Cape Wrath Trail (South)

Today is the day we will all make our way to Fort William to begin our Cape Wrath Trail adventure (or if you joined us on the Cape Wrath Trail Knoydart Expedition this will be a rest day between sections). In the evening, you will get a chance to meet the rest of your group, as well as your guides, for a welcome evening and briefing. This will be in a local pub/restaurant where you will have the option of an evening meal.

We will then travel together to the remote Kinloch Hourn (1.5 hrs) for our first night’s accommodation.

Accommodation in Kinloch Hourn

This is the first day of walking, where the trip really begins. 

From Kinloch Hourn we will be walking to Glen Shiel. Most of today’s walking will be on hill paths or rough pathless terrain. But, it will be worth the effort as you will be inspired by the spectacular views from high in the hills, giving you a great idea of what the coming days have to offer.

There will be rivers to cross, as well as steep climbs and descents; this is no warm up day.  Climbing out of Kinloch Horn we will pass between the mountains The Saddle and Sgurr na Sgnie.  From our high point we will gain views down into Glen Shiel, before traversing under the sharp Forcan Ridge. A steep descent into a remote glen and a river crossing brings us to a good track. This will lead us to a finish at Shiel Bridge.

Distance: 12 miles (19km)
Total ascent: 910m
Time: 6.5-7.5 hours

Accommodation in Shiel Bridge/Morvich/Inverinate

Today we start with a short section along the road before we head off into the hills once again. We will follow the Abhainn Chonaig river and small watercourses lead us through the woodlands towards the moorland above. The paths become rougher and wetter as we climb.

We descend to the Falls of Glomach meeting the waterfall at its top, just as it drops away precipitously. A short scramble gives access to the best viewpoint but sure footwork and a head for heights is required.   

From here we will traverse the steep slopes and short rocky steps with some minor scrambling required. With the difficulties passed the route descends to the river and tributary is crossed. A short distance further and we cross the river into Glen Elchaig, where we are able to follow a land rover track and metalled road into Killilan. 

Distance: 14.5 miles (23 km)
Total ascent: 710m
Time: 7-7.5 hours

Accommodation in Glen Shiel/Morvich/Inverinate

Today we ascend Glen Ling, we will pass several waterfalls before we head across moorland and through forest to reach the Attadale estate. Here, we will join a vehicle track which heads to the remote Bendronaig Lodge.

About a mile before the lodge, we will turn sharply to ascend the Bealach Alltan Ruairidh. From here, it is mostly a steady descent on a reasonable hill trail, with fantastic views emerging of the mountains across Strathcarron.

Distance: 13 miles (21 km)
Total ascent: 715m
Time: 6.5-7.5 hours

Accommodation in Lochcarron

This is day ew to our itinerary as of 2025.

From Strathcarron station we will follow the River Carron to Coulags – a nice gentle start to the day. From here we will head into the mountains following a good mountain path via Coire Fionnaraich bothy. After the bothy we will pass a small lochan and then climb steadily round the head of the coire to Bealach Bàn.

From the high point of this pass you will look down into Glen Torridon and the full ridge line of Liathach will come into view. Our path then curves round to climb once more through a narrow pass in the impressive rock into Coire Lair. Then it is a steady descent to Achnashellach, steepening towards the finish, all within impressive mountain surrounds.

Distance: 14 miles (22.5 km)
Total ascent: 750m
Time: 7.5-8.5 hours

Accommodation in Lochcarron

Today we leave Achnashellach and begin a steady climb into the beautiful forest for a short while. Once we leave the forest, we will continue on the same path to the Coulin Pass, giving great views back down Glen Carron along the way.

From here, we will descend to Loch Coulin with spectacular views of the Torridon mountains. Finally, we make our way along the flanks of Glen Torridon, negotiating woodlands (and one of the most boggy sections of the whole Cape Wrath Trail) before reaching Kinlochewe itself.

Distance: 10.5 miles (17 km)
Total ascent: 525m
Time: 5-6 hours

Accommodation in Kinlochewe or Gairloch

Today is our longest day on the Cape Wrath Trail South. You will start by ascending steadily from Kinlochewe until gaining views of the surrounding mountains of Slioch and Beinn Tarsuinn.

From Lochan Fada, we pick our way through the hills of Fisherfield over rough ground at first. With the aid of stalkers’ tracks and a river crossing or two, we will join a path just south of Loch an Nid. From here, we will follow the river down the glen to join a vehicle track to Corrie Hallie.

By this final section, the legs will be tiring, but excellent mountainous views are the perfect distraction.

Distance: 19 miles (30.75 km)
Total ascent: 890m
Time: 9.5 -10.5 hours

Accommodation in Ullapool

Our last day will begin an ascent of a rough track onto the moorland above. Passing woodland, a series of lochs and streams, fantastic views of An Teallach rise behind us. The remote Munros to the north of Loch Broom come into view as we reach the high point of the day.

We then descend steeply into Inverbroom before joining the road. We will walk the quiet road on the south side of Loch Broom to Dun an Ruigh Ruadh, opposite the starting point of our Cape Wrath Trail North, Leckmelm.

Distance: 10.5 miles (16.75km)
Total ascent: 890m
Time: 5-6 hours

Accommodation in Ullapool

If you are continuing onto the North section of the Cape Wrath Trail, then today is a rest day. After seven days of hard walking, we are sure you will appreciate it!

Otherwise, today will be your departure day. A lift to Inverness is available and will leave Ullapool around 9:00am. Inverness has excellent transport links to the rest of Scotland and the UK by bus, rail and air.

If you need to return to Fort William for your car, you will need to make use of the 919 Citylink bus service from Inverness.  At time of writing this service runs 4 times a day and we highly recommend booking in advance.