Hiker walking through dramatic mountain scenery on the Cape Wrath Trail in the Scottish Highlands under cloudy skies.

Cape Wrath Trail: Challenge Yourself With One of The UK’s Toughest Long-Distance Walks

A Brief Overview of the Cape Wrath Trail

The Cape Wrath Trail spans 230 miles from Fort William to a remote lighthouse at Cape Wrath, the most northwestern point of mainland Britain. Walking these 230 miles takes a hiker and turns them into an explorer. It’s not a simple but challenging hike; it’s a full-blown wilderness expedition through some of the most stunning yet unforgiving terrain in Europe. 

While trails like the West Highland Way and other classics are on the register as official National Trails, the Cape Wrath Trail stands alone. This means there are no waymarks, signposts, or even a single definitive route. It’s an adventure. The concept of the trail started with explorer David Paterson in the early 1990s, and has stayed as a loose network of routes and different variants that connect the start and end. With this, every hiker’s version looks just a little bit different. This creates a kind of freedom for hikers, but it also creates a massive challenge. 

Through a succession of Scotland’s most wild regions like the Rough Bounds of Knoydart, the Torridon mountains, Assynt, and the trackless moorlands on the far northwest, the trail takes you across rivers, through bods, up and over spectacular mountain passes, and past so much more. Arriving at the Cape Wrath lighthouse is a spectacular accomplishment for those who take on the challenge of the trail.

This guide is made to help you plan your own Cape Wrath Trail adventure so you can join the league of adventurers and hikers alike who are looking for a more unique challenge.

The Need-To-Know for Hiking the Cape Wrath Trail

Distance and Elevation Change

The Cape Wrath Trail covers anywhere between 220 and 250 miles, depending on the variant that you choose to hike. The average distance that most people will hike is around 230 miles, but you can tune this to your own liking with the numerous route options on the Cape Wrath Trail. 

Overall elevation change on the Cape Wrath Trail is incredibly deceptive. Over the full route, you end up climbing around 45,000 feet, the equivalent of summiting Ben Nevis over fifteen times. There aren’t many days with a huge change in elevation, but the rough terrain adds up over time. The difficulty of the trail, however, comes more from the boggy and trackless ground you walk across rather than the elevation change. 

Navigating the Cape Wrath Trail

As mentioned before, the Cape Wrath Trail isn’t a National Trail that has well-kept waymarks along the walk. To navigate the trail, you need a serious set of navigation skills and competence with a map and compass. On top of that, you need to do this in thick fog, heavy rain, all day long. Just about 20 percent of the trail is entirely trackless and crosses open moorland, peat bog, and heather slopes where you don’t have a hint of a path to follow. 

The Harvey Maps Cape Wrath Trail set and the Cicerone guidebook by Iain Harper are the two most recommended resources for navigating the trail. On top of these, you will also want a GPS device or an offline app on your phone with preloaded GPX data. You can find free GPX downloads on walkhighlands.co.uk for the entire route and all of the variants. Phone batteries die, so you need to bring a physical compass no matter what. 

One of the main issues that many hikers encounter along the Cape Wrath Trail is detours due to river crossings that have become unmanageable due to heavy rains. It’s worth building flexibility into your schedule for exactly this because there are very few bridges along the way, so a dangerous crossing can lead to a much larger detour than expected. 

Terrain on the Cape Wrath Trail

You can expect everything from well-maintained estate tracks to shin-deep bogs and steep rocky scrambles during your walk on the Cape Wrath Trail. Most of the trail is made up of peat bog and heather, an exhausting combination to walk across for hours on end with a fully loaded path. 

The northwest Highlands of Scotland are geologically fascinating, and stunningly beautiful because of it. The Torridon section boasts dramatic red sandstone mounts and Assynt is a bizarre landscape of isolated quartzite peaks jetting out from flat bogland. These wild landscapes end in a high and open moorland with a lighthouse waiting at the far end. 

The landscape is beautiful, but it also is highly demanding. This terrain brings conditions that will leave your feet soaking wet, so you need to be prepared with waterproof boots and plenty of spare socks. 

Cape Wrath Trail Accommodation

Most Cape Wrath Trail thru-hikers carry a tent and rely on wild camping for their accommodation along the journey. Scotland’s Land Reform Act, often referred to as the ‘freedom to roam’, makes wild camping legal all across Scotland. This makes the Cape Wrath Trail one of the best wild camping routes out there. However, finding a good spot amidst the boggy and sloped terrain will be just one of the challenges you face. 

The Mountain Bothy Association maintains bothies, traditional mountain shelters found across Scotland (open stone shelters) that can be another option for thru-hikers. There are around 17 bothies along the main route which range from being well-equipped shelters with sleeping platforms and fireplaces to basic huts with a dirt floor. All bothies are free to use and are dealt with on a first-come first-served basis. 

If you’re hoping for some occasional comfort, there are a handful of hotels and guesthouses that can be found along the way. Some larger villages such as Shiel Bridge, Strathcarron, Dundonnell, Ullapool, Kylesku, and more offer paid accommodation. For these, you’ll need to book ahead of time, especially in the summer. 

When to Hike the Cape Wrath Trail

The optimal window for hiking the Cape Wrath Trail is between May and Early June. Here, you have longer hours of daylight and the weather is the most reliably stable. Most importantly, the midges will not have arrived in full force. You may find snow on the ground in early May, but most of the route will be clear and passable. 

From late June to August, you will have maximum daylight, but also maximum levels of midges. These tiny biting flies will make hiking the Cape Wrath Trail particularly miserable, even with the correct head net and prevention. 

After the peak season of midges, you can find some more comfort in September and October. The fall colors are amazing and the trail is often emptier. However, you start losing daylight rapidly and you run into deer stalking season, which can sometimes affect access to certain areas. 

Some experienced mountaineers attempt the trail in winter, but it’s a completely different experience at that point. There are short hours of daylight, deep snow, frozen rivers, and not another soul in sight. To do this, you need to have a highly-experienced level of winter mountaineering before even considering the attempt. 

Getting There and Back

Getting to the start of the Cape Wrath Trail in Fort William is simple. There’s plenty of public transport like ScotRail and CityLink buses that connect to Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Inverness. You can drive to the start in just about two hours, and often can start hiking the same day you travel. 

Getting back from Cape Wrath is a different story. The cape is only accessible on foot or by a combination of small ferries across the Kyle of Durness and a private minibus along an 11-mile military road to the lighthouse. The ferry only operates seasonally and can be cancelled quickly due to poor weather or military operations. 

Once you’ve taken the ferry back to Durness, you can grab a bus to Inverness for more connections further south. The services this far north in Scotland are infrequent, but easily manageable with proper planning. 

Cape Wrath Trail: A 14-Day Itinerary

While there are countless variations of the Cape Wrath Trail that you can choose to follow, the most popular and dramatic choice is the Glenfinnan Variant. This fourteen-day route is made up of approximately 16 miles per day, which requires a solid level of fitness to begin with. 

The Cicerone guidebook lays out 14 official stages, each of which can be modified to match your desired pace. This serves as a guideline, not a “must-follow”, because remember, you can wild camp anywhere and never need to have a clear destination in mind. 

DayRouteDistanceElev. GainElev. LossEst. Time
Day 1Fort William to Glenfinnan17 miles (27 km)3,200 ft (975 m)2,600 ft (790 m)7–9 hours
Day 2Glenfinnan to A’Chuil Bothy13 miles (21 km)3,500 ft (1,067 m)3,100 ft (945 m)6–8 hours
Day 3A’Chuil to Barisdale14 miles (22 km)4,200 ft (1,280 m)4,000 ft (1,220 m)7–9 hours
Day 4Barisdale to Morvich (via Kinloch Hourn)18 miles (29 km)3,800 ft (1,160 m)4,100 ft (1,250 m)8–10 hours
Day 5Morvich to Strathcarron17 miles (27 km)3,600 ft (1,097 m)3,700 ft (1,128 m)7–9 hours
Day 6Strathcarron to Kinlochewe19 miles (31 km)3,900 ft (1,189 m)3,800 ft (1,158 m)8–10 hours
Day 7Kinlochewe to Dundonnell (via Beinn Eighe)16 miles (26 km)4,600 ft (1,402 m)4,500 ft (1,372 m)8–11 hours
Day 8Dundonnell to Ullapool20 miles (32 km)3,200 ft (975 m)3,300 ft (1,006 m)8–10 hours
Day 9Ullapool to Inchnadamph17 miles (27 km)3,100 ft (945 m)3,000 ft (914 m)7–9 hours
Day 10Inchnadamph to Kylesku15 miles (24 km)2,800 ft (853 m)2,900 ft (884 m)6–8 hours
Day 11Kylesku to Rhiconich16 miles (26 km)3,400 ft (1,036 m)3,300 ft (1,006 m)7–9 hours
Day 12Rhiconich to Kinlochbervie / Blairmore10 miles (16 km)1,800 ft (549 m)1,900 ft (579 m)4–5 hours
Day 13Blairmore to Strathan Bothy (via Sandwood Bay)14 miles (22 km)1,600 ft (488 m)1,600 ft (488 m)5–7 hours
Day 14Strathan to Cape Wrath Lighthouse11 miles (18 km)1,200 ft (366 m)1,400 ft (427 m)4–6 hours

Day 1: Fort William to Glenfinnan

Distance: 17 miles (27 km)

Elevation Gain: 3,200 ft (975 m)

Elevation Loss: 2,600 ft (790 m)

Average Time to Hike: 7–9 hours

Fort William, the “Outdoor Capital of the UK”, marks the start of the Cape Wrath Trail. As soon as you step off the ferry across Loch Linnhe to Camusnagaul, the trail meets you with its classic character. There are no trail signs, waymarks, and simply nothing to point you in the right direction, so the map use starts right off the bat. 

The Glennfinnan Variant heads south immediately before looping north to head through the Cona Glen. Here, you climb to a high bealach before descending into the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Here’s where you’ll find the first taste of pathless and boggy terrain on top of getting your body accustomed to carrying a heavy pack. The trail doesn’t accommodate, it pushes you from the very beginning, so the day may feel harder than expected based on the numbers. 

Aerial view of Fort William with canal locks, boats, and surrounding Highlands, a popular gateway for Scottish adventures.

Day 2: Glenfinnan to A’Chuil Bothy

Distance: 13 miles (21 km)

Elevation Gain: 3,500 ft (1,067 m)

Elevation Loss: 3,100 ft (945 m)

Average Time to Hike: 6–8 hours

Your second day on the trail pushes deeper into the wild terrain of Scotland. Heading south of Glenfinnan, you start to edge into the fringes of Rough Bounds country. This region is defined by steep and chaotic terrain where you’re unlikely to find many paths. Right away, you’re in one of the most remote sections of the trail.

The hard push is rewarded with Corryhully Bothy, one of the nicest shelters you can find along the way. The other option is to head a bit further to the A’Chuil Bothy, found deep in Glen Dessarry. Navigation becomes more of a challenge here, so having your map and compass handy at all times so you don’t get too far off trail is a good idea. 

Day 3: A’Chuil to Barisdale

Distance: 14 miles (22 km)

Elevation Gain: 4,200 ft (1,280 m)

Elevation Loss: 4,000 ft (1,220 m)

Average Time to Hike: 7–9 hours

The third day holds one of the most spectacular stretches of the entire route. The crossing to Barisdale brings you into Knoydart, often called the ‘Last Great Wilderness” in all of Britain. This peninsula is only accessible by sea or by foot. The terrain here is dramatically steep with massive descents to get to Loch Hourn, across which you are given stunning views across the pewter waters. 

This section has a large number of bothies, so you won’t need a tent if you don’t want to. That being said, camping beside the loch is unbeatable. 

Day 4: Barisdale to Morvich (via Kinloch Hourn)

Distance: 18 miles (29 km)

Elevation Gain: 3,800 ft (1,160 m)

Elevation Loss: 4,100 ft (1,250 m)

Average Time to Hike: 8–10 hours

After Barisdale, you need to climb over the Forcan Ridge. This can be an exhilarating scramble in clear conditions and a difficult one in lesser weather. After the big climb up, you descend to the valley at Morvich near Shiel Bridge. This is definitively the hardest and most demanding day on the southern half of the trail.

Fortunately, Shiel Bridge and Kintail Lodge Hotel both offer the last reliable resupply and hot food until you get to Strathcarron. 

Day 5: Morvich to Strathcarron

Distance: 17 miles (27 km)

Elevation Gain: 3,600 ft (1,097 m)

Elevation Loss: 3,700 ft (1,128 m)

Average Time to Hike: 7–9 hours

Right out of Morvich, the trail climbs up and past the Falls of Glomach, the highest natural waterfall in the UK. Topping out at around 400 feet tall, these falls are some of the most spectacular you’ll find on the trail. 

Afterwards, you cross the remote moorland of Monar where the walking is pathless and demanding with river crossings that can be impassable after heavy rain. Toward the end of the day, you will wind up in Strathcarron, a tiny community that marks the transition from the southern Highlands to the wilder, more vast north. 

Day 6: Strathcarron to Kinlochewe

Distance: 19 miles (31 km)

Elevation Gain: 3,900 ft (1,189 m)

Elevation Loss: 3,800 ft (1,158 m)

Average Time to Hike: 8–10 hours

Old stalkers’ paths running through the fringes of Torridon make up the majority of the sixth day on the trail. These ancient red sandstone mountains slowly begin to dominate the skyline, and the feeling that comes with them is prehistoric. Kinlochewe is a small village, but they have a shop and a pub where you can do a small resupply and dry out before you head on to the notorious Beinn Eighe section.

Day 7: Kinlochewe to Dundonnell (via Beinn Eighe)

Distance: 16 miles (26 km)

Elevation Gain: 4,600 ft (1,402 m)

Elevation Loss: 4,500 ft (1,372 m)

Average Time to Hike: 8–11 hours

Most thru-hikers will call this section the most demanding day on the entire Cape Wrath Trail. Crossing Beinn Eighe requires a long traverse over trackless, rocky, and boggy ground above a high-altitude lochan. Beyond the loch, the section is rough and steep. All of the experienced hikers will warn you about it, but will also mention the extraordinary views. Arriving in Dundonnell at the end of the day is a huge achievement that you can feel proud of. 

Day 8: Dundonnell to Ullapool

Distance: 20 miles (32 km)

Elevation Gain: 3,200 ft (975 m)

Elevation Loss: 3,300 ft (1,006 m)

Average Time to Hike: 8–10 hours

As one of the most celebrated mountain ridges in Scotland, the An Teallach massif is a monumental sight along the Cape Wrath Trail. The trail crosses here before descending to the coast at Little Loch Broom. From there, you follow a mix of tracks and paths to Ullapool, the largest village on the trail. The harbour, restaurants, and accommodation offer up the opportunity for some serious rest if needed. 

Day 9: Ullapool to Inchnadamph

Distance: 17 miles (27 km)

Elevation Gain: 3,100 ft (945 m)

Elevation Loss: 3,000 ft (914 m)

Average Time to Hike: 7–9 hours

After a full resupply, the trail heads north from Ullapool and enters Assynt. This is a landscape filled with quartzite mountains, the jet out of flat moorland studded with lochs. The eeriness of the terrain can feel alien, but the walking is much quieter and more meditative here. You can find a hostel and hotel at the end of the day in Inchnadamph if looking for a warm bed to stay in and people to talk with after a more isolated day. 

Day 10: Inchnadamph to Kylesku

Distance: 15 miles (24 km)

Elevation Gain: 2,800 ft (853 m)

Elevation Loss: 2,900 ft (884 m)

Average Time to Hike: 6–8 hours

This day is a bit shorter than others, but is still full of scenery to write home about. The trail passes beneath Glencoul and Glendhu bothies, both perched above their own sea lochs. The area surrounding Kylesku is intensely dramatic coastal scenery that provides some contrast to the mountains you have spent the last week walking. The Kylesku Hotel is a popular spot to stop for thru-hikers so you can grab fresh seafood and cold drinks while enjoying views over the loch.

Aerial view near Inchnadamph featuring a tranquil loch, historic castle ruins, and rugged Highland scenery in Scotland.

Day 11: Kylesku to Rhiconich

Distance: 16 miles (26 km)

Elevation Gain: 3,400 ft (1,036 m)

Elevation Loss: 3,300 ft (1,006 m)

Average Time to Hike: 7–9 hours

Today is the second to last opportunity for a resupply, so it’s worth stocking up in case supplies are short down the trail. After filling your bag, you head north through remote country between Assynt and the northwest coast. You pass through the peaks of Arkle and Foinaven along high and open trackless terrain. Once you arrive in Rhiconich, you can stay in a hotel and resupply at a small shop. 

Day 12: Rhiconich to Kinlochbervie / Blairmore

Distance: 10 miles (16 km)

Elevation Gain: 1,800 ft (549 m)

Elevation Loss: 1,900 ft (579 m)

Average Time to Hike: 4–5 hours

If you need a final resupply, today will be the time to do it with a stop at Kinlochbervie. This is home to the last proper shop on the trail. After getting your final supplies, you will continue on to Blairmore. Here is the starting point for the final wilderness section. This is an important time to take inventory of your supplies, dry your gear, and prepare for the final push. The last two days on the trail are trackless and remote, making them demanding after having already hiked a long way. 

Day 13: Blairmore to Strathan Bothy (via Sandwood Bay)

Distance: 14 miles (22 km)

Elevation Gain: 1,600 ft (488 m)

Elevation Loss: 1,600 ft (488 m)

Average Time to Hike: 5–7 hours

Your second to last day on the trail crosses wild moorland to Sandwood Bay. This impossibly beautiful stretch of white sand has a backdrop of dunes and sea stacks, making it utterly gorgeous land. You won’t find roads or buildings here, and you’re likely to encounter very few people along the way. A lot of hikers talk about this day as their favorite for the isolation and reflection on the journey before entering their final day. 

Strathan Bothy lies at the end of a rough path north from the bay where you can stay the night. It’s a small and compact shelter with atmospheric views, but does the job for a final night out. 

Day 14: Strathan to Cape Wrath Lighthouse

Distance: 11 miles (18 km)

Elevation Gain: 1,200 ft (366 m)

Elevation Loss: 1,400 ft (427 m)

Average Time to Hike: 4–6 hours

The final day on the Cape Wrath Trail is a slog across trackless bog and moorland to arrive at the windswept cape. The lighthouse here sits at the furthest northwest point in all of mainland Britain atop cliffs that tower over the Atlantic. There’s a seasonal cafe here that’s overpriced, but well worth it after a final day on the trail.

A military road leads away from the lighthouse to the Kyle of Durness ferry, where you can connect to the village of Durness and find public transport. It’s important to double check ferry times, otherwise you may find yourself staying out for another night. 

What to Pack to Hike the Cape Wrath Trail

Determining exactly what to pack to Hike the Cape Wrath Trail is a big enough task that it can be the difference between a completed thru-hike and an exit halfway through the trail. When you’re covering 16+ miles a day over rough terrain, every ounce matters. The Scottish Highlands’ weather can turn on a dime, meaning that you can’t leave anything behind.While this route requires additional equipment, many of the essential hiking items remain the same.

Backpack

Since most of this trail is set up for wild camping, you’ll need a pack between 50 and 65 liters. You need to carry up to four days worth of food at times, a full shelter system, and your warm layers, not to mention a stove for cooking, guidebooks, first aid supplies, etc. 

Aiming for a base pack weight of around 10 to 12 pounds (4.5-5.5 kg) is key if possible. Ideally, your loaded weight will stay under 25 lbs (11 kg). If you’re unsure how to organize your gear efficiently, learn how to pack a hiking backpack before your trip. You need to keep certain items accessible, have snacks at the ready, and ideally you won’t need to stop to get anything out until you’re at a great spot to rest. 

Backpack hiking on Cape Wrath Trail across rugged Scottish Highlands with dramatic coastal scenery and remote landscapes.

Footwear

On a lot of thru-hikes, hikers prefer trail runners to boots. On the Cape Wrath Trail, it’s the opposite. The boggy terrain and rough, rocky descents need solid ankle support with good waterproofing to protect your feet over long days of walking. Trail runners can be used, but they’ll be soaked by the middle of the morning and your ankles will face a serious risk. 

It’s a great idea to pack gaiters along with whatever shoes you choose so you can keep debris and water out, especially on the pathless sections. For better foot protection, Choosing quality hiking socks can also help reduce blisters and keep your feet comfortable. so you can rotate them daily and keep your feet as dry as possible. 

Clothing

A proper hiking layering system is essential for Scotland’s unpredictable weather. out on the Cape Wrath Trail. A base layer that’s mid-weight and made of merino or synthetic materials lies at the bottom with a mid-layer of fleece or down is on top of it. A hard, waterproof shell finishes the layering system to keep the insulating layers dry and fully functional. 

Temperatures in the summer will average between 15 and 18 °C (59–64°F) during the day, but can drop significantly at night and in the wind. A warm hat and gloves are worth carrying for the cold nights and stormy days, even if you’re hiking in July. Add some quick-drying pants to the system along with waterproof rain pants, and you’re set.

Essential clothing in hiking in Cape Wrath Trail, including waterproof layers and warm gear for Scotland's changing weather.

 

Rain Gear

As one of the wettest environments in Europe, the northwest coast of Scotland is going to guarantee rain on your hike. A high-quality waterproof system is non-negotiable. Both a jacket and pair of pants will help keep you as dry as possible, even though you’ll probably still get wet. It’s a good idea to keep all your electronics and documents in dry bags, plastic bags, or both inside of your pack. 

Navigation Tools

Your navigation kit should include maps for the trail (waterproof ones), a compass, a GPS device or smartphone with offline access to GPX maps, and an offline mapping app such as Gaia GPS or ViewRanger. Carrying a guidebook is a good idea, and the Cicerone guidebook is the standard choice for hikers. Whatever you want to use, you should choose two different navigation devices for emergencies.

Navigation tools for hiking, including map, compass, and GPS device, essential for safe trekking on remote trails.

 

Food and Water

High-calorie and lightweight trail food is key on your route. This can look like nuts, dried fruit, energy bars, instant oats, or pre-made freeze-dried meals. Each hour of hiking will want around 500-600 calories to keep you energized and warm. For water, pack a filtration device such as a Sawyer filter and the Scottish streams are generally safe to drink from (only after filtered). Pack iodine tablets or chlorine drops as a backup.Knowing how much water to take on a hike becomes especially important during long remote sections.

First Aid

A small first aid kit can make a huge difference. At minimum, pack blister treatment, ibuprofen and paracetamol, a triangular bandage, antiseptic wipes, wound dressings and bandages. There are several areas of the trail that are genuinely remote without access to care if you need it, so you will be on your own.

First aid kit with essential medical supplies for hiking, helping hikers stay prepared for emergencies on remote trails.

 

Electronics

A smartphone with your mapping apps and GPX tracks preloaded can be a lifesaver out there. You may also carry a GPS device or a Garmin InReach device for communication and emergencies. A headlamp with spare batteries, even if you won’t need it often in the long summer days, along with a power bank to keep everything juiced up will be plenty for the trail. Finally, don’t forget to pack these all in a waterproof spot, deep in your bag. 

Accessories

Trekking poles on the Cape Wrath Trail can be one of the most valuable pieces of kit. They provide stability during river crossings and steep descents, and can test boggy ground ahead of you before you go knee-deep in the water. Packing a midge head net is an essential after June. Sunscreen and lip balm will be invaluable after being exposed to long days of sun and blistering winds.

Accessories like trekking poles, gaiters, and headlamp for hiking, helping improve comfort and stability on rugged trails.

 

FAQ

How difficult is the Cape Wrath Trail?

The Cape Wrath Trail is consistently listed as the most challenging long-distance trek in all of Britain. That’s a reputation that’s earned by long days through remote and trackless terrain with the potential for seriously challenging weather the entire time. 

Can beginners hike the Cape Wrath Trail?

In general, it’s recommended that you have some experience before hiking the Cape Wrath Trail. This isn’t a route for beginners that are unfamiliar with remote and rugged mountain areas. 

Is wild camping allowed on the Cape Wrath Trail?

Thanks to Scotland’s Land Reform Act in 2003, everyone has the right of responsible access to land for camping and walking. So yes, wild camping is both allowed and encouraged along the way. 

What gear is essential for the Cape Wrath Trail?

Non-negotiable gear includes a solid waterproofing system, map and compass, and waterproof hiking boots. This is on top of the normal gear required for all thru-hikes where you are camping along the way. Many will say that a midge head net is also essential after experiencing the storm of them that comes after June. 

How long does it take to hike the Cape Wrath Trail?

While the fastest known time for the Cape Wrath Trail is 3 days, 13 hours, and 39 minutes, most people take around 14 days to complete the trail. Many will take longer to explore the region and simply take their time. 

What is the best part of the Cape Wrath Trail?

Every Cape Wrath Trail hiker has their own idea of what the best part of the trail is. Many people love Knoydart, the Falls of Glomach, the Beinn Eighe traverse, Sandwood Bay, and more. Many others simply love the challenge and the rhythm of walking found only in the wilderness. 

Where to Next?

  • Ultimate Guides – your gateway to hiking across Europe
  • Hikes & Trails – curated lists of the best hikes and local gems
  • Walking Holidays – extended journeys for when a single day just isn’t enough
  • General Blog – all the extras: gear reviews, planning tips, and personal stories

Summary

If you’re considering other epic adventures after Scotland, here’s how to start planning a trek in Europe.This fact is part of what makes it so extraordinary. Most long-distance trails in Europe are mapped out, accommodated with a plethora of hotels and guesthouses, but the Cape Wrath Trail is different. This is a trail that takes you across rugged, truly wild terrain, while making you earn every step that you put forward. The uniqueness of every person’s journey on the trail, the stunning views, the overcoming of challenges, and the feeling of accomplishment at the end are unparalleled to any other thru-hike out there.

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author avatar
Kayde Parker
Hi, I’m Kayde Parker, and I love walking, hiking, and history. I want to explore these passions by seeing as many of the best walks and hikes in Europe and the United Kingdom.