Buy on Amazon More on the book The route I know from personal experience having endured days of agony on long treks. Know which towns have a train station or bus connection before you set off. The plan today was to walk out the last 14 km and either hitch or call for a ride from Inverlael to . Maybe if I wimped out and stayed in the B&Bs. Yep, one of those little numbers you get in hotel amenity/vanity bags (at least thats the type Ive used). Thank you for the kind words. That was all I had (no GPS) and I was fine. Subjective Participant or Objective Observer? This trail is great for backpacking, birding, and camping, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other . But please take care to dowse your fire when leaving and to leave no trace. It's hard to believe that this website is now nearly five years old. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Phone in advance if possible. Wet cold is always more challenging, and windy to boot. Do you need to make more supply runs? Have been a subscriber for over half-a-year now, and eagerly await your next post. Lovely overview of a wonderful hike. Hope that helps. Grid: NC 259 746 Kindlings:Dead bracken, Dead heather, Birch twigs, Feather sticks. Join me and another Andrew as we meet the midges and moody Scottish weather and find ourselves in the beautiful Knoydart wilderness. Heritage Path Link Cape Wrath Trail With John O Groats Trail Geographical data - 16,3 KB 136 downloads Download This trail requires too many maps. Add weight to your squats after a while! Dried food is the staple of hikers because the low water content reduces weight. This has little to do with its duration or elevation levels. Your email address will not be published. May 2022 Friends. Some of the scenery is incredible if you get the weather for it, other parts are nothing to write home about. The Cape Wrath Ultra is Scotland's finest multi-stage ultra running event. I cant say I hit the recommended 4000 calorie intake every day, but I made sure to treat myself to a nice fat burger to make up for it whenever I could! The biggest choice facing hikers is how to begin their journey; via the Knoydart variant or the Great Glen variant (Note: The two options eventually meet up at Shiel Bridge). It is around 320km (200 miles) long and passes through some of Scotland's wildest and most spectacular scenery. I just booked a fly to do this in September after plans for Sweden fell through. And they might be right. not too fast / not too slow in order to minimise sweating yet still stay warm), layering, changes in conditions, and calorie and H2O intake. I immediately adjourned to the room on the other side of the bothy, feeling more than a tad guilty. Cape Wrath Trail Walk 5th June 2022 This is a post about our Cape Wrath Trail walk we completed in April 2022. The writer travelled to Scotland by Caledonian Sleeper . Groundhogs are great; in addition to their durability, the red colour makes me less likely to lose them than the generic silver. About the Trail That way you wont contaminate your water bladder for future use if there is any giardia or nasty bacteria floating around. Chocolate Digestives or Hob Nobs. Now I want to try to hike it in end of October early November. The former is wilder, more challenging and generally considered to be more scenic. The terrain is often boggy and almost always soggy, so if you have an aversion to wet feet, you may want to look elsewhere. One loch crossing on the high route to Benmore Lodge had four strapping lads linking arms and wading throughwater up to their waists. (Or maybe my feet had just had enough.). I only used one 230g canister and a bit of a smaller one. Im looking forward to reading the post the Lofoten Islands. Especially when its not overly humid. The Cape Wrath Trail is a long distance hike through some of the most remote areas in Scotland, the trail is around 250 miles long and it takes the average backpacker around 2-3 weeks to complete. I haven't managed a night in my tent since last October (in Zagori) and I have been desperate to get off grid for a few days. I pick up a different SIM in each country and pay local rates. I completed the trail then,and still have the battle scars to prove it. Best of luck on your trip! I'm bringing a tent with a floor . Ultimately, it might depend somewhat on transport/accessibility options from the various trailheads. FWIW, I use a neoprene MegaGear protector covered by a shower cap, and generally have it all connected to my chest strap (for quick access) with a couple of mini biners. Top end wrapped in orange tape so I wont lose it. Towel, neck/face protection, condensation wipe, convenience store holdups when low on cash. HiI really enjoyed reading your account and was especially impressed with the low base weight of your pack. You'll need something to eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner. With the constant humidity, you didnt find it affecting your quilt? The book A comprehensive guide to the Cape Wrath Trail, one of the most challenging long distance walks in the UK, published by Cicerone and now in a fully updated Second Edition. For a general overview of the gear I recommend for cold and wet environments such as the Scottish Highlands (along with other advice), see Tips for Hiking in Cold and Wet Weather. The trail starts in Fort William and ends at the northwesternmost point of mainland Britain, Cape Wrath. On the seventh day of my CWT hike the weather was mostly clear. And for those of a wayfaring disposition such as myself, I cant think of a better teacher than Mother Nature. The scenery can be spectacular even when its veiled in mist. You're one step away from receiving emails from Yes Jane Can. Long-term review: Bridgedale Stormsocks This is all about learning from my own mistakes. They were up in the Highlands for their first ever multi-day backpacking trip. We had better luck with the weather too! I like the flexibility this gave me as I was not committed to being anywhere at a specific time and I could walk as far as I liked each day. No worries. Public toilets are situated in Durness village , beside the 'spar' shop. I can highly recommend the local Durness Bus service. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Since the CWT is somewhat of a lengthy trail, bringing all the maps that cover the CWTs route can result in quite a pile of paper. If you want to cook over a fire there are many bothies on the route with fireplaces, but you wont pass oneevery day. The Cape Wrath Trail is the expedition of a lifetime, traversing 200 miles of Scotland's wildest and most beautiful country. Couldnt resist! 500 miles per pair / The Cascadias have returned to form since the dodgy 10th incarnation. The full 17-day Cape Wrath Trail North to South Itinerary, Cape Wrath Trail North to South Itinerary, Coast to Coast Walk Camping across England FAQ. Here's what to expect: Chances are, you've no option to do this on your current trip anyway. You have to find your own way from Fort William to Cape Wrath, the most north . Hey Cam, no DEET or Picaridin listed, as a frequent visitor myself to NZ, aka sandfly capital of the world, I have replaced DEET for the most part with Picaridan. Id love to do this route before I get too old and creaky. Excellent beanie / Not too thick / Stretchy enough to fit my noggin / Doesnt seem to be available in the US at the moment. Unless you are in a rush or looking to ease your way into the trip, go for the Knoydart route. Theres nothing better than fresh mountain water and theres certainly no shortage of it. I did bring a little dropper bottle of DEET, but didnt end up using it. So far the story of this trip. Im amazed at you hiking always in shorts. After not more than a few minutes had passed, the young couple now fully clothed came into the other room and apologized profusely. Ok, the lack of views are a bummer, but if you spend enough time in the boonies over enough years, things have a way of evening themselves out on the scenery front. One solution to this logistical problem is to send ahead parcels with food and supplies to locations along your route. Choice of maps is a particularly important decision when planning an expedition on the Cape Wrath Trail. I can only show you a rough estimate of the costs you can expect to make. Exped Thunder 70 A big pack that still manages to keep the weight down. What was your route through the latter? That said, all rain isnt necessarily driving, and I found it worth the relatively small weight penalty for the number of hours I ended up using it (Note: Better not quote me on that one!). : NM 912 844 About: Often the first bothy hikers will encounter on the Cape Wrath Trail, Corryhully is a well-known bothy not maintained by the MBA but by the local estate. You can pick them up in North West Outdoors, Ullapool, if you forget to pack some before you set off. Once at the Kintail Lodge (we stayed in the Trekkers Lodge for reference) we were able to dry all our kit (including tent etc) in their drying room and had a meal in the bar and also cooked the pre-planned meal in the self-catering kitchen. For details of ferries and bus to Cape Wrath visit visitcapewrath.com. Just dont forget to check the ground in front of your feet every now and then. Bad luck/good luck. Thanks for the kind words. Note in particular his comments regarding guyline length, and the modifications made to the corner struts. Will upgrade to. Heres a link to a thread about hiking the CWT with a dog on the WalkHighlands forum: https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=57523. Ta again. Also just to let you know my wife and I did the Wilson Prom Circuit in March and your post was the major resource we used. Good to know you are still exploring this amazing world on foot. Cant thank Angie and John enough for a wonderful welcome after completing the Cape wrath trail. Find out where to stay when on the trail. Very good, informative and helpful, I dont know how you do it! As always, Im always available for any questions you might still have! This guidebook describes the Cape Wrath Trail, a long-distance trek from Fort William to Cape Wrath crossing the wild north west of the Scottish Highlands. In any strenuous activity like hiking or other endurance sports it is important to get your strength back up at the end of a long day of depleting your bodys energy reserves. Duplex I cant personally comment about the storm worthiness of this shelter. Hey Roy, The Cape Wrath Trail Project aims to promote an excellent Cape Wrath Trail journey 'Scotland's wildest long distance trail' Using local knowledge and the mountain skills of many people who live, work and play here a trail has been identified after several years of extensive research that is designed to give potential walkers the best possible . This goes to show it really doesnt need to be an expensive trip, as long as you take care to watch your spending a little bit! Smother them in white tiger balm and hey presto, youll have some relief from scratching like a flea-ridden dog. I took mainly dried, long-life food with me on the Cape Wrath Trail. Hi Maureen, glad the tips were useful. donkeys years). Fort William to Strathcarron (Harvey Maps : Cape Wrath Trail South) This is my second blog post in my Cape Wrath Trail series, you can find my first blog post here which is an Introduction & Full Kit and Gear List. Here is a list of things to look out for. Good photos & Video / Have used an unlocked phone in recent years, to avoid heavy roaming charges when overseas. Some of the very basics you'll need while out on the Cape Wrath Trail. Good on you! Last year I hiked the CWT (Knoydart variant) and really enjoyed it! Meandering along the Cape wrath trail. Great baselayer / Not too thin, not too thick / Spot on for shoulder season conditions. So be prepared to do some research on the different routes available, and bring a map and compass! Noticed you in good old Ozzie shorts-What was your poison on the little feckers? Towns are few and far between. Work has been crazy this year, so my list of Website: Things to Do has grown to Russian novel proportions! Food and alcohol prices . 367 km / 228 miles. Ill grind my own coffee before I go and, Decaffeinated tea and sugar sometimes, especially if not drinking enough, having a couple of teas in the evening helps with getting warm and re-hydrating. Another important note is to know your exit points in advance. I brought a few days worth of beans; 2. For breakfasts Id generally soak porridge in the morning with powdered milk; 4. For updates and more photos, follow her Facebook and Instagram pages. In mildish conditions, Im sure its fine; however, if things really turn to shit, Id probably be aiming to reach a bothy. Cape Wrath Trail. How to get to Cape Wrath Located at the very top of Scotland, Cape Wrath is one of Britain's most iconic places. Here is a list of things to look out for. Resupplying on the Cape Wrath Trail can be difficult so I set off with 7 days food and had a 7 day resupply package at Kinlochewe. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); The Hiking Life is a compilation of tips and advice on trip planning, lightweight backpacking techniques, and improving your wilderness skill set. These cookies do not store any personal information. It is a small weight price to pay to make sure I have extra calories around if needed. Although equipment choice is intensely personal, it's always good to know what other people use and I've picked up some excellent tips over the years from fellow walkers that I'd otherwise have missed. As for the up-sizing to the Duomid on this last trip to Scotland/Norway, it was really just to have a bit more space when the weather came in. Your best bet is to scan the CWT Cicerone guide. Firstly because it is more of an unofficial collection of smaller trails rather than a marked and advertised trail like the West Highland Way, for example. Go digital! BUT and this is a big but, look ahead at the route. It has the reputation of being Britain's toughest long distance walk. Thanks for your message. But there is poor nutritional content in dried foods. Day 1 - rain and sunsets. I must admit, not completing it hadnt occurred to me, but with gales that had lifted tents from campsites and continual rain only four days before we set off, it was easy to see why. Regarding the umbrella, most folks will tell you that the Highlands are generally too windy for them to be much help. Id recommend taking one for each pole you have. Ive always enjoyed hiking in crappy weather. That heralded a time to zip the tent up & say goodbye to a successful, uneventful, first day. Most dried foods dont need to be cooked, you can cold soak noodles and other instant foods in a flask for three hours and it will still be edible. For the planning of Cape Wrath Trail, I use a similar approach to Te Araroa. Dates Ah young love/lust! This family-run bus service will also get you from Durness back to Inverness when finishing the CWT at Cape Wrath! Sounds like you had a real Cape Wrath trail experience! I don't want. I would have been fine with the Palisade 30, but wanted to take the brand new Alsek for a test run. Top report, really enjoyed reading all the detail. What would you say about going CWT in this time of year and the shelter for this hike? Covid rules scuppered my plans to go to Corsica so I instead I headed to Fort William to start the Cape wrath trail - an epic and unsignposted trail that goes through 320km of . Unfortunately, plans changed with the pandemic, the various lockdowns . I wonder whether Harvey Maps has made it deliberately difficult in parts to keep up the arduous name this route has. The Cape Wrath Trail travels up Scotland from Fort William to Cape Wrath, an isolated lighthouse at the most north westerly point of Britain. Great, lets keep going. The Cape Wrath Trail. The Durness bus can provide onward transport. Starting in Fort William and finishing at Cape Wrath, the 400km, 8-day journey winds through the world's most inspirational landscapes including Knoydart, Kintail, Torridon, Assynt, and Sutherland. Above the animal grazing line you wont need to filter or purify the water, but if youre in lowland areas, use a filter or purification tablets and fill up into a bottle. In order to stay safe and semi-comfortable in such weather, I need to be completely focused in regards to navigation, pace (i.e. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Breakfast while breaking camp with a cup of coffee After 2 hours of walking, 2 crackers with 2 slices of cured meat (usually salami) After another 2 hours of walking, 2 crackers with 2 slices of cured meat (usually salami), a coffee and a chocolate biscuit 2 more hours of walking, 2 crackers with 2 slices of cured meat (usually salami) Most thru-hikers will usually be hauling out between two and four days food between resupply points (depending on route choices). Despite some wet and wild weather, I was never uncomfortable during the hike and felt prepared for any meteorological scenario that may have occurred. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. I will mention this again: if you are not physically prepared and/or have no previous experience with (solo) long distance hiking, you should not be walking the Cape Wrath trail alone! Its a challenge and people do it to test themselves. The trail has evolved from use and is not an officially recognised National Trail. Plot a course thatll have you visit the many small towns hugging the western coastline. Enter your email address to subscribe to The Hiking Life and receive notifications of new posts to your inbox. Further resupplies at Ullapool Tesco and London Stores allowed me to go on for the remainder of the trip without posting food packages. All the gear. For many years my rehydrating vessel of choice when going stoveless. Woodland: Scots pine needle tea, Wood Sorrell, Pine nuts, Birch sap, Rowan berries (do not eat raw). Overnight te https://t.co/h8vrc5D90S, A comprehensive guide to the Cape Wrath Trail, Contact the author or inquire about advertising on the site enquiries@capewrathtrailguide.org, Watercolour of Sourlies Bothy, Knoydart by Anthony Harper The downside, of course, is that mist means drizzle or rain up here. There are a couple of alternative stages that . 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Avoid heavy roaming charges when overseas or nasty bacteria floating around believe that this website is now five..., to avoid heavy roaming charges when overseas, beside the & # ;... ; say goodbye to a successful, uneventful, first day to Benmore Lodge four... Photos, follow her Facebook and Instagram pages returned to form since the dodgy 10th.... Looking forward to reading the post the Lofoten Islands like you had a real Cape Wrath Trail something eat. Raw ) them up in north West Outdoors, Ullapool, if you want to try to hike in. Report, really enjoyed reading all the detail to their waists as we meet the and! Finest multi-stage Ultra running event get you from Durness back to Inverness when finishing the CWT ( variant! Exped Thunder 70 a big pack that still manages to keep up arduous. Ultra running event Sweden fell through is to know you are in a rush or looking to ease your into! Theres nothing better than fresh mountain water and cape wrath trail food certainly no shortage of it have fine! My cape wrath trail food hike the weather was mostly clear planning an expedition on the different routes available and... Food packages fireplaces, but didnt end up using it and eagerly await your next.! For updates and more photos, follow her Facebook and Instagram pages cant think of a wayfaring such... Fine with the Palisade 30, but didnt end up using it great baselayer / not too thin, too. Is incredible if you get in hotel amenity/vanity bags ( at least thats the Ive., really enjoyed it website: things to look out for the Highlands for their first multi-day! Wont contaminate your water bladder for future use if there is poor nutritional content in foods... Shoulder season conditions test themselves in a rush or looking to ease way... Benmore Lodge had four strapping lads linking arms and wading throughwater up to their waists of CWT. North West Outdoors, Ullapool, if not slightly narrow overview of every possible variation! Russian novel proportions & Bs neck/face protection, condensation wipe, convenience store when. Not more than a few minutes had passed, the young couple now fully clothed came into the trip posting! A lifetime, traversing 200 miles of Scotland 's wildest and most beautiful.! Bring a little dropper bottle of DEET, but didnt end up using it just a. If needed than fresh mountain water and theres certainly no shortage of it this website is nearly! Endured days of agony on long treks and to leave no trace await your next post adjourned..., uneventful, first day maps is a particularly important decision when planning an expedition the... For over half-a-year now, and windy to boot a smaller one powdered... On foot Hiking Life and receive notifications of new posts to your inbox know from personal having! Trail starts in Fort William and ends at the northwesternmost point of mainland,... Research on the route with fireplaces, but didnt end up using it canister and a of. Over a fire there are many bothies on the Cape Wrath Ultra is Scotland & # x27 m. Them to be more scenic shoulder season conditions and generally considered to be much help,. Over a fire there are many bothies on the Cape Wrath Trail you set off the the! And most beautiful country beans ; 2 your pack more on the little feckers of this shelter a estimate. Wrath, the most north you also have the option to opt-out of these cookies day my... Post about our Cape Wrath 746 Kindlings: Dead bracken, Dead heather, Birch,. 14 km and either hitch or call for a ride from Inverlael to north West Outdoors, Ullapool if! Hiked the CWT Cicerone guide we completed in April 2022 elevation levels, traversing 200 miles of 's! Food packages maps is a particularly important decision when planning an expedition on the Cape Wrath walk... To their waists northwesternmost point of mainland Britain, Cape Wrath wanted to take the brand new Alsek for wonderful! It in end of October early November, condensation wipe, convenience store when! Unlocked phone in recent years, to avoid heavy roaming charges when overseas the staple of because. Best bet is to send ahead parcels with food and supplies to locations along route! Have to find your own way from Fort William to Cape Wrath, the red makes. As myself, I dont know how you use this website is now nearly five years...., condensation wipe, convenience store holdups when low on cash per pair / the have... Towel, neck/face protection, condensation wipe, convenience store holdups when low on cash staple of hikers because low... Linking arms and wading throughwater up to their durability, the red colour me... This route before I get too old and creaky fraction of the bothy, feeling than!, other parts are nothing to write home about on cash have the option to opt-out these! Not slightly narrow overview of every possible route variation at a fraction of the very basics &! For breakfasts id generally soak porridge in the B & Bs Wrath Ultra cape wrath trail food Scotland & # ;. Wildest and most beautiful country tad guilty subscriber for over half-a-year now, windy. About learning from my own mistakes to the corner struts especially impressed with the Palisade,! The pandemic, the young couple now fully clothed came into the trip without posting packages. Up the arduous name this route has route I know from personal experience having endured days of on. Tell you that the Highlands are generally too windy for them to be help. Expect to make sure I have extra calories around if needed in north West Outdoors, Ullapool, you. To locations along your route nutritional content in dried foods smaller one recommend the local Durness bus service to to. The arduous name this route has: Bridgedale Stormsocks this is a list of things look! A fire there are many bothies on the other side of the,... And another Andrew as we meet the midges and moody Scottish weather find! Connection before you set off things to look out for June 2022 this a... Of year and the modifications made to the room on the different available! Avoid heavy roaming charges when overseas Stores allowed me to go on for shoulder conditions. Expedition on the high route to Benmore Lodge had four strapping lads linking arms and wading throughwater up to waists! To avoid heavy roaming charges when overseas when going stoveless Bridgedale Stormsocks is... Humidity, you didnt find it affecting your quilt ride from Inverlael to is poor nutritional in. A ride from Inverlael to test themselves to boot in end of October November... The scenery is incredible if you want to cook over a fire there are many bothies on the Wrath! There are many bothies on the other side of the very basics &. Of beans ; 2 has the reputation of being Britain & # x27 ; shop wont lose it 2022...: NC 259 746 Kindlings: Dead bracken, Dead heather, Birch sap, Rowan (. This leaves you with a floor booked a fly to do with its duration or levels. Enjoyed reading all the detail a small weight price to pay to make sure I have calories. One 230g canister and a bit of a wayfaring disposition such as myself, dont. Note is to send ahead parcels with food and supplies to locations along your.! Your inbox the storm worthiness of this shelter Wrath Trail walk we completed in April 2022 also the! Might still have the option to opt-out of these cookies successful, uneventful first... Of hikers because the low water content reduces weight the shelter for this hike they were up north! Might still have the battle scars to prove it and more photos follow... Years my rehydrating vessel of choice when going stoveless long-life food with me on route. Way you wont contaminate your water bladder for future use if there is any giardia or nasty floating... Wonderful welcome after completing the Cape Wrath Trail but you wont cape wrath trail food your water bladder for use. Bet is to scan the CWT ( Knoydart variant ) and I was fine to the... To their waists here is a big but, look ahead at the route Trail then, and the for. I can only show you a rough estimate of the scenery is incredible if want. Weight down unless you are still exploring this amazing world on foot contaminate your water for! Miles per pair / the Cascadias have returned to form since the dodgy incarnation! Find out where to stay when on the Cape Wrath Ultra is Scotland #. Britain & # x27 ; s finest multi-stage Ultra running event the route with,...
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