Knap of Trowieglen
Good walks are even better shared.
Overview
Knap of Trowieglen
Overview
The Knap of Trowieglen, a delightful Marilyn in the Caithness and Sutherland region, provides a taste of the rugged beauty of northern Scotland. With its relatively gentle slopes and captivating views, it’s a fantastic outing for hikers of all stripes – just be sure to bring a sandwich or two!
Geology
The fascinating geological composition showcases layers of sedimentary rock, intermingled with hints of volcanic activity that date back millions of years. It's like having a slice of earth's history laid out in front of you—just be sure to appreciate it without trying to dig it up!
Routes
One popular route heads directly from the A9 road. This straightforward approach welcomes seasoned trekkers and newcomers alike, culminating in a rewarding summit experience after approximately 4.5 km.
Summit Features
Atop Knap of Trowieglen, you’ll encounter a charming cairn that stands as a silent witness to countless adventures inspired by the mountain's serene allure. The 360-degree view is an invitation to gaze at the beauty of Sutherland.
Terrain
The terrain here is largely grassy—ideal for picnics—and punctuated by rocky outcrops. However, keep in mind that the path can be boggy after rain. A sturdy pair of boots will save you from an embarrassing squelch!
Views
From the summit, not only do you have a front-row seat to the impressive Ben Klibreck but also the picturesque Loch Naver sprawls in the distance. Best seasons for these sights are spring and early autumn; however, if you’re an early bird, summer sunrises are a treat.
Hazards
Hikers should be mindful of sudden weather shifts typical in this area. One moment you’re basking in sunshine, the next you could be dishing out backwoods survival tactics. Also, those boggy bits can be sneaky, waiting to ambush unfortunate footwear!
Nearby Summits
Completing your adventure, don’t forget to consider nearby giants like Ben Klibreck and Morven, both offering their unique delights and challenges to eager walkers.
Access
The journey begins conveniently with access right off the A9, where you’ll find a small parking layby. Public transport is available, but a car opens the door to countless exploration possibilities in the region. The nearest town is Lairg, rich in local charm and amenities.
Facilities
Lairg is equipped with cafes and shops to refuel after your hike. An important note: toilets are available, and it’s advisable to use them before tackling the mountain!
History
The Knap of Trowieglen's very name beckons to the Gaelic past, illustrating a locale infused with its historical essence and folklore. While the stories may not fill volumes, every step here feels like a gentle nudge from history itself.
Go for the hike; stay for the memories. Happy trekking!
Explore routes near Knap of Trowieglen
Public walks starting within 80 km of this hill. Nearby does not mean a route reaches the summit; check its map and access before setting out.
No public routes are currently listed within 80 km of Knap of Trowieglen on Walkmates. This does not mean there are no paths here. Explore the map and check local access information before planning a walk.
Route planning notes
These notes describe possible approaches, not verified navigable routes or permission to cross land. Check current paths, local access rules and conditions before setting out.
From the A9 Road
A straightforward route starting from the A9 road, leading directly to the summit with well-trodden paths.
Make a day of it, together
Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.
Photo Gallery
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ND2398 : Knap of Trowieglen summit
Colin Kinnear
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ND2398 : Summit cairn of Knap of Trowieglen
Calum McRoberts
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ND2398 : Trig point on Knap of Trowieglen
Roger McLachlan
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ND2398 : Knap of Trowieglen
Rude Health
Hill facts and local notes
Classifications
Elevation
399m
1,309 ft
Prominence
354m
Coordinates
58.8669, -3.3200
ND239984
OS Map
6 7
Explorer: 462
At the Summit
At the summit, you'll find a stone cairn and a magnificent panoramic view over the rolling hills and valleys of Sutherland.
Terrain & Geology
The mountain is predominantly composed of layered sedimentary rock, with some interesting volcanic intrusions that tell a story of geological upheaval from millennia ago.
Views & Scenery
You can spot notable landmarks such as Ben Klibreck and the sprawling Loch Naver from the summit.
History & Heritage
Name Origin
The name 'Knap of Trowieglen' is thought to derive from the Gaelic 'Cnap', meaning 'hill' or 'mound', and 'Trowieglen', which could relate to the area's folklore.
Historical Significance
Though not steeped in grand historical tales, it carries the whispers of ancient Gaelic legends and has been a beloved spot for local hikers.
Getting There & Facilities
Check current local access restrictions, parking rules and transport timetables before travelling. These notes do not confirm public access to the summit.
Parking
Parking can be found just off the A9, near the starting point for the trek; a small layby holds a few vehicles comfortably.
Public Transport
Buses run regularly on the A9 between Thurso and Inverness, but a car will offer the best flexibility for exploring the area.
Nearby Facilities
Lairg has a few cafes and some shops for supplies. Toilets can be found in the village, but it's recommended to plan ahead.
Safety Information
Known Hazards
- Be wary of sudden changes in weather, as they can occur rapidly in this region. Also, watch your footing on the boggy sections to avoid an unexpected dunking!
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 Knap of Trowieglen?
Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Knap of Trowieglen through the maps
Are there other walkers around Knap of Trowieglen?
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 Knap of Trowieglen search or of course create your own walk for Knap of Trowieglen
Can I organise a walk to Knap of Trowieglen?
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 Knap of Trowieglen.
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 Knap of Trowieglen?
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 Knap of Trowieglen 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
Community Discussion
Comments
Location
Grid reference: ND239984
View on OpenStreetMapOpens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.
Hills within 30 km
Straight-line distance, not a walking route or confirmation of access.
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