Cape Wrath
May 6th-11th 2026 I Book Now
Welcome to Cape Wrath—possibly the world’s most extreme beach holiday. You should be an experienced team member on expeditions. Trust, experience, and a fundamental understanding of expeditions are required for this challenge.
The Approach
This expedition is a “hard start”—a drop-off in the middle of the Scottish wilderness. Greater planning and preparation are essential. The beaches are stunning, the wilderness is remote. Unpredictable weather is mentally and physically more challenging. But this is what we want; this is our calling.
Welcome to the exciting world of our “White Labels” expeditions—expeditions designed to challenge and inspire.
Why Join
We promise you’ll return with more than memories—you’ll return changed.Spring in Scotland is a season of renewal. Valleys and lochs burst into life, the expedition season begins, and with the midges yet to peak, it’s the perfect time to explore. The weather can be both kind and challenging — making this landscape an ideal training ground.
“All in all, a great, well-prepared and executed experience that improved my abilities and confidence in handling the wilderness”
Itinerary
DAY ZERO: WEDNESDAY MAY 6th – TRAVEL FLIGHT/ NIGHT TRAIN
Travel to the start point
DAY 1: THURSDAY MAY 7th – WILD CAMP NEAR FASHVEN
We will meet at Inverness Train Station around 10am. Our 3-hour transfer will depart after meeting those flying in, while those arriving on the fabulous night train can chill out and have breakfast. We will transfer across the stunning North West Highlands to be “infilled” at the side of the road. There is no soft start. This expedition is for experienced team members only. We will then hike across the rugged, boggy, pathless ground to the viewpoint of Fashven (480m) and head south to find a wild camp spot.
DISTANCE: 11KM / ASCENT: 470M / DESCENT: 240M / DURATION: 5 HOURS / HIKING: HARD PATHLESS
DAY 2: FRIDAY MAY 8th – Sandwood Bay
It’s challenging to start hiking. We climb over rough terrain for the first 13 km to catch some views. After this, we follow paths until we reach the stunning sandy beaches of Sandwood Bay. This beach is a British gem and will become one of your favourite spots in Scotland.
DISTANCE: 25KM / ASCENT: 520M / DESCENT: 750M / DURATION: 10 HOURS / HIKING: MAINLY PATHLESS BOGGY TERRAIN
DAY 3: SATURDAY MAY 9th – SANDWOOD BAY TO KEARVAIG
Another big day. We climb from Sandwood Bay onto challenging hiking in boggy, pathless terrain. We cross rivers as we follow the cliffs north. We will climb over a fence into a military training area. As amphibious assaults and live firing from naval vessels and fighter jets occur here, we will check that there are no military exercises! We will reach Cape Wrath, stop by the visitors' centre, and follow a track to Kearvaig - another stunning beach by a bothy.
DISTANCE: 20KM / ASCENT: 370M / DESCENT: 360M / DURATION: 8 HOURS / HIKING: CHALLENGING, MAINLY PATHLESS BOGGY
DAY 4: SUNDAY MAY 10th – KEARVAIG TO BALNAKEIL
For the first two hours, hiking will be easy. What happens next depends on whether the local ferry is running. If not, we must hike around the bay. After we have collected water, we will aim to camp at a campsite as beach camping is illegal here.
DISTANCE: 25KM MINIMUM / ASCENT: 250-450M / DURATION: 8 HOURS / HIKING: MAINLY PATHLESS BOGGY
DAY 5: MONDAY MAY 11th – BALNAKEIL - DURNESS CAMPSITE - SMOO CAVES - TRANSFER TO INVERNESS
A much easier day. A quick exploration of the Faraid Head peninsula and its incredible bays and beaches, before a short hike (approximately 1 hour) into a campsite to shower and dry the equipment. We then hike to the geological marvel, the Smoo Cave. After seeing this incredible geological rock formation, we will end with a celebratory lunch. We will take our 3-hour transfer back to Inverness Train Station, arriving at approximately 18:30. The sleeper to London leaves at 20:45, or you could fly from Inverness the next day.
What Is included
Pre-expedition team Zoom meeting
Pre-expedition Zoom seminars
Transfers to/from Inverness train station
Tents
Group first aid kit
Emergency equipment
Emergency satellite comms
Seven Firepot dehydrated expedition meals
Cookers
Fuel
Guide
Campsite on night 4
Cooking fuel, tents, water
What Is not included
Night train or flight to and from the start (Inverness train station) of the expedition. (We will support with planning)
Snacks on the trek (we will teach you how to make an expedition food planner during the Zoom pre-expedition training sessions)
All personal equipment, including sleeping bags, rucksacks, boots, eating utensils and clothing (you can hire some at extra cost)
Expenses incurred in the unlikely event of an evacuation
Meal at the campsite
Comprehensive travel insurance covering remote evacuation and repatriation to your home country, trip cancellation and medical insurance
Personal use of satellite communication equipment
Expedition training weekend - Strongly recommended if you have not attended a wild camping event with Turn Wild
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You mention a “hard start” - what do you mean by this? Do we start sprinting up hill?
A hard start means that we meet at Inverness Train Station and get into a 3-hour transfer almost immediately after a quick essentials check. There is no lengthy kit check to educate you on what to bring - and just importantly what not to bring! Once at our start point, there is nothing- we are in the wilderness.
How many team members are going to be on this expedition?
The maximum number is nine team members with one guide. We require a minimum of five confirmed participants to proceed. Please book early as transfers and night trains sell out quickly, especially in May.
I have not been on any expeditions. Can I go on this expedition?
Yes, if you come on our expedition training. However, we suggest starting with an expedition that has a slower pace. We will only accept applications from those we think will arrive properly prepared.
What will the weather be like?
It is generally warmer in May, but to be burnt by the sun in the morning, then battered by freezing hypothermic rain at lunch and bruised by hailstones by tea time is feasible and has been experienced. If you do what we say, you will be prepared appropriately.. A strong team can handle this.
What happens if I want to finish the expedition early?
We go in as a team. We return as a team. This would cause a massive problem, as we would have to divert from the route (possibly for up to 2 days of hiking) and wait a long time for a transfer. If in doubt, gain more experience and confidence by participating in our other expeditions. Although this stunning landscape is not mountainous, it is utterly brutal. You are expected to turn up properly equipped and fit enough to avoid letting the team down and to minimise your risk of injury.
What is the benefit to me of joining the team early?
Firstly, there will be a £100 discount for those who pay a £50 reservation fee by October 1, 2025. The next huge benefit is the fact the expedition can run at all. Many people do not realise that service capacity is limited in Scotland. Trains, transfers, and campsites get booked early, and events cannot run. The further you go away from the cities, the greater this issue. The earlier we get the minimum numbers, the earlier you can book your transport and not only save money but also get the flight or train you want. This would also prevent needing to stay extra nights in a hotel and travel a day early or late. You are simply being a better team member by booking early. Lastly, once on an expedition, you can become focused and have a goal - that's a good feeling!
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The total cost is £650 per person. All bookings start with a one on one call with one of our qualified guides. This call is to make sure all your questions are answered so that all team members know about the expedition challenges and the commitment that must be made in preparation. You may also ask any further questions you may have around the expedition. After this call, a deposit of 30% will be sent to you to secure your place. The balance is due 50 days before the start of the expedition. For cancellations made within 30-40 days of the trip commencement date, Turn Wild reserves the right to retain 50% of the balance payment. For cancellations within 30 days of the departure date, Turn Wild will retain 100% of the total fee. For any further questions or to secure a place, please contact us via the details below. Thank you, and let your adventure begin!
Contact Ian on 07901 916 169 or Ian@turnwild.com. Find more about Turn Wild’s terms and conditions here.