Cape Wrath Lighthouse

The Cape Wrath Lighthouse is situated on the northwest tip of the Scottish mainland, at coordinates 58.6254769, -4.9991625. The lighthouse is located on Cape Wrath Road, near the village of Handa Island.

History

• The Cape Wrath Lighthouse was constructed in 1858 by the Northern Lighthouse Board (NLB).
• The tower stands at a height of 122 meters (400 feet) above sea level and has a focal height of 121 meters (397 feet), making it one of the tallest lighthouses in Scotland.
• The lighthouse is believed to have been designed by Robert Stevenson, who also designed the famous Bell Rock Lighthouse.

Architecture

The Cape Wrath Lighthouse is a characteristic example of 19th-century lighthouse design, with a tall, cylindrical tower and a distinctive lantern room at the top. The tower is constructed from local granite and features a distinctive red-and-white striped paintwork.

The lighthouse has undergone several restorations over the years to maintain its original character.

Light Characteristics

• The Cape Wrath Lighthouse emits a white light that can be seen for up to 22 nautical miles (41 kilometers).
• The light is characterized by a sequence of three flashes, with a period of 30 seconds between each flash.
• The lighthouse also features an Automatic Identification System (AIS) radio station.

Current Status

The Cape Wrath Lighthouse is currently an active aid to navigation, although it has been automated since the 1980s. The lighthouse is still maintained by the Northern Lighthouse Board and is open to visitors during the summer months.

Heritage Status

The Cape Wrath Lighthouse is a Category A listed building in Scotland, recognizing its historical and architectural significance. The lighthouse is also protected as part of the Handa Island Special Area of Conservation.

Notable Historical Events

• In 1992, David Paterson pioneered the Cape Wrath Trail, a long-distance hiking route that runs from Fort William to Cape Wrath Lighthouse. The trail has since become one of the most popular backpacking routes in Scotland, attracting hikers from around the world.
• In 2018, ultra runner Tom Rainey set a new record for completing the Cape Wrath Trail in just 3 days, 13 hours, and 39 minutes.