Cape WrathAbout Cape Wrath
Cape Wrath is the northwesternmost point of the mainland of Scotland, located on the Cape Wrath peninsula in Sutherland. It is known for its remoteness, sea cliffs and an operational lighthouse near the tip of the headland.
The cape provides rugged coastal scenery with high cliffs, isolated beaches and a working lighthouse. Visitors travel via a short ferry crossing followed by a minibus or on foot along rough tracks to reach the headland.
A lighthouse was constructed near the tip of the cape in the early 19th century to aid navigation around the hazardous coastal waters; the surrounding land has long been sparsely settled and used for grazing and, in modern times, military training.
The headland lies in northwest Sutherland in the Highlands of Scotland, reached from the nearest settlements by a seasonal ferry and a remote road; the nearest services are in villages such as Durness to the east.
- Access: Remote and rugged - vehicle access requires a ferry and minibus transfer from the nearest roadhead; services in the area are minimal.
- Military use: The area includes an active MOD firing range; times of firing are published and parts of the headland can be restricted during exercises.
What to See#
- Lighthouse: Cape Wrath Lighthouse, situated near the cliff edge and long operated by the Northern Lighthouse Board.
- Cliffs and military range: Extensive cliffs and coastal walking areas together with remote beaches; much of the surrounding land is used as a Ministry of Defence firing range.
Best Time to Visit Cape Wrath
Best visited in summer for access and long daylight; prepare for rapidly changing weather year-round.
Weather & Climate near Cape Wrath
Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 1°C to 15°C. Abundant rainfall (1193 mm/year), wettest in November.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 2° - 7° | -2° | 117 mm | overcast | 87% | 9.6 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.9h |
| February | Poor | 1° - 7° | -2° | 77 mm | overcast | 86% | 9.2 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.1h |
| March | Poor | 2° - 8° | 0° | 96 mm | overcast | 86% | 8.9 m/s | 0.2 low | 11.6h |
| April | Acceptable | 3° - 9° | 2° | 62 mm | overcast | 85% | 7.4 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 14.2h |
| May | Acceptable | 6° - 12° | 5° | 56 mm | overcast | 84% | 6.3 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 16.6h |
| June | Acceptable | 8° - 14° | 11° | 73 mm | overcast | 86% | 6.2 m/s | 1.1 high | 17.9h |
| July | Acceptable | 10° - 15° | 12° | 83 mm | overcast | 87% | 5.8 m/s | 1.1 high | 17.2h |
| August | Good | 10° - 15° | 13° | 99 mm | overcast | 87% | 5.8 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 15.1h |
| September | Poor | 8° - 14° | 11° | 128 mm | overcast | 87% | 7.1 m/s | 0.4 low | 12.6h |
| October | Poor | 6° - 12° | 5° | 134 mm | overcast | 87% | 8.4 m/s | 0.1 low | 10.0h |
| November | Poor | 4° - 9° | 2° | 144 mm | overcast | 87% | 8.7 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.6h |
| December | Poor | 2° - 7° | -1° | 124 mm | overcast | 86% | 8.9 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.2h |
How to Get to Cape Wrath
Public access is by ferry from Keoldale or by road to Durness followed by the Cape Wrath minibus that crosses a small ferry. Services are seasonal and limited; check timetables and book the minibus in advance during summer.
Tips for Visiting Cape Wrath
- Book the Cape Wrath minibus from Durness early - it's a short, single-track route and services are limited.
- Hike to the lighthouse (built 1828) for a view over the Atlantic; watch for sudden weather changes.
- If visiting in summer, plan days carefully: ferries (or the small passenger ferry across to the cape road) run on specific schedules and can limit day-trip options.