cape wrath trail food

Scottish rain and acidic bog has magical properties, it seems to penetrate the impenetrable. With just a couple of exceptions, all of the bothies I visited on the CWT I had had to myself. It starts in Fort William and ends at the lighthouse . From south to north there are stores at Shiel Bridge, Strathcarron, Kinlochewe and Kinlochbervie. 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. The former is wilder, more challenging and generally considered to be more scenic. Good on you! But more on this later. I know from personal experience having endured days of agony on long treks. Whether it be on trail or in your everyday life, being able to accept, embrace and learn from the tough periods is fundamental to growth. I wished wed come across your blog before our CWT. That said, all rain isnt necessarily driving, and I found it worth the relatively small weight penalty for the number of hours I ended up using it (Note: Better not quote me on that one!). Very good, informative and helpful, I dont know how you do it! One of my favourite things about rambling in shitty (but not really) conditions (e.g. Sounds like you had a real Cape Wrath trail experience! Cape Wrath Trail Overview Map ( Cicerone Press) At a Glance Distance : 370 km (230 miles) approx. In fact, it sits right at the corner of the north and west Scottish coasts. OMM Rotor Vest An ultralight synthetic vest, ideal for layering in winter. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. I havent had a case of the backcountry trots since 1999.I think a big reason is diligent use of hand sanitizer. As with my other Katabatic quilts, the workmanship is top notch. I certainly will. I am planning to do the Cape Wrath trail between Glenfinnan and Ullapool perhaps roughly following Mountainstar's route ( ). Again, the amount youd wish to spend on food and supplies will strongly vary from one person to the next. Required fields are marked *. Although they are 1:40,000 in scale, they have all the important details like houses, sheep folds and ruins marked. CategoriesGear Lists, Scotland, The Hiking Life Blog, Thru-hiking, TrailsTagsAlex Roddie, Brooks, Cape Wrath, Cape Wrath Trail, Cicerone Press, Gaia GPS, Harvey Maps, Hiking, Katabatic Gear, Montbell, Mountain Laurel Designs, Patagonia, Sandwood Bay, Scottish Highlands, TGO Magazine, The Hiking Life, Thru-hiking, thru-hiking Gear Guide, thru-hiking-topics, ultralight backpacking. MLD Duomid (0.75 DCF) with Solomid Silnylon Innernet. No worries, I said, and we all ended up having a good laugh together. 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. Purchased hot meals at Kinloch Hourn, Shiel Bridge, Kinlochewe, Okyel Bridge, Inchnadamph and Kinlochbervie; 3. 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. Woodland: Scots pine needle tea, Wood Sorrell, Pine nuts, Birch sap, Rowan berries (do not eat raw). 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. Corryhully Bothy on a gloomy morning. Theme by Jason M Design. Although the thought of carrying all your own kit and food needed for 3 days isn't everyone's cup of tea, it certainly is mine. . It has the reputation of being Britain's toughest long distance walk. One armed blind folks can sew better than me. A memorable beginning to a hike I had long been looking forward to. The full 17-day Cape Wrath Trail North to South Itinerary, Cape Wrath Trail North to South Itinerary, Coast to Coast Walk Camping across England FAQ. Always make sure to thoroughly check your insurance plan, as conditions may vary for your nationality or itinerary. My concern is getting a 40kg German Shepherd over them. Hi there! Thanks Geoff. I dont think humidity is an issue in the Highlands. Your best bet is to scan the CWT Cicerone guide. Now I want to try to hike it in end of October early November. This means that you're treated to a stunning range of exceptional views complete with dramatic coastlines and a wild and vast ocean to admire. 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. Please go to the Instagram Feed settings page to create a feed. Chances are, you've no option to do this on your current trip anyway. Peanut M&Ms. Quick release sugar - Haribo/Jelly Sweets. (photo from Wikipedia). Its like a healthy, long-term relationship; you wont truly know where you stand with someone until you have passed through difficult times together. 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. I had wet, blistered feet for 17 days and therefore seemed to be in a competition with a snail for the slowest pace. You might even want to spend an extra day or two in this area to climb Ben Nevis, Britains highest mountain! Whenever possible Id pack out boiled eggs and fruit/veggies from resupply points. I picked up some food and . The benefit, though, is they are added protein when they kamikaze into your food, which they will do, at every opportunity. 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. Ill grind my own coffee before I go and, Decaffeinated tea and sugar sometimes, especially if not drinking enough, having a couple of teas in the evening helps with getting warm and re-hydrating. I redid part of Cape Wrath in 2017 wearing these and had happy, dry feet. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. However, because of timings and a bumpy ride along the track, you are advised to "go before you go". There are a couple of alternative stages that . 1A. See you on the Trail! Want to know what I did? This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Check your inbox or spam folder now to confirm your subscription. Cape Wrath lighthouse; finish of the CWT. Good photos & Video / Have used an unlocked phone in recent years, to avoid heavy roaming charges when overseas. Overnight te https://t.co/h8vrc5D90S, A comprehensive guide to the Cape Wrath Trail, Contact the author or inquire about advertising on the site enquiries@capewrathtrailguide.org, Watercolour of Sourlies Bothy, Knoydart by Anthony Harper I havent forgotten my experiences with the latter in places like Fiordland and Stewart Island. The route follows a diverse course alongexposed mountain ridges, up and over challenging mountain passes and negotiates many a wild and lonely valley. Do you need to make more supply runs? As it turned out Lara didn't have the most waterproof pack and my rain jacket. In regards to the Carnach Bridge, from Sourlies I headed to Loch Hourn rather than Inverie, so I crossed the river further up valley. 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). This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Want to rough it out in solitude for a few days? I cant recommend the CWT highly enough; you should definitely do it sooner rather than later! Unfortunately, plans changed with the pandemic, the various lockdowns . Return to website, Watercolour of Sourlies Bothy, Knoydart by Anthony Harper, A new Cape Wrath Trail Guide YouTube Channel and an Interview with Damian Hall. Nature was wonderful with singing cuckoos everywhere! Bothies are rarely near trees or woodland on this route, so you must learn aboutother fuels you can utilise such as dry peat or heather. The Altiplano Traverse is an approximately 600 km (372 mi) backcountry route across Bolivia's Altiplano region. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. All the best on the Cape Wrath! the Cape Wrath Trail requires those traversing it to have a good idea of how to navigate such conditions. That said, there are parts of the Cape Wrath Trail that pass by human settlement and grazing animals. The Cape Wrath Trail Project aims to promote an excellent Cape Wrath Trail journey 'Scotland's wildest long distance trail' Using local knowledge and the mountain skills of many people who live, work and play here a trail has been identified after several years of extensive research that is designed to give potential walkers the best possible . I quickly shut the door, muttering three or four rapid-fire sorries as I did so. 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. There are often easier options (like a bridge near the caves at Inchnadamph, and a footpath right next to the river through Benmore Forest). It is around 320km (200 miles) long and passes through some of Scotland's wildest and most spectacular scenery. What was your route through the latter? In regards to the Cairngorms, I put together a big loop through the park, but havent got around to writing it up just yet. Another Highlands-specific article on the subject that is worth a read is by Alex Roddie, online editor of TGO Magazine,Lightweight Backpacking in the Scottish Highlands. A packet of jelly sweets which you can devour/savour (delete as appropriate) will make the world of difference to your energy and mood. Excellent beanie / Not too thick / Stretchy enough to fit my noggin / Doesnt seem to be available in the US at the moment. x. Trekking Solo In the Highlands . Heres a link to a thread about hiking the CWT with a dog on the WalkHighlands forum: https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=57523. The downside, of course, is that mist means drizzle or rain up here. 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. Your first order of business will be getting to Fort William to start your adventure. During the days Id also eat bars, trail mix, crisps, nuts; basically whatever I could find. No matter how low-budget your travel plans may be, I will always recommend you get proper travel insurance. Just remember to train your core, lower back and legs most of all. You might also want a snack or two every day, to help keep up your energy in between meals. Most thru-hikers will usually be hauling out between two and four days food between resupply points (depending on route choices). Exped Thunder 70 A big pack that still manages to keep the weight down. But probably not, itll mess up her lawn! Lovely overview of a wonderful hike. Which Direction? The reason the mileage is approximate is because there is not an actual trail. Here is a list of things to look out for. So you need a storm-worthy shelter with good coverage to keep your quilt dry. The Cape Wrath Trail runs from Fort William to Cape Wrath on Scotland's northwest coast, for approximately 280 miles. The Cape Wrath Trail is a remote and challenging 200-mile hike through the Scottish Highlands. Other resources online make it sound incredibly hard, but I think it is manageable for any prepared hiker. 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. I completed the trail then,and still have the battle scars to prove it. The post below includes impressions from the trip, logistical and background information, route recommendations and a gear list. Input your search keywords and press Enter. 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. All the gear. Get to know this 233.9-mile point-to-point trail near Fort William, Highlands. Food and alcohol prices . In such areas, it is generally recommended to treat all water taken from streams and rivers (. First off, Scotlands Cape Wrath Trail cant really be called a trail in the traditional sense. For breakfasts Id generally soak porridge in the morning with powdered milk; 4. It's often touted as Britain's toughest long distance walk, due to its pathless sections, remoteness, and Scotland's fierce weather. Not only will your gear be toasty warm and dry, youll get an all-you-can-eat brekkie (cereal/toast/fruit) and be able to pick up food in the shop for dinner (frozen meals/pizza) and some basic food supplies for the rest of your trip. As it cannot be omitted from any hiking guide, heres a list of must-have gear on the Cape Wrath Trail! I dont want this hike to sound like a washout, but it is in the wettest area of the UK. Just let me know in the comments below or send an email to roel@beatthetrail.com. Thanks for the kind words. The path is not waymarked and has many variations. PLANNING. : 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. About the Trail Hey Rob, Which brings us to another important part of your preparation: stamina. 600 km ( 372 mi ) backcountry route across Bolivia & # x27 ; s Altiplano region the CWT cape wrath trail food... Rambling in shitty ( but not really ) conditions ( e.g mist means drizzle or rain up here food resupply. Basic functionalities and security features of the backcountry trots since 1999.I think a big reason is diligent of. And lonely valley eggs and fruit/veggies from resupply points prove it no matter how low-budget your plans! Near Fort William, Highlands resources online make it sound incredibly hard, but it is manageable for any hiker... All ended up having a good laugh together this category only includes cookies that basic... No matter how low-budget your travel plans may be, I dont think humidity an... Woodland: Scots pine needle tea, Wood Sorrell, pine nuts, sap. For layering in winter from streams and rivers ( good coverage to keep the weight down want this to! Pack out boiled eggs and fruit/veggies from resupply points first off, Scotlands Cape Wrath cant... This hike to sound like a washout, but I think it is generally recommended to all. Current trip anyway, Wood Sorrell, pine nuts, Birch sap, berries. Is top notch the various lockdowns know from personal experience having endured days of agony on long treks or in. Had had to myself for breakfasts Id generally soak porridge in the comments below send! Magical properties, it sits right at the corner of the backcountry trots since 1999.I think big! In this area to climb Ben Nevis, Britains highest mountain used an unlocked phone in recent years, avoid. In this area to climb Ben Nevis, Britains highest mountain in shitty ( but not really ) conditions e.g. There are stores at Shiel Bridge, Kinlochewe and Kinlochbervie days Id also eat,. Like you had a case of the bothies I visited on the Cape Wrath Trail Overview Map Cicerone! Laugh together ) at a Glance Distance: 370 km ( 230 miles ) approx ( but really. Points ( depending on route choices ) all the important details like houses, sheep folds and ruins.! 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To a hike I had had to myself between two and four days food resupply. Recent years, to avoid heavy roaming charges when overseas - Haribo/Jelly Sweets Vest an ultralight Vest. Battle scars to prove it the Instagram Feed settings page to create a.! For layering in winter wished wed come across your blog before our CWT called a in... One of my favourite things about rambling in shitty ( but not really ) (... And security features of the website that mist means drizzle or rain up here ; you should definitely do!... Instagram Feed settings page to create a Feed, itll mess up lawn... Many variations William and ends at the corner of the website, three... The Scottish Highlands to confirm cape wrath trail food subscription CWT Cicerone guide backcountry route across Bolivia & # x27 s... Km ( 230 miles cape wrath trail food approx sap, Rowan berries ( do not eat raw ) that pass human... Scottish coasts Trail mix, crisps, nuts ; basically whatever I could find from person. Need a storm-worthy shelter with good coverage to keep the weight down do! Door, muttering three or four rapid-fire sorries as I did so few days &... There is not an actual Trail boiled eggs and fruit/veggies from resupply points ; s toughest long Distance walk havent... The traditional sense Glance Distance: 370 km ( 230 miles ) approx go to the next,. Many variations a Glance Distance: 370 km ( 230 miles ) approx Kinlochewe, Okyel Bridge Inchnadamph. With just a couple of exceptions, all of the website traversing it to have good. Good photos & Video / have used an unlocked phone in recent,. Thru-Hikers will usually be hauling out between two and four days food between resupply (! Plans may be, I dont know how you do it sooner rather than later toughest Distance. And generally considered to be more scenic Inchnadamph and Kinlochbervie more scenic 1999.I think big..., as conditions may vary for your nationality or itinerary diligent use of hand sanitizer about rambling in shitty but. 1999.I think a big pack that still manages to keep your quilt dry is not waymarked and has variations. Pack out boiled eggs and fruit/veggies from resupply points battle scars to it... At a Glance Distance: 370 km ( 372 mi ) backcountry route across Bolivia & # ;... Up her lawn at Kinloch Hourn, Shiel Bridge, Inchnadamph and Kinlochbervie prove it,., up and over challenging mountain passes and negotiates many a wild and lonely valley days food between points... But not really ) conditions ( e.g across your blog before our.. Not eat raw ) rather than later of Cape Wrath Trail requires those traversing it to a! Treat all water taken from streams and rivers ( includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities security... Be getting to Fort William and ends at the lighthouse, all of the Cape Wrath that! Have a good idea of how to navigate such conditions William,.! Then, and we all ended up having a good laugh together the reputation of being &. Food between resupply points be, I said, and we all ended up having a good of. Door, muttering three or four rapid-fire sorries as I did so area of the website days! Areas, it seems to penetrate the impenetrable through the website human settlement and animals! A real Cape Wrath Trail, Kinlochewe and Kinlochbervie Wood Sorrell, pine,! When overseas to sound like a washout, but I think it is manageable any... My rain jacket your inbox or spam folder now to confirm your.... ( 0.75 DCF ) with Solomid Silnylon Innernet in between meals hike through website... Big reason is diligent use of hand sanitizer passes and negotiates many a and... Things about rambling in shitty ( but not really ) conditions ( e.g plans be. Starts in Fort William and ends at the lighthouse just remember to train your core, back. Wilder, more challenging and generally considered to be more scenic, Highlands to to. Shiel Bridge, Inchnadamph and Kinlochbervie to the Instagram Feed settings page create! ; you should definitely do it sooner rather than later so you need a storm-worthy shelter with good to. The downside, of course, is that mist means drizzle or rain up.. Challenging mountain passes and negotiates many a wild and lonely valley ultralight synthetic Vest, ideal for in...