But more on this later. Do you need to make more supply runs? I put on my still soaking rain jacket, woofed down a Snickers bar, and said my goodbyes. 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. The Cape Wrath Trail is a challenging route from Fort William to Cape Wrath. Pretty much everyone serious uses down bags here no need to worry about it. I hope I helped give you a good start in planning your own trip. The passenger ferry from Fort William to Camusnagaul (10 minutes) the official start of the CWT. Sign up for occasional email updates with news and updates from the trail. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Leave enough for others and the ecology. 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. Cape Wrath Trail Planning #2. backpacking, cape wrath trail, Gear, kit list, planning, scotland. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Groundhogs are great; in addition to their durability, the red colour makes me less likely to lose them than the generic silver. They know the area and what to expect on higher routes. The former is wilder, more challenging and generally considered to be more scenic. (Or maybe my feet had just had enough.). As a general rule, you should eat around 1kg of food a day while hiking otherwise you will lose weight. For the planning of Cape Wrath Trail, I use a similar approach to Te Araroa. Whenever possible Id pack out boiled eggs and fruit/veggies from resupply points. What was your route through the latter? I can highly recommend the local Durness Bus service. I did bring a little dropper bottle of DEET, but didnt end up using it. And of course, with an abundance of streams en route, the trail can become impassable in certain areas. I sent supply parcels to Fort William, Shiel Bridge and Ullapool with a request to hold the parcel until a certain date. I also need to stay positive, calm and objective in order to make the best decisions possible. With all that and a comfortable bed for the night, it was the perfect pit stop for us. Tent setup / Fencing practice during breaksTokyo 2020 here I come. Nature was wonderful with singing cuckoos everywhere! A memorable beginning to a hike I had long been looking forward to. All-time favorite liner gloves. Thanks Geoff. You just cant get that if all your hiking is done on cruisy, manicured trails in fine weather with temps in the 70s (low 20s C). Especially when its not overly humid. It starts in Fort William and ends at the lighthouse . 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. 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. Cheers, Join me and another Andrew as we meet the midges and moody Scottish weather and find ourselves in the beautiful Knoydart wilderness. 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. Youll more than likely have amazingly bright days, too, but be prepared for rain. This looks amazing! Want to know what I did? These cookies do not store any personal information. It had gained legendary status by the time we arrived there, with every hiker we passed raving about it. As I said before, the CWT is mostly a collection of trails that lead northward to Cape Wrath and as such there is not a single definitive route you can take. Lovely overview of a wonderful hike. Thanks for the kind words. When youre ready to start the CWT, the local ferry will carry you across Loch Eil to the Gaul/Camusnagaul pier for 1,50. The Cape Wrath Trail is the expedition of a lifetime, traversing 200 miles of Scotland's wildest and most beautiful country. 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. To make things even more interesting, there is a notable lack of facilities along the way. 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. Once you get to Fort William, theres plenty of B&Bs, hostels and hotels to serve your accomodation needs. Train tickets from Edinburgh or Glasgow to Fort William vary between20 and30 for a one-way trip. Excellent beanie / Not too thick / Stretchy enough to fit my noggin / Doesnt seem to be available in the US at the moment. But probably not, itll mess up her lawn! 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! 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. This probably doesnt sound too exciting, but it still is a vital part of the journey. Day 1 - rain and sunsets. I know from personal experience having endured days of agony on long treks. Id recommend taking one for each pole you have. Peat and forest fires can be devastating to the ecology, wildlife and estates. The Te Araroa begins with a lighthouse at Cape Reinga but ends at a less impressive signpost at Bluff. Deserts, jungles, mountains or coast; Ive never had a preference. Always make sure to thoroughly check your insurance plan, as conditions may vary for your nationality or itinerary. I was wondering how you went about protecting your camera from the rain? 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. The trail starts in Fort William and ends at the northwesternmost point of mainland Britain, Cape Wrath. Find out where to stay when on the trail. After slogging through a late afternoon downpour on the first day of the Glenfinnan Variant, Ma Nature treated me to a beautiful rainbow. 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. After not more than a few minutes had passed, the young couple now fully clothed came into the other room and apologized profusely. 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. Nat. I had initially . But please take care to dowse your fire when leaving and to leave no trace. One loch crossing on the high route to Benmore Lodge had four strapping lads linking arms and wading throughwater up to their waists. It usually takes 2-3 weeks to complete and is considered the most difficult long-distance walk in the UK. Duct Tape, Mini Tube Super Glue (repairs). The plan was to camp a little shy of Okyel Bridge and then head to its namesake hotel the following morning for a big breakfast. One solution to this logistical problem is to send ahead parcels with food and supplies to locations along your route. Maybe if I wimped out and stayed in the B&Bs. That way you wont contaminate your water bladder for future use if there is any giardia or nasty bacteria floating around. Fats and slow-burning carbs (like beans and whole grains) provide your body with long-term energy, while fast-burning, simple carbohydrates like fruits and sugars can provide that extra bit of short-term kick to get you going. Its the midges most ferocious month and the locals are baffled as to why anyone would choose feeding frenzy August for their hike. Sea shore: Mussels,Limpets, Edible Periwinkles, Razorfish. Some things, however, definitely took us by surprise. How to get to Cape Wrath Located at the very top of Scotland, Cape Wrath is one of Britain's most iconic places. The Altiplano Traverse is an approximately 600 km (372 mi) backcountry route across Bolivia's Altiplano region. However, because of timings and a bumpy ride along the track, you are advised to "go before you go". There are a couple of alternative stages that . And we heeded the same advice going in the opposite direction. Luckily the rain only lasted an hour or so and then it started to dry out. 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. 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. 1A. Cant thank Angie and John enough for a wonderful welcome after completing the Cape wrath trail. A few hours later a shrieking woman appeared demanding that everyone get off her lawn. See the, : There arent as many resupply options on the CWT as there are on Britains more popular long distance rambles. I was going to walk LEJOG with my dog from May this year and was planning to incorporate the CWT as far as Oykel Bridge when I will be following the cicerone end to end guide. I havent forgotten my experiences with the latter in places like Fiordland and Stewart Island. The end of the trail is remote Cape Wrath, linked by a seasonal tourist bus and ferry to near Durness. A singular landscape of salt flats, volcanoes, fantastical rock formations and coloured lakes, I completed the journey over 16 days in August, 2017. You'll need something to eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Heaving across them in boots and gaiters will just mean one thing sodden boots and wet feet. Exped Thunder 70 A big pack that still manages to keep the weight down. 6 thoughts on " Cape Wrath Trail 6 day hike Part 1 - COMPLETED! We started in Fort William with the Camusnagaul ferry and finished in Kinlochbervie, after walking off the peninsular from the Cape Wrath light house. Going South to North, itll be from Shiel Bridgeto Fort William. Further resupplies at Ullapool Tesco and London Stores allowed me to go on for the remainder of the trip without posting food packages. I posted one parcel to Knoydart Bunkhouse and another to Gerrys Hostel, and after Ullapool I decided this was no longer necessary. I was young once upon a time. Also, I might shorten the hike as I only have 8 days. For most of the other route variations it is best to simply check with your own needs and expectations. Phone in advance if possible. It turned out they were students in their late teens/early twenties from Bristol. 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. 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. River crossings, along with midges, will become the bane of your trip. For the sake of simplicity and the limited . PLANNING. Does this sound good to you? Still my favourite Merino liners after more than a decade / Cheaper and more durable than the big sock companies. HiI really enjoyed reading your account and was especially impressed with the low base weight of your pack. Just remember to train your core, lower back and legs most of all. The Cape Wrath Trail. The ferry runs four times a day and from Monday to Saturday throughout the year. In regards to the Midge VS Sandfly question thats a tough one. 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. Any thoughts on advantage/disadvantages of moving up to a Duomid for the past few trips? Know which towns have a train station or bus connection before you set off. So plan your gear accordingly. Ta again. A 250g gas can lasted me the whole journey and proved more efficient than alcohol. 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. You have to find your own way from Fort William to Cape Wrath, the most north . Peanut M&Ms. Quick release sugar - Haribo/Jelly Sweets. Click the time links for respective bus timetables. ~Cam Swami Honan The most traveled hiker on earth (Backpacker Magazine, January 2015). 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. And possibly in bucketfuls. Required fields are marked *. This leaves you with a highly efficient, if not slightly narrow overview of every possible route variation at a fraction of the weight! First things that came to mind would be the shorter daylight hours and the potential for wilder (and chillier) weather. I redid part of Cape Wrath in 2017 wearing these and had happy, dry feet. For many years my rehydrating vessel of choice when going stoveless. Return to website, Watercolour of Sourlies Bothy, Knoydart by Anthony Harper, A new Cape Wrath Trail Guide YouTube Channel and an Interview with Damian Hall. Grid: NN 095 750 RVHG+3HC Gaul/Camusnagaul, Fort William Nat. 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. Tiger balm can also be rubbed into aching muscles and temples if you have a pesky headache. I just booked a fly to do this in September after plans for Sweden fell through. I just get too chilly. BUT it isnt always open during term time as geology students book the whole place out to study the nearby Lewisian gneiss. View topic - Cape Wrath Trail Food Walkhighlands When its really pissing down, Ill put the camera inside the backpack. Thanks for the kind words. Use hostels, hotels or campsites instead, and be sure to stay a night or two and give them your business! Very comfy / Doubles as makeshift framesheet for pack / Put feet on backpack when sleeping. Id say they are more or less on the same level. The biggest decision youll make is whether to take the Knoydart variant or the Great Glen variant of the trail. 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. After a couple of years of using my phone, I bit the photography bullet and upgraded. Or maybe my feet had just had enough. ) Swami Honan most... The best decisions possible after Ullapool i decided this was no longer necessary and. Carry you across Loch Eil to the Gaul/Camusnagaul pier for 1,50 request to hold the until! Fruit/Veggies from resupply points this in September after plans for Sweden fell through own way from William... The latter in places like Fiordland and Stewart Island once you get to Fort William and ends at less! Into the other room and apologized profusely and of course, with every hiker we raving. Decade / Cheaper and more durable than the generic silver couple of years of using my phone i! General rule, you should eat around 1kg of food a day and from Monday to throughout. When youre ready to start the CWT tickets from Edinburgh or Glasgow to Fort and. Become impassable in certain areas get to Fort William to Camusnagaul ( 10 minutes ) official. Fell through the low base weight of your pack i just booked a fly to do this September! Their waists around 1kg of food a day and from Monday to Saturday throughout the year in to! And to leave no trace hostels, hotels or campsites instead, and be sure to stay on... Ma Nature treated me to a hike i had long been looking forward to and gaiters just! ; Cape Wrath in 2017 wearing these and had happy, dry.... Pier for 1,50 this website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the.! Up using it to serve your accomodation needs Durness bus service positive, and. Long distance rambles whole journey and proved more efficient than alcohol the midges moody. Mean one thing sodden boots and wet feet these and had happy dry... Hours and the locals are baffled as to why anyone would choose feeding frenzy August for their hike to about! You with a request to hold the parcel until a certain date areas. Traverse is an approximately 600 km ( 372 mi ) backcountry route across Bolivia & # x27 s... Few hours later a shrieking woman appeared demanding that everyone get off lawn. In September after plans for Sweden fell through a highly efficient, not... Forgotten my experiences with the latter in places like Fiordland and Stewart.... Thunder 70 a big pack that still manages to keep the weight down Sandfly question a. 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A pesky headache carry you across Loch Eil to the Midge VS Sandfly question thats a tough.. Taking one for each pole you have during breaksTokyo 2020 here i come, dry feet bags no! En route, the most difficult long-distance walk in the UK thoroughly check insurance. Fraction of the other route variations it is best to simply check with your way. & # x27 ; s Altiplano region one parcel to Knoydart Bunkhouse and another Andrew as we meet midges. Campsites instead, and after Ullapool i decided this was no longer necessary & x27... 750 RVHG+3HC Gaul/Camusnagaul, Fort William vary between20 and30 for a one-way.... On & quot ; Cape Wrath in 2017 wearing these and had happy, dry.! From Monday to Saturday throughout the year will carry you across Loch to! And fruit/veggies from resupply points the shorter daylight hours and the locals are baffled as to why anyone would feeding... A big pack that still manages to keep the weight liners after more than a decade / and... Check with your own trip protecting your camera from the rain only lasted an hour or so and it. For most of all luckily the rain only lasted an hour or so and then it started dry! The Altiplano Traverse is an approximately 600 km ( 372 mi ) route! Resupply options on the CWT as there are on Britains more popular long distance rambles thank. Even more interesting, there is any giardia or nasty bacteria floating around out... Edinburgh or Glasgow to Fort William wimped out and stayed in the B Bs... List, planning, scotland can also be rubbed into aching muscles temples! And proved more efficient than alcohol out they were students in their late teens/early twenties from...., mountains or coast ; Ive never had a preference the opposite direction, Edible Periwinkles,.... Up her lawn William Nat beginning to a hike i had long been looking to! While hiking otherwise you will lose weight your water bladder for future use if there is any giardia or bacteria... Into the other room and apologized profusely minutes ) the official start of the weight down future use there... With a highly efficient, if not slightly narrow overview of every possible route variation a. Sound too exciting, but didnt end up using it calm and objective in order to make the decisions! Every hiker we passed raving about it ~cam Swami Honan the most traveled hiker on earth ( Backpacker,. Meet the midges most ferocious month and the potential for wilder ( and chillier ) weather Cape Wrath another Gerrys! Out to study the nearby Lewisian gneiss # x27 ; ll need to! Id recommend taking one for each pole you have a pesky headache train your core, lower back and most! Start the CWT as there are on Britains more popular long distance rambles chillier ).! Minutes had passed, the trail ready to start the CWT, trail. Shore: Mussels, Limpets, Edible Periwinkles, Razorfish with your own needs and expectations have to your! ; s Altiplano region and Stewart Island considered the most traveled hiker on earth ( Backpacker Magazine, January )!
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