
Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve Scotland
Explore ancient geology and dramatic mountain vistas at Knockan Crag, a stunning National Nature Reserve on Scotland's NC500.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, vibrant colors

Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve Scotland
Best Time
Fewer crowds, vibrant colors

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore ancient geology and dramatic mountain vistas at Knockan Crag, a stunning National Nature Reserve on Scotland's NC500.
"Spectacular views and fascinating geology make this a must-see stop on the NC500."

👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Trails can be steep & slippery. Good grip boots are a must for safe exploration.
🦟 Beware of Midges!
Midges can be fierce, especially in summer. Pack insect repellent for a more comfortable visit.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Globe
Lower trail
A short, accessible walk offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Assynt landscape.

Geological Exhibits
Visitor Centre
Fascinating indoor displays explaining the unique geology of the area, making the landscape come alive.

Crag Trail
Main trail network
Explore the dramatic craggy landscape with informative panels detailing the area's rich geological history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Footwear is Key!
Timing Your Visit for Views & Fewer Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Trails can be steep & slippery. Good grip boots are a must for safe exploration.
🦟 Beware of Midges!
Midges can be fierce, especially in summer. Pack insect repellent for a more comfortable visit.
🚶♀️ Accessible Globe Viewpoint
The Globe offers stunning views with a shorter, easier walk for those with mobility concerns.
🚗 Campervan Parking Fee
Overnight campervan parking costs £10. Facilities are available, but drinking water is no longer provided.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Trails can be steep & slippery. Good grip boots are a must for safe exploration.
🦟 Beware of Midges!
Midges can be fierce, especially in summer. Pack insect repellent for a more comfortable visit.
🚶♀️ Accessible Globe Viewpoint
The Globe offers stunning views with a shorter, easier walk for those with mobility concerns.
🚗 Campervan Parking Fee
Overnight campervan parking costs £10. Facilities are available, but drinking water is no longer provided.
📚 Informative Panels
Take time to read the panels; they offer great insights into the fascinating geology.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Knockan Crag for its spectacular views and fascinating geological insights, making it a must-see on the NC500. While the trails can be steep and slippery, requiring good footwear, the accessible 'Globe' viewpoint offers stunning panoramas for all. Some note the £10 campervan parking fee and the absence of drinking water, but most agree the natural beauty and educational value make it a worthwhile stop.
"Did the trail on a wet day — the path was a bit slippery in places and there are some steep stairs to tackle, but the effort was well worth it. The views over the loch were absolutely spectacular. On the return leg, we were lucky enough to spot a red stag — a real highlight and a perfect way to end the walk.
A beautiful trail overall, but best done with good footwear and care on wet days."
S Y
"So much info about the geology of Scotland and all clearly presented on colourful boards with graphics that are easy to understand. Wonderful walk up to the top of the crag, well signposted and good clear path. Really enjoyed it. Also toilets and parking."
Sarah Fleming
"This is a lovely walk with stunning views, not for everyone can be a little steep and quite slippery, good footwear needed. If you want to stay overnight in a campervan there is now a £10 charge. Toilets open all night but no longer any drinking water available (shame). Still one of my favourite park ups on the Nc500"
Stephen Manley
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Knockan Crag is located north of Ullapool on the A835, a key route on the North Coast 500 (NC500). It's well-signposted and has a dedicated visitor centre with a car park. Many visitors stop here as part of their NC500 road trip.
Public transport options are limited in this remote area. While buses may run along the A835, it's highly recommended to travel by car or campervan for the best experience and flexibility to explore the surrounding Highlands.
There is a visitor centre with a car park. Overnight parking for campervans is available for a fee of £10.
Absolutely! Knockan Crag is a popular and highly recommended stop along the NC500 route, offering stunning geological features and incredible views.
Yes, there is a visitor centre that provides information about the reserve's geology and history. It also has toilets.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve is free. There is a charge for overnight campervan parking.
The reserve is generally accessible year-round during daylight hours. The visitor centre may have seasonal opening times, so it's advisable to check the official website if you wish to visit it specifically.
The walking trails are free to access. The main cost to consider is if you plan to park overnight in a campervan.
Yes, dogs are welcome at Knockan Crag, but they must be kept on a lead, especially due to the terrain and potential wildlife.
Yes, there are toilets available at the visitor centre, which are reportedly open all night for overnight campers.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Knockan Crag offers stunning geological exhibits, well-maintained walking trails with informative panels, and spectacular panoramic views of the Assynt landscape. It's a fantastic spot for photography and learning about Scotland's ancient rocks.
You can spend anywhere from an hour to a few hours here. A quick visit to 'The Globe' viewpoint takes about 15 minutes, while exploring the full Crag Trail can take 2-3 hours, depending on your pace and how much you stop to read the information.
The trails can be steep and slippery, requiring good footwear. While 'The Globe' is more accessible, the full Crag Trail involves uneven terrain and ascents, making it somewhat challenging for those not used to hills.
Yes, Knockan Crag can be suitable for children with supervision. The 'Globe' viewpoint is a good option for younger or less mobile visitors, while older children might enjoy exploring the main trails and learning about the geology.
Expect breathtaking panoramic views of the dramatic Assynt landscape, including mountains like Stac Pollaidh in the distance. The craggy terrain itself is also a significant visual draw.
📸 📸 Photography
The viewpoints along the Crag Trail offer incredible vistas of the Assynt mountains and lochs. 'The Globe' is a fantastic, easily accessible spot for wide-angle shots. The unique rock formations themselves also make for compelling close-up photography.
Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Golden hour can create magical scenes over the rugged landscape.
The distinct layers and textures of the ancient Moine Thrust rocks are visually striking. Look for interesting rock formations and the way the light plays on the craggy surfaces.
A wide-angle lens is excellent for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating distant peaks like Stac Pollaidh. Don't forget a sturdy tripod if you plan on shooting during dawn or dusk.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's essential to check current rules and guidelines for National Nature Reserves in Scotland before flying a drone to ensure compliance and respect for the environment and other visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Campervan Travelers & NC500
🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geological Marvel of Knockan Crag
Visitors often express awe at the sheer age and scale of the geological story unfolding before them. The geology exhibits are praised for their clarity, helping to demystify concepts like the Moine Thrust. Even if you're not a geology enthusiast, the visual evidence of immense geological forces at play is captivating. The trails are designed to guide you through these significant formations, offering a tangible connection to Earth's history.
This reserve is part of the North West Highlands Geopark, recognized for its outstanding geological heritage. The unique landscape is a direct result of these ancient geological events. The information provided onsite helps visitors appreciate the dramatic transformations the land has undergone over millennia, making a walk here an educational and visually stunning experience.
Navigating the Trails and Views
For the more adventurous, the Crag Trail offers a more immersive experience, winding through the dramatic, rocky landscape. This trail involves steeper sections and uneven ground, so sturdy footwear is highly recommended. Along the way, informative panels detail the geology and history of the area, enhancing the walking experience. Many visitors find the effort rewarded with incredible views and a deeper appreciation for the rugged beauty of the Highlands.
Many visitors highlight the stunning views as a major draw. From the higher points, you can see iconic mountains like Stac Pollaidh in the distance, a popular hiking destination itself. The dramatic, craggy terrain of Knockan Crag provides a unique and memorable backdrop, making it a favorite stop for photographers and nature lovers alike.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit