Cape Wrath

Cape Wrath was once the home of a series of small crofting communities, although by 1845 the only families remaining on the Parph were those of shepherds. In the 1930s it supported a population of 30 to 40 people, including a small side school at Achiemore which had up to ten pupils in the 1930s but closed in 1947. Building remains at locations such as Kearvaig have been dated to the 18th century. The Cape has few archaeological remains which can be dated to earlier than this, although a promontory fort at Eilean nan Caorach to the east of the headland may date to the late prehistoric age. Much of the area has been used for sheep grazing, a use which continues today, and shielings, shelters…

The cape is visited by between 2,000 and 6,000 tourists a year, attracted by the lack of settlements, plants, animals, cliffs, mountain backdrop and lighthouse. The tourist industry is estimated to be worth between £400,000 and £620,000 to the economy of the local area around Durness. Cape Wrath is also the turning point for the Cape Wrath Marathon. It runs for 11 mi to the lighthouse and the same distance back to the ferry dock on the Cape side. The final 4 mi leg of the race is run from the mainland side from the ferry dock and finishes at Durness Community Centre. The marathon is held each year as the final event of a week of races, the Cape Wrath Challenge. The sole inhabitants of the…