Long distance
Sutherland Trail
An unofficial route devised by Cameron McNeish through the wildest landscape in mainland Britain, from Lochinver to Tongue. Passes beneath Suilven, Canisp, Ben More Assynt, Arkle, Foinaven, Ben Hope and Ben Loyal, by Kylesku Bridge, the Reay Forest, Glen Golly and the Moine Path. No waymarks, no crowds, no safety net. Around 111 km (69 mi) point-to-point and 3,600 m up; allow 5–7 days.
Quick facts
- Distance
- 111 km/ 69 mi
- Typical days
- 6
- Total ascent
- 3605 m
- Difficulty
- challenging
- Start → Finish
- Lochinver → Tongue
- Best direction
- West to East
- Water sources
- Lochinver and Tongue have taps; settlements in between are few (Inchnadamph, Kylesku, Achfary). The Sutherland landscape has many burns and rivers — treat everything. Carry 2L on the long Lone-to-Loch Hope stage over the Bealach Horn.
- Mobile signal
- Expect signal at Lochinver and Tongue and little or none in the interior — Glencanisp, the Reay Forest, Glen Golly, Strath More and the Moine Path. Carry a satellite messenger.
⚠ Not waymarked — navigation skills required
Approximate profile derived from per-stage ascent — accurate on total climb and pattern, not a pixel-precise GPX trace.
Our take
The Sutherland Trail is for experienced backpackers who want genuine wilderness without the Cape Wrath Trail's length. The mountain scenery is extraordinary — Suilven, Canisp and the Assynt peaks are unlike anything else in Scotland. Navigation skills are essential as the route is unmarked and passes through trackless terrain. Midges in July will test your commitment to outdoor living.
Highlights
- Suilven and Canisp from Glencanisp and the Bealach na Suileig
- Kylesku Bridge and Loch Glencoul
- The Reay Forest under Arkle and Foinaven — Loch Stack, Bealach Horn and Glen Golly
- The Moine Path between Ben Hope and Ben Loyal to the Kyle of Tongue
Day-by-day itinerary
A suggested 5-day schedule. Adjust to your fitness and conditions.
1Lochinver to Inchnadamph22km
East from Lochinver through Glencanisp, between Suilven and Canisp and over the Bealach na Suileig, then down by Stronechrubie to Inchnadamph on Loch Assynt.
- Terrain
- Estate track, then rough paths and trackless ground over the bealach. Navigation essential.
- Overnight
- Check what is open at Inchnadamph before relying on a bed. Wild camping.
- Stats
- Lochinver → Inchnadamph · 22km
2Inchnadamph to Kylesku19km
Up past Loch Fleodach Coire and over the Bealach na h-Uidhe, then by Loch Bealach a' Bhuirich and Loch na Gainmhich down to Unapool and Kylesku Bridge (Walking Englishman, read 2026-10-27).
- Terrain
- Hill paths and rough, partly pathless ground over the bealach, then some road.
- Overnight
- Check what is open at Kylesku. Wild camping.
- Stats
- Inchnadamph → Kylesku · 19km
3Kylesku to Lone19km
By Loch Glencoul into the Reay Forest, through Achfary and along Loch Stack to Lone, under Arkle.
- Terrain
- Paths and estate tracks, some rough ground.
- Overnight
- Wild camping. No other options.
- Stats
- Kylesku → Lone · 19km
4Lone to Loch Hope26.5km
The longest stage: up the Allt Horn and over the Bealach Horn, down Glen Golly and Strath More to Loch Hope, under Ben Hope.
- Terrain
- Stalkers' paths, a high bealach, rough glen paths and river crossings. Remote and demanding.
- Overnight
- Wild camping. No other options.
- Stats
- Lone → Loch Hope · 26.5km
5Loch Hope to Tongue18.4km
Over the Moine Path between Ben Hope and Ben Loyal, down by Kinloch Lodge and Lochan Hakel to the finish at Tongue on the north coast.
- Terrain
- Rough path across open moorland, then tracks and road.
- Overnight
- Tongue has places to stay.
- Stats
- Loch Hope → Tongue · 18.4km
Hills along the route
Munros, Corbetts, Grahams and Donalds near the route line — extensions or rest-day options.
Best months
Accommodation
A tent is a must: there are long sections without accommodation. Lochinver and Tongue have places to stay; check what is open at Inchnadamph and Kylesku before relying on a bed there. Lone and Loch Hope are wild-camp stops. Wild camping is the primary plan for everyone.
Night-by-night guide: where to stay →Resupply
Lochinver has shops; Tongue has a small shop. Do not plan on reliable resupply between them — carry food for the whole route.
Current conditions
Weather at the start point (Lochinver)
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 07:25
- Sunset
- 16:44
- Civil dawn
- 06:44
- Civil dusk
- 17:26
NOAA Solar Calculator · 28 October 2026
Share your experience
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Getting to and from the Sutherland Trail
Train and town anchors at each end of the route — on TripSCOT.