Scottish National Trail 2022 | Saved By Mountains

🥾 General Info

Length: ~864 km / 537 miles
Route: From Kirk Yetholm (Scottish Borders) to Cape Wrath (Northwest Highlands)
Trail Type: Point-to-point (South to North)
Created By: Cameron McNeish (launched in 2012)
Trail Composition: Mix of established trails, footpaths, remote moorland, and unwaymarked wilderness

⛰️ Terrain & Highlights

Elevation Gain: ~26,000 m / ~85,000 ft total (estimated)
Landscape Diversity:
Rolling farmland in the Borders
Lochs and forests through the Central Belt
Rugged Highland mountains, moorland, and wild coastline
Trail Sections Include:
Southern Upland Way
West Highland Way
Great Glen Way
Cape Wrath Trail (unmarked, extremely remote)

🧍‍♂️ Hiking Stats & Experience

Typical Completion Time: 5–7 weeks
Difficulty: Moderate to extreme (especially north of Fort William)
Navigation: Mixed – waymarked in the south, very limited or nonexistent markers in the north (especially Cape Wrath section)
Best Direction: South to North (standard)
Wildness Increases: Trail becomes significantly more remote after the Central Highlands

🏕️ Camping & Logistics

Accommodation: Mix of B&Bs, hostels, and wild camping (legal in Scotland under access rights)
Water Sources: Readily available in the north (streams, rivers), filtered recommended
Resupply: Towns available every few days in southern sections; less frequent and more remote in the north
Shuttles & Access: Good transport in the south; challenging near Cape Wrath — return from the end often requires planning (e.g., ferry + hike out)

🌿 Other Facts

Wildlife: Red deer, golden eagles, otters, seabirds, midges (in summer!)
Best Time to Hike: May to September (for weather and daylight)
Weather: Rapidly changing, especially in the Highlands – waterproof gear is essential
Appeal: Perfect for hikers seeking solitude, variety, and the full spectrum of Scottish landscape and culture