Knockan Crag Trail and the Moine Thrust
Highlands
Knockan Crag, thirteen miles north of Ullapool, is a National Nature Reserve in the North West Highlands Geopark, where the Moine Thrust is laid bare: rocks 500 million years older pushed up on top of younger ones. There is no livestock on the reserve, so a dog can walk the lower trail off the lead. The walk begins at the Rock Room, an open-sided visitor centre with a turf roof, then climbs past a display of pipe rock, whose white tubes are fossil worm burrows, and Jo Smith's Globe sculpture. A signed path leads to the exposed junction of the two rock bands, then well-made stone steps climb onto the top of the crag. A detour to the northern viewpoint looks out to Suilven and Canisp, and the path along the top gives views down to Lochan an Ais and to Stac Pollaidh between Cul Mor and Cul Beag, before zigzagging down past the Eagle Stone viewpoint to the car park. It is only 2km, but there is 185 metres of climbing on rocky steps, and the crag top is exposed to the weather.
This is a dog friendly walk that gives a big-mountain view for very little distance. The paths are clear and well built, and a sensible dog can be off lead on much of the trail, though the crag top has steep drops and the steps can be busy, so keep your dog close there. There is little shade, so carry water. Toilets are open around the clock in the car park.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 2.0 km (1.2 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 1 hr
- Walk Type
- Peak, Historic
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- Toilets open 24 hours in the car park, picnic tables and the unstaffed Rock Room visitor centre; no cafe.
- Parking
- Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve car park off the A835, NatureScot, no charge mentioned.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Knockan Crag Trail and the Moine Thrust, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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All dog friendly stays in HighlandsFrequently Asked Questions
Is Knockan Crag Trail and the Moine Thrust dog friendly?
Knockan Crag scores 7 out of 10 for dog friendliness on Wildpack Collective, making it a solid choice for a day out with your dog. There is no livestock on the National Nature Reserve, the paths are clear and well built, and toilets are available in the car park around the clock. Bear in mind that the crag top is exposed to the weather and has steep drops, so it suits confident, sensible dogs more than easily spooked or very boisterous ones.
Can dogs be off lead at Knockan Crag Trail and the Moine Thrust?
Yes, because there is no livestock on the reserve, a sensible dog can be off lead for much of the lower trail. That said, you should keep your dog close on the crag top, where there are steep drops, and on the stone steps, which can get busy with other visitors.
What should I know before visiting Knockan Crag Trail and the Moine Thrust with my dog?
The walk is only 2km but involves 185 metres of climbing on rocky steps, so it's a genuine workout for both of you despite the short distance. There is little shade along the route, so bring plenty of water for your dog, especially in warmer weather. Parking is free at the NatureScot car park off the A835, and toilets are open 24 hours, though there is no cafe on site, so come prepared with your own food and snacks.
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