CAPE WRATH, SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

DISTANCE 38.3KM (23.8 MILES) CLIMBING 800M (2,624FT) TIME 2HRS TO 4HRS

Route summary: A wild and remote ride that’s fairly long but pretty easy, as it comprises non-technical riding along a rough 4x4 track, with shallow gradients throughout. If you fancy splitting the route in two, there’s a bothy along the way

Start/finish: Ferry jetty at the Kyle of Durness (postcode: IV27 4SN, grid ref: NC 377/662)

1

The only way to get to the start is by a little ferry that will take you across the Kyle of Durness to a rough old ‘road’ to the lighthouse. Take heed of the advice on the signs as you enter the firing range.

2

Follow this rough undulating track for around 18km, until you reach the Cape Wrath lighthouse at the end. Note: Along the way, after just over 10km, there’s another track off to the right, by some huts, which leads down to the beautiful, remote Kearvaig Bay and the spectacular Kearvaig bothy.

3

After the Kearvaig turning, carry on along the main track. Cross a small stone bridge and continue to the lighthouse. Remember to get a photo of yourself, your bike and the lighthouse – then you can claim your entry into the elite Cape Wrath Fellowship (see below). Visit the cafe before retracing your steps back to the jetty. Hopefully there’ll be a boat waiting, but if not, phone the ferryman to arrange collection.

Note: You can claim a Cape Wrath Fellowship certificate by visiting the website https://shop.cyclinguk.org/capewrath-certificate and Endura will reward you with 15 per cent off their products.

LOCATION: Cape Wrath is where the north and west coasts of Scotland meet. It’s largely owned by the Ministry of Defence, so access is prohibited at times (call 0800 833 300 to check).

GETTING THERE: You need to start at the Keoldale Ferry on the A838, which costs £10 for you and your bike. It runs when the tides and weather allow so call Malcolm the ferryman beforehand on 07719 544207. MAPS & BOOKS: Ordnance Survey Landranger 9: Cape Wrath. Scotland Mountain Biking: The Wild Trails by Phil McKane (Vertebrate Publishing).

FACILITIES: The lighthouse has a 24-hour cafe and bunkhouse (www.visitcapewrath.com).

THE BOTHY: Kearvaig Bothy is in one of the most remote and wild locations possible. Bring your own food, firewood and sleeping gear!