Sutherland Trail
A 69-mile long-distance path in northwest Scotland passing through the spectacular landscape of Sutherland. Magnificent mountains such as Suilven, Foinavon, and Ben Loyal can be admired from below or climbed—the choice is yours on this fantastic walk. With map, statistics, and GPX route file.
Statistics and Files
Grid Ref: NC 093 224
Distance: 69 miles (111 km)
Time: 30–38 hours
Duration: 5–7 days
Ordnance Survey Explorer Map (1:25,000):
439 Coigach and Summer Isles
442 Assynt, Lochinver, Kylesku and Inchnadamph
445 Foinaven, Arkle, Kylesku and Scourie
447 Ben Hope, Ben Loyal and Kyle of Tongue
448 Strath Naver / Strath Nabhair and Loch Loyal
Summary
The Sutherland Trail is a long-distance walk traversing Great Britain’s far northwest region. Developed by Cameron McNeish, the trail runs in a general southwest to northeast direction between Lochinver and Tongue. The walk is conducted mostly on trails and tracks, with minor sections of off-trail walking and a few miles on minor tarmac roads.
It passes close to iconic and awe-inspiring Sutherland hills such as Suilven, Canisp, Ben More Assynt, Arkle, Foinavon, Ben Hope, and Ben Loyal. Although the route is designed as a long-distance trail bypassing the summits, it is possible to climb them with short deviations—though this will add to the distance and considerably increase the physical effort.
On the standard route, the Sutherland Trail passes through Lochinver, Glencanisp Forest, Loch na Gainimh, Gleann Dorcha, Lochan Fada, Bealach na Suileig, Stronechrubie, Inchnadamph, Loch Fleodach Coire, Bealach na h-Uidhe, Loch Poll Amhluaidh, Loch Bealach a’ Bhuirich, Loch na Gainmhich, Unapool, Kylesku Bridge, Loch Glencoul, Meall Diamhain, Reay Forest, Achfary, Loch Stack, Allt Horn, Bealach Horn, An Dubh-loch, Lochan Sgeireach, Glen Golly, Gobersnuisgach Wood, Strath More, the Moine Path, Kinloch Lodge, and Lochan Hakel to finish in Tongue.