Cape Wrath Trail, Hiking trail in Highland, Great Britain
The Cape Wrath Trail is a long-distance hiking route in northwestern Scotland that runs from Fort William to a lighthouse at the very northwest tip of the mainland, spanning approximately 230 kilometers (143 miles). The terrain is wild and remote, with several unbridged river crossings and stretches where the path vanishes into moorland and bog.
The route was documented in 1996 by David Paterson, who published a photography book mapping a long path through the Scottish Highlands. This publication brought attention to the journey and helped establish it as a recognized hiking destination.
The route passes simple stone bothies, traditional shelters that hikers use for overnight stays in the remote highlands. These basic accommodations are woven into the local walking culture and represent how travelers have moved through this landscape for generations.
Hikers need solid navigation skills and proper gear since the path is unmarked and often disappears into open moorland. Weather conditions change rapidly in this exposed landscape, so visitors should prepare for wet and windy conditions and allow extra time for slower progress.
The lighthouse marking the trail's endpoint was built in 1828 by Robert Stevenson, grandfather of author Robert Louis Stevenson who wrote Treasure Island. Few hikers realize this family connection exists when they arrive at the remote landmark.
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