Cape Wrath Lighthouse
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Cape Wrath, IV27
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Viewable at all times but not accessible (partly private dwellings).
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Visit websiteThe lighthouse marks the most north-westerly point of the British mainland. It was built in 1828 by Robert Stevenson and manned until 1998, when it was converted to automatic operation by the Northern Lighthouse Board. Overlooking the Cape are the ruins of the Lloyd's signal station which was used to monitor shipping.
The Cape Wrath lighthouse stands over one hundred and twenty one metres high above mean sea level on spectacular cliffs facing the Atlantic Ocean. The buildings are extensive and spacious surrounded by a high wall. The white tower is twenty metres high with eighty one steps to the top. The tower is built of hand dressed stone and the rest of the building is constructed of large blocks of granite quarried from nearby Clash Carnoch. The construction of the lighthouse required an 11 mile road to be built.
The block of crumbling white houses next to the lighthouse are mostly currently disused, although one has been renovated over the past ten years, and another is home to a room with information about George Stevenson.
By Boat: Passenger ferry from Keoldale near Durness across the Kyle of Durness, then walk, cycle or take minibus the 18 km (11 miles) to the lighthouse. Travel may be restricted when the nearby military bombing range is in use.
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Bowen, J.P., British Lighthouses, British Council, ASIN: B001A8HS24 (1947)
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Denton, A. & Leach, Nicholas, Lighthouses of England and Wales: A Complete Guide, Landmark Publishing, ISBN-10: 1843063190 (2007)
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University of Aberdeen Photographic Archive - Image of Cape Wrath Lighthouse as originally built