Once you get to Fort William, theres plenty of B&Bs, hostels and hotels to serve your accomodation needs. Going South to North, itll be from Shiel Bridgeto Fort William. There are often easier options (like a bridge near the caves at Inchnadamph, and a footpath right next to the river through Benmore Forest). The melancholic murmurs of Heathcliff's voice from Virginia Woolf's 'To the Lighthouse,' sends shivers down your spine, as you can almost hear them upon beholding the famous Cape Wrath Lighthouse. Hi there! I sent emails to hostels and campsites ahead of the parcels, to check if theyd be okay with holding a package for a few days. Leave enough for others and the ecology. The Cape Wrath Trail is the expedition of a lifetime, traversing 200 miles of Scotland's wildest and most beautiful country. Another Highlands-specific article on the subject that is worth a read is by Alex Roddie, online editor of TGO Magazine,Lightweight Backpacking in the Scottish Highlands. Required fields are marked *. Hope that helps. Hey Roy, Also spray Smidge (commissioned by the Scottish Forestry Commission but with a dreadful design to get the spray out) or DEET onto your skin to try and keep the midges at bay, but dont get any DEET on your tent, itll stick together. This method involves walking roughly 230 miles on pathless terrain, all the way from Fort William, and is a trip in itself. 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. Groundhogs are great; in addition to their durability, the red colour makes me less likely to lose them than the generic silver. There is no lovely way marked footpath. It is approximately 234 miles in length. Midge bites, theyll drive you crazy. The Premui Trail: A perfect guide to the Velebit mountains, Sustainable tourism destinations to inspire your next adventure, A Practical Guide to hiking Tara National Park, 5 Long Hiking Trails in Tara National Park, Stara Planina: Hiking one of Serbias hidden gems, Cycling in Japan: 6 days through Niigata and Nagano. PLANNING. Brilliant thank you for the reply! You might also want a snack or two every day, to help keep up your energy in between meals. Buy a green midge head net, not one for mosquitoes as the holes are too big, and youll attract less of the Scottish blighters than your black-netted hiking counterparts. 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. And of course, with an abundance of streams en route, the trail can become impassable in certain areas. The Essential Guide to Frameless Backpacks, The Cape Wrath Trail: A 200 Mile walk through the Scottish Highlands, Lightweight Backpacking in the Scottish Highlands, Katabatic Alsek 22 (Long 900fp Hyperdry Goose Down), https://www.thehikinglife.com/2015/03/how-to-ford-a-river/, https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=57523. As it turned out Lara didn't have the most waterproof pack and my rain jacket. Now lets talk food. OMM Rotor Vest An ultralight synthetic vest, ideal for layering in winter. Theres a whole load of bog trotting to be done on the 199-mile hike so invest in gaiters to keep the splodge out of your boots. Day 1 - rain and sunsets. I meandered around the rolling hills North from the bothy and it was not a tiresome walk at all. 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. This is all about learning from my own mistakes. One solution to this logistical problem is to send ahead parcels with food and supplies to locations along your route. Chances are, you've no option to do this on your current trip anyway. They became my best friend on the trail! Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Meandering along the Cape wrath trail. A superb and challenging route for experienced long-distance backpackers, the Trail passes through some of Scotland's most spectacular landscapes. I'm bringing a tent with a floor . The ends of long trails usually have a certain drama, none perhaps more than the obligatory Katahdin sign pose at the end of the Appalachian Trail. If after all these years of rambling I can still enjoy meeting meteorological and environmental challenges, then I know that the unconditional love Ive always felt for heading out into the wilderness remains unchanged. Lovely overview of a wonderful hike. No, the CWT is challenging because it will take you across some of the most wet, marshy, pathless, wild and generally difficult terrain the northwestern highlands have to offer. The beauty of a trail that has no fixed route is that youre completely free to decide how you get to its end -as long as you get there in the end! When its really pissing down, Ill put the camera inside the backpack. Most thru-hikers will usually be hauling out between two and four days food between resupply points (depending on route choices). The Cape Wrath Trail is an approximately 350 km (220 mi) walk through the Scottish Highlands, stretching from Fort William to the northwesternmost point of mainland Britain, Cape Wrath. Sea shore: Mussels,Limpets, Edible Periwinkles, Razorfish. Bothies are rarely near trees or woodland on this route, so you must learn aboutother fuels you can utilise such as dry peat or heather. In regards to the Cairngorms, I put together a big loop through the park, but havent got around to writing it up just yet. Pic overlooking a frozen Glencoul on the first ever guide research trip. Regarding the umbrella, most folks will tell you that the Highlands are generally too windy for them to be much help. Especially when its not overly humid. Car hire from Arnold Clark in Inverness from 26 per day. Will upgrade to. The Cape Wrath Trail. Jane Batchelor hiked the full Cape Wrath Trail in 2016 and half of it in 2017 on her 3,500-mile hike through Britain, camping as she went. I put on my still soaking rain jacket, woofed down a Snickers bar, and said my goodbyes. Plot a route that works best for you. With all that and a comfortable bed for the night, it was the perfect pit stop for us. Cam. Thank you for the kind words. Lets start with the trail itself. Take lightweight diving or pool shoes with a strong grip on the soles and a secure fit around your feet. We had better luck with the weather too! Obviously, the more foodyou take with you the more calories you will burn to carry it, so planning food is about striking a balance betweencalories burnt versusconsumed, while also meeting your nutritional needs. I picked up some food and . Perhaps she has put a sign up directing people where to go by now. It was a pleasure to read! There are a couple of differences worth noting compared to my 2013 TGO Challenge Gear list. Now I want to try to hike it in end of October early November. . 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. Midges prefer dark colours to light ones, so why they make black head nets (and more to the point, why I bought one) is a mystery. I was young once upon a time. Just dont forget to check the ground in front of your feet every now and then. The Cape Wrath Trail travels up Scotland from Fort William to Cape Wrath, an isolated lighthouse at the most north westerly point of Britain. I dont think humidity is an issue in the Highlands. If you have love for the Great Outdoors, share a passion for travel and prefer discovering the undiscovered over lounging on a beach, make sure to subscribe, check back often and follow me on social media! Get to know this 233.9-mile point-to-point trail near Fort William, Highlands. All the gear. Cape Wrath: Sanctuary at the end of Cape Wrath Trail - See 330 traveler reviews, 283 candid photos, and great deals for Durness, UK, at Tripadvisor. Ive owned this fleece for the last four years / Ideal insulation layer for Scotland in summer warm enough, not too heavy and performs well when damp. My concern is getting a 40kg German Shepherd over them. Compare and read about the various routes. Maybe if I wimped out and stayed in the B&Bs. Walking to Cape Wrath, Day 29, June 8, 2022. Another important note is to know your exit points in advance. Another option is to walk the epic Cape Wrath Trail. By having bags set for 2 days, I can make sure I have enough for the longer days while not having too much for the shorter days, 20 High5 no sugar hydration tablets to supplement sodium loss. Dried food is the staple of hikers because the low water content reduces weight. Long-term review: Bridgedale Stormsocks Yup, seven days. 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. Cheers. The route is described from south to north in 14 stages, with 6 alternative stages along the way, allowing for a flexible itinerary of between two and three weeks. As long as you draw water from fresh, fast-flowing sources well upstream of areas with livestock and/or wildlife you can drink it without filtering! Cape Wrath Trail. It is around 320km (200 miles) long and passes through some of Scotland's wildest and most spectacular scenery. Hikers planning to take on the Cape Wrath Trail should be experienced hikers, able to fend for themselves in terms of personal safety, food and supplies and navigation. Note in particular his comments regarding guyline length, and the modifications made to the corner struts. 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. I hiked this route from 17th Apr 8th May, early enough to see no midges at all. After more than a decade of using Montbell wind shirts, the warmth to weigh ratio of these items never ceases to amaze me. Here's what to expect: Lightweight, adjustable declination; compass of choice for years | (Note: No longer made. What sections would you suggest to skip? Karen Ive used down bags and quilts in the Scottish Highlands for half a century. I brought a few days worth of beans; 2. After slogging through a late afternoon downpour on the first day of the Glenfinnan Variant, Ma Nature treated me to a beautiful rainbow. One of the goals for this trip is to produce a big comparative review of dehydrated expedition meals for The Great Outdoors magazine. Find out where to stay when on the trail. 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. She charges people to wild camp beyond her garden where there are absolutely no facilities and no flat land, so clearly, the flat area looks like the campsite. Food and alcohol prices . Input your search keywords and press Enter. Hi Maureen, glad the tips were useful. Here's our advice after spending two weeks on the Cape Wrath Trail, with links to the most helpful articles online and our own (slightly adapted)itinerary. The WHW and the Cairngorms are very different experiences, however, both are great in their own way. Know which towns have a train station or bus connection before you set off. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Just a few minutes' walk away from the Cape Wrath Trail route is the Great Glen Hostel at Laggan, which provides good value accommodation and meals ideal for walkers. That was all I had (no GPS) and I was fine. This comes at no additional cost to the reader, and helps to support the website in its continuing goal to create quality content for backpackers and hikers. May 2022 Friends. Here is a typical day of food on the trail, usually totalling around 3500-4000 calories. It can get pretty damn windy in the Highlands and taking tent pole splint repairs can save the day. As expenditure is something that varies strongly from one person to the next, Ill say only this: in the end, you decide how much you want to spend. Back from the dead. We didn't start walking until almost 2pm, and it had started raining. So be prepared to do some research on the different routes available, and bring a map and compass! The Cape Wrath Trail is often referred to as Britains toughest long distance walk. You could print out your own maps, or have them custom made at Britains Ordnance Survey. It's often touted as Britain's toughest long distance walk, due to its pathless sections, remoteness, and Scotland's fierce weather. Deserts, jungles, mountains or coast; Ive never had a preference. I find it appealing because I love the idea of being out alone on the trails in such a wild part of the country. Hiking 370km on the Cape Wrath Trail, Scotland | Kit, planning, logistics, food, and top tips 41,726 views Oct 17, 2021 1.8K Dislike Share Fit for Adventure 17.1K subscribers This was. Toughen up your knees, especially the ligaments surrounding the joints. 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. 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. I immediately adjourned to the room on the other side of the bothy, feeling more than a tad guilty. Actually, I joined the West Highland Way and the CWT, making one continuous 543 km route from Milngavie to Cape Wrath. One armed blind folks can sew better than me. A singular landscape of salt flats, volcanoes, fantastical rock formations and coloured lakes, I completed the journey over 16 days in August, 2017. The Cape Wrath Ultra is Scotland's finest multi-stage ultra running event. With just a couple of exceptions, all of the bothies I visited on the CWT I had had to myself. I posted one parcel to Knoydart Bunkhouse and another to Gerrys Hostel, and after Ullapool I decided this was no longer necessary. and thick fog) is that it makes me a better hiker. This has little to do with its duration or elevation levels. A few tips? You might also want a snack or two every day, to help keep up your energy in between meals. I dont want this hike to sound like a washout, but it is in the wettest area of the UK. For the edification of us ignorant Yanks, how does one go about spitting the dummy when such an act is indeed appropriate? The streams and rivers can rise a couple of inches within just a few hours of heavy rain, so be prepared to wait out the bad weather in a bothy for day or two, until the water levels have subsided. Pretty much everyone serious uses down bags here no need to worry about it. : The CWT is almost always hiked south to north. Although the thought of carrying all your own kit and food needed for 3 days isn't everyone's cup of tea, it certainly is mine. Unlike pretty much every other pair I have used, they are fairly durable. From south to north there are stores at Shiel Bridge, Strathcarron, Kinlochewe and Kinlochbervie. Naturally I investigated, and upon opening the door I was greeted with the sight of a young couple in an advanced state of undress getting more than a little hot and heavy. And possibly in bucketfuls. Public toilets are situated in Durness village , beside the 'spar' shop. Go digital! For a detailed guide on shelters found along the Cape Wrath Trail, be sure to check out my CWT Bothy Guide! Or plot your own route! Peat and forest fires can be devastating to the ecology, wildlife and estates. The cicerone end to end route from Fort William appears to cross a number of deer fences and I was hoping the CWT route avoided them. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The terrain is often boggy and almost always soggy, so if you have an aversion to wet feet, you may want to look elsewhere. Ill take my ZPacks Duplex tent and EE quilt. 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. Did you have any time to dry out? And we heeded the same advice going in the opposite direction. Also, I might shorten the hike as I only have 8 days. Ive always enjoyed hiking in crappy weather. Lastly, youll need to plan your route. Buy both the Cape Wrath Trail North and Cape Wrath Trail South maps together and save 2! Im amazed at you hiking always in shorts. Good to know. You're one step away from receiving emails from Yes Jane Can. Having no experience with Scottish winds, do you think that a Tarptent Aeon Li is suitable or do I need something more storm-worthy? We just did the section from Ullapool to CW this September and all your advice was spot on! A memorable beginning to a hike I had long been looking forward to. 367 km / 228 miles. Stakes Mix of sizes & styles (8) / Mostly. Dates Hey Swami, Im heading up to Scotland in May to have a go at the cape wrath, Im toying with taking a dedicated compact camera as the lens on my phone camera is wrecked. A good preparation will help you tackle most of the issues youll be facing along the Cape Wrath Trail, allowing you to focus on the awesome views! Unless you are in a rush or looking to ease your way into the trip, go for the Knoydart route. Click the time links for respective bus timetables. 50g of sugar will offer some extra boost to the hot drinks if needed, Extra meal extra breakfast, two more oats bars and a high (1000) calorie freeze dried meal by Expedition Foods. But more on this later. No matter how low-budget your travel plans may be, I will always recommend you get proper travel insurance. Walking to Cape Wrath, Day 35, June 14, 2022. It had gained legendary status by the time we arrived there, with every hiker we passed raving about it. The downside, of course, is that mist means drizzle or rain up here. It starts in Fort William and ends at the lighthouse . I quickly shut the door, muttering three or four rapid-fire sorries as I did so. Stick to the eastern route variations that will lead you through longer stretches of gloriously empty wilderness. While not the most storm-worthy shelter in the Tarptent stable, I think the Aeon Li should suffice for the Cape Wrath Trail. Sea shore: Mussels,Limpets, Edible Periwinkles, Razorfish. I redid part of Cape Wrath in 2017 wearing these and had happy, dry feet. Wet cold is always more challenging, and windy to boot. Most Cape Wrath Trail hikers take a hybrid approach, combining wild camping with overnight stays in villages and bothies (free mountain huts) along the way. 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. Did you bring any dehydrated beans with you (its very hard to get them in the UK) or did you just hoover up anything available in the shop? Youll need something to eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Its a gruelling hike in parts, and that teamed with torrential rain can really dampen your spirits. An unofficial Trail Guide as well as maps allow me to roughly estimate the times I need to walk the stages and thus planning my resupply points, which are fairly rare, and the amount of food I'll need for each stage. 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! Grid: NN 095 750 RVHG+3HC Gaul/Camusnagaul, Fort William Nat. Essentially, Cape Wrath is used for aerial target practice - not something even a bomber 3-layer waterproof will protect you from. Exped Thunder 70 A big pack that still manages to keep the weight down. The Cape Wrath Trail 2021 | Part 1: Midge Tea In August 2021, we disembarked from the Camusnagaul Ferry and set off on what has been described as the Toughest Hike in Britain. Day Four - Strathcarron to Shenavall Bothy (68.52km) Day Five - Shenavall Bothy to Knockadamph Bothy (41.99km) (Collected a food parcel in Clachan) Day Six - Knockadamph Bothy to Cape Wrath (124.79km) (Had some food at Inchnadamph and Glendhu Bothy) The journey was fantastic and the weather was rare for that time of year, with a big high . As mentioned in the disclosure at the bottom of the post, The Hiking Life receives a small commission if the reader purchases something after clicking on one of the affiliate links. Do squats, a lot of them. Good to know you are still exploring this amazing world on foot. Just remember to train your core, lower back and legs most of all. Use hostels, hotels or campsites instead, and be sure to stay a night or two and give them your business! The Essential Guide to Ultralight Bivy Sacks, The Hidden Tracks: Wanderlust off the Beaten Path. Bog, bog and more bog. Scottish rain and acidic bog has magical properties, it seems to penetrate the impenetrable. Which Direction? They obviously hadnt expected company any more than I had. 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. Smother them in white tiger balm and hey presto, youll have some relief from scratching like a flea-ridden dog. The Cape Wrath Trail is often considered to be one of Britain's most challenging trails, mostly due to its remoteness and rough terrain. Want to know what I did? . Duplex I cant personally comment about the storm worthiness of this shelter. While this trail has its share of bothies and other forms of accommodation along the way, they are not numerous enough to provide shelter every night. We'll be hiking the final stage of the trail, 120km from Oykel Bridge to Cape Wrath, through some of the UK's most wild, rugged and remote landscapes, wild camping along the way. These cookies do not store any personal information. So plan your gear accordingly. Purchased hot meals at Kinloch Hourn, Shiel Bridge, Kinlochewe, Okyel Bridge, Inchnadamph and Kinlochbervie; 3. They were genuinely nice kids, and after chatting with them for a short period I said, You know what, guys, I think Ill continue hiking for a little while longer. They courteously insisted that wasnt necessary, but despite the fact that it continued to pour down outside, the decision was a no-brainer. (photo from Wikipedia). And for good reason. Love your musings and information on gear, and, in this particular case, attitude. Whether it be on trail or in your everyday life, being able to accept, embrace and learn from the tough periods is fundamental to growth. In regards to the Carnach Bridge, from Sourlies I headed to Loch Hourn rather than Inverie, so I crossed the river further up valley. There is plenty of foraging to do on the Cape Wrath Trail to supplement your diet. Which brings us to another important part of your preparation: stamina. It connects with the West Highland Way, North Highland Way and part of an alternative route suggested by Cameron McNeish which follows the Great Glen Way out of Fort William before joining the main route in Glen Shiel. Add weight to your squats after a while! Additionally, its worth noting that the excellent hostel at Inchnadamph has a small shop, which depending on how picky you are, should have enough options in stock to get you through to Kinlochbervie, : I didnt treat any of my water while in Scotland and had no issues. Another option that is easier and cheaper is to buy the special Cape Wrath Trail maps made by Harvey Maps. The post below includes impressions from the trip, logistical and background information, route recommendations and a gear list. The way to Cape Wrath is not an official national trail at all, more a loose collection of old stalkers' tracks, drovers, and coffin roads. Do you only make money when someone clicks on an equipment link in your posts? Not as good as new, but still functional / From what Ive seen, the latest models have a different design, and arent in the same league as the old ones. Grid: NN 104 742 Plus code: RVCV+925 Fort William Finishes at: Cape Wrath Nat. For the planning of Cape Wrath Trail, I use a similar approach to Te Araroa. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Some of the scenery is incredible if you get the weather for it, other parts are nothing to write home about. Alternates: There are a number of different route alternatives during the Cape Wrath Trail. Pack for worst-case scenario conditions. Tinders: Birch bark, King Alfreds cakes, birch polypore. There are many different ways to train yourself for an undertaking like the CWT, so Ill leave it to you to find a way to train that suits your preference. The Cape Wrath Trail is an unofficial, unmarked and magnificently wild long distance route from Fort William to Cape Wrath, the most north westerly point of mainland Scotland. If you dont have the appropriate kit they can be maddening. Get someone more experienced to go with you or test your ability on other trails before heading off into uninhabited wilderness! Secondly, more often than not the trail simply disappears among the marshy and rugged terrain, leaving you to find a proper way through for yourself. Midges were horrific, Im traumatised. Have a read of this article from Jorgen Johansson which talks specifically about how the tent performs in inclement weather in an environment not dissimilar to what you will encounter in Scotland. Thanks for the kind words. I took a gas canister stove, but I saw shops that sold both meths and gas along the route, (Shiel Bridge Petrol Station, Ullapool Northwest Stores, Kinlochbervie London Stores). The trail has evolved from use and is not an officially recognised National Trail. Outdoors Father is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon.com. Do you need to make more supply runs? x. Trekking Solo In the Highlands . One of the few bothies to have a working power grid! 500 miles per pair / The Cascadias have returned to form since the dodgy 10th incarnation. 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) This trail is great for backpacking, birding, and camping, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other . Snacks - Dried fruit and nuts. Any thoughts on advantage/disadvantages of moving up to a Duomid for the past few trips? I had initially . I will list only what I consider to be the essentials here; Ill leave it up to you how much extra gear you want to bring. Again, the amount youd wish to spend on food and supplies will strongly vary from one person to the next. As always, Im always available for any questions you might still have! This website uses cookies to improve your experience. I completed the trail then,and still have the battle scars to prove it. 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. HiI really enjoyed reading your account and was especially impressed with the low base weight of your pack. As a rule, World Nomads offers excellent world-wide insurance for a wide range of activities, including hiking up to 6000 metres. 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. Regards, Jamie. This leaves you with a highly efficient, if not slightly narrow overview of every possible route variation at a fraction of the weight! Ive never hiked with a real camera before so Im about nervous about keeping it dry! Theres no point spitting the dummy over something you have no control over. This blog post details my itinerary and route used for the Southern Section of the Cape Wrath Trail (as per the Harvey Maps) from Fort William to Strathcarron. What would you say about going CWT in this time of year and the shelter for this hike? Pitched the tent & had a comfortable hour having food & few brews before the expected rain came in. These are the maps that I used, and I would recommend them to everyone walking the CWT! Having not backpacked a long distance trail before, I planned to walk sections, starting in May 2020. In regards to the Midge VS Sandfly question thats a tough one. As a general rule, you should eat around 1kg of food a day while hiking otherwise you will lose weight. I hiked the Cape Wrath Trail over ten days in the summer of 2018. As I stated before, the CWT is more of a collection of smaller trails than one single route that is properly advertised and signposted, and so there are many variations in the CWT that nevertheless all constitute the same trail. It contains detailed information for more than 200 of the worlds great hikes and was put together with the mission of inspiring and enabling folks to go backpacking. Just a wee note about the post about the Carnoch bridge (at the head of Loch Nevis, crossing into knoydart proper).. theres a shiny new one!! And for those of a wayfaring disposition such as myself, I cant think of a better teacher than Mother Nature. Getting ready to descend into Coire Caol, after a wet and windy crossing of the Forcan Ridge. Nat. Fuels: Dried Peat,Driftwood, Birch, Pine. 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 passenger ferry from Fort William to Camusnagaul (10 minutes) the official start of the CWT. This also means you often wont be able to pick and choose your supplies, as not every store youll encounter will have lightweight meal options, for example. 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). Cape Wrath Trail 0: Approach to Fort William. Ah young love/lust! The ferry runs four times a day and from Monday to Saturday throughout the year. I certainly will. Peanut M&Ms. Quick release sugar - Haribo/Jelly Sweets. When I stopped walking and the midges were swarming, Id quickly put on my rain pants, which together with the long sleeve shirt, cap and head net, kept me pretty well covered. Happy with the results so far. Thanks for the kind words. It turned out they were students in their late teens/early twenties from Bristol. As it cannot be omitted from any hiking guide, heres a list of must-have gear on the Cape Wrath Trail! River crossings, along with midges, will become the bane of your trip. The route is unmarked and there is no official line. 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. So far the story of this trip. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Grid: NC 259 746 The biggest decision youll make is whether to take the Knoydart variant or the Great Glen variant of the trail. I only used one 230g canister and a bit of a smaller one. You have to find your own way from Fort William to Cape Wrath, the most north . A packet of jelly sweets which you can devour/savour (delete as appropriate) will make the world of difference to your energy and mood. Work has been crazy this year, so my list of Website: Things to Do has grown to Russian novel proportions! Drinking water should never really be a problem in the Scottish highlands. Hard ice en route to Sandwood Bay. Ta again. This is certainly the way I would go next time. Going from north to south and sticking to the west path, youll have no refills from Fort William to Shiel Bridge except for a little cafe at Glenfinnan open 9.30am to 5pm July and Aug and 10am to 5pm other months, where you can buy scones, cake, Snickers and overpriced sandwiches. Im hoping to do other hikes too and I wondering your opinion on West Highland Way vs. Cairngorm National Park? Does this sound good to you? Top food, very very good coffee and a lovely warm spot by the gas fire . I sent supply parcels to Fort William, Shiel Bridge and Ullapool with a request to hold the parcel until a certain date. The Great Glen route is slightly quicker to rejoin the rest of the trail near Shiel Bridge, but the Knoydart variant is generally considered to be the most beautiful if not the most challenging choice. Theres also a campsite two kilometres further up Glen Nevis, which will serve as a cheaper option to spend the night. As it was Winter, there were not a lot of resupply points so posting food parcels to strategic locations along the route was necessary. Great value food and walkers' accommodation on the Cape Wrath Trail It is a day's walk from Fort William (23 miles on flat loch-side terrain) is Laggan Locks. Black coffee with sugar. Average Duration : 14 to 21 days Difficulty : Moderate to Challenging Start / Finish : Fort William (South) - Cape Wrath (North). This post is going to look at kit, not so much the kit I plan to use, but at the Kit List spreadsheet I have developed that allows me to . One of my favourite things about rambling in shitty (but not really) conditions (e.g. Like a straight up shower cap? Green tents, on the other hand, are not immune to the midges advances. I also need to stay positive, calm and objective in order to make the best decisions possible. It takes place annually in Everyone I met for the first four days had bailed somewhere along the route by hitching or cutting their trip short. : 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. I live in Alaska and its often damp, breezy, cloudy, foggy. Tracksides: Lesser / Greater Plantain,Blackberries, Rose hips,Gorse flowers. Plot a course thatll have you visit the many small towns hugging the western coastline. Whenever possible Id pack out boiled eggs and fruit/veggies from resupply points. When it comes to fuel foraging, take only what you need. On the seventh day of my CWT hike the weather was mostly clear. Hi Frederick, Iain has found a good balance between guiding the reader in rough terrain and offering challenging or safer alternatives. Top report, really enjoyed reading all the detail. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 112 h 20 min to complete. Here is a list of things to look out for. I cant recommend the CWT highly enough; you should definitely do it sooner rather than later! For participants that have a diagnosed food allergy that is evidenced by a letter from their doctor, we are able to provide an additional baggage allowance (10kg) so . I wonder whether Harvey Maps has made it deliberately difficult in parts to keep up the arduous name this route has. Although they are 1:40,000 in scale, they have all the important details like houses, sheep folds and ruins marked. Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), creating an efficient backpacking food menu, My final itinerary is based on 9 days on the trail, 40g jumbo oats (not rolled) pack more of a bite to them after cooking, 40g granola mix I chose for half my meals to have a berry-based mix and half to have a chocolate based one, 3 tsp of milk powder thickens the mix and gives extra sugars and protein to start the day, Just add half a cup of boiling water and eat after 5 minutes of sitting (use a, It saves some packaging as Im not packing for each day, The days are not equal in length and Ill be walking a combination of long day-short day-long day-short day etc. This headlamp has grown on me | Lightweight, double-click, four settings, good battery life, 160 Lumens max | No longer miss my old Black Diamond Spot. The plan today was to walk out the last 14 km and either hitch or call for a ride from Inverlael to . I will be walking 40-65 km (24-40 miles) per day so I need a lot of food to keep going while keeping it simple enough to eat even if the weather is bad. Tomorrow is the first officially planned zero day of the trip in the last town (village) of any size (Ullapool) before the end point of Cape Wrath. Cape Wrath Trail Overview Map (Cicerone Press). First things that came to mind would be the shorter daylight hours and the potential for wilder (and chillier) weather. We sensibly did the route to Inchnadamph instead. *Disclosure:This post contains some affiliate links, which means The Hiking Life receives a small commission if you purchase an item after clicking on one of the links. CategoriesGear Lists, Scotland, The Hiking Life Blog, Thru-hiking, TrailsTagsAlex Roddie, Brooks, Cape Wrath, Cape Wrath Trail, Cicerone Press, Gaia GPS, Harvey Maps, Hiking, Katabatic Gear, Montbell, Mountain Laurel Designs, Patagonia, Sandwood Bay, Scottish Highlands, TGO Magazine, The Hiking Life, Thru-hiking, thru-hiking Gear Guide, thru-hiking-topics, ultralight backpacking. The end of the trail is remote Cape Wrath, linked by a seasonal tourist bus and ferry to near Durness. 9 top tips for hiking the Cape Wrath Trail No.9 is the most important Gear and food reviews Exped Synmat UL Winter M An extremely comfortable winter sleeping mat. Ill go into more detail in the chapter appropriately called The Route. Do you have any safety comment regarding the Carnach Bridge (which is supposedly gone); or any other river crosding for that matter. Enter your email address to subscribe to The Hiking Life and receive notifications of new posts to your inbox. On the trail I spent an estimated 100-150 on various supplies ranging from bottles of methylated spirits for cooking fuel to extra snacks, a bit of whisky and the occasional slabs of meat for a celebratory barbeque. This website has been developed as a resource for people planning an expedition on the Cape Wrath Trail in Scotland. Pack light. Day 2: Kearvaig Bothy - Sandwood Bay But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. My base weight was 10.5 lb (4.75 kg), and total weight was 14.4 lb (6.5 kg). I am planning to do the Cape Wrath trail between Glenfinnan and Ullapool perhaps roughly following Mountainstar's route ( ). Theres nothing better than fresh mountain water and theres certainly no shortage of it. 16.95 16.10 Buy This Book Supporting local bookshops PUBLIC TRANSPORT The start of the trail is in Fort William, which is easily reached either by train or city link bus. If Im out in nature with everything I need in the world on my back, chances are my smile is wide and my thoughts are clear., Posted onNovember 14, 2018December 19, 2020AuthorCam32 Comments. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. Ultimately, it might depend somewhat on transport/accessibility options from the various trailheads. April/May 2018. Not only are there only two of them, they are durable and waterproof as well! Length 233.9 miElevation gain 43,467 ftRoute type Point to point. My name is Roel Zerner, a Dutchman with an aversion to luxury resorts and a passion for all the wild places! I often do this on Summer hikes where staying warm isnt an issue. Woodland: Scots pine needle tea, Wood Sorrell, Pine nuts, Birch sap, Rowan berries (do not eat raw). Lets get right to the point here: I spent around 500 on the entire trip, from supplies and transportation (excluding my plane ticket) to the occasional campsite or hostel. Your first order of business will be getting to Fort William to start your adventure. View topic - Cape Wrath Trail Food Walkhighlands We then had a wonderful camp near by and had a tasty breakfast the next morning. Summary: The Cape Wrath Trail, reputed as the toughest long distance walk in Great Britain, is a hiking route that runs through the Scottish Highlands and along the west coast of Scotland. It has the reputation of being Britain's toughest long distance walk. There are a couple of alternative stages that . Cam, Your email address will not be published. Bad luck/good luck. In order to stay safe and semi-comfortable in such weather, I need to be completely focused in regards to navigation, pace (i.e. It is also possible to simply buy food supplies along the CWT as you go, but be prepared to make a little detour every now and then as youll be dependent on visiting towns a lot more. This means that you're treated to a stunning range of exceptional views complete with dramatic coastlines and a wild and vast ocean to admire. The midges drove me nuts and stopped me having breakfast on a couple of mornings with their insistent buzzing/biting. Always make sure to thoroughly check your insurance plan, as conditions may vary for your nationality or itinerary. Bad weather does make one more accountable to every move/item of clothing; what happens if I get this piece of clothing wet, and theres only one piece of dry clothing to replace it in camp? The Altiplano Traverse is an approximately 600 km (372 mi) backcountry route across Bolivia's Altiplano region. Very good, informative and helpful, I dont know how you do it! Good photos & Video / Have used an unlocked phone in recent years, to avoid heavy roaming charges when overseas. The Cape Wrath Trail is considered the UK's toughest long distance walk. You might even want to spend an extra day or two in this area to climb Ben Nevis, Britains highest mountain! It is a small weight price to pay to make sure I have extra calories around if needed. But there is poor nutritional content in dried foods. Phone in advance if possible. Hope that helps. Sign up for occasional email updates with news and updates from the trail. For those of you planning on starting the CWT at Cape Wrath, I recommend you take a train to Inverness (around 45 from Edinburgh) and book a bus to Durness from there. That way you wont contaminate your water bladder for future use if there is any giardia or nasty bacteria floating around. And they might be right. We started in Fort William with the Camusnagaul ferry and finished in Kinlochbervie, after walking off the peninsular from the Cape Wrath light house. Top end wrapped in orange tape so I wont lose it. Still my favourite Merino liners after more than a decade / Cheaper and more durable than the big sock companies. Cant thank Angie and John enough for a wonderful welcome after completing the Cape wrath trail. I pick up a different SIM in each country and pay local rates. I was wondering if you could tell me if there are any deer fences to cross on the route? If for whatever reason you decide you cant go on anymore, at least youll know where to go to get back to civilisation! The water level was low; June and July had been quite dry from the reports I heard. Now this can be a tough one. Hello Cam, Thank you so much for a great report as well as inspiration. Lets get you started! In fact, it sits right at the corner of the north and west Scottish coasts. Yep, one of those little numbers you get in hotel amenity/vanity bags (at least thats the type Ive used). Thanks a lot for all the information! Cheers, Thanks for your message. Before you strap on that backpack and get going, you first need to know what youre getting into, what youll be bringing along, how much food youll need, what youre planning on eating and how long youre planning on being on the trail. Hey Cam, great to see this hike.wow! In fact it's only 200 - 250 miles. Kendal mint cake, which is 98 percent sugar, also works a treat! I didn't book any accommodation and wild camped every night. Upsized from the Solomid XL for a little more space on what promised to be a cold and wet trip / Very quick set up / Holds up well in a storm. Its a challenge and people do it to test themselves. The Cape Wrath Trail does not offer hikers the luxury of certainty: flexibility is a critical part of the trailblazer's mountain kit. Cape Wrath Trail Planning #2. backpacking, cape wrath trail, Gear, kit list, planning, scotland. 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. donkeys years). With only a few kilometres to my final destination I knew it would be an easy day. A Practical Guide To The Cape Wrath Trail, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), This error message is only visible to WordPress admins. First off, Scotlands Cape Wrath Trail cant really be called a trail in the traditional sense. The scenery can be spectacular even when its veiled in mist. I can only show you a rough estimate of the costs you can expect to make. Some things, however, definitely took us by surprise. They know the area and what to expect on higher routes. The nearby stream offers a good water . 6 thoughts on " Cape Wrath Trail 6 day hike Part 1 - COMPLETED! There are some similarities between hiking there and in Alaska, but for the most part I feel like they are quite distinct experiences. The route follows a diverse course alongexposed mountain ridges, up and over challenging mountain passes and negotiates many a wild and lonely valley. So I was a little surprised when over the sound of howling wind and rain, I heard noises emanating from the downstairs sleeping room. Because its not. No worries. Mother Nature had other ideas. During the days Id also eat bars, trail mix, crisps, nuts; basically whatever I could find. Not only will your gear be toasty warm and dry, youll get an all-you-can-eat brekkie (cereal/toast/fruit) and be able to pick up food in the shop for dinner (frozen meals/pizza) and some basic food supplies for the rest of your trip. BUT it isnt always open during term time as geology students book the whole place out to study the nearby Lewisian gneiss. Fort William (South) Cape Wrath (North). 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. The other thing I love about hiking in inclement weather is that it acts as an affirmation. MLD Duomid (0.75 DCF) with Solomid Silnylon Innernet. . When youre ready to start the CWT, the local ferry will carry you across Loch Eil to the Gaul/Camusnagaul pier for 1,50. Hand Sanitizer (repackaged in dropper btle.). Hey Rob, Initially following the Great Glen, the route turns north to cross Glen Garry, Glen Loyne and Glenshiel before crossing the wilderness to Strathcarron, continuing north through Torridon, Dundonnell (ferry) and . Cape Wrath Trail 1st March 2017 Cape Wrath Trail 18: To The Lighthouse. But a gorgeous landscape! Despite some wet and wild weather, I was never uncomfortable during the hike and felt prepared for any meteorological scenario that may have occurred. The Cape Wrath Trail (lets call it the CWT from now on) is known as Scotlands most challenging long-distance trail. This book definitely does justice to the tough character of the trail. Sounds like you had a real Cape Wrath trail experience! Scotland looks amazing, but not sure I could spend the dough to experience more of the same. My trip has been supported by the following food brands: Firepot Bl Band (via Base Camp Food) LYO Expedition (via Base Camp Food) Expedition Food (via Base Camp Food) Summit to Eat (via Base Camp Food) The Cape Wrath Trail travels up the west coast of Scotland, beginning in Fort William, and ending at Cape Wrath which is the northernmost point of Britain. Sealskinz waterproof socks are equally as magic, being the one thing that keeps the water out. Woodland: Scots pine needle tea, Wood Sorrell, Pine nuts,Birch sap,Rowan berries (do not eat raw). This looks amazing! In regards to what I did for food on the CWT: 1. ~Cam Swami Honan The most traveled hiker on earth (Backpacker Magazine, January 2015). All-time favorite liner gloves. Please go to the Instagram Feed settings page to create a feed. The CWT is more of a route than a trail because it's not blazed or way-marked and because you can connect the endpoints using any sequence of trails, 44 tracks, paths, roads, or off-trail segments to connect the two endpoints. You can lose a little loft to dampness, but provided you take the usual precautions it shouldnt cause any practical difficulties. Youve been warned. Im definitely no expert when it comes to anything camera-related. The writer travelled to Scotland by Caledonian Sleeper . See the, : There arent as many resupply options on the CWT as there are on Britains more popular long distance rambles. Frameless backpack of choice for almost a decade. 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 . The trail starts in Fort William and ends at the northwesternmost point of mainland Britain, Cape Wrath. Check your inbox or spam folder now to confirm your subscription. Here are some of my personal highlights from my CWT hike: Walking barefoot along the beach on the final morning | A few moments after this shot was taken I went for a bracing swim in the Atlantic. Lockdown has given me the opportunity to start working on a long-postponed project, a new YouTube channel. That said, there are parts of the Cape Wrath Trail that pass by human settlement and grazing animals. Planning for the CWT mid-May 2019. Thanks for the kind words. Subjective Participant or Objective Observer? The Cape Wrath Trail is a challenging route from Fort William to Cape Wrath. For the sake of simplicity and the limited . The way I figure it, if Ive got the right gear, skills, strength and fitness, whats not to like? There is a lot of really great info online about the Cape Wrath Trail. Ive hiked the Skye during August but had no time for the highlands. Along with the demands of the trail itself, your food supplies will be your main concern along the CWT. Want to rough it out in solitude for a few days? This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Glenfinnan Viaduct and the train to Hogwarts! Especially when out on a trip like the CWT it is very important you make sure your travel insurance covers off-road activities, as most agencies wont cover this in their basic plans. I hope you find this episode inspiring! Kept with sunscreen & hand sanitizer in shoulder pocket. This probably doesnt sound too exciting, but it still is a vital part of the journey. Not an appealing prospect for a 17-day hike. Tent setup / Fencing practice during breaksTokyo 2020 here I come. Now I'm a freelance, I can (kind of) afford to allow myself time to complete the Trail in my own time, at a pace that suits the conditions and my own fitness. 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. Approaching the Cape Wrath Lighthouse at hikes end. As I headed back out into the storm I broke out into a wry grin. As for spitting the dummy, thats an old Australian phrase thats been around for yonks (i.e. There is no single definitive . . Well done on completing the CWT. Big decisions about smallest details, which I embrace. Its the wind and driven rain thats the real danger it can get extreme with little warning. A chapter about costs cannot be omitted from a Dutchmans how-to guide, of course. Sanctuary at the end of Cape Wrath Trail. See you on the Trail! Chocolate Digestives or Hob Nobs. Prepare to carry a tent and sleeping gear. That about wraps up my practical guide to the Cape Wrath Trail. 1A. This is because the difficulty of the terrain and the lack of way marking (or even defined paths in many places). BUT and this is a big but, look ahead at the route. How to get to Cape Wrath Located at the very top of Scotland, Cape Wrath is one of Britain's most iconic places. Cheers, When in spate, the rivers can flow at full force up to your thighs, hips or waist. Due to the unpredictable weather and challenging terrain, it is a hike that is best suited to experienced ramblers who possess a good level of fitness, navigation skill, and a stoic disregard of having wet feet. " lizziwake says: 21st September 2021 at 2:53 pm. Luckily the rain only lasted an hour or so and then it started to dry out. Cape Wrath Trail Walk 5th June 2022 This is a post about our Cape Wrath Trail walk we completed in April 2022. Despite not being an officially recognised National Trail it has grown to be one of the most highly regarded backpacking routes, attracting hikers from around the world. not too fast / not too slow in order to minimise sweating yet still stay warm), layering, changes in conditions, and calorie and H2O intake. Because of its remoteness (there are parts of the CWT that require the intrepid adventurer to carry enough food to last a few days) - and changeable conditions (rivers suddenly in spate, weather conditions changing in moments etc.) It's hard to believe that this website is now nearly five years old. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. It's for fit, experienced and able walkers. marta employee found dead, vue cinema southport seniors club, obituary 2020 death, how to summon forneus, intertek 4003807 impeller, charles victor hugo renard typhoon, drury lane donation request, ycc365 plus sd card install, erica popp seaman obituary, skutt basketball roster, flyin homes for sale, the baked bear nutrition information, pershing middle school fights, raspberry bourbon sauce, how to remove sim card from kyocera phone,

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