Last Updated: 11th Sep 2026
Cape Wrath Trail
Last Updated: 11th Sep 2026
Open
Grunt Factor: 34 ?
Gnarl Factor: 21 ?
33.5km
860m
855m
Front country - easily accessible
Point to Point (one way)
Undulating, some big hills
Riverside
Open farmlands
Open ridges/tops
Other
Sealed Road
Easy Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +5.20%
Average Downhill Gradient: -5.10%
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Not suitable
Slow
4:30
Moderate
3:15
Fast
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The adventure starts with a short ferry trip across on the Camusnagaul Ferry to the shore opposite Fort William at a village called Camusnagaul. The "Official" start of the Cape Wrath trail, starts at Banavie, a small settlement a few ks north west of Fort William.
From Camusnagaul, follow the A861 south for approimately 10k on lovely country roadside. Turn right off the A861 following the River Scaddail. You are in the area of Inverscaddail. A few houses and nothing much else.
After 1km the road morphs into trail which winds left and follows the trail along side the Cona River for another 15k. A couple of 100 meters past the 25k mark, the trail snakes right and heads up the hill on your right, leaving the Cona River.
Up and over the ridge on faintly marked sections for the next few ks. Watch out for bogs on the top. You will pick up a more discernable trail again heading down from the ridge. Keeping the Gallop River on your right finish the trail at intersection crossing with Loch Shiel Forestry Road. This route stops here - but to get into town take the DragonFly Trail across Gallop River. Stop and see the Viaduct Bridge Memorial and the trail ends on the main road A830 close to shops and houses.
This is an unofficial route which crosses wild, remote, and often trackless terrain. Because it is an informal combination of existing footpaths, estate tracks, and wilderness-bog crossings rather than a managed park trail, maintenance is not performed by a single authority. Walkers routinely report on current bog levels, river crossing safety (which can be hazardous after heavy rain), and bothy conditions via community platforms like Walkhighlands and recent hiker trip logs. Check the Met Office Mountain Weather Forecast for the Northwest Highlands before attempting major river crossings to see if recent weather has caused washouts, high river flows, or damage to local bothies.
Plenty of scottish cows along the way once off the A861. Glenfinnan is steeped in history with the Jacobite wars and the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct. The trail is remote in places. Viewing spots around the Viaduct get busy to view the famous Steam Train "Jacobite Express" as it crosses the iconic 21-arch curve featured as the Hogwarts Express route in the Harry Potter films.
No pubic toilets on route.
There is plenty of parking by the ferry in Fort William.
17 km
74 minutes
Unknown
Moderate.
Take a map or download a GPX file as at times the trails are sparsely marked.
Unknown.
Waterproof leggings, Thermal leggings, Lightweight fleece top, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Cellphone, Compass, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries
Unsure of suitable water spots. There is cattle dotted along the river at places so take care when chosing a place to take water from the river.
Be well prepared if doing a winter run. It is often cold even in summer. Unexpected showers and temperature drops happen often. Please ensure you know the upcoming weather before you head out. Watch for bogs along the way.
Bogs and the scottish cattle tend to be "loose" in the paddocks. Ticks are common and so are midges if there is no wind. They cannot fly in the wind.
The information provided is a guide only. Conditions, access and hazards can change, so use your own judgement and check current local information before heading out. Make sure the route or location is suitable for your experience, fitness and equipment, and check any access restrictions or permissions that may apply.
Do you have a suggestion on where to go afterwards for the best coffee / cake / breakfast / brunch / beer?
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and The Scottish Highlands - Day Out
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Length: 24.0km
Level: Intermediate - Experienced
Distance Away: 53.5km
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