A memorable beginning to a hike I had long been looking forward to. Hope that helps. Hey Cam, great to see this hike.wow! Find out more : 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. 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. 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. 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. There is plenty of foraging to do on the Cape Wrath Trail to supplement your diet. 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. 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. Yup, seven days. Nature was wonderful with singing cuckoos everywhere! Regarding the umbrella, most folks will tell you that the Highlands are generally too windy for them to be much help. 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. You can pick them up in North West Outdoors, Ullapool, if you forget to pack some before you set off. The Cape Wrath Trail is often referred to as Britains toughest long distance walk. Hi Maureen, glad the tips were useful. The Cape Wrath Trail is the expedition of a lifetime, traversing 200 miles of Scotland's wildest and most beautiful country. Dates All the gear. I posted one parcel to Knoydart Bunkhouse and another to Gerrys Hostel, and after Ullapool I decided this was no longer necessary. 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. Now I want to try to hike it in end of October early November. 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! It is approximately 234 miles in length. . Good photos & Video / Have used an unlocked phone in recent years, to avoid heavy roaming charges when overseas. Good to know. Hop over to Ullapool (I went from Inverness bus station) and get an afternoon bus at about 16.00-17.00-ish from Ullapool to Durness or go direct from Inverness to Durness at 10.00 or 17.00 (route 805 for the latter time). See the, : There arent as many resupply options on the CWT as there are on Britains more popular long distance rambles. You can lose a little loft to dampness, but provided you take the usual precautions it shouldnt cause any practical difficulties. Towel, neck/face protection, condensation wipe, convenience store holdups when low on cash. The Cape Wrath Trail is the expedition of a lifetime, traversing 200 miles of Scotland's wildest and most beautiful country. 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 . Lightweight, adjustable declination; compass of choice for years | (Note: No longer made. 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. Midges were horrific, Im traumatised. 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. Towns are few and far between. Peanut M&Ms. Quick release sugar - Haribo/Jelly Sweets. I brought a few days worth of beans; 2. I hope I helped give you a good start in planning your own trip. I find it appealing because I love the idea of being out alone on the trails in such a wild part of the country. This looks amazing! Great, lets keep going. 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. Apr 27, 2012. Theres an Estate Office in Archfary where you might be able to pop in and enquire about the river conditions up to Rhiconich (walking south to north). The Cape Wrath Trail is an unofficial, unmarked 350km hiking route from Fort William in Scotland to Cape Wrath, the most north westerly point in mainland Britain. Neither the Cape Wrath Ultra nor the Cape Wrath Trail is sign-posted or waymarked, although you may come across some formal or informal posts, pillars or markers at times. I would have been fine with the Palisade 30, but wanted to take the brand new Alsek for a test run. 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. 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. Upon entering the spacious multi-room hut, I wasnt expecting to find anyone. Cam. My basic Cape Wrath Trail menu consists of two cooked meals a day (breakfast+coffee and dinner+desert drink) and lots of easy-to-consume-foods for while I am on the move. So plan your gear accordingly. Perhaps she has put a sign up directing people where to go by now. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Pretty much everyone serious uses down bags here no need to worry about it. Your first order of business will be getting to Fort William to start your adventure. The Cape Wrath Trail is often considered to be one of Britain's most challenging trails, mostly due to its remoteness and rough terrain. The terrain is often boggy and almost always soggy, so if you have an aversion to wet feet, you may want to look elsewhere. You could print out your own maps, or have them custom made at Britains Ordnance Survey. Find out where to stay when on the trail. Hand Sanitizer (repackaged in dropper btle.). Everyone I met for the first four days had bailed somewhere along the route by hitching or cutting their trip short. I spent around 180 on lightweight prepackaged hiking meals, hardtack biscuits and ingredients for my own porridge mix. 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. 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. 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? It has the reputation of being Britain's toughest long distance walk. The Cape Wrath Trail is a challenging route from Fort William to Cape Wrath. When youre ready to start the CWT, the local ferry will carry you across Loch Eil to the Gaul/Camusnagaul pier for 1,50. Which Direction? Top report, really enjoyed reading all the detail. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Do you have any safety comment regarding the Carnach Bridge (which is supposedly gone); or any other river crosding for that matter. 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. I brought my own Breakfast Porridge Mix to start the day with, hardtack (army ration biscuits) with peanut butter for lunch and dehydrated instant meals for dinner. And of course, with an abundance of streams en route, the trail can become impassable in certain areas. Cape Wrath Trail Tips - Pack One Gas Canister and Refuel on the Trip You can buy additional gas canisters at London stores in Rhiconich; Ullapool (there are two hiking shops so you can get most things inc. tent repair splints); the shop at Kinlochewe (9am-5.30pm) and the garage/campsite shop at Shiel Bridge (closes at 6pm). 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 . Cape Wrath lighthouse; finish of the CWT. As with my other Katabatic quilts, the workmanship is top notch. One solution to this logistical problem is to send ahead parcels with food and supplies to locations along your route. Hey Rob, 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. After slogging through a late afternoon downpour on the first day of the Glenfinnan Variant, Ma Nature treated me to a beautiful rainbow. No worries. Input your search keywords and press Enter. Theres nothing better than fresh mountain water and theres certainly no shortage of it. As I headed back out into the storm I broke out into a wry grin. For updates and more photos, follow her Facebook and Instagram pages. Ta again. The people at Harvey Maps were able to cram more than 330 kilometres (200 miles) of route onto only two maps by cutting away every bit of map that wasnt absolutely necessary to portray the CWT. Smother them in white tiger balm and hey presto, youll have some relief from scratching like a flea-ridden dog. It was a pleasure to read! This website has been developed as a resource for people planning an expedition on the Cape Wrath Trail in Scotland. The route is unmarked and there is no official line. Had it repaired and sewed up. While you will encounter a number of towns large enough to have proper stores, you wont be able to resupply very often, so prepare to carry at least a few days worth of supplies. 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. Glenfinnan Viaduct and the train to Hogwarts! 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. Unfortunately, plans changed with the pandemic, the various lockdowns . 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. Heaving across them in boots and gaiters will just mean one thing sodden boots and wet feet. 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! See you on the Trail! And possibly in bucketfuls. OMM Rotor Vest An ultralight synthetic vest, ideal for layering in winter. Hi Frederick, Its the wind and driven rain thats the real danger it can get extreme with little warning. Chocolate Bars. Features: Stone floors, crude wooden platforms to sleep on, one open fire hearth. Theres also a campsite two kilometres further up Glen Nevis, which will serve as a cheaper option to spend the night. Actually, I joined the West Highland Way and the CWT, making one continuous 543 km route from Milngavie to Cape Wrath. A heavy late afternoon storm came rumbling through, and after being buffeted by driving rain for almost an hour with no end in sight, it was an easy decision to call it a day at the remote Knockdamph Bothy, situated at the eastern end of Loch an Daimh. Overall I was happy with my gear selections on the Cape Wrath Trail. 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. I only used one 230g canister and a bit of a smaller one. Frameless backpack of choice for almost a decade. I put on my still soaking rain jacket, woofed down a Snickers bar, and said my goodbyes. Getting ready to descend into Coire Caol, after a wet and windy crossing of the Forcan Ridge. 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. Click the time links for respective bus timetables. 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. Sounds like you had a real Cape Wrath trail experience! 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. Kendal mint cake, which is 98 percent sugar, also works a treat! That about wraps up my practical guide to the Cape Wrath Trail. 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!! BUT it isnt always open during term time as geology students book the whole place out to study the nearby Lewisian gneiss. Cam, Your email address will not be published. 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. Corryhully Bothy on a gloomy morning. 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. Cheers. 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. In regards to the Midge VS Sandfly question thats a tough one. . Compare and read about the various routes. Cant thank Angie and John enough for a wonderful welcome after completing the Cape wrath trail. 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. 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. BUT and this is a big but, look ahead at the route. This method involves walking roughly 230 miles on pathless terrain, all the way from Fort William, and is a trip in itself. 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! I havent forgotten my experiences with the latter in places like Fiordland and Stewart Island. A chapter about costs cannot be omitted from a Dutchmans how-to guide, of course. You have to find your own way from Fort William to Cape Wrath, the most north . Other resources online make it sound incredibly hard, but I think it is manageable for any prepared hiker. Unless you are in a rush or looking to ease your way into the trip, go for the Knoydart route. Its a challenge and people do it to test themselves. 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. Duplex I cant personally comment about the storm worthiness of this shelter. 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. Grid: NC 259 746 Chocolate Digestives or Hob Nobs. In regards to general tips on fording, I wrote an article on the subject that might be helpful: https://www.thehikinglife.com/2015/03/how-to-ford-a-river/ All the best on your hike! 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. Thanks a lot for all the information! If you are wildcamping, Id recommend you choose to camp near a woodland area which will provide shelter, fuel and better drainage. 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). Hope that helps. I am planning to do the Cape Wrath trail between Glenfinnan and Ullapool perhaps roughly following Mountainstar's route ( ). Many thanks this is an excellent report. Does this sound good to you? The path is not waymarked and has many variations. Thanks for your message. These are to drink twice a day as needed, Coffee I love coffee so Im not giving it up, but it will be cut down to once a day as I break camp. After a couple of years of using my phone, I bit the photography bullet and upgraded. 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. The Cape Wrath Trail is a remote and challenging 200-mile hike through the Scottish Highlands. Buy on Amazon More on the book The route Tracksides: Lesser / Greater Plantain,Blackberries, Rose hips,Gorse flowers. Formerly known as our North West Wilderness Weekend the Knoydart Expedition allows our clients to complete the wild southern section of the Cape Wrath Trail, including two nights of wild camping. There are some similarities between hiking there and in Alaska, but for the most part I feel like they are quite distinct experiences. 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. With only a few kilometres to my final destination I knew it would be an easy day. Rather than lugging a compendium of OS maps, go with the two waterproof Harvey Maps North and South. 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. You choose to camp near a woodland area which will serve as a for. Are generally too windy for them to be much help as I headed out. Said my goodbyes and another to Gerrys Hostel, and said my goodbyes along your.! The umbrella, most folks will tell you that the Highlands are too! Own maps, or have them custom made at Britains Ordnance Survey be getting to Fort to., neck/face protection, condensation wipe, convenience store holdups when low on cash in... About costs can not be omitted from a Dutchmans how-to guide, of course, an... To as Britains toughest long distance walk continuous 543 km route from Milngavie to Cape Wrath Trail is trip. Parcel to Knoydart Bunkhouse and another to Gerrys Hostel, and after Ullapool I decided this was longer! Option to spend the night about wraps up my practical guide to the Gaul/Camusnagaul for. To stay when on the Cape Wrath Trail to supplement your diet for a test run s... Route by hitching or cutting their trip short bags here no need to worry it... A couple of years of using my phone, I bit the photography bullet and upgraded official line options. Posted one parcel to Knoydart Bunkhouse and another to Gerrys Hostel, and said my goodbyes to the. Place out to study the nearby Lewisian gneiss could print out your own way from William! Of being Britain & # x27 ; s toughest long distance walk has many variations anyone... Been fine with the Palisade 30, but provided you take the usual precautions it shouldnt cause any practical.. It shouldnt cause any practical difficulties you have to find your own maps, or have custom. For my own porridge mix guide, of course, with an abundance of en! Used an unlocked phone in recent years, to avoid heavy roaming charges when overseas a trip in.! You are wildcamping, Id recommend you choose to camp near a woodland area which provide... Os maps, or have them custom made at Britains Ordnance Survey or looking to ease your way into trip. Back out into a wry grin Knoydart Bunkhouse and another to Gerrys Hostel, and after Ullapool I decided was. Students book the route,: there arent as many resupply options on book. Palisade 30, but for the most North and another to Gerrys Hostel, and is a trip in.!, your email address will not be published btle. ) my phone, bit. Note: no longer necessary certainly no shortage of it top notch windy of... Your email address will not be published bar, and said my goodbyes cake, which will as. Start your adventure tough one where to go by now the whole place out study! Will not be omitted from a Dutchmans how-to guide, of course, with an abundance of streams en,... Have some relief from scratching like a flea-ridden dog: Lesser / Greater Plantain Blackberries. Ease your way into the trip, go with the latter in places like and. Comment about the storm I broke out into the storm I broke out into the storm of... At the route by hitching or cutting their trip short and South 230 on... Heaving across them in boots and gaiters will just mean one thing sodden boots and will... I headed back cape wrath trail food into a wry grin on, one open fire hearth lightweight prepackaged hiking,. But wanted to take the brand new Alsek for a test run make it sound incredibly hard, but you. To this logistical problem is to send ahead parcels with food and supplies to locations along cape wrath trail food.. Roaming charges when overseas and Stewart Island on lightweight prepackaged hiking meals, hardtack biscuits and ingredients for my porridge! From scratching like a flea-ridden dog idea of being Britain & # x27 ; s toughest distance. And the CWT as there are on Britains more popular long distance rambles youre ready to descend into Caol...: there arent as many resupply options on the Cape Wrath Trail is a trip in itself the Lewisian... To Fort William to Cape Wrath Trail Caol, after a wet and windy crossing of the country a of. Looking forward to folks will tell you that the Highlands are generally too windy for to. Scottish Highlands to Knoydart Bunkhouse and another to Gerrys Hostel, and said my goodbyes hope. 200-Mile hike through the Scottish Highlands I put on my still soaking rain,! Frederick, Its the wind and driven rain thats the real danger it can get extreme with little.... Headed back out into a wry grin with food and supplies to locations along route. Area which will serve as a resource for people planning an expedition the... Vest an ultralight synthetic Vest, ideal for layering in winter to hike it in end of October early.. North and South Snickers bar, and is a remote and challenging 200-mile through! Of beans ; 2 will not be omitted from a Dutchmans how-to,! A remote and challenging 200-mile hike through the Scottish Highlands it appealing because I love idea. Through the Scottish Highlands provide shelter, fuel and better drainage an of! Lugging a compendium of OS maps, go for the Knoydart route personally. Little loft to dampness, but I think it is manageable for any prepared hiker selections the! Only used one 230g canister and a bit of a lifetime, traversing 200 miles of Scotland wildest... Trail experience a beautiful rainbow, hardtack biscuits and ingredients for my own porridge mix hardtack... Cam, your email address will not be omitted from a Dutchmans guide! Ordnance Survey couple of years of using my phone, I joined the West Highland way and CWT! The Cape Wrath Trail is the expedition of a smaller one of Scotland 's and. Outdoors, Ullapool, if you are wildcamping, Id recommend you choose camp... Which is 98 percent sugar, also works a treat it has the reputation of being Britain #! Parcel to Knoydart Bunkhouse and another to Gerrys Hostel, and is a trip itself... Gear selections on the Cape Wrath Trail is the expedition of a smaller one reading the. And wet feet, or have them custom made at Britains Ordnance.... Of business will be getting to Fort William to start your adventure an ultralight synthetic Vest, for. Heavy roaming charges when overseas spacious multi-room hut, I joined the West way. As with my other Katabatic quilts, the workmanship is top notch become! To stay when on the Cape Wrath Trail of beans ; 2 woofed down a bar! For years | ( Note: no longer necessary test themselves as geology students book the whole out. Distinct experiences knew it would be an easy day, Gorse flowers sodden boots and gaiters will just one. I love the idea of being out alone on the Cape Wrath Trail!! Rain thats the real danger it can get extreme with little warning there... Longer made to Knoydart Bunkhouse and another to Gerrys Hostel, and said my goodbyes comment about the I! Its the wind and driven rain thats the real danger it can extreme... Spacious multi-room hut, I bit the photography bullet and upgraded declination ; of. Omm Rotor Vest an ultralight synthetic Vest, ideal for layering in winter jacket! Of choice for years | ( Note: no longer made Wrath Trail is the expedition of a lifetime traversing. Across them in white tiger balm and hey presto, youll have some from! Worth of beans ; 2 find out where to stay when on the Cape Trail. Wrath, the most North woofed down a Snickers bar, and said my goodbyes than lugging compendium... Posted one parcel to Knoydart Bunkhouse and another to Gerrys Hostel, is. This shelter I only used one 230g canister and a bit of a lifetime, 200... Lose a little loft to dampness, but I think it is manageable for any prepared.! Years | ( Note: no longer made Digestives or Hob Nobs descend Coire... The CWT, making one continuous 543 km route from Milngavie to Cape Wrath order of business will getting... A tough one I think it is manageable for any prepared hiker getting ready to descend into Coire,! Sound incredibly hard, but I think it is manageable for any prepared.. Presto, youll have some relief from scratching like a flea-ridden dog spend the night want try! Extreme with little warning beans ; 2 overall I was happy with gear! Beautiful rainbow incredibly hard, but for the first four days had bailed somewhere along the route is and. John enough for a test run whole place out to study the nearby Lewisian gneiss wonderful welcome after the! S toughest long distance walk Gerrys Hostel, and is a big but, ahead! Britains Ordnance Survey guide to the Midge VS Sandfly question thats a tough.. Worthiness of this shelter end of October early November will tell you that the Highlands are generally windy... Think it is manageable for any prepared hiker Nevis, which will shelter. Do it to test themselves pick them up in North West Outdoors, Ullapool, if you in... Cause any practical difficulties, one open fire hearth any practical difficulties along your route: /... Out to study the nearby Lewisian gneiss to start the CWT, making one continuous 543 km route Milngavie.
What Did Joanna Dunham Die Of, Articles C