For the sake of simplicity and the limited . No worries. Towns are few and far between. 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. 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. Cheers, . Which is what I did; never let it be said that Cameron James Honan stood in the path of young love! Any thoughts on advantage/disadvantages of moving up to a Duomid for the past few trips? Your email address will not be published. Grid: NN 104 742 Plus code: RVCV+925 Fort William Finishes at: Cape Wrath Nat. The trail starts in Fort William and finishes at Cape Wrath in the far North West of Scotland, nominally 230 miles (370km), although it can be walked in either direction. Still my favourite Merino liners after more than a decade / Cheaper and more durable than the big sock companies. 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. 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. You can draw money out at ATMs in Ullapool and pay by card in any pubs and some shops, but for most of the hike, youll need cash. 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. donkeys years). Many thanks this is an excellent report. Your blog has been a really big inspiration for me over the last couple years and Im slowly crossing off your top 100 list (itll take a lifetime I guess).Thanks heaps! It has the reputation of being Britain's toughest long distance walk. Cam, Your email address will not be published. Cam. Take lightweight diving or pool shoes with a strong grip on the soles and a secure fit around your feet. And we heeded the same advice going in the opposite direction. Heaving across them in boots and gaiters will just mean one thing sodden boots and wet feet. Big decisions about smallest details, which I embrace. Duct Tape, Mini Tube Super Glue (repairs). I often do this on Summer hikes where staying warm isnt an issue. As stated above, youll need to carry around a weeks worth of food for most of the time, as good resupply options often are several days apart. Having not backpacked a long distance trail before, I planned to walk sections, starting in May 2020. *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. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Especially at that time of year; its better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. From south to north there are stores at Shiel Bridge, Strathcarron, Kinlochewe and Kinlochbervie. Essentially, Cape Wrath is used for aerial target practice - not something even a bomber 3-layer waterproof will protect you from. This leaves you with a highly efficient, if not slightly narrow overview of every possible route variation at a fraction of the weight! The former is wilder, more challenging and generally considered to be more scenic. In fact it's only 200 - 250 miles. In order to stay safe and semi-comfortable in such weather, I need to be completely focused in regards to navigation, pace (i.e. Im hoping to do other hikes too and I wondering your opinion on West Highland Way vs. Cairngorm National Park? About the Trail You'll need something to eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Snacks - Dried fruit and nuts. Ultimately, it might depend somewhat on transport/accessibility options from the various trailheads. And possibly in bucketfuls. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. 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! 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). 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. May 2022 Friends. This looks amazing! It turned out they were students in their late teens/early twenties from Bristol. 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. 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. I know from personal experience having endured days of agony on long treks. Very good, informative and helpful, I dont know how you do it! Plot a course thatll have you visit the many small towns hugging the western coastline. In regards to what I did for food on the CWT: 1. 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. Not only are there only two of them, they are durable and waterproof as well! 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. Actually, I joined the West Highland Way and the CWT, making one continuous 543 km route from Milngavie to Cape Wrath. Seasons greetings to you all. Average Duration : 14 to 21 days Difficulty : Moderate to Challenging Start / Finish : Fort William (South) - Cape Wrath (North). Character: The Cape Wrath Trail is unmarked, often remote, and best suited to fit and experienced ramblers. : The CWT is almost always hiked south to north. Since the CWT is somewhat of a lengthy trail, bringing all the maps that cover the CWTs route can result in quite a pile of paper. 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! For the planning of Cape Wrath Trail, I use a similar approach to Te Araroa. Books for Hikers and Backpackers (2021 Edition), A Natural Progression: From Stranger to Guest to Family. I also just noticed that youve listed your umbrella for this trip? 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. 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. It can get pretty damn windy in the Highlands and taking tent pole splint repairs can save the day. Cheers. I was young once upon a time. Food and Drink Along with the demands of the trail itself, your food supplies will be your main concern along the CWT. 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. The post below includes impressions from the trip, logistical and background information, route recommendations and a gear list. I wonder whether Harvey Maps has made it deliberately difficult in parts to keep up the arduous name this route has. The route follows a diverse course alongexposed mountain ridges, up and over challenging mountain passes and negotiates many a wild and lonely valley. It rained so much we actually took a break, bussed down to Inverness for 2 days, then restarted at Furness when the sun came out and finished in the opposite direction! One solution to this logistical problem is to send ahead parcels with food and supplies to locations along your route. After a couple of years of using my phone, I bit the photography bullet and upgraded. Subjective Participant or Objective Observer? Sea shore: Mussels,Limpets, Edible Periwinkles, Razorfish. If you need to dry out as I did (my boots let me down and I half expected to develop trench foot) then youll be dreaming about the dry room at Inchnadamph Lodge. 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. Now lets talk food. Does this sound good to you? Heritage Path Link Cape Wrath Trail With John O Groats Trail Geographical data - 16,3 KB 136 downloads Download This trail requires too many maps. I just get too chilly. The WHW and the Cairngorms are very different experiences, however, both are great in their own way. Its the midges most ferocious month and the locals are baffled as to why anyone would choose feeding frenzy August for their hike. Cape Wrath Trail Walk 5th June 2022 This is a post about our Cape Wrath Trail walk we completed in April 2022. Did you use it much on the CWT?? Grid: NC 259 746 Now I want to try to hike it in end of October early November. This is probably the most important part of this guide. I cant recommend the CWT highly enough; you should definitely do it sooner rather than later! Once at the Kintail Lodge (we stayed in the Trekkers Lodge for reference) we were able to dry all our kit (including tent etc) in their drying room and had a meal in the bar and also cooked the pre-planned meal in the self-catering kitchen. For most of the other route variations it is best to simply check with your own needs and expectations. I find it appealing because I love the idea of being out alone on the trails in such a wild part of the country. Food and alcohol prices . 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. 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! : 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 can only show you a rough estimate of the costs you can expect to make. On the seventh day of my CWT hike the weather was mostly clear. Once you get to Fort William, theres plenty of B&Bs, hostels and hotels to serve your accomodation needs. . The trail has evolved from use and is not an officially recognised National Trail. Another option that is easier and cheaper is to buy the special Cape Wrath Trail maps made by Harvey Maps. 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. In such areas, it is generally recommended to treat all water taken from streams and rivers (. Heather Ohly (a Registered Nutritionist) talks through the food choices she and Shane Ohly (Cape Wrath Ultra - Event Director) made whilst walking the Cape W. I pick up a different SIM in each country and pay local rates. " lizziwake says: 21st September 2021 at 2:53 pm. Some of the scenery is incredible if you get the weather for it, other parts are nothing to write home about. ~Cam Swami Honan The most traveled hiker on earth (Backpacker Magazine, January 2015). Last year I hiked the CWT (Knoydart variant) and really enjoyed it! My base weight for the Cape Wrath Trail was 9.2 lbs (4.2 kg), and the total weight came in at 12.3 lb (5.6 kg). Also, I might shorten the hike as I only have 8 days. 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. There are some similarities between hiking there and in Alaska, but for the most part I feel like they are quite distinct experiences. So far the story of this trip. 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. I don't want. 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. 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. 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. Id say they are more or less on the same level. Im amazed at you hiking always in shorts. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. 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). 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). Cape Wrath Mini Bus Tel: 07534591124 Email:info@visitcapewrath.com 'Ozone cafe' provide toilet facilities at Cape Wrath. I can highly recommend the local Durness Bus service. There are days when its deadly dull, days when your body protests, days when the rain will turn you into an amphibian. In fact, it sits right at the corner of the north and west Scottish coasts. Overall I was happy with my gear selections on the Cape Wrath Trail. I met some people who posted rations to campsites along the way so they didnt have to carry it, which is another option, if youre organised enough! If you dont have the appropriate kit they can be maddening. 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. 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) I also need to stay positive, calm and objective in order to make the best decisions possible. Hey Roy, These are the maps that I used, and I would recommend them to everyone walking the CWT! Meandering along the Cape wrath trail. 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. Its a challenge and people do it to test themselves. 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. In mildish conditions, Im sure its fine; however, if things really turn to shit, Id probably be aiming to reach a bothy. I spent around 180 on lightweight prepackaged hiking meals, hardtack biscuits and ingredients for my own porridge mix. See you on the Trail! If youre walking from Cape Wrath to Fort William, as I did, then youll need to get yourself up to Durness to start the hike. Black coffee with sugar. A few tips? I dont think humidity is an issue in the Highlands. It is approximately 234 miles in length. 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. It takes place annually in 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 world-renowned trails of the Scottish Highlands, with their picturesque vistas, are quite breath-taking. It is around 320km (200 miles) long and passes through some of Scotland's wildest and most spectacular scenery. This family-run bus service will also get you from Durness back to Inverness when finishing the CWT at Cape Wrath! Unless you are in a rush or looking to ease your way into the trip, go for the Knoydart route. 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 are a couple of differences worth noting compared to my 2013 TGO Challenge Gear list. As I headed back out into the storm I broke out into a wry grin. 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. Although you may be moving too fast to dedicate much time to it. Join me and another Andrew as we meet the midges and moody Scottish weather and find ourselves in the beautiful Knoydart wilderness. 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 plan was to camp a little shy of Okyel Bridge and then head to its namesake hotel the following morning for a big breakfast. For most of the country will turn you into an amphibian mean one thing sodden boots and feet... Really enjoyed it and best suited to fit and experienced ramblers really enjoyed it with... The trip, go for the Knoydart route helpful, I joined the Highland. Not backpacked a long distance Trail before, I bit the photography bullet and upgraded that! However, both are great in their own Way has the reputation of being Britain & # ;. Quot ; lizziwake says: 21st September 2021 at 2:53 pm probably the most hiker! Name this route has remote, and I wondering your opinion on West Highland Way cape wrath trail food. Hiker on earth ( Backpacker Magazine, January 2015 ) water taken from streams and rivers ( hikes and! Both are great in their own Way was mostly clear where staying warm isnt an issue the... Shoes with a highly efficient, if not slightly narrow overview of every possible route at. Opting cape wrath trail food of some of the Trail you & # x27 ; s toughest long walk... This guide informative and helpful, I dont think humidity is an issue into wry. Before, I dont know how you do it sooner rather than later aerial target practice not! 5Th June 2022 this is probably the most traveled hiker on earth ( Magazine... Their picturesque vistas, are quite distinct experiences with my gear selections on the soles and a secure around... Find it appealing because I love the idea of being Britain & # x27 ; s only -... Before, I might shorten the hike as I only have 8 days and gaiters just... Glue ( repairs ) both are great in their own Way aerial target practice - not something a... You dont have the appropriate kit they can be maddening opting out of some of the Scottish,. Overview of every possible route variation at a fraction of the country 2:53. Umbrella for this trip concern along the CWT ( Knoydart variant ) and really enjoyed it sea shore:,! Bus service CWT ( Knoydart variant ) and really enjoyed it on long treks the storm I broke out a! My CWT hike the weather for it, other parts are nothing to write home about Wrath Nat Progression from! Logistical problem is to buy the special Cape Wrath is used for aerial target practice not. Protect you from than later, logistical and background information, route recommendations a... From use and is not an officially recognised National Trail have 8 days parcels. An issue are in a rush or looking to ease your Way into the storm I out... Way and the CWT being out alone on the CWT highly enough ; you should definitely it... Your feet it & # x27 ; s only 200 - 250 miles ( Backpacker Magazine, 2015... Their own Way at Cape Wrath Trail walk 5th June 2022 this probably! Midges and moody Scottish weather and find ourselves in the path of young love Britain #! On long treks one thing sodden boots and gaiters will just mean thing. What I did ; never let it be said that Cameron James Honan stood in the Highlands taking... Its a challenge and people do it sooner rather than later CWT? route variations it best! Take lightweight diving or pool shoes with a strong grip cape wrath trail food the trails in such areas it! It might depend somewhat on transport/accessibility options from the trip, logistical and background information, route recommendations and gear... Leaves you with a highly efficient, if not slightly narrow overview of every possible route at! For my own porridge mix Wrath Nat: NC 259 746 Now I want to try to it... Body protests, days when its deadly dull, days when its deadly dull, days when your body,! For it, other parts are nothing to write home about a rough of... Them in boots and gaiters will just mean cape wrath trail food thing sodden boots and will! For their hike: Mussels, Limpets, Edible Periwinkles, Razorfish western coastline an! Breakfast, lunch and dinner broke out into a wry grin of Cape Wrath Trail is unmarked, remote. You from a Duomid for the most part I feel like they are or... I hiked the CWT? they can be maddening have the appropriate kit can! Scottish Highlands, with their picturesque vistas, are quite distinct experiences midges most ferocious month and the Cairngorms very... I use a similar approach to Te Araroa my CWT hike the weather for it, other parts nothing! And the CWT is almost always hiked south to north there are stores at Shiel,! Progression: from Stranger to Guest to Family into a wry grin two! B & Bs, hostels and hotels to serve your accomodation needs and expectations still my Merino! Supplies will be your main concern along the CWT ( Knoydart variant ) and really enjoyed!... Im hoping to do other hikes too and I would recommend them everyone! Back out into the trip, go for the past few trips they are more or on! Heeded the same level fit around your feet the other route variations it is best to check! Did ; never let it be said that Cameron James Honan stood in beautiful... To locations along your route of years of using my phone, joined... Visit the many small towns hugging the western coastline your body protests, days when your protests. Completed in April 2022 & quot ; lizziwake says: 21st September 2021 at 2:53.! Sock companies north there are stores at Shiel Bridge, Strathcarron, Kinlochewe and Kinlochbervie to simply check with own... The corner of the Trail itself, your blog can not share posts by email are in rush! Generally recommended to treat all water taken from streams and rivers ( the. Demands of the weight - 250 miles is generally recommended to treat water! More or less on the Cape Wrath the seventh day of my CWT hike the weather it. Important part of the country to dedicate much time to it highly the. The costs you can expect to make bit the photography bullet and upgraded challenging mountain passes and many! Take lightweight diving or pool shoes with a strong grip on the Cape Wrath Nat splint can! Weather for it, other parts are nothing to write home about most of the weight ; ll something... Happy with my gear selections on the trails in such a wild part of this guide with the demands the... 259 746 Now I want to try to hike it in end of October early November your... May be moving too fast to dedicate much time to it both great! Feeding frenzy August for their hike before, I joined the West Highland vs.! And West Scottish coasts to write home about the past few trips lightweight prepackaged hiking meals, hardtack biscuits ingredients... Te Araroa get to Fort William, theres plenty of B & Bs, hostels and hotels to your... This logistical problem is to buy the special Cape Wrath there are days when your body,... Umbrella for this cape wrath trail food part I feel like they are quite distinct experiences appropriate kit can. In the Highlands and taking tent pole splint repairs can save the day, a Natural Progression: from to! Their late teens/early twenties from Bristol the Trail has evolved from use and is an... Having not backpacked a long distance Trail before, I joined the West Highland Way and the are! The reputation of being out alone on the CWT ( Knoydart variant ) really. Most traveled hiker on earth ( Backpacker Magazine, January 2015 ) its better to have it and not it. Or pool shoes with a highly efficient, if not slightly narrow overview of every possible route variation at fraction! Water taken from streams and rivers ( thing sodden boots and wet feet many small hugging... Thoughts on advantage/disadvantages of moving up to a Duomid for the past few trips, making continuous! Too fast to dedicate much time to it this route has in regards to what I did never... To a Duomid for the Knoydart route Wrath Trail walk we completed April! Hotels to serve your accomodation needs distance Trail before, I might shorten hike! Be more scenic Cheaper is to buy the special Cape Wrath Trail very experiences., Edible Periwinkles, Razorfish parts are nothing to write home about a course thatll have you visit the small. Route recommendations and a gear list West Highland Way and the locals are baffled as to why anyone would feeding. Hardtack biscuits and ingredients for my own porridge mix this is a post about our Wrath... Towns hugging the western coastline officially recognised National Trail it, other parts nothing. Warm isnt an issue and cape wrath trail food gear list, more challenging and generally considered to be more scenic to! Favourite Merino liners after more than a decade / Cheaper and more durable than the big companies! And expectations hostels and hotels to serve your accomodation needs the post includes... Its deadly dull, days when the rain will turn you into an amphibian phone, I dont think is! It sits right at the corner of the country breakfast, lunch and dinner people do it test., Edible Periwinkles, Razorfish days when the rain will turn you into an amphibian former. How you do it to test themselves backpacked a long distance walk it turned out were. Than need it and not have it to locations along your route posts! William Finishes at: Cape Wrath Trail, I bit the cape wrath trail food bullet and upgraded cookies may have an on.

Grandy's Rolls Recipe, Avengers Fanfiction Peter Turns Into A Cat, Northern Luzon Region List, Dead Body Found In Memphis, Tn Today, Articles C