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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.
Cicerone says
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
Our Verdict
For nearly 50 years Cicerone have been producing guidebooks on recognised treks, regions, areas and general tips for hikers.
We have used them countless times and they've always provided excellent insight and knowledge that you only get through experience, giving you the edge to make your trip a success and more enjoyable too.
If you're a gram counter you can easily remove sections of the book to take with you making your own ultra-lightweight guidebook with only the essential sections that you require.
- Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear
Features
- 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, potentially dangerous mountain country. There are no pack carrying services and often no clear paths. Limited re-supply points require self sufficiency for many days together. 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
Specifications
- Edition: Fourth
- Number of pages: 176
- Size: 17.2 x 11.6 x 1.5cm
- Weighs: 216g
Contents
- Introduction
- Geology and wildlife
- Getting there
- Getting around
- When to go
- Accommodation
- Safety
- Emergencies
- Money and communications
- Preparation and planning
- What to take
- Waywarking and access
- Maps and navigation
- Using this guide
- 1 Fort William to Strathcarron
- Stage 1 Fort William to Glenfinnan
- Stage 2 Glenfinnan to Glen Dessarry
- Stage 3 Glen Dessarry to Barisdale
- Stage 4 Barisdale to Morvich (near Shiel Bridge)
- Alternative Stage 1 Fort William to Laggan
- Alternative Stage 2 Laggan to Cluanie
- Alternative Stage 3 Cluanie to Morvich (near Shiel Bridge)
- Stage 5 Morvich (near Shiel Bridge) to Strathcarron
- 2 Strathcarron to Inverlael (near Ullapool)
- Stage 6 Strathcarron to Kinlochewe
- Alternative Stage 6 Bendronaig to Kinlochewe
- Stage 7 Kinlochewe to Strath na Sealga
- Stage 8 Strath na Sealga to Inverlael (near Ullapool)
- 3 Inverlael to Cape Wrath
- Stage 9 Inverlael (near Ullapool) to Oykel Bridge
- Alternative Stage 9 Ullapool to Oykel Bridge
- Stage 10 Oykel Bridge to Inchnadamph (or Loch Ailsh)
- Stage 11 Inchnadamph to Glendhu
- Alternative Stage 11 Loch Ailsh to Glendhu
- Stage 12 Glendhu to Rhiconich
- Stage 13 Rhiconich to Sandwood Bay
- Stage 14 Sandwood Bay to Cape Wrath
- Appendix A Route summary table
- Appendix B Accommodation
- Appendix C Shops, cafés and Post Offices
- Appendix D Useful websites
- Appendix E Maps
- Appendix F Further reading
