Knockan Crag Walk

The Knockan Crag Walk is a short, interpretative trail through one of the most geologically important sites in Britain — the place where the Moine Thrust, the first thrust fault ever identified anywhere in the world, was finally understood by pioneering geologists Ben Peach and John Horne in 1884, resolving a bitter Victorian scientific dispute known as the "Highlands Controversy."

The route starts from the car park at the Knockan Crag visitor centre on the A835, just south of Elphin. From the turf-roofed Rock Room, which explains why rock half a billion years older than the layers beneath it was thrust bodily upwards to lie on top, a path climbs past exposed sections of the thrust itself — in one spot, visitors can place a hand on both sides of the fault line, touching 1,000-million-year-old rock on one side and 500-million-year-old rock on the other. The trail continues up onto the top of the crag, passing sculptures including a striking globe made of layered rock strata, along with poetry inspired by the ancient landscape.

A short diversion near the northern end of the trail leads to a viewpoint with spectacular views over Assynt, Suilven and Canisp both prominent on the skyline; continuing along the crest of the crag, further fine views open over Lochan an Ais below, with the distinctive small peak of Stac Pollaidh visible between the larger hills of Cùl Mòr and Cùl Beag. A second short diversion leads to the Eagle Stone viewpoint before the path descends in a series of zig-zags back to the car park.

This is an easy, family-friendly walk with places to sit, a treasure hunt for younger visitors, and information panels throughout, though the path along the crag top is exposed and can be windy, so waterproofs and sturdy footwear are worthwhile even on a short outing.

The Knockan Crag visitor centre car park is free; there is a very limited bus service from Ullapool.