Stage 2 of the Cape Wrath Trail covers 18.8 km from Glenfinnan to A' Chuil, with 611 m of ascent and 486 m of descent. The highest point is 493 m. Allow about 6.5 hours of walking, plus breaks.
Distance, climb and elevation come from the Outest route data. Difficulty and time are estimates from distance and climb; your pace will vary with heat, pack weight and photo stops.
Mountain Bothies Association bothy in the forest of Glen Dessarry, about 150 m from the trail at the stage end: free, no booking, sleeping platform, two open fires and a composting toilet. Respect estate notices in the stalking season (mainly September and October).
Estate bothy (not MBA) beside the track up Glen Finnan, about 4.5 km after Glenfinnan; free, no booking, first come first served. It is busy because it is so close to the road, so carry a tent.
Mountain Bothies Association bothy at the head of Loch Arkaig's Glen Pean, about 2 km south of the trail near A' Chuil: free, no booking. An alternative if A' Chuil is full.
Checked online in October 2026. Places marked "listed, not confirmed" appear on a public listing (OpenStreetMap, VisitScotland, CAMRA or a booking site) or have an out-of-date website, and could not be confirmed for 2026. Bothies are free and cannot be booked, and several close in the stag-stalking season (September to 20 October), so always carry a tent. Hotels and B&Bs have only a few rooms and some close in winter: book ahead.
Emergency: call 999 or 112 and ask for Police, then Mountain Rescue. Medical advice: NHS 24 on 111. Emergency & health guide
Pharmacies, ATMs, shops and stops: © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hospitals and health centres checked online.
The full stage works offline in Outest, with the route, elevation, water and village points, and a trail guide you can ask about conditions and the next place to sleep.