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, when they run), walk east to the bay.

Is there heating at Kearvaig?

Kearvaig has an open fire. Bring fuel with you — usable wood near most Scottish bothies is scarce, and bothy furniture and boundary posts are not fuel.

How big is Kearvaig inside?

There's room for about 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.

Photo: Jim Barton / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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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
Fire / stove: Open fire
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, when they run), walk east to the bay. Cape Wrath Trail walkers arrive from the south. The ferry and minibus are weather- and range-dependent; check before relying on them.

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

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On the approach

Cape Wrath is a live MoD range. Remaining 2026 closures: 30 Nov–11 Dec, and short-notice firing is possible. Red flags may go up a couple of days before and stay up after; firing times are normally displayed at Durness Post Office (MBA).

Stalking season / estate access

Cape Wrath Estate (MoD). Access is prohibited while red flags fly; check range times (normally displayed at Durness Post Office).

What to expect inside

MBA bothy with an open fire, above a sandy beach. Fuel is driftwood only (MBA) — bring your own.

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.

When to visit

Access is restricted by the ferry and minibus, and by the MoD range — Cape Wrath is an active military range. Firing times are normally displayed at Durness Post Office. Winter access is by 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

10h 40mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 07:26
Sunset: 16:41
Civil dawn: 06:44
Civil dusk: 17:24

NOAA Solar Calculator · 28 October 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, when they run), walk east to the bay.
Is there heating at Kearvaig?: Kearvaig has an open fire. Bring fuel with you — usable wood near most Scottish bothies is scarce, and bothy furniture and boundary posts are not fuel.
How big is Kearvaig inside?: There's room for about 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. Cape Wrath Estate (MoD). Access is prohibited while red flags fly; check range times (normally displayed at Durness Post Office).

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