The Cape Wrath Trail runs through the Scottish Highlands and along the west coast of Scotland. The Cape Wrath Trail is approximately 200 miles in length and is considered to be one of the most challenging long-distance walks in the UK. It starts in Fort William and finishes at Cape Wrath, the most north-western point of mainland Britain.
Cape Wrath Trail
Surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery, Fort William is a mecca for those with a spirit of adventure. You can start (or end) the West Highland Way in Fort William, hike or bike along mountain trails, go for a boat trip on the sea loch or just take it easy amidst the wonderful scenery. Even in winter Fort William stays busy with skiing, snow-boarding, mountaineering and ice-climbing. Set on a hillside above the town, with wonderful views, this cosy hostel provides all you’ll need after a day in the hills.
Enjoy the loch-side location overlooking the Caledonian Canal, with Ben Nevis & Fort William just 4 miles away. Ideal for the outdoor enthusiast with advice & guiding available for walking/climbing, river, loch and sea kayaking, open canoeing & dinghy sailing. Outdoor equipment hire available.After a day in the fresh air return to a hot shower and a comfy private bunkroom ideal for families, groups & clubs.
Chase The Wild Goose is on the Great Glen Way in the village of Banavie, near Fort William, at the end of the West Highland Way. You can be sure of a warm welcome, a comfortable bed and the company of like-minded travellers in a pleasant out-of-town environment. Whether you are on a relaxing holiday with family or friends, enjoying the adventure of a lifetime or travelling the world. Take time out in the Scottish Highlands. The scenery is breath-taking! The hospitality is second to none!
It is a day's walk from Fort William (23 miles on flat loch-side terrain) is Laggan Locks. Just a few minutes' walk away from the Cape Wrath Trail route is the Great Glen Hostel at Laggan, which provides good value accommodation and meals ideal for walkers.
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Saddle Mountain Hostel is a friendly 5* hostel in Invergarry, between Loch Ness & Fort William, at the junction with the road to Skye. The 20 bed hostel has 5 bedrooms (4 private & 1 dormitory), a large kitchen, dining room, lounge & drying room. Perfect for Munro bagging, long distance hiking, cycling, paddling & day trips. Available for individual bookings and exclusive use. Exclusive use bookings only during winter.
Gerry's hostel is a firm favourite with Cape Wrath Trail walkers. Most stay at Gerry's hostel after a night at Maol-Bhuidhe Bothy, which is run by the Mountain Bothies Association. After a much more comfortable night at Gerry's Hostel many then walk on to stay at Kinlochewe Bunkhouse another lovely hostel in the Independent Hostel UK network.
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Close to the idyllic fishing village of Ullapool in a peaceful rural setting with lots of wildlife. A perfect base for climbers & walkers with 22 Munros and many other hills in the area.Next to Lael Forest Gardens which is renowned for its wildlife. The bunkhouse is ideally located for touring the North West Highlands with easy access to the areas of Torridon and up to Assynt.
Inchnadamph Explorers Lodge is a grand house tastefully converted to provide a variety of accommodation in the Scottish Highlands.Choose from private rooms, dorms, a self-catering cottage, shepherd huts and steading studio apartments.Located at the foot of Ben More Assynt, overlooking Loch Assynt, it is a great base to explore one of the wildest areas in the Highlands. On North Coast 500 classic road route.
The Ceilidh Place, in the centre of Ullapool, is a unique small complex, consisting of a music venue/performance space, restaurant, hotel, bar, bookshop, coffee shop, gallery and bunkhouse. There are regular ceilidhs, concerts & plays. The bunkhouse does not have self-catering facilities but the coffee shop is open from 8.30am to late evening all week including weekends. Rooms are also available in the hotel. The village of Ullapool is a small exciting port and fishing town, with ferries from the Outer Hebrides. Hill walkers and families especially love staying here.
On the tranquil shores of Little Loch Broom overlooking one of Scotland’s finest mountain ranges, Badrallach Bothy and Campsite offer a fine base for walking or relaxing. Fish in the nearby lochs or simply enjoy the flora and fauna. Hot showers, spotless accommodation, an unbelievable price and the feeling of remoteness make the Bothy and Campsite a firm favourite. There is also a holiday cottage for hire.
Unique, quirky comfortable compartments in a vintage railway carriage at Glenfinnan Station. At the start of the Viaduct Trail to the viewpoint for the Glenfinnan Viaduct (Harry Potter films). En-route to Skye (Mallaig ferry), Knoydart & the Small Isles. Kitchen, seating area, WC, shower & drying room. Breakfast, lunch, evening meals in walking distance.
The Cape Wrath Trail runs through the Scottish Highlands and along the west coast of Scotland. It is approximately 200 miles in length and is considered to be one of the most challenging long-distance walks in the UK. The Cape Wrath Trail starts in Fort William and, unsurprisingly, finishes at Cape Wrath, the most north-western point of mainland Britain. But don’t worry there are Independent Hostels along the route to help.
The route is unmarked and there is no official line. It is a superb route for very experienced long-distance backpackers. The Cape Wrath trail leads you across most of the northwest coast of Scotland via Morar, Knoydart, Torridon, and Assynt, winding through its most beautiful glens and mountains. The Cape Wrath Trail typically takes between two and three weeks to walk.
There is a selection of hostel/bunkhouse accommodation along the Cape Wrath Trail route. Careful planning is needed to combine these with, Bothies, B&B’s, and maybe even wild camping. Detailed planning is essential for those attempting the trail.
More information can be found on the Cape Wrath Trails Guide’s website  and on their Facebook group
