NC3871 : Entrance to Cape Wrath Ranges installation, Faraid Head

Faraid Head

100m Elevation
87m Prominence
Scotland Country
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NC3871 : Entrance to Cape Wrath Ranges installation, Faraid Head

Jim Barton Photo source

Explore routes near Faraid Head

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Ben Klibreck

16.9 km ~8h 20m Moderate

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Route planning notes

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Faraid Head Circular Walk

A scenic circular route that provides stunning coastal views and the chance to see local wildlife.

8.5 km ~2.5 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

100-199m hill

Elevation

100m

328 ft

Prominence

87m

Coordinates

58.6014, -4.7777

NC387715

OS Map

9

Explorer: 446

At the Summit

The summit features dramatic cliffs and a weathered coastline, with a charming lighthouse standing tall at its peak.

Terrain & Geology

Rocky and coastal with grassy slopes leading to the cliffs.

Faraid Head is primarily composed of sandstone and shales, which provide a rich tapestry of rugged coastal scenery. The formation is indicative of the area's complex geological history, shaped by both sedimentary processes and erosion.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, hikers can see the breathtaking vistas of the Atlantic Ocean, the distant Hebrides, and the nearby Sutherland coastline.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Faraid' is believed to derive from the Norse word for 'headland' or 'cape'.

Historical Significance

Historically, Faraid Head has guided sailors since the days of old, being a prominent marker along the treacherous northern coastline.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a small car park at the start of the trail near the entrance to the headland.

Public Transport

Limited public transport options; nearby villages have infrequent bus services. Best to travel by car.

Nearby Facilities

While there are no facilities directly at Faraid Head, the nearby town of Golspie has cafes, shops, and public toilets.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Strong coastal winds may be hazardous, especially near the cliffs. Keep a safe distance from the edge.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Faraid Head?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Faraid Head through the maps

Are there other walkers around Faraid Head?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Faraid Head search or of course create your own walk for Faraid Head

Can I organise a walk to Faraid Head?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Faraid Head.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Faraid Head?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Faraid Head here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: NC387715

View on OpenStreetMap

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