How long is the walk-in to Kearvaig?

3km from Cape Wrath lighthouse (ferry + minibus required) — about 0.8 hours at a steady walking pace. From Cape Wrath lighthouse (reached via the Cape Wrath ferry from Keoldale and then the minibus), walk 3km east to the bay.

Can you have a fire in Kearvaig?

Yes — there's a working fireplace at Kearvaig. Carry your own fuel in: dead wood is scarce around most Scottish bothies, and burning furniture or fence posts is never on.

How big is Kearvaig inside?

There's room for 6. Bothies are first-come-first-served though, and sharing with strangers is normal — on busy weekends late arrivals often end up pitching a tent outside.

Where do you get water at Kearvaig?

Kearvaig River running directly past the bothy — clear and reliable.

What time of year is best for Kearvaig?

Plan around May, June, July, August, September. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.

Bothy

Kearvaig

Britain's most northwesterly bothy, sitting in a sandy bay near Cape Wrath lighthouse. Reaching it requires a ferry crossing and minibus ride before the final walk — or a multi-day trek on the Cape Wrath Trail.

Quick facts

Walk-in: 3 km· 0.8 hrs
Sleeps: 6
Altitude: 10m
Condition: Good condition
Grid ref: NC292727
Maintained by: Mountain Bothies Association
Fireplace: Yes
Water: Kearvaig River running directly past the bothy — clear and reliable.
Mobile signal: No signal. Cape Wrath peninsula has no mobile coverage; satellite emergency device recommended.
Dogs: Dogs on lead on approachLivestock on approach

Our take

Kearvaig is the end of the road in the most literal sense. To reach it you take a ferry, a minibus, and then walk. Or you walk the Cape Wrath Trail for 200 miles. Either way, the sense of arrival at a white sand beach at the edge of Britain is profound. Check the ferry and firing range schedules before committing.

Getting there

From Cape Wrath lighthouse (reached via the Cape Wrath ferry from Keoldale and then the minibus), walk 3km east to the bay. Short but the logistics of reaching the lighthouse are the real challenge. The ferry operates May–September, weather permitting. Cape Wrath Trail walkers arrive from the south.

Nearest parking: Cape Wrath lighthouse (ferry + minibus required)

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Stalking season / estate access

Cape Wrath MOD range and adjacent estate. Bothy closed during active firing (red flags); check range times at Durness TIC. Stalking 15 September–20 October on adjacent land.

What to expect inside

Well-maintained MBA bothy with a fireplace and sleeping space for 6. Beautifully positioned above a white sand beach. The setting is extraordinarily remote — the nearest road is 12 miles south.

Nearby hills

Multi-bothy trips

Kearvaig → Strathchailleach

Cape Wrath Trail pairing; Strathchailleach is south via Sandwood Bay — very long rough moorland day with no path.

20 km

When to visit

Access is restricted by the Cape Wrath ferry (May–September, unreliable in bad weather) and by MOD firing range schedules — Cape Wrath is an active military range. Check range times before travelling. Winter access requires the Cape Wrath Trail from the south.

Wildfire risk — May to October

Dry conditions increase wildfire risk during summer. Never light fires in the open. Use the bothy fireplace only, and ensure it is fully out before you leave.

Current conditions

Condition unverified

We have not received a recent visitor report for this bothy. Check the MBA bothy register for current status before relying on this bothy as shelter.

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Daylight Today

18h 37mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 05:05
Sunset: 21:48
Civil dawn: 04:08
Civil dusk: 22:45

NOAA Solar Calculator · 30 July 2026

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Stock up at Durness

Nearest TripSCOT town for food, fuel, and accommodation if the bothy is busy.

On TripSCOT

town

Durness

Cape Wrath base; Smoo Cave; Sandwood Bay walk-in

12km from the bothy

tripscot.co.uk

Kearvaig — common questions

How long is the walk-in to Kearvaig?: 3km from Cape Wrath lighthouse (ferry + minibus required) — about 0.8 hours at a steady walking pace. From Cape Wrath lighthouse (reached via the Cape Wrath ferry from Keoldale and then the minibus), walk 3km east to the bay.
Can you have a fire in Kearvaig?: Yes — there's a working fireplace at Kearvaig. Carry your own fuel in: dead wood is scarce around most Scottish bothies, and burning furniture or fence posts is never on.
How big is Kearvaig inside?: There's room for 6. Bothies are first-come-first-served though, and sharing with strangers is normal — on busy weekends late arrivals often end up pitching a tent outside.
Where do you get water at Kearvaig?: Kearvaig River running directly past the bothy — clear and reliable.
What time of year is best for Kearvaig?: Plan around May, June, July, August, September. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.

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