North to Cape Wrath
This unique holiday is a wonderful 70 miles (112 km) Highland journey from Ullapool all the way north to Cape Wrath, the north-west tip of the mainland. We cross wild and rugged mountain passes and follow the windswept cliffs of the coastline
We start out on the trail on Saturday afternoon, trekking from Ullapool to Strathcanaird. Over the following days we will trek across the haunting moors of Assynt and Sutherland to reach Ledmore, Inchnadamph, Kylesku, Achfary and Riconich. On the last day we tackle a truly classic coastal walk where towering sea stacks and shimmering beaches are bounded by the Atlantic Ocean as we head south from Cape Wrath to Sandwood Bay.
Sometimes the route is pathless, but most times we can follow stalker’s paths to take us through remote scenic glens, along rushing rivers and pretty birch woods. On some days we will ascend up to 600m over dramatic rugged mountain passes. This trip is a gem and offers a truly memorable experience.
Highlights
- Supported journey from Ullapool to Cape Wrath
- Truly scenic and wild walking in the far northwest
- Stunning coastal scenery
- Walk on famed Sandwood Bay Beach
At a Glance
From £1,150 per person
Single room: a limited number of single rooms are available from £210
Grade | Intermediate |
Accommodation | Two accommodations. Quality guesthouses |
Duration | 8 Days |
Location | Highlands Mainland |
Start | Inverness Station @ 11.00 |
Finish | Inverness Station @ 12.00 |
Route Map
Book your Trip
At a Glance
From £1,150 per person
Single room: a limited number of single rooms are available from £210
Grade | Intermediate |
Accommodation | Two accommodations. Quality guesthouses |
Duration | 8 Days |
Location | Highlands Mainland |
Start | Inverness Station @ 11.00 |
Finish | Inverness Station @ 12.00 |
North to Cape Wrath
8 days | AVAILABLE | Ref: NTC0121
North to Cape Wrath
8 days | AVAILABLE | Ref: NTC0221
Itinerary
Please note that we do not physically walk the full distance between Ullapool and Cape Wrath. This means we are not always starting to walk from the same place where we finished the day before. During the week our accommodations are in Ullapool & Kinlochbervie; the walks are minibus supported meaning we’ll only have to carry a daypack, and we will be picked up and dropped off at the start /finish of each walk.
Day 1 – Ullapool to Strathcanaird
After your pick-up from Inverness railway station, we travel west to the lovely fishing village of Ullapool (approx 70 mins). After you have checked in to your accommodation, we begin our journey with a walk from Ullapool to Strathcanaird (approx 7 miles). Starting from Ullapool Hill you will have lovely views of the Western seaboard out to the Summer Isles and beyond. In the evening, the group will have their first dinner together. This will allow your leader to give a briefing on the logistics and walks for the upcoming week.
DISTANCE: 11km / 300 metres ascent
ACCOMMODATION: Guesthouse Ullapool
MEALS PROVIDED: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 2 – Strathcanaird to Achiltibuie
Today we continue our trek from Strathcanaird to Achiltibuie along the ‘old postman’s track’. We will climb over the far shoulder of Coigach and follow the rough coastal path with beautiful ever-changing seascapes.
DISTANCE: 13km / 200 metres ascent
ACCOMMODATION: Guesthouse Ullapool
MEALS PROVIDED: Breakfast
Day 3 – Benmore to Inchnadamph
The River Oykel flows east into the North Sea and acts as our guide as we follow it to its source in the heart of the mountains of Assynt. Our chosen route is a truly excellent hillwalking day among the highest mountains in the area. We ascend up and over a high pass with dramatic views down to Inchnadamph.
DISTANCE: 14km / 600 metres ascent
ACCOMMODATION: Guesthouse Ullapool
MEALS PROVIDED: Breakfast
Day 4 – Inchnadamph to Kylesku
The route through to Kylesku is a beautiful walk and provides lovely views of the rugged landscape. Starting at Inchnadamph we walk from the shores of Loch Assynt on stalker’s paths up to the high col between Glas Bheinn and Beinn Uidhe. We then make an ascent of Glas Bheinn. After the hill climb, we descend and visit Eas a’ Chual Aluinn, the tallest waterfall in the UK. From here, a rough mountain path marks our way to the main road for our pick-up.
DISTANCE: 13km / 650 metres ascent
ACCOMMODATION: Guesthouse Ullapool
MEALS PROVIDED: Breakfast
Day 5 – Kylestrome to Achfary
Today we have a more relaxed and shorter walk following a good track up past the cascades of the Maldie Burn to cross over to Achfary and the shores of Loch More. We will be treated to wonderful views of Arkle and Ben Stack along the way. After today’s walk, we will travel on to Kinlochbervie, where we will be staying for three nights.
DISTANCE: 11km / 450 metres ascent
ACCOMMODATION: Restaurant with rooms
MEALS PROVIDED: Breakfast
Day 6 – Loch Stack to Gualin
Another great walk through the timeless landscape of the north. Ascending the zig-zag path into the upper glen, Arkle shows its spectacular flanks of quartzite scree, the starkness giving it the feel of a moonscape. Our route continues over the Bealach Horn before descending steeply into the very remote and beautiful landscape on the north flank of Foinaven. Today is a long but rewarding day amidst Sutherland’s wildest and most dramatic mountains.
DISTANCE: 20km / 550 metres ascent
ACCOMMODATION: Restaurant with rooms
MEALS PROVIDED: Breakfast
Day 7 – Cape Wrath to Blairmore
Our final walking day is a classic coastal walk. First, we take the boat to cross the Kyle of Durness. From there we take a minibus to safely cross MOD land to the most north-westerly tip of Scotland. The lighthouse at Cape Wrath is also a small museum providing fascinating information about the Stephenson family who built the lighthouses around the British coastline. From Cape Wrath, we walk south to beautiful Sandwood bay; often said to be the most beautiful wild beach in the UK. There are many river crossings, so it will be a challenge
DISTANCE: 21km / 450 metres ascent
ACCOMMODATION: Restaurant with rooms
MEALS PROVIDED: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 – Travel back to Inverness
After breakfast, we head back to Inverness. Expected arrival time is at noon.
What's Included
Included:
- 7 nights bed and breakfast in comfortable guesthouses
- 2 x dinner (first and last night)
- 6 days walking with a qualified and experienced NWF leader
- All road and boat transport during the trip
Excluded:
- Travel to and from Inverness
- (Packed) lunches
- Travel insurance
- Miscellaneous expenses like drinks, entrance fees etc