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. It starts in Fort William and finishes at Cape Wrath, the most north-western point of mainland Britain.
Cape Wrath Trail
Craig Achnashellach, Strathcarron, Wester Ross, IV54 8YU
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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Inverie, Knoydart, By Mallaig, Inverness-shire PH41 4PL
Welcome to the world famous Knoydart Foundation Bunkhouse on the stunning remote peninsula of Knoydart on the west coast of Scotland reachable only by boat or a long hike. Community run, the Bunkhouse uses hydro electricity & promotes responsible tourism. Set amid wild, remote terrain overlooking a mesmerising beach. Ten mins’ walk to pub, PO, shop & ferry at Inverie. 3 bedrooms & comfy communal areas. Ranger service & deer stalking available. Stunning dark skies, so bring a torch!
Kinlochewe by Achnasheen, Wester Ross, IV22 2PA
Walkers, climbers and mountain bikers enjoying the Torridon Mountains and wilderness areas will be warmly welcomed at the Kinlochewe Hotel and Bunkhouse. Situated on the North Coast 500 road route, within 20 miles of over 20 Munros, the bunkhouse boasts a well equipped, self-catering kitchen, an efficient drying room, hot showers, internet and a 12 bunk dormitory. The hotel bar serves excellent home-made food and is in the 2018 Good Beer Guide.
Lael, Lochbroom, IV23 2RS
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.
South Laggan, Spean Bridge, Invernesshire, PH34 4EA
Located between mountains and lochs 20 miles north of Fort William and 10 miles south of Loch Ness, the Great Glen Hostel is your ideal base. Perfect for touring the Highlands, bagging Munros or paddling rivers and lochs. It's only a short walk to the Great Glen Way. The hostel provides comfortable, well appointed accommodation in twin, family and dormitory rooms and has a shop where you can buy your essentials.
Snowgoose Mountain Centre, Station Road, Corpach, Fort William, PH33 7JH
Enjoy our loch-side location overlooking the Caledonian Canal, with Ben Nevis & Fort William 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 busy day in the fresh air return to a welcome drying room & laundry, hot showers and a comfy private bunkroom ideal for families & groups.
14 West Argyle St. Ullapool, IV26 2TY
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 (group only) 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.
Croft No 9, Badrallach, Dundonnell, Ross-shire, IV23 2QP
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 and climbing. Fish in the rivers, hill lochs and sea or simply enjoy the flora and fauna. Hot showers, spotless accommodation, an unbelievable price and total peace make the Bothy and Campsite a firm favourite. There is also a holiday cottage for hire.
Mandally Road, Invergarry, PH35 4HP
Saddle Mountain Hostel is a friendly 4* hostel in Invergarry, between Loch Ness & Fort William by the road to Skye.
Shortlisted for Hostel of the Year in The Great Outdoors Magazine Awards 2019 & 2020. There are 5 private bedrooms on a room-only basis available for between 1 and 5 people. Each bedroom is for one household only. Perfect for Munro bagging, long distance hiking, cycling, paddling & day trips.
Glenfinnan Station, Glenfinnan, nr Fort William, PH37 4LT
Glenfinnan Sleeping Car provides unique accommodation in an historic railway carriage next to Glenfinnan Station & close to Glenfinnan Viaduct (featured in Harry Potter films). An ideal location for the mountains, a good starting point for bothy expeditions & a useful stop-over en route to Skye. Fully equipped kitchen, shower & drying room. The dining coach provides excellent meals in the daytime & evening meals are available close by.
Bank Street, Fort William, PH33 6AY
Bank Street Lodge is 100 metres from Fort William High Street with its shops, pubs & restaurants. There is a fully equipped kitchen with cooker, fridge, microwave, cutlery and crockery. The common room lounge has a TV, it also provides tables and chairs for meals and a snack vending machine. All bedding is provided. Some rooms are en-suite (twins, doubles and family). The en-suite rooms have recently been refurbished. WiFi is also available. 3 Star STB rating.
Inchnadamph, Assynt, Nr Lochinver, Sutherland, IV27 4HL
Inchnadamph Lodge has been tastefully converted to provide quality hostel accommodation at a budget price. There’s a large self-catering kitchen, lounge and dining room. The newly converted annex offer a choice of en suite rooms. At the foot of Ben More Assynt, overlooking Loch Assynt, stay and explore one of the wildest areas in the Highlands.
Alma Road, Fort William, PH33 6HB
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.
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. It starts in Fort William and finishes at Cape Wrath, the most north- western point of mainland Britain.
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 north west coast of Scotland via Morar, Knoydart, Torridon and Assynt, winding through its most beautiful glens and mountains. It typically takes between two and three weeks to walk.
There is a selection of hostel/bunkhouse accommodation along the route. Careful planning is needed to combine these with, Bothies, B&B’s and maybe even wild camping .
More information can be found on the Cape Wrath Trails Guide’s website and on their Facebook group