Knockan Crag NNR - Visiting the reserve

Visit Knockan Crag to find out how the spectacular landscape of the North-west Highlands came into being.

 

 

 

Path Closures 16/12/2024

Due to recent heavy rain, some sections of our paths at Knockan have become damaged and are no longer safe.  These sections, including access up to the Moine Thrust, will remain closed until further notice.   We currently do not have a timeframe for repairs, but hope that we will be able to carry out repairs during the spring.   

Path closures are expected to continue over the Christmas and New Year break and into 2025.

The car park, toilets and Rock Room will remain open. 

 

Getting here

Knockan Crag lies in the far north-west of Scotland, to the north of Ullapool.

By car

From Ullapool, follow the A835 north for 21 kilometres. There is no vehicle height or width restrictions at the car park.

There is space for a full-sized coach, with turning area.

IV27 4HH is the nearest postcode (centred on Elphin, 4.5 kilometres north).

By public transport

Buses from Ullapool stop at the reserve entrance on request. In summer the Inverness to Durness bus can carry bicycles.

Map

Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve
Click for a full description

Thirteen miles north of Ullapool, off the A835 road. The Ullapool to Lochinver bus passes the reserve entrance.

For visitors

Our Knockan Crag NNR leaflet is a good introduction to the reserve, which is open all day throughout the year. 

Visitor centre

The Rock Room is a unique open-sided visitor centre, complete with turf roof. It nestles into the Knockan hillside and gives you the big picture of the surrounding landscape. It has interpretation and information. There is interpretation, poetry and sculptures along the trails.

Telephone: 01463 701600

Toilets

The toilets, which are open 24 hours, are in the centre of the car park and access is level. The accessible toilet has a RADAR lock – keys are available from Disability Rights UK.

Picnic areas

There are two picnic tables, easily accessed from the car park. One has space for a wheelchair or buggy.

Rest areas

There are stone seats at regular intervals along all trails.

Stay The Night - motorhomes and campervans

Motorhomes and campervans that are self-contained and have their own internal toilet facilities can stay overnight at Morton Lochs car park. This is a nature reserve, please respect the wildlife, other visitors and our neighbours. 

There is currently no charge for using our sites overnight but we suggest a donation of £10 per vehicle towards the upkeep of our reserves. You can donate online at My Park Scotland. 

Please visit our NNR FAQ page for further Stay The Night information, best practice and our terms and conditions of use.

To help plan your stay, please see the details below:

  • Height barrier or restriction – No
  • No vehicles over 6m in length. 
  • Motorhome capacity – 8
  • Suitable for large vehicles/caravans – No
  • Parking notes – car park is level and a mix of tarmac or hard compact surface. Please leave a 4m gap from other motorhomes.
  • Litter– please take all rubbish home. 
  • Campervan waste - there are no chemical / black or grey waste disposal facilities on site. 
  • Electricity/water are not available.
  • Please bear in mind that this is a working NNR and staff occasionally may be carrying out tasks at anti-social hours or work vehicles accessing the forest routes.

Trails

A short trail takes you from the car park to the Rock Room – it includes a low-gradient ramp to avoid the steps.

The Thrust Trail takes you from the Rock Room to the Moine Thrust. There is also an easier Quarry Trail, which doubles back before the going gets too tough.

Climb the steep Crag Top Trail for wonderful views across Coigach and Assynt.

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