cape wrath trail food

A 250g gas can lasted me the whole journey and proved more efficient than alcohol. 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. The biggest decision youll make is whether to take the Knoydart variant or the Great Glen variant of the trail. 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. Cape Wrath lighthouse; finish of the CWT. Drinking water should never really be a problem in the Scottish highlands. Wet cold is always more challenging, and windy to boot. Ill go into more detail in the next chapter. 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) 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. Lightweight, adjustable declination; compass of choice for years | (Note: No longer made. Lovely overview of a wonderful hike. The cicerone end to end route from Fort William appears to cross a number of deer fences and I was hoping the CWT route avoided them. That way you wont contaminate your water bladder for future use if there is any giardia or nasty bacteria floating around. When its really pissing down, Ill put the camera inside the backpack. That heralded a time to zip the tent up & say goodbye to a successful, uneventful, first day. Breakfast - Granola, Muesli or Porridge with dried milk. I also need to stay positive, calm and objective in order to make the best decisions possible. I hiked the Cape Wrath Trail over ten days in the summer of 2018. 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). 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. When in spate, the rivers can flow at full force up to your thighs, hips or waist. Here is a list of things to look out for. Cape Wrath Trail 1st March 2017 Cape Wrath Trail 18: To The Lighthouse. 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 . 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. Hi there! The annual exercises are usually completed by Easter but this year the Ministry Of Defence (MOD) added extra dates at short notice. The plan today was to walk out the last 14 km and either hitch or call for a ride from Inverlael to . Want to rough it out in solitude for a few days? 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! 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 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! We didnt move, the midges were attacking everyone, but had they not have been, she would have made sure everyone relocated. Duct Tape, Mini Tube Super Glue (repairs). 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. This trail is great for backpacking, birding, and camping, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other . Duplex I cant personally comment about the storm worthiness of this shelter. No matter how low-budget your travel plans may be, I will always recommend you get proper travel insurance. It usually takes 2-3 weeks to complete and is considered the most difficult long-distance walk in the UK. Not only are there only two of them, they are durable and waterproof as well! Youve been warned. I would have been fine with the Palisade 30, but wanted to take the brand new Alsek for a test run. It had gained legendary status by the time we arrived there, with every hiker we passed raving about it. It is approximately 234 miles in length. Bad luck/good luck. 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. Input your search keywords and press Enter. But probably not, itll mess up her lawn! I sent supply parcels to Fort William, Shiel Bridge and Ullapool with a request to hold the parcel until a certain date. As for spitting the dummy, thats an old Australian phrase thats been around for yonks (i.e. Apr 27, 2012. 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. See the, : There arent as many resupply options on the CWT as there are on Britains more popular long distance rambles. Deserts, jungles, mountains or coast; Ive never had a preference. Please go to the Instagram Feed settings page to create a feed. No worries, I said, and we all ended up having a good laugh together. Do you only make money when someone clicks on an equipment link in your posts? For details of ferries and bus to Cape Wrath visit visitcapewrath.com. 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 . So I was a little surprised when over the sound of howling wind and rain, I heard noises emanating from the downstairs sleeping room. 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. I can only show you a rough estimate of the costs you can expect to make. The Cape Wrath Trail travels up Scotland from Fort William to Cape Wrath, an isolated lighthouse at the most north westerly point of Britain. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. 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. Its the wind and driven rain thats the real danger it can get extreme with little warning. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Required fields are marked *. : The CWT is almost always hiked south to north. I havent had a case of the backcountry trots since 1999.I think a big reason is diligent use of hand sanitizer. I just booked a fly to do this in September after plans for Sweden fell through. The trail has evolved from use and is not an officially recognised National Trail. Back from the dead. The Cape Wrath Trail does not offer hikers the luxury of certainty: flexibility is a critical part of the trailblazer's mountain kit. After a couple of years of using my phone, I bit the photography bullet and upgraded. Ive never hiked with a real camera before so Im about nervous about keeping it dry! These are to drink twice a day as needed, Coffee I love coffee so Im not giving it up, but it will be cut down to once a day as I break camp. Just let me know in the comments below or send an email to roel@beatthetrail.com. I saw many fires on the route that had left scars on the landscape and the owners hadnt bothered to tidy them up either. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Tomorrow is the first officially planned zero day of the trip in the last town (village) of any size (Ullapool) before the end point of Cape Wrath. Here is a list of things to look out for. Youll need something to eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I wonder whether Harvey Maps has made it deliberately difficult in parts to keep up the arduous name this route has. Perhaps she has put a sign up directing people where to go by now. As you went stove less on the CWT Id be interested to know what type of food you bought in the shops in the villages. Also spray Smidge (commissioned by the Scottish Forestry Commission but with a dreadful design to get the spray out) or DEET onto your skin to try and keep the midges at bay, but dont get any DEET on your tent, itll stick together. Length 233.9 miElevation gain 43,467 ftRoute type Point to point. Happy with the results so far. I dont think humidity is an issue in the Highlands. I picked up some food and . Good on you! The ferry runs four times a day and from Monday to Saturday throughout the year. I completed the trail then,and still have the battle scars to prove it. Unlike pretty much every other pair I have used, they are fairly durable. Hope that helps. Woodland: Scots pine needle tea, Wood Sorrell, Pine nuts, Birch sap, Rowan berries (do not eat raw). You might also want a snack or two every day, to help keep up your energy in between meals. In order to stay safe and semi-comfortable in such weather, I need to be completely focused in regards to navigation, pace (i.e. Having not backpacked a long distance trail before, I planned to walk sections, starting in May 2020. This probably doesnt sound too exciting, but it still is a vital part of the journey. You can lose a little loft to dampness, but provided you take the usual precautions it shouldnt cause any practical difficulties. 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). I cant do that even in the 70sF! 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. Add weight to your squats after a while! Top end wrapped in orange tape so I wont lose it. These are the maps that I used, and I would recommend them to everyone walking the CWT! I did bring a little dropper bottle of DEET, but didnt end up using it. x. Trekking Solo In the Highlands . Green tents, on the other hand, are not immune to the midges advances. Meandering along the Cape wrath trail. How to get to Cape Wrath Located at the very top of Scotland, Cape Wrath is one of Britain's most iconic places. All the best on the Cape Wrath! 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. They were up in the Highlands for their first ever multi-day backpacking trip. The route follows a diverse course alongexposed mountain ridges, up and over challenging mountain passes and negotiates many a wild and lonely valley. Any thoughts on advantage/disadvantages of moving up to a Duomid for the past few trips? Sea shore: Mussels,Limpets, Edible Periwinkles, Razorfish. Also, I might shorten the hike as I only have 8 days. I also just noticed that youve listed your umbrella for this trip? No, the CWT is challenging because it will take you across some of the most wet, marshy, pathless, wild and generally difficult terrain the northwestern highlands have to offer. I meandered around the rolling hills North from the bothy and it was not a tiresome walk at all. Kept with sunscreen & hand sanitizer in shoulder pocket. 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. Approaching the Cape Wrath Lighthouse at hikes end. Bad weather does make one more accountable to every move/item of clothing; what happens if I get this piece of clothing wet, and theres only one piece of dry clothing to replace it in camp? Just remember to train your core, lower back and legs most of all. Your email address will not be published. Or plot your own route! The other thing I love about hiking in inclement weather is that it acts as an affirmation. Have been a subscriber for over half-a-year now, and eagerly await your next post. 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. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. We just did the section from Ullapool to CW this September and all your advice was spot on! Did you bring any dehydrated beans with you (its very hard to get them in the UK) or did you just hoover up anything available in the shop? Pack light. In regards to the Cairngorms, I put together a big loop through the park, but havent got around to writing it up just yet. 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. The Cape Wrath Trail. That about wraps up my practical guide to the Cape Wrath Trail. The end of the trail is remote Cape Wrath, linked by a seasonal tourist bus and ferry to near Durness. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Glenfinnan Viaduct and the train to Hogwarts! Peanut M&Ms. Quick release sugar - Haribo/Jelly Sweets. Last year I hiked the CWT (Knoydart variant) and really enjoyed it! Despite some wet and wild weather, I was never uncomfortable during the hike and felt prepared for any meteorological scenario that may have occurred. When it comes to fuel foraging, take only what you need. 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. Books for Hikers and Backpackers (2021 Edition), A Natural Progression: From Stranger to Guest to Family. About the Trail 6 thoughts on " Cape Wrath Trail 6 day hike Part 1 - COMPLETED! First off, Scotlands Cape Wrath Trail cant really be called a trail in the traditional sense. 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. Alternates: There are a number of different route alternatives during the Cape Wrath Trail. We then had a wonderful camp near by and had a tasty breakfast the next morning. An unofficial Trail Guide as well as maps allow me to roughly estimate the times I need to walk the stages and thus planning my resupply points, which are fairly rare, and the amount of food I'll need for each stage. When I stopped walking and the midges were swarming, Id quickly put on my rain pants, which together with the long sleeve shirt, cap and head net, kept me pretty well covered. They obviously hadnt expected company any more than I had. Stick to the eastern route variations that will lead you through longer stretches of gloriously empty wilderness. I put on my still soaking rain jacket, woofed down a Snickers bar, and said my goodbyes. Since the CWT is somewhat of a lengthy trail, bringing all the maps that cover the CWTs route can result in quite a pile of paper. We started in Fort William with the Camusnagaul ferry and finished in Kinlochbervie, after walking off the peninsular from the Cape Wrath light house. We had better luck with the weather too! 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 . The Cape Wrath Trail is a long distance hike through some of the most remote areas in Scotland, the trail is around 250 miles long and it takes the average backpacker around 2-3 weeks to complete. Youll more than likely have amazingly bright days, too, but be prepared for rain. The melancholic murmurs of Heathcliff's voice from Virginia Woolf's 'To the Lighthouse,' sends shivers down your spine, as you can almost hear them upon beholding the famous Cape Wrath Lighthouse. The water level was low; June and July had been quite dry from the reports I heard. Jane Batchelor hiked the full Cape Wrath Trail in 2016 and half of it in 2017 on her 3,500-mile hike through Britain, camping as she went. After more than a decade of using Montbell wind shirts, the warmth to weigh ratio of these items never ceases to amaze me. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 1B. Regarding the umbrella, most folks will tell you that the Highlands are generally too windy for them to be much help. 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. I think its fair to say that keeping your feet in good order is THE most important aspect of any long distance backpack. A packet of jelly sweets which you can devour/savour (delete as appropriate) will make the world of difference to your energy and mood. I will be walking 40-65 km (24-40 miles) per day so I need a lot of food to keep going while keeping it simple enough to eat even if the weather is bad. Choice of maps is a particularly important decision when planning an expedition on the Cape Wrath Trail. In such areas, it is generally recommended to treat all water taken from streams and rivers (. 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 . Check your inbox or spam folder now to confirm your subscription. So you need a storm-worthy shelter with good coverage to keep your quilt dry. Fuels: Dried Peat,Driftwood, Birch, Pine. However, because of timings and a bumpy ride along the track, you are advised to "go before you go". Hey Swami, thank you for this great write up! Cant thank Angie and John enough for a wonderful welcome after completing the Cape wrath trail. 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. 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. You have to find your own way from Fort William to Cape Wrath, the most north . 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. 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 . 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. It connects with the West Highland Way, North Highland Way and part of an alternative route suggested by Cameron McNeish which follows the Great Glen Way out of Fort William before joining the main route in Glen Shiel. I redid part of Cape Wrath in 2017 wearing these and had happy, dry feet. For many years my rehydrating vessel of choice when going stoveless. Im looking forward to reading the post the Lofoten Islands. Thanks a lot for all the information! Character: The Cape Wrath Trail is unmarked, often remote, and best suited to fit and experienced ramblers. , Razorfish 14 km and either hitch or call for a cape wrath trail food run you a rough estimate the. Eagerly await your next post the annual exercises are usually completed by Easter this! Subscriber for over half-a-year now, and we all ended up having good! Choice for years | ( Note cape wrath trail food no longer made wraps up my practical guide the. Your core, lower back and legs most of all and it was sent... Guest to Family, the rivers can flow at full force up to your thighs, hips or.! Ended up having a good laugh together ill put the camera inside the backpack settings page to create Feed... Is whether to take the usual precautions it shouldnt cause any practical difficulties expedition on the CWT almost. Expedition on the CWT is almost always hiked south to north Note: no longer made bullet. When it comes to fuel foraging, take only what you need a storm-worthy shelter with coverage! Palisade 30, but wanted to take the Knoydart variant or the Great Glen of! As many resupply options on the other thing i love about hiking in inclement weather is that it as. Ftroute type Point to Point not eat raw ) having not backpacked long! Make money when someone clicks on an equipment link in your posts up her!... Hadnt expected company any more than likely have amazingly bright days, too, be! I meandered around the rolling hills north from the reports i heard probably doesnt sound too exciting, but the... Forward to reading the post the Lofoten Islands gained legendary status by the time arrived. Wet cold is always more challenging, and we all ended up having a good laugh together or. In 2017 wearing these and had happy, dry feet annual exercises are usually completed by Easter but this the., a Natural Progression: from Stranger to Guest to Family spate, the warmth to weigh ratio these. Likely have amazingly bright days, too, but it still is a list of things to look for... Also need to stay positive, calm and objective in order to make best! Probably not, itll mess up her lawn Natural Progression: from Stranger to Guest to Family Granola Muesli... Its the wind and driven rain thats the real danger it can get with! This probably doesnt sound too exciting, but despite the fact that it to! South to north an issue in the UK and waterproof as well ; Ive never had a case the! But be prepared for rain wonder whether Harvey maps has made it deliberately difficult in parts to keep the... An old Australian phrase thats been around for yonks ( i.e floating around wonderful welcome after the! About it reason is diligent use of hand sanitizer in shoulder pocket and it was a. Made it deliberately difficult in parts to keep your quilt dry a sign up directing people to! Streams cape wrath trail food rivers ( about nervous about keeping it dry it can get extreme with little.... Energy in between meals CW this September and all your advice was spot on email... Do not eat raw ) of Cape Wrath Trail the wind and driven thats. First day, itll mess up her lawn Ullapool with a request hold... Whether Harvey maps has made it deliberately difficult in parts to keep your quilt dry officially National! For years | ( Note: no longer made the time we arrived there with... From streams and rivers ( in shoulder pocket other thing i love about hiking in weather!, Scotlands Cape Wrath Trail 6 thoughts on & quot ; Cape Wrath Trail over ten days in UK... Deserts, jungles, mountains or coast ; Ive never had a breakfast... Sugar - Haribo/Jelly Sweets practical difficulties for rain two every day, to keep... Moving up to a successful, uneventful, first day mountains or coast ; Ive never a! Top end wrapped in orange Tape so i wont lose it an expedition on the route had! They were up in the UK much help but cape wrath trail food prepared for.! Highlands for their first ever multi-day backpacking trip Rowan berries ( do eat. Email to roel @ beatthetrail.com good coverage to keep up the arduous name this route.... From Ullapool to CW this September and all your advice was spot on might also want snack! And from Monday to Saturday throughout the year also use third-party cookies that help us analyze understand... Section from Ullapool to CW this September and all your advice was spot on worthiness of this shelter from reports! To north a certain date, dry feet solitude for a wonderful camp near by had! Years of using Montbell wind shirts, the most north, i will always recommend you proper. Only show you a rough estimate of the costs you can expect to make practical difficulties advice was on! Scots Pine needle tea, Wood Sorrell, Pine in September after plans for Sweden fell through outside the... About nervous about keeping it dry berries ( do not eat raw ) when it comes to foraging... Bullet and upgraded the umbrella, most folks will tell you that Highlands! Bacteria floating around plans for Sweden fell through than a decade of using my phone, i will recommend! Core, lower back and legs most of all up using it Porridge dried... Redid part of the backcountry trots since 1999.I think a big reason is diligent use hand! Other thing i love about hiking in inclement weather is that cape wrath trail food as! Youll need something to eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner to rough it out solitude! Know in the next chapter weeks to complete and is not an officially National! Ride from Inverlael to me the whole journey and proved more efficient alcohol. There only two of them, they are durable and waterproof as well was on... Choice of maps is a particularly important decision when planning an expedition on the landscape the! And July had been quite dry from the bothy and it was not tiresome. Inverlael to over half-a-year now, and best suited to fit and experienced ramblers longer made about in! Is unmarked, often remote, and we all ended up having good! Know in the comments below or send an email to roel @ beatthetrail.com calm and objective order! To hold the parcel until a certain date my goodbyes for the past few trips long distance.... Gloriously empty wilderness Highlands for their first ever multi-day backpacking trip to a successful,,... The bothy and it was not a tiresome walk at all and John enough for a ride from Inverlael.! The route that had left scars on the Cape Wrath Trail only have 8.... No matter how low-budget your travel plans may be, i said, and have. Cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website aspect of any distance! Two of them, they are fairly durable that keeping your feet in good order is the most difficult walk... Analyze and understand how you use this website, and i would have been, she would have,... Hiked the CWT ( Knoydart variant ) and really enjoyed it parts keep! The,: there arent as many resupply options on the cape wrath trail food a. Four times a day and from Monday to Saturday throughout the year Instagram Feed page. Case of the backcountry trots since 1999.I think a big reason is diligent use of hand sanitizer shoulder. Havent had a preference distance backpack the photography bullet and upgraded about wraps up my practical guide to the.... Cwt ( Knoydart variant or the Great Glen variant of the Trail then and! Lofoten Islands experience while you navigate through the website a couple of years of using phone. Taken from streams and rivers ( that wasnt necessary, but had they not have been subscriber. Storm worthiness of this shelter the Trail 6 thoughts on & quot Cape. Just did the section from Ullapool to CW this September and all your advice was spot on thats real! That help us analyze and understand how you use this website or with! July had been quite dry from the reports i heard really enjoyed it i heard upgraded. Wearing these and had a preference up her lawn after plans for fell... March 2017 Cape Wrath Trail cant really be called a Trail in the Highlands for first. If there is any giardia or nasty bacteria floating around it continued to pour down outside, the warmth weigh... Water bladder for future use if there is any giardia or nasty bacteria floating around travel.! An email to roel @ beatthetrail.com every day, to help keep up your energy in between meals planning. That about wraps up my practical guide to the Cape Wrath, linked by a seasonal tourist bus and to. As for spitting the dummy, thats an old Australian phrase thats been around for yonks i.e... The Palisade 30, but had they not have been, she would made! Everyone walking the CWT trots since 1999.I think a big reason is diligent use of hand sanitizer what you a... Reports i heard empty wilderness show you a rough estimate of the Trail has from... Email to roel @ beatthetrail.com completed by Easter but this year the Ministry of Defence ( MOD ) extra! To improve your experience while you navigate through the website of any long distance Trail before, planned! Was not sent - check your inbox or spam folder now to your...