“A real wilderness experience, the Cape Wrath Trail runs through the wildest part of Britain, trackless but continually enthralling” (194 miles, 12/14 days) More deer than people This is a classic long distance walk across the most remote and barren country in Britain. Remote means beautiful in this case; a real wilderness experience that should be experienced by anyone who aspires to be a fan of the Great Outdoors (mind you I have not done it….yet!). The route starts at Fort William, follows the Great Glen before heading off to Glen Garry, Glen Shiel before diving in to the wilderness of the big glens of Affric and Mullardoch before bursting out at Strathcarron. Torridon and Ullapool (via the ferry) are passed before the route passes through the higher lands of Sutherland before scuttling along the coast, past Sandwood Bay to Cape Wrath. Just writing this makes me exhausted! Loch Torridon It is possible to complete this without a tent but it is difficult, some of the days may be too long to hit any kind of shelter or, if there is say a bothy, it may well be well off the beaten track. The trail is not yet recognized by the Scottish Natural Heritage and is therefore not waymarked in any way (somehow this is right) which adds to the challenge. David Paterson pioneered the route, a photographer and a lover of the wilderness that dominates much of Scotland and he saw it as an extension to the West Highland Way. This is odd as really they are chalk and cheese, the wild and the comparatively tame. There is also no official route so this can be varied as much as desirable (depending purely on the individual’s state of mind with some weather influence) Suitable For This is the most challenging route in Britain and only for those who are fully confident in walking in wilderness conditions. For those who are there is none better. Enjoy. North Face of Ben Nevis Sections Fort William to Glengarry 21 miles Glengarry to Tomdoun 12 miles Tomdoun to Cluanie 12 miles Cluanie to Morvich 14 miles Morvich to Kililian in Glen Elchraig 12 miles Kililian to Achnashellach 15 miles Achnashellach to Kinlochewe 10 miles Kinlochewe to Corrie Hallie 12 miles Corrie Hallie to Oykel Bridge 25 miles Oykel Bridge to Kylesku 25 miles On Beinn Dearg Kylesku to Rhiconich 18 miles Rhiconich to Sandwood Bay 12 miles Sandwood Bay to Cape Wrath 7 miles Maps The walk runs from south to north Maps covering the area 1/50,000 Landranger: 41, 34, 33, 25, 19, 20, 15, 9 Useful Links Cape Wrath Trail. A collection of thoughts and advice on the Cape Wrath Trail from those who have completed the trail including Cameron McNeish David Paterson’s book “The Cape Wrath Trail” features some excellent photography and thoughts on the route. Personal Journey Coming soon… Day-by-day Day 1 Coming soon…
