Postie's Path
Postie's Path Hiking Guide: Explore the Scenic Route from Badrallach to Scoraig
Tucked away in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, Postie's Path offers an unforgettable journey along the wild, untamed shores of Little Loch Broom. As you set foot on this historic trail, expect to be surrounded by sweeping views of craggy hills, heather-clad moorland, and the sparkling waters that define this dramatic landscape. The route carves its way through a world where sea and mountain meet, framed by the distant silhouettes of imposing peaks.
With every step, hikers are treated to an immersive experience in solitude and raw beauty. This path, once used by the local postman to reach the remote community of Scoraig, invites you to walk in his footsteps across a landscape shaped by wind and water. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or seeking a challenging escape, Postie's Path delivers a blend of coastal splendor, rugged terrain, and Highland serenity like nowhere else in Great Britain.
Route Overview
Postie's Path follows a point-to-point route, beginning at the small settlements of Badrallach and ending in the remote village of Scoraig in the northwestern Scottish Highlands. The path closely tracks the rugged coastline of Little Loch Broom and passes through several wild and scenic locations, including remote moorlands, rocky outcrops, and grassy hillsides. Hikers will wind their way along the undulating coastline, traverse exposed headlands, and navigate through rarely frequented, windswept terrain.
Expect dirt and rocky surfaces throughout the route, with some sections potentially muddy or boggy after rainfall. The total distance is approximately 11.5 kilometers, with an elevation gain of around 750 meters, most of which is gathered across rolling ascents and descents rather than a single notable climb. This hike generally takes a full day (6–8 hours) to complete, depending on weather conditions and walking pace.
There are no official facilities along the route, though informal wild camping spots can be found. While the path is generally well-trodden, navigation can be challenging in poor visibility or inclement weather—so a map, compass, and good navigational skills are essential. Postie's Path offers a remote hiking experience where hikers should be prepared for self-sufficiency, especially as assistance is limited due to the hike’s isolated nature.
History of Postie's Path and Its Role in Highland Life
Postie's Path holds a unique place in the history of the northwest Highlands as a vital lifeline between the remote settlement of Scoraig and the outside world. Before roads and modern transport links, this rugged trail was the main route for mail delivery and communication. For decades, the local postman would traverse the challenging, isolated path by foot, braving unpredictable weather and rough terrain to ensure the residents of Scoraig remained connected. The route became emblematic of the resilience and determination found in Highland communities, as it was used not only for mail but also for everyday travel, supplies, and news.
Over time, the advent of new delivery methods and increased access to other modes of transport meant the route fell into lesser use, but its legacy endures as a symbol of isolation and ingenuity. Today, hikers retrace the historic footsteps of those early posties, walking a trail deeply intertwined with both the natural landscape and the cultural heritage of the region. Local stories and occasional remnants along the way—from old waymarkers to abandoned croft ruins—serve as a testament to the enduring significance of Postie's Path in Highland history.
Notable highlights
- Little Loch Broom Coastline: The path follows the dramatic shoreline of Little Loch Broom, offering sweeping views across the water to the opposing ridges and mountains, often sparkling with changing light and weather conditions.
- Remote Crofting Ruins: Along the trail, remnants of traditional Highland crofts and stone structures can be spotted, telling stories of the people who once farmed and lived in this challenging environment.
- Wildlife Watching: The isolated route provides a chance to spot red deer, golden eagles, otters, and a variety of seabirds in their natural habitat, particularly in the early morning or late evening.
- Heather-Clad Moorland: Rolling hills blanketed with purple heather in late summer create a vibrant, quintessentially Scottish landscape and contrast dramatically with the rugged coastal rocks.
- Views of An Teallach: On clear days, hikers are treated to spectacular vistas of the iconic An Teallach mountain massif, its jagged peaks providing an impressive Highland backdrop to much of the route.
- The Remote Community of Scoraig: The path concludes at Scoraig, a village only accessible by foot or boat. Its off-grid, self-sufficient community is a point of interest, showcasing unique aspects of sustainable living in the Highlands.
- Natural Springs and Waterfalls: Small springs and seasonal waterfalls tumble down the hillsides, especially after rain, providing scenic spots to rest and refill water bottles.
Challenges to expect
The terrain on Postie's Path is rugged and often uneven, with numerous rocky and boggy sections that can quickly become slippery, especially after rainfall. There are several steep ascents and descents along the way, requiring a good level of fitness and balance. Overgrown vegetation may occasionally encroach on the trail, making the path narrower and more challenging to navigate, particularly in late summer.
Weather in the northwest Highlands is highly unpredictable, with sudden changes bringing rain, strong winds, and mist even in the summer months. High likelihood of rainfall means parts of the route may be waterlogged, and low visibility can make navigation significantly more difficult—especially in areas where the waymarkers are sparse or ambiguous.
Facilities are virtually nonexistent along the trail. There are no official restrooms, shelters, or emergency stations, so hikers must carry all essential supplies and be prepared for total self-sufficiency. The remote location means that assistance is not readily available in case of difficulties, making it crucial to have solid navigation skills and a plan for emergencies.
United Kingdom 
Scotland - Mountainous
- Coastal
- Dirt
- Rocky
- Wild camping spots
- Pet Friendly
- Campsites
The route begins at the hamlet of Badrallach, following a rugged and well-worn path that hugs the edge of Little Loch Broom. Hikers will traverse open moorland, navigate rocky and sometimes boggy sections, and encounter a series of undulating hills along the coastline. The path is largely exposed, providing panoramic views of the loch and surrounding highland peaks, but shelter is minimal. As the route progresses, hikers will pass remote crofts and areas of wild, untouched landscape before reaching the isolated settlement of Scoraig. This is the only point-to-point section of the hike, and the entire journey takes place in a remote setting, so hikers must be fully self-sufficient for the day.