Cape Wrath is the most north-westerly point in the UK and it boasts the most isolated bus stop in the British Isles.
The area lies in Sutherland, in the Scottish Highlands, and contrary to popular assumption, Cape Wrath’s name has nothing to do with how angry its winds can get.
The moniker derives from an Old Norse word meaning ‘turning point’, keeping with the belief that Vikings used the cape as a navigation point to turn their ships.
According to the BBC, Cape Wrath is “one of the last untouched wilderness areas in Britain” and is currently largely unpopulated.
Unless you prefer hiking through acres of moorland, the only way to reach the cape is through the Cape Wrath ferry, which is a foot passenger-only service. There is only one road and it is separated from the main road network by the Kyle of Durness.
Once there, a single bus company operates minibus tours from the beginning of May to the end of September every year.
The bus requires at least six adult passengers to operate, and takes tourists all the way up to the lighthouse and across other sites.
Details about the service are included in Roger French’s article Britain’s remotest bus terminus, which he wrote after visiting the area.
Stuart Ross, who runs the Cape Wrath minibus service as well as its website, spoke to Express.co.uk. He said that as well as driving the bus, he also provides running commentary throughout the journey.
Reviews online have consistently praised the humorous nature of his commentary, which includes anecdotes about the area with interesting sights and trivia.
He said his favourite thing about the area is the wildlife and the “unrivalled scenery”.
The main attraction at Cape Wrath is the lighthouse, which is not currently open for tourists.
It was built in 1828, and has only two people living adjacent to it.
Ross said: “Yes, it could get lonely.
“I imagine they would get a touch of cabin fever from time to time.”
Between the Kyle of Durness and the lighthouse is the area known as the Parph, a stretch of moorland that contains a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Protection Area for birds.
The Clo Mor Cliffs, the tallest sheer cliffs in Britain with a drop of 281m, are located just 3 miles from the lighthouse. They sustain a massive seabird colony with tens of thousands of puffins, razorbills, fulmars, kittiwakes, and guillemots.
Other wildlife in the Cape includes the red deer, golden eagle, cormorant, and gannet.
Due to its remote nature and rugged terrain, Cape Wrath is also a preferred location for the military to provide training for its officers.
