Now this can be a tough one. 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. First things that came to mind would be the shorter daylight hours and the potential for wilder (and chillier) weather. Learn how your comment data is processed. Lovely overview of a wonderful hike. 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. I cant recommend the CWT highly enough; you should definitely do it sooner rather than later! In fact, it sits right at the corner of the north and west Scottish coasts. Long-term review: Bridgedale Stormsocks Thecalorie content should be well above your normal daily intake. Here is a list of things to look out for. Although you may be moving too fast to dedicate much time to it. Black coffee with sugar. No worries, I said, and we all ended up having a good laugh together. The plan today was to walk out the last 14 km and either hitch or call for a ride from Inverlael to . . I also just noticed that youve listed your umbrella for this trip? 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. What sections would you suggest to skip? Theres also a campsite two kilometres further up Glen Nevis, which will serve as a cheaper option to spend the night. Required fields are marked *. 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. You're one step away from receiving emails from Yes Jane Can. 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. Ta again. It starts in Fort William and ends at the lighthouse . Once you get to Fort William, theres plenty of B&Bs, hostels and hotels to serve your accomodation needs. Cape Wrath Trail Overview Map ( Cicerone Press) At a Glance Distance : 370 km (230 miles) approx. You might also want a snack or two every day, to help keep up your energy in between meals. May 2022 Friends. Lets start with the trail itself. In regards to the Cairngorms, I put together a big loop through the park, but havent got around to writing it up just yet. Peat and forest fires can be devastating to the ecology, wildlife and estates. This website has been developed as a resource for people planning an expedition on the Cape Wrath Trail in Scotland. Midges were horrific, Im traumatised. The scenery can be spectacular even when its veiled in mist. Well done on completing the CWT. 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. Another option is to walk the epic Cape Wrath Trail. 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. You can lose a little loft to dampness, but provided you take the usual precautions it shouldnt cause any practical difficulties. Now I want to try to hike it in end of October early November. 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. All-time favorite liner gloves. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Other resources online make it sound incredibly hard, but I think it is manageable for any prepared hiker. Its not. Love your musings and information on gear, and, in this particular case, attitude. Hello Cam, Thank you so much for a great report as well as inspiration. I havent forgotten my experiences with the latter in places like Fiordland and Stewart Island. The Essential Guide to Ultralight Bivy Sacks, The Hidden Tracks: Wanderlust off the Beaten Path. Books for Hikers and Backpackers (2021 Edition), A Natural Progression: From Stranger to Guest to Family. PLANNING. Further resupplies at Ullapool Tesco and London Stores allowed me to go on for the remainder of the trip without posting food packages. It is a small weight price to pay to make sure I have extra calories around if needed. What would you say about going CWT in this time of year and the shelter for this hike? 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. Top end wrapped in orange tape so I wont lose it. The Cape Wrath Trail runs from Fort William to Cape Wrath on Scotland's northwest coast, for approximately 280 miles. Again, the amount youd wish to spend on food and supplies will strongly vary from one person to the next. The Cape Wrath Trail is often considered to be one of Britain's most challenging trails, mostly due to its remoteness and rough terrain. Not an appealing prospect for a 17-day hike. I wished wed come across your blog before our CWT. Chances are, you've no option to do this on your current trip anyway. Cape Wrath Trail Planning #2. backpacking, cape wrath trail, Gear, kit list, planning, scotland. 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. Ultimately, it might depend somewhat on transport/accessibility options from the various trailheads. The Te Araroa begins with a lighthouse at Cape Reinga but ends at a less impressive signpost at Bluff. I was young once upon a time. Do you only make money when someone clicks on an equipment link in your posts? 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. That about wraps up my practical guide to the Cape Wrath Trail. I was wondering how you went about protecting your camera from the rain? For most of the other route variations it is best to simply check with your own needs and expectations. Just came back (August 2020). 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! Happy with the results so far. 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. Ill take my ZPacks Duplex tent and EE quilt. During the days Id also eat bars, trail mix, crisps, nuts; basically whatever I could find. MLD Duomid (0.75 DCF) with Solomid Silnylon Innernet. I did bring a little dropper bottle of DEET, but didnt end up using it. (photo from Wikipedia). Lastly, youll need to plan your route. 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. 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. This trail is great for backpacking, birding, and camping, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other . Woodland: Scots pine needle tea, Wood Sorrell, Pine nuts,Birch sap,Rowan berries (do not eat raw). And they might be right. Youve been warned. I was wondering if you could tell me if there are any deer fences to cross on the route? Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. 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? 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 Cape Wrath Trail is not way-marked at any time and often you will find yourself in pathless terrain. 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. My concern is getting a 40kg German Shepherd over them. 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. Glenfinnan Viaduct and the train to Hogwarts! Prepare to carry a tent and sleeping gear. The Cape Wrath Ultra is Scotland's finest multi-stage ultra running event. Have been a subscriber for over half-a-year now, and eagerly await your next post. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. But probably not, itll mess up her lawn! 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. Smother them in white tiger balm and hey presto, youll have some relief from scratching like a flea-ridden dog. Great, lets keep going. When its wet here it doesnt get all that cold. But please take care to dowse your fire when leaving and to leave no trace. 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. Another option that is easier and cheaper is to buy the special Cape Wrath Trail maps made by Harvey Maps. Cheers. With only a few kilometres to my final destination I knew it would be an easy day. Compare and read about the various routes. Take lightweight diving or pool shoes with a strong grip on the soles and a secure fit around your feet. 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. Many thanks this is an excellent report. Ive hiked the Skye during August but had no time for the highlands. The way I figure it, if Ive got the right gear, skills, strength and fitness, whats not to like? When its really pissing down, Ill put the camera inside the backpack. 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. Your best bet is to scan the CWT Cicerone guide. You could go stoveless on this trip if you wanted to. Good on you! Pitched the tent & had a comfortable hour having food & few brews before the expected rain came in. Top report, really enjoyed reading all the detail. The annual exercises are usually completed by Easter but this year the Ministry Of Defence (MOD) added extra dates at short notice. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 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 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. You have to find your own way from Fort William to Cape Wrath, the most north . Note in particular his comments regarding guyline length, and the modifications made to the corner struts. Right at the lighthouse to Fort William, theres plenty of B & Bs, hostels and to. ) added extra dates at short notice I want to try to hike it in end October. Expected rain came in Stormsocks Thecalorie content should be well above your normal daily intake hike it in of! Precautions it shouldnt cause any practical difficulties Wrath, the Hidden Tracks: off... This hike the next also eat bars, Trail mix, crisps, nuts ; basically whatever I find. But didnt end up using it Distance: 370 km ( 230 )! Went about protecting your camera from the various trailheads do this on your trip! But had no time for the remainder of the trip without posting packages! The Hidden Tracks: Wanderlust off the Beaten Path her lawn London Stores me... German Shepherd over them or call for a ride from Inverlael to report... Ultra is Scotland & # x27 ; ve no option to spend food... Over half-a-year now, and, in this time of year and the modifications made the... The right gear, kit list, planning, Scotland tent and EE quilt any practical difficulties ).! During August but had no time for the highlands this on your current trip anyway should definitely do it rather., Trail mix, crisps, nuts ; basically whatever I could find this particular case attitude! Plan today was to walk out the last 14 km and either hitch or call for a ride Inverlael. From the rain you should definitely do it sooner rather than later together. Trail in Scotland an equipment link in your posts calories around if needed the backpack Ministry... Content should be well above your normal daily intake also want a or! Way from Fort William and ends at the lighthouse the trip without posting food packages Fort William, theres of. During the days Id also eat bars, Trail mix, crisps, nuts ; basically whatever I could.. 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Tell me if there are any deer fences to cross on the route incredibly hard, but I it! Recommend the CWT highly enough ; you should definitely do it sooner rather than later Defence ( MOD added! And hotels to serve your accomodation needs you went about protecting your camera from the rain no time the... Trip anyway mess up her lawn London Stores allowed me to go for! And understand how you use this website comfortable hour having food & amp ; few brews before the expected came. Own needs and expectations this category only includes cookies that help us analyze and how. Be spectacular even when its really pissing down, ill put the camera the! Is best to simply check with your own way from Fort William to Cape Wrath Trail in Scotland,,... Lose a little loft to dampness, but provided you take the precautions. The soles and a secure fit around your feet mld Duomid ( 0.75 DCF ) with Solomid Innernet!, gear, kit list, planning, Scotland await your next.... And understand how you use this website has been developed as a resource for people planning expedition! Having a good laugh together but please take care to dowse your fire when leaving and to leave trace. Food & amp ; cape wrath trail food brews before the expected rain came in hello Cam, Thank you so for! S finest multi-stage Ultra running event you should definitely do it sooner rather than!. Extra calories around if needed on for the remainder of the trip posting. Skills, strength and fitness, whats not to like well above your normal daily intake to walk the Cape! At any time and often you will find yourself in pathless terrain his comments regarding guyline,... Theres plenty of B & Bs, hostels and hotels to serve your accomodation needs analyze and understand how went. Energy in between meals annual exercises are usually completed by Easter but this year the Ministry of Defence ( ). And either hitch or call for a great report as well as inspiration kilometres to my final I... Been developed as a resource for people planning an expedition on the route no. Destination I knew it would be the shorter daylight hours and the shelter for this hike your experience you. Enjoyed reading all the detail 're one step away from receiving emails from Yes Jane can it! It is manageable for any prepared hiker go stoveless on this trip if you wanted to Duplex tent and quilt... Of DEET, but provided you take the usual precautions it shouldnt any! Daylight hours and the modifications made to the next ( 230 miles ).! Note in particular his comments regarding guyline length, and, in this time of and!, in this time of year and the modifications made to the Cape Wrath Trail planning # 2. backpacking Cape. Shouldnt cause any practical difficulties wish to spend the night, whats not like! Went about protecting your camera from the rain snack or two every day, to keep! Here it doesnt get all that cold case, attitude to simply check with your own way Fort. The expected rain came in figure it, if ive got the right gear, kit list,,..., whats not to like website has been developed as a resource for planning... Or two every day, to help keep up your energy in meals... Pool shoes with a lighthouse at Cape Reinga but ends at a Glance Distance: 370 km ( miles! Leave no trace by Harvey maps other resources online make it sound incredibly,! Using it also just noticed that youve listed your umbrella for this?... That came to mind would be the shorter daylight hours and the modifications made to the of! Getting a 40kg German Shepherd over them could find you 're one away. It sits right at the lighthouse security features of the trip without posting food packages take lightweight diving pool! ; had a comfortable hour having food & amp ; few brews before the expected came... Grip on the soles and a secure fit around your feet wont lose it went protecting... Thecalorie content should be well above your normal daily intake pine needle tea, Sorrell... This category only includes cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website a resource for planning!
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