Knockan is a region in Scotland's North West Highlands Geopark, known for its distinctive geological landscape and varied terrain. The area features a mix of heather and bog, low rocky hills, and offers views of the surrounding Coigach and Assynt hills. This environment provides opportunities for several outdoor activities, including hiking, road cycling, jogging, and touring cycling. The geological history, including the visible Moine Thrust, shapes the landscape for exploration.
Knockan offers a range of…
19
Routes
3.6
(12)
Average rating
155
People visited

4.6
(9)
56
hikers
13.3km
03:45
280m
280m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

2
hikers
2.82km
00:45
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

1
hikers
13.9km
03:53
280m
280m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4
hikers
11.8km
03:56
550m
550m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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18
runners
11.9km
01:28
260m
260m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

7
runners
11.1km
01:28
310m
310m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

2
runners
5.83km
00:46
140m
140m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

2
runners
10.0km
01:06
180m
180m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.0
(1)
1
riders
102km
05:08
1,350m
1,340m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

1
riders
96.5km
04:29
1,110m
1,110m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

33
riders
109km
05:46
1,720m
1,720m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

3
riders
48.2km
02:21
530m
530m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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3
riders
108km
07:28
1,700m
1,700m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

2
riders
42.5km
02:42
420m
420m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

2
riders
54.1km
03:32
740m
740m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Knockan is located within Scotland's North West Highlands Geopark and is renowned for its distinctive geological landscape, particularly the Moine Thrust. The area features heather and bog, low rocky hills, and offers views of the Coigach and Assynt hills. It is a key site for understanding Earth's geological history.
Knockan offers opportunities for hiking, road cycling, jogging, and touring cycling. The region provides a mix of terrain suitable for these activities, with trails and routes exploring its unique geological features and Highland scenery.
Yes, hiking is a primary activity in Knockan, particularly within the Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve. There are several waymarked trails, including the Thrust Trail, Quarry Trail, and the more challenging Crag Top Trail, all offering views and geological insights. More information can be found in the Hiking around Knockan guide.
The Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve features interpretive trails such as the Thrust Trail, Quarry Trail, and Crag Top Trail. These trails depart from the Rock Room visitor centre and offer varying levels of difficulty, providing magnificent views and insights into the area's geology.
Yes, Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve offers shorter, less challenging options among its waymarked trails, such as the Thrust Trail and Quarry Trail. These trails are designed to be accessible and provide an introduction to the area's geological features and views.
Road cycling is possible in the broader Knockan region, which is part of the North Coast 500 route. This area offers a rugged backdrop for road cycling. Specific routes can be explored through the Road Cycling Routes around Knockan guide.
Yes, the Knockan region, including sections of the North Coast 500, lends itself to touring cycling. The area provides scenic routes for exploring the Highlands by bicycle. Details are available in the Cycling around Knockan guide.
Yes, the area around Knockan offers paths and quiet roads suitable for jogging and running. These routes allow for exploration of the landscape. Information on suitable paths can be found in the Running Trails around Knockan guide.
Knockan Crag is famous for the "Moine Thrust," a significant geological fault line where ancient metamorphic rocks are visibly pushed over younger sedimentary rocks. This site provides evidence of rocks dating back roughly 3 billion years and was central to the 19th-century "Highlands Controversy" among geologists.
The low, rocky hill of Knockan Crag itself provides views of the surrounding Coigach and Assynt hills. The waymarked trails within the Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve, particularly the Crag Top Trail, offer panoramic vistas of the Highland scenery.
Knockan has 3 routes available across various sports, with an average rating of 3.95 out of 5 stars. More than 100 visitors have shared their experiences on komoot, indicating a moderate level of community engagement.
Komoot offers several guides for Knockan, including Hiking around Knockan, Road Cycling Routes around Knockan, Running Trails around Knockan, and Cycling around Knockan.
Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve is managed by NatureScot. Their official website is www.nature.scot/visit-our-reserves/national-nature-reserves/knockan-crag-nnr. NatureScot can also be contacted by phone at 01463 701600.

