs and shoulders that are new to the trail. Cinematic film of our rough Cape Wrath Trail (385km)! What should I do if I have COVID-19 symptoms when I arrive in Cape Wrath Trail? The Cape Wrath Trail is the expedition of a lifetime, traversing 200 miles of Scotland's wildest and most beautiful country. You'll earn your spurs on this one. There are also several unbridged river crossings which can become dangerous or even impossible in spate conditions. Visit Blighty wrote a review Nov 2019. Having walked half of this long-distance trail in north west Scotland in 2012, and the second half in 2013 (the link to the second half is at the top of this page) it seemed to me that some prospective walkers would benefit from help with route-finding along a trail that seems bound to grow in popularity in coming years. Our users have contributed 59 public walk reports for the route. My trip was set on lightweight principles, I was organized and prepared for a fully unsupported trip and my planning was perfect. Cape to Cape : a 1,250-mile backpacking walk from Cornwall to Cape Wrath in Scotland (Vertebrate - 2018 ) General Interest Book A walk through the Highlands of Scotland : discovering the Cape Wrath Trail (AuthorHouse - 2006 ) Another Cape Wrath Trail blog? Stretching approximately 230 miles (370 km) from the Highland hub of Fort William to the remote lighthouse of Cape Wrath, it is an unmarked and sometimes trailless route that passes through the wild and spectacular landscapes of northwestern Scotland. Date of experience: July 2020. The Cape Wrath Trail runs for nearly 200 miles through the most rigged and wild country in Britain. The Cape Wrath Trail is often referred to as Britain’s toughest long distance walk. When it comes to awe-inspiring long-distance walks across the British Isles, there are only a handful with the sort of Odyssean pull as the Cape Wrath Trail in Scotland. Hikers usually take at least 20 days to complete the trail. So, like many long-distance hikers – and my heart breaks for those who’ve had to cancel their TGO Challenge, Appalachian Trail or Pacific Crest Trail plans – I have had to wrestle with my trek’s viability. The scenery is outstanding but the walking tough. It is approximately 200 miles in length and is considered to be one of the most challenging long distance walks in the UK. Click to find organised Cape Wrath Trail packages and baggage transfer providers. The Cape Wrath Trail is regarded as the toughest long-distance route in Britain and offers unparalleled freedom and adventure to the experienced and self-sufficient backpacker prepared to walk for many days in remote wilderness. To record if you have completed the route, you must register and be logged in. The Cape Wrath Trail is a 230 mile, 3-week challenge through wild and magnificent landscapes, such as Morar, Knoydart, Torridon and Assynt. The Durness bus can provide onward transport. Share. The end of the trail is remote Cape Wrath, linked by a seasonal tourist bus and ferry to near Durness. Make yourself known to an official member of staff and/or call the national coronavirus helpline number on 111 . One of the most varied sections of the walk with many route choices, the stunning falls of Glomach and superbly remote country, you're in for a treat. Welcome to the Walkhighlands' guide to the Cape Wrath Trail; we have a detailed description and Ordnance Survey mapping covering every stage of the route, accessed via clicking on the stages below. (average walk: 1-2 days). Highlights: beautiful countryside, challenging weather, seabirds, cultural sites Why The Scottish National Trail. There's no let up from the terrain; bogs and wild country will test you to the very end. Fast and free shipping free returns cash on delivery available on eligible purchase. The Cape Wrath Trail is regarded as the toughest long-distance route in Britain and offers unparalleled freedom and adventure to the experienced and self-sufficient backpacker prepared to walk for many days in remote wilderness. The Cape Wrath Trail is one of the world's finest long distance walks. You can also check out the excellent trip reports below for further photos and personal experiences from the trail. return false; The social distance requirement in Cape Wrath Trail is 2 metres. Walking can be dangerous and is done entirely at your own risk. There are 3 ways to get from Nairn to Cape Wrath Trail by bus or car. It typically takes between two and three weeks to walk. (average walk: 1 day). using a map and compass. The Cape Wrath Trail is one of the world's finest long distance walks. (average walk: 2 days), This leg gets progressively harder as you ascend from Coulags and then drop down into Torridon proper. (average walk: 1 day), Now you're really getting in amongst it with the first properly tough leg, but the reward is a real taste of wilderness and a stunning view of Loch Hourn as you descend to Barisdale. Posted on March 30, 2017 November 13, 2019; by Roel; In this series, I look back on my three-week solo hike along the Cape Wrath Trail: Scotland’s most challenging long-distance trail. And yet even those in adventure-seeking circles have rarely heard of the Cape Wrath Trail. Cape Wrath is also the turning point for the Cape Wrath Marathon. Details of accommodation and services along the way is included in the description of each stage. The route leads you across most of the north west coast of Scotland via Morar, Knoydart, Torridon and Assynt, winding through its most beautiful glens and mountains. (average walk: 1-2 days), An easy start to this leg as you climb on good tracks to Lochan Fada. Although many sections follow paths and tracks, there are also some sections which are pathless and a high degree of navigational skill is required. The trail is completely unmarked and passes through extremely wild and rugged terrain, far from services and facilities for much of the distance. As you climb from Shenavall you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of the saw toothed ridge of An Teallach. But from there on it gets rough as you wind towards the gloriously remote bothy at Shenavall. The Cape Wrath Trail is challenging and frustrating, mostly because the "Cape Wrath Trail" is something that someone (probably on the internet) made up. But the best (and hardest) is saved until last as you head deep into the heart of Beinn Eighe. The Route. There are 284 Walkhighlanders who have completed the Cape Wrath Trail Return to website, Watercolour of Sourlies Bothy, Knoydart by Anthony Harper. The route has the reputation of being Britain's toughest long distance walk. On the 81 mile route you'll find historic Jacobite battle grounds in Kintail, beautiful Caledonian Pine forest near Kinlochewe, and traverse the Fisherfields known as the last great wilderness of the UK. Helpful. (average walk: 1 day), A deceptively tough leg, with leg sapping terrain as you cross Glen Douchary before reaching better paths that take you via Loch an Daimh towards Glen Oykel. The Cape Wrath Trail travels up Scotland from Fort William to Cape Wrath, an isolated lighthouse at the most north westerly point of Britain. Crossing such empty country, it is for the experienced backpacker only. The Cape Wrath Trail (CWT) has a deceiving name: it is actually not a trail, but a route, running the length of the Scottish Highlands between Fort William in the south and Cape Wrath in the north. The route is unmarked and there is no official line. These are ordered below with the most popular ones first. Recommended option. Pack light. Cape Wrath Trail: Strathcarron to Inchnadamph ( May 2014), The Cape Wrath Trail 2012 Walk report Chapter 7 & 8, The Cape Wrath trail part 2 Ullapool to Glendu Bothy, Cape Wrath Trail: Inchnadamph to Cape Wrath ( May 2015), The Cape Wrath Trail - Glenfinnan to Strathcarron (May 2013), Cape Wrath Trail, 2018 and 2019, report in German, TTWFF The cape wrath trail May 2012 PART 1, 12-day October CPT (incl a return to FW for lighter boots), TTWFF The cape wrath trail May 2012 PART 3, TTWFF The cape wrath trail May 2012 PART 2. }; The Cape Wrath Trail, 200 miles (320 kilometres) through isolated country from Fort William; The Scottish National Trail, 460 miles (740 kilometres) from Kirk Yetholm on the Scottish border. The Cape Wrath Trail does not offer hikers the luxury of certainty: flexibility is a critical part of the trailblazer’s mountain kit. So whether it’s for an epic long-distance challenge, a weekend away, or a fantastic day out, get out there and have an adventure. (Fingers crossed.) Share your report for the chance to win gear every month. The Cape Wrath Trail. (average walk: 1 day), One of the tougher legs of the walk over gloriously rough, remote trackless terrain with plenty of river crossings. A guidebook to the Cape Wrath Trail, a long-distance trek through the Scottish Highlands from Fort William to Cape Wrath. The Cape Wrath Trail is an unofficial long distance trail and as such it is very remote and rarely walked. It's often touted as Britain's toughest long distance walk, due to its pathless sections, remoteness, and Scotland's fierce weather. The start of any great adventure needs a sense of theatre and the ferry crossing from Fort William to Camusnagaul certainly provides it. (average walk: 1 day), The final leg. The Cape is the northern trail head of two trails. Hiking The Cape Wrath Trail – Part I. This is the southern section of our Cape Wrath Trail. Cape Wrath Trail is a hiking route that runs through the Scottish Highlands and along the west coast of Scotland. Hiking the Cape Wrath Trail – Part 4. I have always been drawn to those remote and hard trails – maybe it is my need to feel that I’m on the edge and pushing my survival limits – so the Cape Wrath Trail became my goal in the UK. The Cape Wrath Trail is a long distance walk from Fort William to the northwesternmost point of mainland Britain, Cape Wrath. The Cape Wrath Trail is a remote and challenging 200-mile hike through the Scottish Highlands. Posted on May 10, 2017 November 13, 2019; by Roel; In this series, I look back on my three-week solo hike along the Cape Wrath Trail: Scotland’s most challenging long-distance trail. 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