Get 15% off the perfect gift for your outdoor-loving friend or relative using the code XMAS15 at checkout. Offer applies to selected guidebooks and ebooks. Find out more.

Walking the Cape Wrath Trail

Backpacking through the Scottish Highlands: Fort William to Cape Wrath

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 a 230 mile, 3-week challenge through wild and magnificent landscapes, such as Morar, Knoydart, Torridon and Assynt. Crossing such empty country, it is for the experienced backpacker only.

Seasons

April, May and June are ideal months to walk the trail. September and October are also good, but there may be diversions due to deer stalking and military operations at the cape. In July and August the days are superbly long and the weather can be fine, but midges will be in full flight. The limited accommodation along the trail may also be booked up at this time of year.

Centres

Fort William, Glenfinnan, Barisdale, Kinloch Hourn, Shiel Bridge, Strathcarron, Kinlochewe, Dundonnell, Ullapool, Bridge of Orchy, Inchnadamph, Kylesku, Rhiconich, Kinlochbervie, Durness

Difficulty

The Cape Wrath Trail is regarded as the toughest long-distance backpacking trail in Britain. It crosses remote, sparsely populated and potentially dangerous mountain country. There are no pack-carrying services and often no clear paths. Limited re-supply points mean you need to be self-sufficient for several days at a time. Not a route for beginners or those unfamiliar with remote, rugged mountain areas.

Must See

Glenfinnan monument and viaduct, the gloriously remote rough bounds of Knoydart, Barisdale, Forcan ridge, Falls of Glomach, Beinn Eighe, Lochan Fada, Shenavall, An Teallach, Glen Douchary, Glen Oykel, Ben More, Glencoul, Arkle, Foinaven, Sandwood Bay, Cape Wrath lighthouse
ISBN
9781786311344
Availability
Published
Published
2 Jun 2022
Reprinted
25 Jun 2024
Edition
Fourth
Pages
176
Size
17.20 x 11.60 x 1.50cm
Weight
200g
Overview

A guidebook to walking the 370km (230 mile) Cape Wrath Trail between Fort William and Cape Wrath. This long-distance trek through the Scottish Highlands is suitable for experienced backpackers as it is often regarded as the toughest-long distance route in Britain.

The route is described from south to north in 14 stages, ranging in distance between 13 and 45 kms (8-28 miles). Six alternate stages are also detailed to give a flexible itinerary of between two and three weeks.

  • Elevation graphs included, and 1:50,000 OS maps for each stage
  • Highlights include Glenfinnan monument and viaduct, Knoydart, Barisdale, Forcan ridge, Falls of Glomach, Beinn Eighe, Lochan Fada, Shenavall, An Teallach, Glen Douchary, Glen Oykel, Ben More, Glencoul, Arkle, Foinaven, Sandwood Bay
  • Detailed information on accommodation and resupply opportunities provided
  • Safety, packing and preparation advice
  • Compactly-sized to fit in a jacket pocket 

Table of Contents
Updates
Reviews
Iain Harper Cicerone author IHARPER

By Iain Harper

Iain Harper completed the Cape Wrath Trail in 2009. Armed with his research he approached Cicerone to write the definitive guidebook to the trek. Iain has walked extensively in the Highlands for 20 years, enjoys running ultra marathons and lives with his wife Kay in the Cotswolds.

View author profile