THE CAPE WRATH

CHALLENGES

A Totally Unique Experience

May 11th to the 17th 2008

DURNESS is the most north westerly inhabited locality of mainland Great Britain  

Durness is in the county of Sutherland - that is the southern land of the Vikings. It is the most remote county in Britain. It is the only county in Scotland without a town and has the lowest population density in western Europe.

 Also, it has three coastlines - north, east and west  which provide a stunning coastal landscape of towering cliffs and golden beaches, backed by rugged mountains and barren moorlands. The empty glens of today bear witness to the great clearances of the 19th century when people were forcibly removed from their homes to make way for sheep farming 

Durness being on the corner of the road networks a natural stopping place. The scenery around here is magnificent and for those accustomed to city dwelling the sheer scale of the landscape is awe inspiring. This is surely one of the most beautiful areas of Europe with sparkling rivers, scattered lochs, shimmering beaches, rugged mountains and vast expanses of open moorland, where visitors will find peace and quietness; an absolute abundance of wildlife, clean, uncrowded beaches; some of the world's great fishing; and space in which to enjoy the clear invigorating air.  

 

CAPE WRATH  

Eighteen kilometers from Durness Village is the most north-westerly point on the British mainland. The Cape Wrath lighthouse stands more than 121 meters above sea level on staggering cliffs facing the stormy Atlantic Ocean. The lighthouse was built by Robert Stephenson in 1827. Access is via the Cape Wrath Ferry and minibus service through the Parph, 207 square kilometers of moorland. Cape Wrath contains a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Protection Area for birds (SPA) under the European Birds Directive. Situated 5km east of Cape Wrath are the Clo Mor Cliffs. These are the highest sheer cliffs in Great Britain, with a drop of 281m (921ft). They support an immense seabird colony with tens of thousands of puffins, razorbills, fulmars, kittiwakes and guillemots.  

  • For detailed information about Durness visit www.durness.org  

  • For detailed information on Cape Wrath visit www.capewrath.org

  • For detailed information on the area of North West Sutherland visit www.mackaycountry.com

  • The OS map for this area is the Landranger 1:50,000 scale No. 9 "Cape Wrath"

  • A Book "Durness Past and Present" is available for £8.50 from the local office

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