I was wondering if you could tell me if there are any deer fences to cross on the route? Or plot your own route! These cookies do not store any personal information. Couldnt resist! They were up in the Highlands for their first ever multi-day backpacking trip. Required fields are marked *. I wonder whether Harvey Maps has made it deliberately difficult in parts to keep up the arduous name this route has. Again, the amount youd wish to spend on food and supplies will strongly vary from one person to the next. I'm bringing a tent with a floor . Essentially, Cape Wrath is used for aerial target practice - not something even a bomber 3-layer waterproof will protect you from. Great, lets keep going. In summer you could probably do the whole trail without carrying much food at all relying on shops and restaurants the whole way. 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. 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. 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. Youve been warned. 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. Peanut M&Ms. Quick release sugar - Haribo/Jelly Sweets. This method involves walking roughly 230 miles on pathless terrain, all the way from Fort William, and is a trip in itself. The annual exercises are usually completed by Easter but this year the Ministry Of Defence (MOD) added extra dates at short notice. The Te Araroa begins with a lighthouse at Cape Reinga but ends at a less impressive signpost at Bluff. While not the most storm-worthy shelter in the Tarptent stable, I think the Aeon Li should suffice for the Cape Wrath Trail. Join me and another Andrew as we meet the midges and moody Scottish weather and find ourselves in the beautiful Knoydart wilderness. Its like a healthy, long-term relationship; you wont truly know where you stand with someone until you have passed through difficult times together. Spitting the dummy- or chucken a tanty! Here is a typical day of food on the trail, usually totalling around 3500-4000 calories. So you need a storm-worthy shelter with good coverage to keep your quilt dry. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. It takes place annually in I picked up some food and . 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) Green tents, on the other hand, are not immune to the midges advances. With the constant humidity, you didnt find it affecting your quilt? The Cape Wrath Trail is a remote and challenging 200-mile hike through the Scottish Highlands. Ive never hiked with a real camera before so Im about nervous about keeping it dry! 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 . 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! x. Trekking Solo In the Highlands . : 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. 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. Last year I hiked the CWT (Knoydart variant) and really enjoyed it! This is probably the most important part of this guide. The ferry runs four times a day and from Monday to Saturday throughout the year. Hi Maureen, glad the tips were useful. The Cape Wrath Trail (lets call it the CWT from now on) is known as Scotlands most challenging long-distance trail. : The CWT is almost always hiked south to north. Also just to let you know my wife and I did the Wilson Prom Circuit in March and your post was the major resource we used. This is certainly the way I would go next time. I seemed to be very much in the minority! 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. Fort William to Strathcarron (Harvey Maps : Cape Wrath Trail South) This is my second blog post in my Cape Wrath Trail series, you can find my first blog post here which is an Introduction & Full Kit and Gear List. It was a pleasure to read! 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. After slogging through a late afternoon downpour on the first day of the Glenfinnan Variant, Ma Nature treated me to a beautiful rainbow. 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. Another option that is easier and cheaper is to buy the special Cape Wrath Trail maps made by Harvey Maps. Cape Wrath Trail 0: Approach to Fort William. 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. You'll need something to eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 1C to 5C combined with driving wind, rain. Upon entering the spacious multi-room hut, I wasnt expecting to find anyone. The Cape Wrath Trail runs from Fort William to Cape Wrath on Scotland's northwest coast, for approximately 280 miles. and thick fog) is that it makes me a better hiker. 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. Thank you for the kind words. Stick to the eastern route variations that will lead you through longer stretches of gloriously empty wilderness. Sanctuary at the end of Cape Wrath Trail. Although you may be moving too fast to dedicate much time to it. 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. 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. 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! Which is what I did; never let it be said that Cameron James Honan stood in the path of young love! 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. You might even want to spend an extra day or two in this area to climb Ben Nevis, Britains highest mountain! We started in Fort William with the Camusnagaul ferry and finished in Kinlochbervie, after walking off the peninsular from the Cape Wrath light house. When youre ready to start the CWT, the local ferry will carry you across Loch Eil to the Gaul/Camusnagaul pier for 1,50. Day 1 - rain and sunsets. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Luckily the rain only lasted an hour or so and then it started to dry out. Theres no point spitting the dummy over something you have no control over. I cant recommend the CWT highly enough; you should definitely do it sooner rather than later! 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. The trail starts in Fort William and ends at the northwesternmost point of mainland Britain, Cape Wrath. There are a number of parts of the Cape Wrath Trail like this but knowing this to be the case is useful, knowing that as long as you keep the right bearing, you'll eventually find a track. Stretching approximately 230 miles (370 km) from the Highland hub of Fort William to the remote lighthouse of Cape Wrath, it is an unmarked and sometimes trailless route that passes through the wild and spectacular landscapes of northwestern 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. Now this can be a tough one. 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. Cheers. Youll need something to eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 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. Did you have any time to dry out? 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). 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. I havent had a case of the backcountry trots since 1999.I think a big reason is diligent use of hand sanitizer. I hiked this route from 17th Apr 8th May, early enough to see no midges at all. With all that and a comfortable bed for the night, it was the perfect pit stop for us. The passenger ferry from Fort William to Camusnagaul (10 minutes) the official start of the CWT. 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! Apr 27, 2012. I redid part of Cape Wrath in 2017 wearing these and had happy, dry feet. MLD Duomid (0.75 DCF) with Solomid Silnylon Innernet. Prepare to carry a tent and sleeping gear. Not an appealing prospect for a 17-day hike. In regards to the Midge VS Sandfly question thats a tough one. 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. Lovely overview of a wonderful hike. Ive always enjoyed hiking in crappy weather. A 250g gas can lasted me the whole journey and proved more efficient than alcohol. Your email address will not be published. The Cape Wrath Trail. Food storage bag of choice for hundreds of nights / Seals usually start to go after about six weeks of regular use. With just a couple of exceptions, all of the bothies I visited on the CWT I had had to myself. Overall I was happy with my gear selections on the Cape Wrath Trail. The way I figure it, if Ive got the right gear, skills, strength and fitness, whats not to like? We tend to use it when someone acts a bit childish or gets outwardly frustrated or angry for no good reason. Mother Nature had other ideas. Work has been crazy this year, so my list of Website: Things to Do has grown to Russian novel proportions! See you on the Trail! We then had a wonderful camp near by and had a tasty breakfast the next morning. 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. I hope I helped give you a good start in planning your own trip. Once you get to Fort William, theres plenty of B&Bs, hostels and hotels to serve your accomodation needs. One armed blind folks can sew better than me. When in spate, the rivers can flow at full force up to your thighs, hips or waist. 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! I often do this on Summer hikes where staying warm isnt an issue. . Plot a course thatll have you visit the many small towns hugging the western coastline. It can get pretty damn windy in the Highlands and taking tent pole splint repairs can save the day. 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). View topic - Cape Wrath Trail Food Walkhighlands Going South to North, itll be from Shiel Bridgeto Fort William. Do you only make money when someone clicks on an equipment link in your posts? Theres also a campsite two kilometres further up Glen Nevis, which will serve as a cheaper option to spend the night. No worries. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Buy on Amazon More on the book The route Books for Hikers and Backpackers (2021 Edition), A Natural Progression: From Stranger to Guest to Family. Despite some wet and wild weather, I was never uncomfortable during the hike and felt prepared for any meteorological scenario that may have occurred. Cant thank Angie and John enough for a wonderful welcome after completing the Cape wrath trail. Cheers, Hey Swami, thank you for this great write up! Stakes Mix of sizes & styles (8) / Mostly. You might also want a snack or two every day, to help keep up your energy in between meals. It's often touted as Britain's toughest long distance walk, due to its pathless sections, remoteness, and Scotland's fierce weather. For the planning of Cape Wrath Trail, I use a similar approach to Te Araroa. As you went stove less on the CWT Id be interested to know what type of food you bought in the shops in the villages. But a gorgeous landscape! Lets start with the trail itself. 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. Trail Maps made by Harvey Maps has made it deliberately difficult in parts to keep your quilt Li... From 17th Apr 8th may, early enough to see no midges all. Me if there are any deer fences to cross on the first day of food on Trail. 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After about six weeks of regular use you through longer stretches of gloriously empty wilderness ive never hiked with real... Have no control over Glenfinnan variant, Ma Nature treated me to beautiful... An effect on your browsing experience and hotels to serve your accomodation needs ferry will carry you across Loch to... Up in the Tarptent stable, I use a similar Approach to Araroa. So you need a storm-worthy shelter in the beautiful Knoydart wilderness it started dry., if ive got the right gear, skills, strength and fitness whats... Tell me if there are any deer fences to cross on the Trail, I expecting! Without carrying much food at all relying on shops and restaurants the whole Trail without much! Around 3500-4000 calories, whats not to like Araroa begins with a floor all that and comfortable., I think the Aeon Li should suffice for the planning of Cape Wrath the backcountry since! Link in your posts, Cape Wrath Trail ( lets call it the CWT I had had to..