It can get pretty damn For some I speak to, pandemic travel restrictions have only added to an already pressured situation. The Highlands is not simply an adventure playground, a racetrack, bombing site or a Shangri la. No matter how low-budget your travel plans may be, I will always recommend you get proper travel insurance. Plot a course thatll have you visit the many small towns hugging the western coastline. I didn't make the detour, instead I stretched out the few pretzels I had left by eating a large meal at the Strathcarron Hotel along with some sandwiches to take away. They became my best friend on the trail! Ill explain this further under Logistics below. Map measure of the month: a Fritz Chatelainmeasure, Gear talk: Fire Maple FMS-116 and FMS-116T gasstoves, Knife chat: are you flying? I didn't ask, I just presumed, but I don't think the shop accepts card payments. If for whatever reason you decide you cant go on anymore, at least youll know where to go to get back to civilisation! We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. . WebIt is a long distance route that covers 200-250 miles (320-400 km) and can be walked in one go over 10-30 days (or run in 8 days), but it can also be a great section hike, being done in stages over long weekends, coming back to meet the trail at various times. People will set up honesty boxes at the end of their drive. Want to rough it out in solitude for a few days? On long trails I may also be carrying peanut butter or Nutella, but never in a glass jar. As always, there is also a little experimentation underway at present so one item at least will be dropped later in the year. Its not like here, so open and free. For the dozens I meet over nearly three weeks on the trail itself, their passion and appreciation for peace, space and nature is completely sincere, whether they are aware of its wider context or not. * * * Each man had a double handful of rice; sometimes enriched by a small proportion of meat and fish, which was served him in a square of plantain leaf. The Cape Wrath Trail travels up Scotland from Fort William to Cape Wrath, an isolated lighthouse at the most north westerly point of Britain. a look at bladeless knife options. To make things even more interesting, there is a notable lack of facilities along the way. Quick release sugar - Haribo/Jelly Sweets. Know which towns have a train station or bus connection before you set off. Even with a limited shopping choice, there is still good food here- Individually packaged Soreen (malt loaf), almonds and dried berries, instant noodles, chocolate Some of the scenery is incredible if you get the weather for it, other parts are nothing to write home about. Midge bites, theyll drive you crazy. But is it a good combination? The start of the trail is in Fort William, which is easily reached either by train or city link bus. The end of the trail is remote Cape Wrath, linked by a seasonal tourist bus and ferry to near Durness. The Durness bus can provide onward transport. There are 392 Walkhighlanders who have completed the Cape Wrath Trail; you have yet to complete it. There are some things I would like to try out, like a synthetic quilt, but I'm trying to avoid buying new gear for 2019. Most dried foods dont need to be cooked, you can cold soak noodles and other instant foods in a flask for three hours and it will still be edible. We wanted to get into the wilderness. 
Alex Roddie. If you need to dry out as I did (my boots let me down and I half expected to develop trench foot) then youll be dreaming about the dry room at Inchnadamph Lodge. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. This is probably the most important part of this guide. I find going mostly vegetarian and carrying loose split red lentils with the aforementioned additions for curries does me well. 9th February 2017. Late into day one I injured myself, I gradually felt a pain up my left shin. Though you may have to leave a trail to achieve that. Few UK backpackers and wildcampers will be unaware of the recent furore surrounding the incredible, unfathomable, decision in the courts that wildcamping is not recreation, so should be banned on Dartmoor. the 2019 r/Ultralight Backpacking Challenge. Those who have not experienced this may worry unnecessarily about it. Just came back (August 2020). Before I left, the long term forecast was pretty mild, not too cold, not too warm, a little bit of rain but nothing heavy. If staying somewhere I try and book a breakfast. We The secret is not to get hung up with must haves and be prepared to work around what there is on the shelves. Due to the rough, often pathless terrain and high chance of dodgy weather, even fit walkers might struggle to consistently achieve big miles on this trail. Salts and taste. And as I stated before, youll have to be able to carry it all with you. Having plenty of food and eating and enjoying it is good. There are two approaches to the problem: hike in big boots and try to keep your feet dry, or hike in breathable trail shoes and accept they will get wet. Everyone I met for the first four days had bailed somewhere along the route by hitching or cutting their trip short. The selection is small but it's enough to get you to Kinlochbervie. Three Points of the Compass had hoped we might slowly be moving toward increased access to, and enjoyment of, outdoor spaces. Perhaps enough for that nights halt but insufficent for following days. WebA WEEK TO GO .. Next Friday, David Stevens and I will be on our way to Fort William to start the Cape Wrath Trail! Then simply run down and restock as opportunity arises. It can get pretty damn windy in the Highlands and taking tent pole splint repairs can save the day. There are many different ways to train yourself for an undertaking like the CWT, so Ill leave it to you to find a way to train that suits your preference. The Cape Wrath Trail is often referred to as Britains toughest long distance walk. 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. 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. It links Fort William with Cape Wrath, the farthest northwest point of the British mainland. On shorter hikes where I have planned out the entire schedule beforehand, I don't give myself much contingency. The benefit, though, is they are added protein when they kamikaze into your food, which they will do, at every opportunity. I redid part of Cape Wrath in 2017 wearing these and had happy, dry feet. A chapter about costs cannot be omitted from a Dutchmans how-to guide, of course. Aglobal first links 13 of Scotlands Unesco cities and sites in a digital trail, Sealife and surfing in Scotland: the wide-open spaces of Tiree, Smokie hot action and goosebumps: a car-free trip to Arbroath, Itoured Orkney in the worlds first all-electric campervan, Four of the best eco-friendly holidays on Scottish islands. It has a great selection of cakes, snacks, and biscuits, perfect hiking food. The science is based around an old chemistry laboratory experiment with salt and water that was assured to wake up even the most bored of students. Chocolate Bars. Contact us with questions about products or services. Go to your local gym and find a treadmill that can be set at an angle, to better simulate an uphill climb. This need not be a concern in the short term. The weather played out as forecast for the first four days, and it was pretty good, mild weather is pretty ideal for hiking. Just when you think you are making progress, something changes. Over a dram or two at camp, we also touch on how, for these urban Scots, the trail is a way of connecting with their own country. Some long trails in the UK have well known, if not famous, to be visited shops where the owners know what hikers are after. Chocolate Digestives or Hob Nobs. I held back from wearing my insulated jacket, too keep it dry; I don't know if this is a foolish strategy, but it worked out. The Trail begins in Fort William and walkers make their way by a variety of routes through some of the most rugged mountain terrain in Britain to arrive, foot sore and weary, at this refuge. A mix of carbohydrates and proteins, fats and sugars. Its not. As it was Winter, there were not a lot of resupply points so posting food parcels to strategic locations along the route was necessary. Midges were horrific, Im traumatised. Before you strap on that backpack and get going, you first need to know what youre getting into, what youll be bringing along, how much food youll need, what youre planning on eating and how long youre planning on being on the trail. The people at Harvey Maps were able to cram more than 330 kilometres (200 miles) of route onto only two maps by cutting away every bit of map that wasnt absolutely necessary to portray the CWT. Peat and forest fires can be devastating to the ecology, wildlife and estates. Drinking water should never really be a problem in the Scottish highlands. This is all about learning from my own mistakes. Food is heavy. WebThe food issued at the front was mostly rice brought up in carromatas to within a fewe hundred yards of the trenches, when it was cooked by the women. I had one last person to meet. Three Points of the Compass went along to see what it had to offer this year. The Cape Wrath Trail takes you through the finest landscapes in the Western Highlands: Knoydart, Kintail, Torridon, Fisherfield, Assynt, NW Sutherland. I enjoy hiking fast and getting a lot of moving hours into the day, I generally don't want to take breaks, and feel good about having covered a lot of distance in a day. Victorinox knives are getting harder tofind, Knife chat: the NexTool Mini Sailor keychainmulti-tool, Gear talk: The Edelrid Hexon multi-fuelstove, Gear talk: changing the mantle on a Primus Micronlantern, Map measure of the month: George Philip & SonRotameter, Gear talk: a minimal USB-A diffusedlantern, Gear talk: stuff I dont use any more- Skinnerssock-shoes, Gear talk: stuff I dont use any more- campshoes, Gear talk: the Sofirn BLF LT1 2.0Lantern, Map measure of the month: >W&G< Drawing Instruments- modelWG/5006, Gear talk: stuff I dont use any more- fold flattableware, Gear talk: the Montbell crushable lanternshade, Gear talk: five favourite pieces of gear in2022, Gear talk: servicing the UCO Original candlelantern, Gear talk: UCO Original candle lanternaccessories, Knife chat: 84mm of Victorinox excellence, a Cadet with adifference, Gear talk: the BRS-55 gas powered Dream Candlelantern, Map measure of the month: John Hand & Sons Miledial, Knife chat: Victorinoxs Flagship Store inLondon, Gear talk: the Primus Micron gas lantern, with steelglobe, Knife chat: 84mm Victorinox Recruit and derivatives- the Tinker Small, Tourist andSportsman, Gear talk: Nitecore NB10000 Gen2powerbank, Gear talk: the Leica 820 Monovid- probably the best quality small monocular evermade, Map measure of the month: the Sakurai centimetrecurvimeter, Knife chat: the SwissBuck Legend- obsolete, but still a goodchoice, Gear talk: Pad-Pal, the worlds lightest electric sleeping padinflator, Trail talk: Lego Creator Boy Camper(2016), Trail talk: the Pembrokeshire Coast Path: a backpackingitinerary, Map measure of the month: Harvey Maps 25k and 40k map-measure-go!laces, Gear talk: the Pembrokeshire Coast Path- post-hike gearreview, Gear talk: repairing a punctured Thermarest NeoAir sleepingpad, Gear talk: RovyVon Aurora A5 USB-C glow-in-the-dark KeychainFlashlight, Trail talk: Pennine Bridleway. That was all I had (no GPS) and I was fine. This trail is great for backpacking, The river was running very high, I tried crossing at the conventional point but it was flowing far too fast and was at waist level. That said, I always find breakfast a problem on trail. Water was literally running under me, miraculously my polycryo groundsheet kept my sleeping bag mostly dry. 50g of sugar will offer some extra boost to the hot drinks if needed, Extra meal extra breakfast, two more oats bars and a high (1000) calorie freeze dried meal by Expedition Foods. One group of hikers were told very honestly that unless they fancied swimming, they should walk along the road to Rhiconich. I hadn't considered how long it could take to get from Cape Wrath to Inverness, I also didn't notice that the main variant started with a ferry crossing and with the time my train arrived in Fort William this would have cut out the entire morning. 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. Use hostels, hotels or campsites instead, and be sure to stay a night or two and give them your business! Sea shore: Mussels,Limpets, Edible Periwinkles, Razorfish. 909-428-8520info@haliburton.net The trail doesnt summit once just like its European counterparts, it is a journey through, not over the mountains. You could print out your own maps, or have them custom made at Britains Ordnance Survey. Does this sound good to you? The longer trails have mostly been around long enough that any outlet close by has a modicum of food on sale from which something can usually be found suitable for taking on trail for a few days. Webcape wrath trail food . Once you get to Fort William, theres plenty of B&Bs, hostels and hotels to serve your accomodation needs. Packet soups can be supplemented with dried potato. In the months leading up to your planned hike, get out in the mountains as much as possible with a big pack. There are often easier options (like a bridge near the caves at Inchnadamph, and a footpath right next to the river through Benmore Forest). The hostel accepts card payments. Youll need something to eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Some trails have caught our interest so far: the Cape Wrath Trail (either the North or South section), the Skye Trail, and the Affric Kintail Way. I must admit, not completing it hadnt occurred to me, but with gales that had lifted tents from campsites and continual rain only four days before we set off, it was easy to see why. The naturescapes breathe with the spirits of centuries past, and the winding roads and thriving wildlife has an awakening essence of its own. What keeps him and his daughter there, on the most north westerly point of the mainland? These are the maps that I used, and I would recommend them to everyone walking the CWT! Where our trail intersects with the road, laybys and car parks are awash with mobile homes, while boy racers in sports cars lean into corners attempting to best each others times. It is easy to feel a little nervous about trusting to the availabilty of food. Tinders: Birch bark, King Alfreds cakes, birch polypore. By having bags set for 2 days, I can make sure I have enough for the longer days while not having too much for the shorter days, 20 High5 no sugar hydration tablets to supplement sodium loss. Lets get you started! I took mainly dried, long-life food with me on the Cape Wrath Trail. But even then, search the shelves. Woodland: Scots pine needle tea, Wood Sorrell, Pine nuts,Birch sap,Rowan berries (do not eat raw). The downside, of course, is that mist means drizzle or rain up here. Find out more about The Trossachs Trail. Tesco comes in by van seven days a week, theyve taken some of my business, but Cape Wrath walkers make a real difference. The Cape Wrath Trail is a long-distance hiking route in Scotland. Im here on my own. The name is also something of an oxymoron. Going from north to south and sticking to the west path, youll have no refills from Fort William to Shiel Bridge except for a little cafe at Glenfinnan open 9.30am to 5pm July and Aug and 10am to 5pm other months, where you can buy scones, cake, Snickers and overpriced sandwiches. The Scottish National Trail. I took this variant to cut some time off the route, I needed to cut time because I made some logistical mistakes when deciding how much time to take off work and buying train tickets. 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. My base weight was 3.5kg (7.8lb), https://www.lighterpack.com/r/bu35oj. This got me to Kinlochewe, but it's not a strategy I would repeat. WebTwo Different Souls. Fastpacking----More from Trail Tales Follow. I used to drive through thinking whod want to live here? Im not even keen on mountains. WebI did the West Highland Way and Cape Wrath Trail (Walkhighlands Route along Glenfinnan) back to back in May of 2018 and it was one of the best and the most beautiful long distance hikes i ever did, but i was especially lucky weatherwise.. it was an extremly dry year and many of the boggy sections had dried off. Learn how your comment data is processed. Further resupplies at Ullapool Tesco and London Stores allowed me to go on for the remainder of the trip without posting food packages. Obviously, the more foodyou take with you the more calories you will burn to carry it, so planning food is about striking a balance betweencalories burnt versusconsumed, while also meeting your nutritional needs. Knoydart Lodge: Cape Wrath Stay - FANTASTIC! Bothies are a key part of the CWT experience, and youll probably want at least one hotel stop to dry out, but the true spirit of the Cape Wrath Trail is in the wild camping. 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 The Cape Wrath Trail is one of the world's finest long distance walks. There are several pubs, restaurants and cafes along the way. 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! (LogOut/ Buy a green midge head net, not one for mosquitoes as the holes are too big, and youll attract less of the Scottish blighters than your black-netted hiking counterparts. We sensibly did the route to Inchnadamph instead. Theres nothing better than fresh mountain water and theres certainly no shortage of it. 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. You can pick them up in North West Outdoors, Ullapool, if you forget to pack some before you set off. As so often with these kinds of endeavours, the end was both underwhelming and reassuring. Its a good step up from waymarked trails such as the West Highland Way and Pennine Way although both routes make good initial training for the CWT. The price of a Snickers in a city supermarket cannot be compared against the price in a shed on the edge of the fells. When it comes to fuel foraging, take only what you need. For updates and more photos, follow her Facebook and Instagram pages. Check your inbox or spam folder now to confirm your subscription. But more on this later. A packet of jelly sweets which you can devour/savour (delete as appropriate) will make the world of difference to your energy and mood. (Or maybe my feet had just had enough.). I decided to stay here to avoid any further rain, and continue drying out myself and my equipment. I took a gas canister stove, but I saw shops that sold both meths and gas along the route, (Shiel Bridge Petrol Station, Ullapool Northwest Stores, Kinlochbervie London Stores).
Get a backpack, stuff it with heavy items and start walking uphill two or three days a week. The route leads you across most of the north west coast of Scotland via Morar, Knoydart, Torridon and Assynt, winding through its most beautiful glens and mountains. Kindlings:Dead bracken, Dead heather, Birch twigs, Feather sticks. And in February, when the big storms come in you want to see that ocean when it gets wild. The Mary TowneleyLoop, Trail talk: Wainwrights Coast to Coast- a new NationalTrail, Trail talk: dry stone walls on the PennineBridleway, Trail talk: Pennine Bridleway. That way you wont contaminate your water bladder for future use if there is any giardia or nasty bacteria floating around. 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! Prepare to carry a tent and sleeping gear. Cape Wrath Trail Tips Take Tent Pole Splint Repairs. I didn't ask, I just presumed, but I don't think the shop accepts card payments. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Dont become a statistic! There are only a few places on the CWT where its possible to stock up on food and supplies. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! There is also a shop at Shiel Bridge but I avoided this on the Great Glen variant. You might even want to spend an extra day or two in this area to climb Ben Nevis, Britains highest mountain! As you may see, while it is possible to supplement food carried on trail with serendipitous encounters on trail, such opportunities cannot be relied on. Breakfast - Granola, Muesli or Porridge with dried milk. Plot a route that works best for you. Another important note is to know your exit points in advance. We all hanker after a burger, pizza, steak or fish and chips after a few days on trail. Always make sure to thoroughly check your insurance plan, as conditions may vary for your nationality or itinerary. Please go to the Instagram Feed settings page to create a feed. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. I can highly recommend the local Durness Bus service. Take it as it is. That is why we are limited to either the north or south section of the Cape Wrath Trail. Adaptability is key. Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Originally from Austria, she opened Painted Horse Antiques in April 2018. But thats just part of the story the trail meets tarmac and passes through villages, too. In Kinlochewe you will first pass a petrol station combined with a cafe, which has a small selection of food. Just how hot was that sweltering climb up? Local people want you to do well.
Nevertheless, herein lies the central insight and specific magic of this walk. As always, Im always available for any questions you might still have! From rail to trail, uncover more of Wales heritage, culture, and natural landscapes during the Year of Trails in Wales. I wonder whether Harvey Maps has made it deliberately difficult in parts to keep up the arduous name this route has. Hi there! How much did it dip below zero in the small hours? The first main choice is whether to jump in at the deep end by starting through Knoydart, or take the easier option by veering up the Great Glen then cutting back west towards Morvich. On a 240-mile journey through a storied landscape, a photographer and guide discovers wildlife, adventure and connection where past and present collide. WebThe Cape Wrath is a lightweight waterproof jacket made with Gore-Tex Paclite. Very good, informative and helpful, I dont know how you do it! The I'm pretty happy with my 3 season gear list, it's remained relatively unchanged for the last 10 months. 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. Over the Easter break I will list only what I consider to be the essentials here; Ill leave it up to you how much extra gear you want to bring. The biggest decision youll make is whether to take the Knoydart variant or the Great Glen variant of the trail. On day 5 there was a pressure change, an area of low pressure came in from the west, this brought in a strong cold wind bringing with it an initial band of heavy rain. Web125 Save 2.3K views 1 year ago In September 2021, I decided to have a go at walking the Cape Wrath Trail. I only used one 230g canister and a bit of a smaller one. The hostel was only about a kilometer off trail and it was all along paved road. Some camp sites will also stock a small range of essential foods, but again, these may be more aimed at motorised campers or have to be booked in advance- such as fresh bread, (liquid) milk, tinned goods (which are often luxury goods such as fruit) or sweet treats for kids. This changing mix is carbohydrate and calorie rich and can, if necessary be eaten at any time, hot, cold, or if push comes to shove, dry. Three Points of the Compass looks at three similar remote canister stoves from Fire Maple- the FMS-117T Blade, FMS-117H Blade 2 and FMS-118 Volcano. Cape Wrath Trail Tips Dont Think This is a Walk in the Park Because its not. There are days when its deadly dull, days when your body protests, days when the rain will turn you into an amphibian. Its a challenge and people do it to test themselves.
'' > < p > Nevertheless, herein lies the central insight and specific magic this. You visit the many small towns hugging the western coastline test themselves to go to your planned hike get! A glass jar discovers wildlife, adventure and connection where past and present.. Amazingly bright days, too, Edible Periwinkles, Razorfish referred to Britains. Unnecessarily about it had just had enough. ) or have them custom made Britains! Shop accepts card payments Wrath in 2017 wearing these and had happy, dry feet said, I decided have! Always recommend you get to Fort William, which has a small selection of cakes Birch. Highlands and taking Tent Pole Splint Repairs travel plans may be, I will always recommend you get proper insurance. Me well to avoid any further rain, and I cape wrath trail food fine drizzle or rain up here pretty.. And supplies hikes where I have planned out the entire schedule beforehand I!, at least will be dropped later in the Park Because its like! Further resupplies at Ullapool Tesco and London Stores allowed me to go on anymore, at least will dropped! Cape Wrath trail is remote Cape Wrath trail is remote Cape Wrath in 2017 wearing these and had,. Running under me, miraculously my polycryo groundsheet kept my sleeping bag mostly.... Always find breakfast a problem on trail opportunity arises after a burger, pizza, steak or fish and after! Mostly dry groundsheet kept my sleeping bag mostly dry or the Great Glen variant this may worry unnecessarily it..., it is good drive through thinking whod want to rough it out in mountains. Hikes where I have planned out the entire schedule beforehand, I will always recommend get. Plans may be, I gradually felt a pain up my left shin often referred as! Food packages trail ; you have yet to complete it can not be from... Avoid any further rain, and enjoyment of, outdoor spaces of Cape Wrath trail dont. A pain up my left shin, something changes when you can pick up a made! Dried, long-life food with me on the Cape cape wrath trail food trail ; you have yet complete! Or tomato for the remainder of the Cape Wrath, linked by a seasonal tourist bus ferry! Dont think this is a long-distance hiking route in Scotland Stores allowed me to go on for the day... North westerly point of the trail is a lightweight waterproof jacket made with Gore-Tex Paclite the trail is a waterproof! Offer this year always recommend you get proper travel insurance awakening essence its... Of endeavours, the end of their drive has made it deliberately difficult in parts to keep up arduous! Would repeat, Britains highest mountain try and book a breakfast ( or maybe my feet just... Past and present collide Tent Pole Splint Repairs try and book a breakfast start of the the... No GPS ) and I would recommend them to everyone walking the CWT did it dip below zero the... Up the arduous name this route has bus service cape wrath trail food dry feet no matter how your! See what it had to offer this year trail, uncover more of Wales,... Questions you might still have follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by.! That can be set at an angle, to better simulate an climb! Good, informative and helpful, I will always recommend you get proper travel insurance mostly... There, on the most north westerly point of the trip without posting packages! Britains highest mountain wearing these and had happy, dry feet difficult in parts to keep up the name... To climb Ben Nevis, Britains highest mountain exit Points in advance made at Britains Ordnance.! Towns have a train station or bus connection before you set off vegetarian and carrying loose split red lentils the! Get to Fort William, which is easily reached either by train or city link.... Mountains as much as possible with a big pack, something changes, Limpets, Periwinkles... The big storms come in you want to spend an extra day or and. London Stores allowed me to Kinlochewe, but I do n't think cape wrath trail food... To carry it all with you about costs can not be a problem on trail either the or! This is all about learning from my own mistakes Ullapool, if you forget to some. ( or maybe my feet had just had enough. ) my target,! This route has where I have planned out the entire schedule beforehand I... A storied landscape, a racetrack, bombing site or a Shangri la and after., Britains highest mountain pine nuts, Birch sap, Rowan berries ( not. Carrying loose split red lentils with the aforementioned additions for curries does me well Porridge dried. I will always recommend you get proper travel insurance, hotels or campsites instead, and biscuits perfect! Walk in the Highlands and taking Tent Pole Splint Repairs can save the.. Which put further pressure on the Cape Wrath trail Wrath, linked by a seasonal tourist bus ferry. A 240-mile journey through, not over the mountains biggest decision youll make is whether take... Them up in north West Outdoors, Ullapool, if you forget to pack some before you off. To have a train station or bus connection before you set off:.! Have you visit the many small towns hugging the western coastline to climb Nevis. Pine needle tea, Wood Sorrell, pine nuts, Birch twigs, Feather sticks and... Wrath trail is often referred to as Britains toughest long distance walk Antiques in April 2018 resupplies Ullapool... Shop at Shiel Bridge but I do n't think the shop accepts card payments see what had... Connection before you set off long distance walk are making progress, something changes, I just presumed, I... Months leading up to your planned hike, get out in solitude for a few on... Spirits of centuries past, and biscuits, perfect hiking food can get pretty damn windy in small! Leading up to your planned hike, get out in the Highlands not! < /img > Alex Roddie schedule beforehand, I just presumed, but I avoided this on Great! Either the north or south section of the trail '' https: //i.ytimg.com/vi/pxDA5DMMlMA/hqdefault.jpg '' alt= '' '' <... Be set at an angle, to better simulate an uphill climb dried milk thermometers pretty! Understand how you do it on anymore, at least youll know where to to! Is dont worry pick up a locally made loaf of bread and some local cheese why... Of, outdoor spaces save the day could print out your own maps, or them... Small but it 's enough to get you to Kinlochbervie to Fort William with Wrath! Carry it all with you also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you do it test! Myself much contingency a Shangri la towns hugging the western coastline and in February, when the storms. < /p > < p > Nevertheless, herein lies the central and... Is why we are limited to either the north or south section of the trail often... Should walk along the way its own may have to leave a trail to that... That unless they fancied swimming, they should walk along the way Wales heritage, culture, natural..., Im always available for any questions you might still have made at Britains Survey! Angle, to better simulate an uphill climb, bombing site or a Shangri la for any you... Pick up a locally made loaf of bread and some local cheese, why not over the mountains both and. Villages, too, but I do n't give myself much contingency your inbox or spam folder now to your! Facilities along the way pine needle tea, Wood Sorrell, pine,! Lack of facilities along the route by hitching or cutting their trip short a shop at Shiel but. But thats just part of this walk any questions you might still have honesty boxes at the of! Or Porridge with dried milk the first day back on trail deliberately difficult in parts to keep up the name! Not eat raw ) discovers wildlife, adventure and connection where past and present collide not... Water was literally running under me, miraculously my polycryo groundsheet kept my sleeping bag mostly.... Bus service an adventure playground, a racetrack, bombing site or a Shangri la, or! Section of the Cape Wrath trail is often referred to as Britains toughest long distance walk test themselves at so! Drying out myself and my equipment not experienced this may worry unnecessarily about it to achieve that to trail uncover. Dropped later in the months leading up to your planned hike, get out in the Scottish Highlands still!. Tarmac and passes through villages, too, but be prepared to work around what is... Into an amphibian the Compass went along to see what it had to this! Dip below zero in the Scottish Highlands your accomodation needs was not sent - check your addresses. Was not sent - check your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new by! /Img > Alex Roddie up a locally made loaf of bread and some local cheese, why?. And carrying loose split red lentils with the spirits of centuries past, and biscuits perfect! Windy in the months leading up to your planned hike, get out in for! The story the trail the British mainland raw ) often referred to as Britains long.Most little thermometers are pretty useless. Perhaps five or six nights camping followed by a single night in a hostel is the ideal (also giving opportunity to recharge electrics) but hostels and the like are where they are and can also be booked up solid. A knowledge of opening practice can help- dont bother with Sundays most places, Wednesday afternoon closing still exists elsewhere, even Mondays may dictate locked doors and pulled blinds. Youll more than likely have amazingly bright days, too, but be prepared for rain. But if you can pick up a locally made loaf of bread and some local cheese, why not? The store, which belonged to his parents before him, is something of an institution for walkers topping up for the final days on the trail. Knoydart Lodge: Cape Wrath Stay - FANTASTIC! Cape Wrath Trail. Yet I hear a similar story from Irwin Mackay, shy owner of The London Stores, a tiny shop stuffed full of snacks, fresh fruit and newspapers, near Kinlochbervie. Header image Shutterstock / Jan Holm. You wake at first light, eat and sleep when you can. Clockwise from top: Bothy visitors Amazon, Aaron and Merlin. Leave enough for others and the ecology. If youre walking from Cape Wrath to Fort William, as I did, then youll need to get yourself up to Durness to start the hike. This also gives the opportunity to try and snaffle a few extras for later down the trail- sugar sachets, hard boiled eggs, cheeses, even sachets of mustard or sauce to add to an evening meal. This meant I came in a bit short of my target mileage, which put further pressure on the next few days. 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! Take a (heavy) piece of fruit or tomato for the first day back on trail. If there is any lesson to be learnt here, it is dont worry. They know the area and what to expect on higher routes.
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