cape wrath trail food

We sensibly did the route to Inchnadamph instead. We didn't start walking until almost 2pm, and it had started raining. From south to north there are stores at Shiel Bridge, Strathcarron, Kinlochewe and Kinlochbervie. For the edification of us ignorant Yanks, how does one go about spitting the dummy when such an act is indeed appropriate? This has little to do with its duration or elevation levels. Theres no point spitting the dummy over something you have no control over. Once you get to Fort William, theres plenty of B&Bs, hostels and hotels to serve your accomodation needs. Lockdown has given me the opportunity to start working on a long-postponed project, a new YouTube channel. Walking to Cape Wrath, Day 29, June 8, 2022. All the best on the Cape Wrath! A singular landscape of salt flats, volcanoes, fantastical rock formations and coloured lakes, I completed the journey over 16 days in August, 2017. Food and alcohol prices . What would you say about going CWT in this time of year and the shelter for this hike? Groundhogs are great; in addition to their durability, the red colour makes me less likely to lose them than the generic silver. 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. Towns are few and far between. 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. 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. My name is Roel Zerner, a Dutchman with an aversion to luxury resorts and a passion for all the wild places! Go digital! 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! 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. Any thoughts on advantage/disadvantages of moving up to a Duomid for the past few trips? If after all these years of rambling I can still enjoy meeting meteorological and environmental challenges, then I know that the unconditional love Ive always felt for heading out into the wilderness remains unchanged. For many years my rehydrating vessel of choice when going stoveless. 1A. Work has been crazy this year, so my list of Website: Things to Do has grown to Russian novel proportions! One loch crossing on the high route to Benmore Lodge had four strapping lads linking arms and wading throughwater up to their waists. Mother Nature had other ideas. 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 had initially . 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. Cheers. 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. Meandering along the Cape wrath trail. We then had a wonderful camp near by and had a tasty breakfast the next morning. Ive owned this fleece for the last four years / Ideal insulation layer for Scotland in summer warm enough, not too heavy and performs well when damp. Yep, one of those little numbers you get in hotel amenity/vanity bags (at least thats the type Ive used). Buy both the Cape Wrath Trail North and Cape Wrath Trail South maps together and save 2! 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. In regards to what I did for food on the CWT: 1. It is around 320km (200 miles) long and passes through some of Scotland's wildest and most spectacular scenery. Plot a route that works best for you. 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. The biggest choice facing hikers is how to begin their journey; via the Knoydart variant or the Great Glen variant (Note: The two options eventually meet up at Shiel Bridge). Which is what I did; never let it be said that Cameron James Honan stood in the path of young love! 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. A few tips? I can only show you a rough estimate of the costs you can expect to make. I certainly will. Unlike pretty much every other pair I have used, they are fairly durable. and thick fog) is that it makes me a better hiker. Seasons greetings to you all. No matter how low-budget your travel plans may be, I will always recommend you get proper travel insurance. The Cape Wrath Trail travels up Scotland from Fort William to Cape Wrath, an isolated lighthouse at the most north westerly point of Britain. 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 . 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. 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. May 2022 Friends. Hope that helps. Just came back (August 2020). Thanks a lot for all the information! Youll need something to eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Cape Wrath Trail. Walking to Cape Wrath, Day 35, June 14, 2022. 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. 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. Prepare to carry a tent and sleeping gear. This guidebook describes the Cape Wrath Trail, a long-distance trek from Fort William to Cape Wrath crossing the wild north west of the Scottish Highlands. 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. Rather than lugging a compendium of OS maps, go with the two waterproof Harvey Maps North and South. Now this can be a tough one. One group of hikers were told very honestly that unless they fancied swimming, they should walk along the road to Rhiconich. As I headed back out into the storm I broke out into a wry grin. You could print out your own maps, or have them custom made at Britains Ordnance Survey. This method involves walking roughly 230 miles on pathless terrain, all the way from Fort William, and is a trip in itself. Hi there! When it comes to fuel foraging, take only what you need. But a gorgeous landscape! 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. Covid rules scuppered my plans to go to Corsica so I instead I headed to Fort William to start the Cape wrath trail - an epic and unsignposted trail that goes through 320km of . If you are wildcamping, Id recommend you choose to camp near a woodland area which will provide shelter, fuel and better drainage. 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. The book 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. Good to know. Kendal mint cake, which is 98 percent sugar, also works a treat! Did you use it much on the CWT?? (photo from Wikipedia). Always make sure to thoroughly check your insurance plan, as conditions may vary for your nationality or itinerary. I havent forgotten my experiences with the latter in places like Fiordland and Stewart Island. You have to find your own way from Fort William to Cape Wrath, the most north . The Cape Wrath Trail is the expedition of a lifetime, traversing 200 miles of Scotland's wildest and most beautiful country. For details of ferries and bus to Cape Wrath visit visitcapewrath.com. I cant recommend the CWT highly enough; you should definitely do it sooner rather than later! Take lightweight diving or pool shoes with a strong grip on the soles and a secure fit around your feet. On the trail I spent an estimated 100-150 on various supplies ranging from bottles of methylated spirits for cooking fuel to extra snacks, a bit of whisky and the occasional slabs of meat for a celebratory barbeque. Further resupplies at Ullapool Tesco and London Stores allowed me to go on for the remainder of the trip without posting food packages. Lets start with the trail itself. There is no single definitive . Pitched the tent & had a comfortable hour having food & few brews before the expected rain came in. In fact it's only 200 - 250 miles. This is the second of three posts related to the planning process for my Cape Wrath Trail walk, in May 2019. Alternates: There are a number of different route alternatives during the Cape Wrath Trail. 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! 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. See the, : There arent as many resupply options on the CWT as there are on Britains more popular long distance rambles. The Cape Wrath Trail is a challenging route from Fort William to Cape Wrath. Lets get you started! 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. Its marked as a campsite on the maps so naturally the smooth area of grass was where three sets of hikers (us included) had pitched. Hope that helps. The Altiplano Traverse is an approximately 600 km (372 mi) backcountry route across Bolivia's Altiplano region. : The CWT is almost always hiked south to north. Grid: NN 104 742 Plus code: RVCV+925 Fort William Finishes at: Cape Wrath Nat. 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. First off, Scotlands Cape Wrath Trail cant really be called a trail in the traditional sense. Here is a list of things to look out for. Know which towns have a train station or bus connection before you set off. Thanks for the kind words. Drinking water should never really be a problem in the Scottish highlands. Hard ice en route to Sandwood Bay. This also means you often wont be able to pick and choose your supplies, as not every store youll encounter will have lightweight meal options, for example. 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). The passenger ferry from Fort William to Camusnagaul (10 minutes) the official start of the CWT. Books for Hikers and Backpackers (2021 Edition), A Natural Progression: From Stranger to Guest to Family. Im hoping to do other hikes too and I wondering your opinion on West Highland Way vs. Cairngorm National Park? The Cape Wrath Trail runs from Fort William to Cape Wrath on Scotland's northwest coast, for approximately 280 miles. Essentially, Cape Wrath is used for aerial target practice - not something even a bomber 3-layer waterproof will protect you from. I wonder whether Harvey Maps has made it deliberately difficult in parts to keep up the arduous name this route has. For a detailed guide on shelters found along the Cape Wrath Trail, be sure to check out my CWT Bothy Guide! Its a gruelling hike in parts, and that teamed with torrential rain can really dampen your spirits. I was wondering how you went about protecting your camera from the rain? There are days when its deadly dull, days when your body protests, days when the rain will turn you into an amphibian. Day Four - Strathcarron to Shenavall Bothy (68.52km) Day Five - Shenavall Bothy to Knockadamph Bothy (41.99km) (Collected a food parcel in Clachan) Day Six - Knockadamph Bothy to Cape Wrath (124.79km) (Had some food at Inchnadamph and Glendhu Bothy) The journey was fantastic and the weather was rare for that time of year, with a big high . Ive hiked the Skye during August but had no time for the highlands. Go to your local gym and find a treadmill that can be set at an angle, to better simulate an uphill climb. I live in Alaska and its often damp, breezy, cloudy, foggy. Midges prefer dark colours to light ones, so why they make black head nets (and more to the point, why I bought one) is a mystery. I would have been fine with the Palisade 30, but wanted to take the brand new Alsek for a test run. I'm bringing a tent with a floor . Plot a course thatll have you visit the many small towns hugging the western coastline. We had better luck with the weather too! 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. It can get pretty damn windy in the Highlands and taking tent pole splint repairs can save the day. Toughen up your knees, especially the ligaments surrounding the joints. Ah young love/lust! Learn how your comment data is processed. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 112 h 20 min to complete. It has the reputation of being Britain's toughest long distance walk. Peanut M&Ms. Quick release sugar - Haribo/Jelly Sweets. Pack for worst-case scenario conditions. 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. Its the wind and driven rain thats the real danger it can get extreme with little warning. 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! Pack light. The other thing I love about hiking in inclement weather is that it acts as an affirmation. Find out where to stay when on the trail. As it cannot be omitted from any hiking guide, heres a list of must-have gear on the Cape Wrath Trail! Another option that is easier and cheaper is to buy the special Cape Wrath Trail maps made by Harvey Maps. Get someone more experienced to go with you or test your ability on other trails before heading off into uninhabited wilderness! Here's what to expect: Woodland: Scots pine needle tea, Wood Sorrell, Pine nuts,Birch sap,Rowan berries (do not eat raw). A Practical Guide To The Cape Wrath Trail, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), This error message is only visible to WordPress admins. One armed blind folks can sew better than me. In such areas, it is generally recommended to treat all water taken from streams and rivers (. This goes to show it really doesnt need to be an expensive trip, as long as you take care to watch your spending a little bit! Getting ready to descend into Coire Caol, after a wet and windy crossing of the Forcan Ridge. And for good reason. Having no experience with Scottish winds, do you think that a Tarptent Aeon Li is suitable or do I need something more storm-worthy? Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Noticed you in good old Ozzie shorts-What was your poison on the little feckers? Some of the very basics you'll need while out on the Cape Wrath Trail. The trail starts in Fort William and ends at the northwesternmost point of mainland Britain, Cape Wrath. There is plenty of foraging to do on the Cape Wrath Trail to supplement your diet. This leaves you with a highly efficient, if not slightly narrow overview of every possible route variation at a fraction of the weight! Features: Stone floors, crude wooden platforms to sleep on, one open fire hearth. 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. Good on you! Its a challenge and people do it to test themselves. Apr 27, 2012. Like a straight up shower cap? And possibly in bucketfuls. All-time favorite liner gloves. Lovely overview of a wonderful hike. OMM Rotor Vest An ultralight synthetic vest, ideal for layering in winter. Chocolate Bars. 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. As for disadvantages, the only ones that come to mind are that its a bigger footprint (not really an issue in Scotland), and theres a small weight penalty of an ounce or two over the Solomid. Thanks for the kind words. For breakfasts Id generally soak porridge in the morning with powdered milk; 4. Odds are, youll be soaked through by the time you get there anyway.. Hey Cam, But there is poor nutritional content in dried foods. You might also want a snack or two every day, to help keep up your energy in between meals. Again, the amount youd wish to spend on food and supplies will strongly vary from one person to the next. Id recommend taking one for each pole you have. To maintain a good level of energy throughout multiple days (or weeks) of intense physical exercise, it is generally recommended that men take in around 3500-4000 calories per day, while women need to hit around 3000-3500 calories. Karen Ive used down bags and quilts in the Scottish Highlands for half a century. As always, Im always available for any questions you might still have! View topic - Cape Wrath Trail Food Walkhighlands Nat. It's not the longest. Despite not being an officially recognised National Trail it has grown to be one of the most highly regarded backpacking routes, attracting hikers from around the world. The former is wilder, more challenging and generally considered to be more scenic. See you on the Trail! Back from the dead. 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. I am planning to do the Cape Wrath trail between Glenfinnan and Ullapool perhaps roughly following Mountainstar's route ( ). Subjective Participant or Objective Observer? Regards, Jamie. The Cape Wrath Trail. 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! PLANNING. 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. Unless you are in a rush or looking to ease your way into the trip, go for the Knoydart route. 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. Phone in advance if possible. Sanctuary at the end of Cape Wrath Trail. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Glad to hear you guys had a good time at Wilsons Prom and the website info proved useful. 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. 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. We tend to use it when someone acts a bit childish or gets outwardly frustrated or angry for no good reason. For a general overview of the gear I recommend for cold and wet environments such as the Scottish Highlands (along with other advice), see Tips for Hiking in Cold and Wet Weather. Bad luck/good luck. It turned out they were students in their late teens/early twenties from Bristol. The Cape Wrath Trail Project aims to promote an excellent Cape Wrath Trail journey 'Scotland's wildest long distance trail' Using local knowledge and the mountain skills of many people who live, work and play here a trail has been identified after several years of extensive research that is designed to give potential walkers the best possible . I also need to stay positive, calm and objective in order to make the best decisions possible. 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! After a couple of years of using my phone, I bit the photography bullet and upgraded. My trip has been supported by the following food brands: Firepot Bl Band (via Base Camp Food) LYO Expedition (via Base Camp Food) Expedition Food (via Base Camp Food) Summit to Eat (via Base Camp Food) Many thanks this is an excellent report. 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. Duplex I cant personally comment about the storm worthiness of this shelter. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. But more on this later. Summary: The Cape Wrath Trail, reputed as the toughest long distance walk in Great Britain, is a hiking route that runs through the Scottish Highlands and along the west coast of Scotland. Thank you for the kind words. This probably doesnt sound too exciting, but it still is a vital part of the journey. There are often easier options (like a bridge near the caves at Inchnadamph, and a footpath right next to the river through Benmore Forest). And for those of a wayfaring disposition such as myself, I cant think of a better teacher than Mother Nature. Love your musings and information on gear, and, in this particular case, attitude. Hey Roy, 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! Or plot your own route! Yup, seven days. Not as good as new, but still functional / From what Ive seen, the latest models have a different design, and arent in the same league as the old ones. 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. I sent supply parcels to Fort William, Shiel Bridge and Ullapool with a request to hold the parcel until a certain date. The terrain is often boggy and almost always soggy, so if you have an aversion to wet feet, you may want to look elsewhere. ~Cam Swami Honan The most traveled hiker on earth (Backpacker Magazine, January 2015). The world-renowned trails of the Scottish Highlands, with their picturesque vistas, are quite breath-taking. It was a pleasure to read! Day 1 - rain and sunsets. That heralded a time to zip the tent up & say goodbye to a successful, uneventful, first day. We didnt move, the midges were attacking everyone, but had they not have been, she would have made sure everyone relocated. 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). Pic overlooking a frozen Glencoul on the first ever guide research trip. . . While not the most storm-worthy shelter in the Tarptent stable, I think the Aeon Li should suffice for the Cape Wrath Trail. I pick up a different SIM in each country and pay local rates. During the days Id also eat bars, trail mix, crisps, nuts; basically whatever I could find. If you dont have the appropriate kit they can be maddening. 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. When youre ready to start the CWT, the local ferry will carry you across Loch Eil to the Gaul/Camusnagaul pier for 1,50. Im amazed at you hiking always in shorts. Planning for the CWT mid-May 2019. I left Strathchailleach Bothy fairly late. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. April/May 2018. Just remember to train your core, lower back and legs most of all. 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. Here are some of my personal highlights from my CWT hike: Walking barefoot along the beach on the final morning | A few moments after this shot was taken I went for a bracing swim in the Atlantic. A few hours later a shrieking woman appeared demanding that everyone get off her lawn. 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. Get a backpack, stuff it with heavy items and start walking uphill two or three days a week. 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). Maybe if I wimped out and stayed in the B&Bs. On the seventh day of my CWT hike the weather was mostly clear. I havent had a case of the backcountry trots since 1999.I think a big reason is diligent use of hand sanitizer. The Cape Wrath Trail is often referred to as Britains toughest long distance walk. 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. Obviously the former is a lot more of a sociable hike. Instead of taking yet another bus all the way to Cape Wrath, we walked about 8km along a dirt road through MOD territory to Kearvaig bothy, which is an absolutely lovely place to start your journey and is located about 3km before the official start of the Cape Wrath Trail. Chocolate Digestives or Hob Nobs. Youll want to bring lightweight meals, enough to sustain you on a daily basis but also something that will provide you with enough nutrients and energy to make it through those three weeks. 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. 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.