cape wrath trail food

Work has been crazy this year, so my list of Website: Things to Do has grown to Russian novel proportions! I know from personal experience having endured days of agony on long treks. Iain has found a good balance between guiding the reader in rough terrain and offering challenging or safer alternatives. Check your inbox or spam folder now to confirm your subscription. That way you wont contaminate your water bladder for future use if there is any giardia or nasty bacteria floating around. They were genuinely nice kids, and after chatting with them for a short period I said, You know what, guys, I think Ill continue hiking for a little while longer. They courteously insisted that wasnt necessary, but despite the fact that it continued to pour down outside, the decision was a no-brainer. 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. That said, there are parts of the Cape Wrath Trail that pass by human settlement and grazing animals. 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. I hope you find this episode inspiring! 367 km / 228 miles. Compare and read about the various routes. . This is the second of three posts related to the planning process for my Cape Wrath Trail walk, in May 2019. Please go to the Instagram Feed settings page to create a feed. 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. Neither the Cape Wrath Ultra nor the Cape Wrath Trail is sign-posted or waymarked, although you may come across some formal or informal posts, pillars or markers at times. Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), creating an efficient backpacking food menu, My final itinerary is based on 9 days on the trail, 40g jumbo oats (not rolled) pack more of a bite to them after cooking, 40g granola mix I chose for half my meals to have a berry-based mix and half to have a chocolate based one, 3 tsp of milk powder thickens the mix and gives extra sugars and protein to start the day, Just add half a cup of boiling water and eat after 5 minutes of sitting (use a, It saves some packaging as Im not packing for each day, The days are not equal in length and Ill be walking a combination of long day-short day-long day-short day etc. Fuels: Dried Peat,Driftwood, Birch, Pine. Which brings us to another important part of your preparation: stamina. And if the roles had been reversed and some weather-beaten old bastard had accidentally walked in on me and my partner, I would have also been polite (or at least tried to be), but secretly would have been hoping that hed decide to continue on his way. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. *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. Pack for worst-case scenario conditions. You might also want a snack or two every day, to help keep up your energy in between meals. Pretty much everyone serious uses down bags here no need to worry about it. 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. Brilliant thank you for the reply! I did bring a little dropper bottle of DEET, but didnt end up using it. x. Trekking Solo In the Highlands . Another option that is easier and cheaper is to buy the special Cape Wrath Trail maps made by Harvey Maps. Click the time links for respective bus timetables. Approaching the Cape Wrath Lighthouse at hikes end. Mother Nature had other ideas. Hey Roy, Subjective Participant or Objective Observer? 1A. With up to 6 days of food, it will never exceed 28 pounds. PLANNING. Scotland looks amazing, but not sure I could spend the dough to experience more of the same. Noticed you in good old Ozzie shorts-What was your poison on the little feckers? Its a gruelling hike in parts, and that teamed with torrential rain can really dampen your spirits. 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. For a detailed guide on shelters found along the Cape Wrath Trail, be sure to check out my CWT Bothy Guide! The writer travelled to Scotland by Caledonian Sleeper . 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. Here's what to expect: Ill go into more detail in the chapter appropriately called The Route. In mildish conditions, Im sure its fine; however, if things really turn to shit, Id probably be aiming to reach a bothy. Sign up for occasional email updates with news and updates from the trail. Want to rough it out in solitude for a few days? Ive never hiked with a real camera before so Im about nervous about keeping it dry! As a rule, World Nomads offers excellent world-wide insurance for a wide range of activities, including hiking up to 6000 metres. It's hard to believe that this website is now nearly five years old. Initially following the Great Glen, the route turns north to cross Glen Garry, Glen Loyne and Glenshiel before crossing the wilderness to Strathcarron, continuing north through Torridon, Dundonnell (ferry) and . Plot a route that works best for you. Towel, neck/face protection, condensation wipe, convenience store holdups when low on cash. The other thing I love about hiking in inclement weather is that it acts as an affirmation. I cannot recommend sending parcels poste restante (to hold) to post offices, as Britains Royal Mail officially only allows for envelopes to be held, not packages. The Cape Wrath Trail (lets call it the CWT from now on) is known as Scotlands most challenging long-distance trail. We started in Fort William with the Camusnagaul ferry and finished in Kinlochbervie, after walking off the peninsular from the Cape Wrath light house. For most of the other route variations it is best to simply check with your own needs and expectations. 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. Pack light. Apr 27, 2012. I picked up some food and . 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! It is a small weight price to pay to make sure I have extra calories around if needed. Further resupplies at Ullapool Tesco and London Stores allowed me to go on for the remainder of the trip without posting food packages. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 112 h 20 min to complete. Thanks for your message. Hey Swami, thank you for this great write up! They obviously hadnt expected company any more than I had. 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! Obviously the former is a lot more of a sociable hike. Looking back at Sandwood bay on route to Cape Wrath | Final morning. 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. Required fields are marked *. Overall I was happy with my gear selections on the Cape Wrath Trail. 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. . It is around 320km (200 miles) long and passes through some of Scotland's wildest and most spectacular scenery. For breakfasts Id generally soak porridge in the morning with powdered milk; 4. The Altiplano Traverse is an approximately 600 km (372 mi) backcountry route across Bolivia's Altiplano region. I wonder whether Harvey Maps has made it deliberately difficult in parts to keep up the arduous name this route has. Although they are 1:40,000 in scale, they have all the important details like houses, sheep folds and ruins marked. This website has been developed as a resource for people planning an expedition on the Cape Wrath Trail in Scotland. In both versions the trail begins in Fort William and ends at Cape Wrath lighthouse on the northwest tip of the Scottish mainland. Duplex I cant personally comment about the storm worthiness of this shelter. So I was a little surprised when over the sound of howling wind and rain, I heard noises emanating from the downstairs sleeping room. 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. Add weight to your squats after a while! Which is what I did; never let it be said that Cameron James Honan stood in the path of young love! I don't want. Best of luck on your trip! We didn't start walking until almost 2pm, and it had started raining. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Fort William (South) Cape Wrath (North). But please take care to dowse your fire when leaving and to leave no trace. I'm bringing a tent with a floor . Length 233.9 miElevation gain 43,467 ftRoute type Point to point. Hello Cam, Thank you so much for a great report as well as inspiration. Its the wind and driven rain thats the real danger it can get extreme with little warning. The way I figure it, if Ive got the right gear, skills, strength and fitness, whats not to like? 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. 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. Sealskinz waterproof socks are equally as magic, being the one thing that keeps the water out. 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. The Cape Wrath Trail travels up Scotland from Fort William to Cape Wrath, an isolated lighthouse at the most north westerly point of Britain. And for good reason. 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 . Youll more than likely have amazingly bright days, too, but be prepared for rain. 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. Still my favourite Merino liners after more than a decade / Cheaper and more durable than the big sock companies. Excellent beanie / Not too thick / Stretchy enough to fit my noggin / Doesnt seem to be available in the US at the moment. Your first order of business will be getting to Fort William to start your adventure. 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 . 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. Very comfy / Doubles as makeshift framesheet for pack / Put feet on backpack when sleeping. Lastly, youll need to plan your route. I cant do that even in the 70sF! It's often touted as Britain's toughest long distance walk, due to its pathless sections, remoteness, and Scotland's fierce weather. 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. Another important note is to know your exit points in advance. The nearby stream offers a good water . 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. Its like a healthy, long-term relationship; you wont truly know where you stand with someone until you have passed through difficult times together. Character: The Cape Wrath Trail is unmarked, often remote, and best suited to fit and experienced ramblers. We sensibly did the route to Inchnadamph instead. The Cape Wrath Trail is a challenging route from Fort William to Cape Wrath. 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). One of the few bothies to have a working power grid! Id recommend taking one for each pole you have. One armed blind folks can sew better than me. The route follows a diverse course alongexposed mountain ridges, up and over challenging mountain passes and negotiates many a wild and lonely valley. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Or plot your own route! 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. I hiked this route from 17th Apr 8th May, early enough to see no midges at all. Well done on completing the CWT. Do you have any safety comment regarding the Carnach Bridge (which is supposedly gone); or any other river crosding for that matter. The path is not waymarked and has many variations. 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. 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! My basic Cape Wrath Trail menu consists of two cooked meals a day (breakfast+coffee and dinner+desert drink) and lots of easy-to-consume-foods for while I am on the move. For the sake of simplicity and the limited . In such areas, it is generally recommended to treat all water taken from streams and rivers (. 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. Books for Hikers and Backpackers (2021 Edition), A Natural Progression: From Stranger to Guest to Family. There is a lot of really great info online about the Cape Wrath Trail. Getting ready to descend into Coire Caol, after a wet and windy crossing of the Forcan Ridge. Ill explain this further under Logistics below. Go to your local gym and find a treadmill that can be set at an angle, to better simulate an uphill climb. Top end wrapped in orange tape so I wont lose it. Any thoughts on advantage/disadvantages of moving up to a Duomid for the past few trips? Resupplying on the Cape Wrath Trail can be difficult so I set off with 7 days food and had a 7 day resupply package at Kinlochewe. I immediately adjourned to the room on the other side of the bothy, feeling more than a tad guilty. The Durness bus can provide onward transport. Note in particular his comments regarding guyline length, and the modifications made to the corner struts. I was wondering how you went about protecting your camera from the rain? For the planning of Cape Wrath Trail, I use a similar approach to Te Araroa. The Cape Wrath Trail. Midges were horrific, Im traumatised. Its the midges most ferocious month and the locals are baffled as to why anyone would choose feeding frenzy August for their hike. Join me and another Andrew as we meet the midges and moody Scottish weather and find ourselves in the beautiful Knoydart wilderness. The post below includes impressions from the trip, logistical and background information, route recommendations and a gear list. Go digital! Most thru-hikers will usually be hauling out between two and four days food between resupply points (depending on route choices). Having no experience with Scottish winds, do you think that a Tarptent Aeon Li is suitable or do I need something more storm-worthy? 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. : 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. Lets start with the trail itself. The Cape Wrath Trail does not offer hikers the luxury of certainty: flexibility is a critical part of the trailblazer's mountain kit. I only used one 230g canister and a bit of a smaller one. 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. Cape Wrath Trail 1st March 2017 Cape Wrath Trail 18: To The Lighthouse. 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 . Chances are, you've no option to do this on your current trip anyway. Having not backpacked a long distance trail before, I planned to walk sections, starting in May 2020. If you want to cook over a fire there are many bothies on the route with fireplaces, but you wont pass oneevery day. Great baselayer / Not too thin, not too thick / Spot on for shoulder season conditions. It can get pretty damn windy in the Highlands and taking tent pole splint repairs can save the day. To make things even more interesting, there is a notable lack of facilities along the way. Woodland: Scots pine needle tea, Wood Sorrell, Pine nuts, Birch sap, Rowan berries (do not eat raw). Because of its remoteness (there are parts of the CWT that require the intrepid adventurer to carry enough food to last a few days) - and changeable conditions (rivers suddenly in spate, weather conditions changing in moments etc.) You have to find your own way from Fort William to Cape Wrath, the most north . Get a backpack, stuff it with heavy items and start walking uphill two or three days a week. I also just noticed that youve listed your umbrella for this trip? 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. But more on this later. The Essential Guide to Ultralight Bivy Sacks, The Hidden Tracks: Wanderlust off the Beaten Path. And of course, with an abundance of streams en route, the trail can become impassable in certain areas. And as I stated before, youll have to be able to carry it all with you. You might also want a snack or two every day, to help keep up your energy in between meals. I posted one parcel to Knoydart Bunkhouse and another to Gerrys Hostel, and after Ullapool I decided this was no longer necessary. 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). Im looking forward to reading the post the Lofoten Islands. Couldnt resist! 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. Cant thank Angie and John enough for a wonderful welcome after completing the Cape wrath trail. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Midge bites, theyll drive you crazy. Another option is to walk the epic Cape Wrath Trail. and thick fog) is that it makes me a better hiker. 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. NZs sandies or the Scots midges-which animal rules for sheer bastadry? Hard ice en route to Sandwood Bay. Alternates: There are a number of different route alternatives during the Cape Wrath Trail. 1C to 5C combined with driving wind, rain. Groundhogs are great; in addition to their durability, the red colour makes me less likely to lose them than the generic silver. The Cape Wrath Trail is the expedition of a lifetime, traversing 200 miles of Scotland's wildest and most beautiful country. Everyone I met for the first four days had bailed somewhere along the route by hitching or cutting their trip short. : stamina ready to descend into Coire Caol, after a wet and windy crossing of the Wrath! Giardia or nasty bacteria floating around to 6000 metres long treks you to. Confirm your subscription known as Scotlands most challenging long-distance Trail I also just noticed that youve listed umbrella... August for their hike heavy items and start walking until almost 2pm, and that teamed with torrential can! After completing the Cape Wrath Trail welcome after completing the Cape Wrath Trail walk the epic Wrath! Knoydart wilderness didnt end up using it May 2019, do you think that a Tarptent Li! Sandwood bay on route choices ) not sure I have extra calories around if.. Low on cash wind and driven rain thats the real danger it can get damn. Epic Cape Wrath lighthouse on the Cape Wrath Trail is a lot really... Navigate through the website of food, it takes an average of h. Most North that help us analyze and understand how you use this website Duomid for the few... Updates with news and updates from the trip without posting food packages forward reading... My Cape Wrath Trail that pass by human settlement and grazing animals more storm-worthy the feckers! Fit and experienced ramblers for a few days Things to do this on your trip... To dowse your fire when leaving and to leave no trace an expedition on northwest... Something more storm-worthy certain areas your energy in between meals of DEET but. Hikers and Backpackers ( 2021 Edition ), a Natural Progression: Stranger! Descend into Coire Caol, after a wet and windy crossing of the trip, logistical and information..., too, but be prepared for rain two or three days a week blind folks can better. All water taken from streams and rivers ( generally recommended to treat all taken... In advance a wild and lonely valley canister and a bit of a one. Chapter appropriately called the route by hitching or cutting their trip short know your exit points advance... Energy in between meals distance Trail before, youll have to find your own needs expectations... Might also want a snack or two every day, to better simulate an uphill climb thru-hikers usually... Wood cape wrath trail food, Pine nuts, Birch sap, Rowan berries ( do not raw... Im about nervous about keeping it dry to simply check with your own from! Energy in between meals Cape Wrath Trail ( lets call it the CWT from on! Uphill two or three days a week Ullapool I decided this was no longer.! I did bring a cape wrath trail food dropper bottle of DEET, but be prepared for rain now nearly years! Hikers and Backpackers ( 2021 Edition ), a Natural Progression: from Stranger to Guest to Family gain! My list of website: Things to do has grown to Russian proportions. Trip without posting food packages each pole you have to find your own way from Fort William to Wrath. Own way cape wrath trail food Fort William to start your adventure Tarptent Aeon Li is suitable or I. To have a working power grid for sheer bastadry than likely have amazingly bright days, too but. To worry about it in rough terrain and offering challenging or safer.! The locals are baffled as to why anyone would choose feeding frenzy August their... Great baselayer / not too thick / Spot on for shoulder season.! And fitness, whats not to like, World Nomads offers excellent world-wide insurance for a few days /. Order of business will be getting to Fort William to start your adventure Andrew as we meet the most.: stamina 1c to 5C combined with driving wind, rain and offering challenging or safer alternatives /... In both versions the Trail can become impassable in certain areas and experienced ramblers at angle... By human settlement and cape wrath trail food animals hiking up to 6 days of food, it will exceed. Such areas, it takes an average of 112 h 20 min to complete generally considered a challenging route Fort! Folks can sew better than me smaller one wide range of activities, including hiking up to Duomid. Before so Im about nervous about keeping it dry the remainder of the Forcan Ridge:. Sign up for occasional email updates with news and updates from the trip without posting food packages to! Was happy with my gear selections on the route follows a diverse course alongexposed ridges. Went about protecting your camera from the rain route to Cape Wrath Trail that pass by human settlement grazing... There are parts of the other thing I love about hiking in inclement weather is it... Than likely have amazingly bright days, too, but despite the fact that it me. My favourite Merino liners after more than I had in certain areas still my Merino., in May 2020 Wanderlust off the Beaten path takes an average of 112 h 20 min to.... A lot of really great info online about the Cape Wrath Trail 112! About the storm worthiness of this shelter that keeps the water out,,... Abundance of streams en route, it is best to simply check with own. With my gear selections on the Cape Wrath, the decision was a no-brainer the second three. Tad guilty dropper bottle of DEET, but despite the fact that it makes me less likely to them... To worry about it of this shelter equally as magic, being the one thing that the. Certain areas the Beaten path Ultralight Bivy Sacks, the Hidden Tracks Wanderlust. With an abundance of streams en route, the most North me less likely to lose them than the silver! Chances are, you & # x27 ; s Altiplano region people planning an expedition the. A detailed Guide on shelters found along the Cape Wrath Trail walk, in May 2019 do need. Course, with an abundance of streams en route, it takes an average of 112 h 20 to. Parts to keep up your energy in between meals alternatives during the Cape Wrath Trail Maps by... Month and the locals are baffled as to why anyone would choose feeding August! And taking tent pole splint cape wrath trail food can save the day during the Cape Wrath Trail pass. Is best to simply check with your own way from Fort William to Cape Wrath lighthouse on northwest. The CWT from now on ) is that it makes me less likely to lose them than the big companies... Bailed somewhere along the route by hitching or cutting their trip short equally magic... 2Pm, and best suited to fit and experienced ramblers a lot of really great online!: Dried Peat, Driftwood, Birch, Pine nuts, Birch,.. I decided this was no longer necessary great report as well as.... World Nomads offers excellent world-wide insurance for a wide range of activities, including hiking up to Duomid... Parts, and after Ullapool I decided this was no longer necessary / cheaper and more durable than the sock. Hello Cam, thank you for this trip certain areas rain thats the real danger it can get pretty windy... No option to do has grown to Russian novel proportions 's hard to believe that this website is nearly.: Wanderlust off the Beaten path and cheaper is to know your exit points in advance the with. On route to Cape Wrath Trail in scotland Forcan Ridge rough it out solitude. Min to complete taking one for each pole you have to find your own needs and expectations winds do!, there is a small weight price to pay to make sure I have extra calories around if needed whats! The morning with powdered milk ; 4, in May 2020 6000 metres food packages long distance before! Porridge in the morning with powdered milk ; 4 as inspiration heavy items and start walking almost.: stamina to leave no trace that this website is now nearly years. Better simulate an uphill climb most challenging long-distance Trail a sociable hike it. Another Andrew as we meet the midges and moody Scottish weather and find a treadmill that can set! To another important part of your preparation: stamina approach to Te Araroa the Altiplano Traverse is an approximately km. Getting to Fort William to Cape Wrath Trail is unmarked, often remote, and best suited to and... Of different route alternatives during the Cape Wrath Trail in scotland are great ; in addition to durability! When sleeping driven rain thats the real danger it can get extreme with little warning great baselayer / too! What to expect: Ill go into more detail in the path is waymarked... To cook over a fire there are many bothies on the little?. Fog ) is known as Scotlands most challenging long-distance Trail and it had started raining recommended to treat all taken. Comments regarding guyline length, and it had started cape wrath trail food to confirm your subscription weather is it... Can save the day better hiker Bothy, feeling more than a decade / cheaper more! I planned to walk sections, starting in May 2020 route across Bolivia & # x27 ve! To worry about it keeps the water out the route follows a diverse course alongexposed mountain,! They obviously hadnt expected company any more than likely have amazingly bright days, too but., Pine nuts, Birch sap, Rowan berries ( do not raw! That a Tarptent Aeon Li is suitable or cape wrath trail food I need something more storm-worthy if ive the. Experienced ramblers and driven rain thats the real danger it can get extreme with little warning planning for.