Five Degree West Challenge
A 290-mile long-distance walk following the 5°W line of longitude along the spine of Scotland from the Cowal Peninsula in the south to Cape Wrath in the north. With map, statistics, and GPX route file.
Statistics and Files
Grid Ref: NS 124 676
Distance: 290 miles (466 km)
Time: 120–150 hours
Duration: 24–30 days
Ordnance Survey Explorer Maps (1:25,000):
OL37 Cowal East, Dunoon and Inveraray
OL39 Loch Lomond North, Tyndrum, Crianlarich and Arrochar
360 Loch Awe and Inveraray
362 Cowal West and Isle of Bute
377 Loch Etive and Glen Orchy
384 Glen Coe and Glen Etive
392 Ben Nevis and Fort William
399 Loch Arkaig
400 Loch Lochy and Glen Roy
414 Glen Shiel and Kintail Forest
415 Glen Affric, Glen Moriston and Cannich
430 Loch Monar, Glen Cannich and Glen Strathfarrar
436 Beinn Dearg, Loch Fannich and Ullapool
439 Coigach and Summer Isles
442 Assynt, Lochinver, Kylesku and Inchnadamph
445 Foinaven, Arkle, Kylesku and Scourie
446 Durness and Cape Wrath
Summary
The Five Degree West Challenge is an arduous undertaking designed only for those with the necessary navigational skills and long-distance walking expertise. The 5°W line of longitude runs along the spine of Scotland in a south-to-north direction from the southern tip of the Cowal Peninsula to Cape Wrath. The route attempts to follow the five-degree line as closely as possible; deviation must be minimized, and the line must be contacted at least once every day of the walk. A specific route is outlined, but this can be varied if the walker wishes to try to follow the 5° line even more closely. To reiterate: the route is demanding, and this challenge is tough. With nearly 20,000 metres of ascent, there are mountains to cross, forests to negotiate, and bogs to plod through. If you attempt the walk and complete it, you are a hero. If you decide to take up the challenge, good luck!