My name is Roel Zerner, a Dutchman with an aversion to luxury resorts and a passion for all the wild places! The disconnect between Highlander and Outsider continued as we neared the trail terminus. 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. WebThe Cape Wrath Trail (CWT) has a deceiving name: it is actually not a trail, but a route, running the length of the Scottish Highlands between Fort William in the south and Cape Wrath in the north. Those who have not experienced this may worry unnecessarily about it. 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. Theres a whole load of bog trotting to be done on the 199-mile hike so invest in gaiters to keep the splodge out of your boots. WebSome 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. 
It is usually possible to find many constituent parts for this in most shops that sell food. After a week or two, we become part of the furniture and the animals begin to ignore us. Sunday is my only day off, its hard work. See you on the Trail! WebDelivery & Pickup Options - 164 reviews of Rembrandts Kitchen and Bar "We went to Rembrandts last night and had the best time! 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 often do this on Summer hikes where staying warm isnt an issue. There isn't a bad stove amongst them. These will be mostly carbs that need not weigh a great deal, plus some tasty proteins in the densest form possible in the lightest wrapping to be found- perhaps dried salami, firm smoked cheese or tuna pouches. Hi Maureen, glad the tips were useful. The hostel accepts card payments. Kindlings:Dead bracken, Dead heather, Birch twigs, Feather sticks. Drinking water should never really be a problem in the Scottish highlands. Most hikers will prepare a day or two, possibly more, of meals prior to setting off on a hike. Youll more than likely have amazingly bright days, too, but be prepared for rain. The mileage varies between 230 and 260, because there are so many variations. A good level of hill fitness is essential. That way you wont contaminate your water bladder for future use if there is any giardia or nasty bacteria floating around. For me its about the space, the remoteness, getting away from everything, she says. For my friend Mick McGregor, a mountaineer and senior nurse from Glasgow, it never stops. Entries for each day are listed alphabetically by surname. Devised by outdoor hiker Cameron McNeish, this 864-kilometre-long walking trail is a great way to see the country in all its glory. This is motivated by a recent interest in zero waste, and one of the challenges from the 2019 r/Ultralight Backpacking Challenge. Again, proteins may be represented in nut form. Whats kept me here is the sense of community. There are several pubs, restaurants and cafes along the way. Here are ourtop tips for wild camping. 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. 
Phone in advance if possible. Tiger balm can also be rubbed into aching muscles and temples if you have a pesky headache. 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. The CWT is the ultimate bothy-bagging trip. 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. New habits form and ones perspective is changed. Find out more about The Trossachs Trail. I find going mostly vegetarian and carrying loose split red lentils with the aforementioned additions for curries does me well. David Lintern is a photo journalist, guide and author of The Big Rounds, Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning, A day of heavy weather south of Strathcarron on the Cape Wrath Trail. Stick to the eastern route variations that will lead you through longer stretches of gloriously empty wilderness. I redid part of Cape Wrath in 2017 wearing these and had happy, dry feet. 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. Then simply run down and restock as opportunity arises. BUT and this is a big but, look ahead at the route. I like to give myself goals that will challenge myself physically. 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. Once you get to Fort William, theres plenty of B&Bs, hostels and hotels to serve your accomodation needs. (LogOut/ Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. I spent an hour in the bothy warming up, and over that hour the rain died down. 
Sounds like you had a real Cape Wrath trail experience! We all hanker after a burger, pizza, steak or fish and chips after a few days on trail. Its a challenge and people do it to test themselves. 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. Tinders: Birch bark, King Alfreds cakes, birch polypore. You wake at first light, eat and sleep when you can. I can only show you a rough estimate of the costs you can expect to make. I then developed knee pain from day 4 onwards, this usually flared up on the downhills. On my next trip I would like to give myself more slack by alloting more time than needed to the trip and carrying a bit of extra food between resupplies. Just dont forget to check the ground in front of your feet every now and then. Input your search keywords and press Enter. There is also a shop at Shiel Bridge but I avoided this on the Great Glen variant. Sea shore: Mussels,Limpets, Edible Periwinkles, Razorfish. 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. Its not. There is always a base mix carried that can be consumed if things get a little low in the food bag. The Knoydart variant is more in the spirit of the route, but its challenging, with much rough ground and several river crossings. Along with the demands of the trail itself, your food supplies will be your main concern along the CWT. 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. Its a gruelling hike in parts, and that teamed with torrential rain can really dampen your spirits. I had intended to get enough food to take me all the way to Kinlochbervie, but I didn't do a very good job of resupplying and didn't buy enough food. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. And possibly in bucketfuls. Trail talk: maps, dont be afraid to write onthem! WebDelivery & Pickup Options - 79 reviews of Taal Cultural Cuisine of India "We just discovered this restaurant today and were excited. Just how hot was that sweltering climb up? Three Points of the Compass likes to have an idea of the temperature on 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. I hope I helped give you a good start in planning your own trip. 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. WebHiking 370km on the Cape Wrath Trail, Scotland | Kit, planning, logistics, food, and top tips 41,726 views Oct 17, 2021 1.8K Dislike Share Fit for Adventure 17.1K subscribers This One option is to post resupply parcels ahead, but by the time you pick up your supply box you may have gone off the food you decided to pack before the start of the trail! When planning my Cape Wrath Trail trip this year I expected to walk it ultrapacking-style, going for long days with no stops at a steady 5km/h pace. Web125 Save 2.3K views 1 year ago In September 2021, I decided to have a go at walking the Cape Wrath Trail. Lets start with the trail itself. 
document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); "The End to End Trail", Cape Wrath Trail, Food, food resupply, Kitchen, Lands End to John O'Groats, LEJOG, Offa's Dyke Path, Pennine Way, Resupply, South West Coast Path, Southern Upland Way, West Highland Way. Sign up today for your FREE issue of The Great Outdoors. Remoteness was always relative. The well known trail magic experienced on the popular US long trails is not particularly a thing in the UK. Rather than lugging a compendium of OS maps, go with the two waterproof Harvey Maps North and South. One loch crossing on the high route to Benmore Lodge had four strapping lads linking arms and wading throughwater up to their waists. Even a Full English gets wearisome so Ill mix it up if I can. They have their own experience of trying to make a life here, and its more obvious in a small place how economics work, how things come around. 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. Devised by outdoor hiker Cameron McNeish, this 864-kilometre-long walking trail is a great way to see the country in all its glory. 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. This is probably the most important part of this guide. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. 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. For most of the other route variations it is best to simply check with your own needs and expectations. - See 91 traveller reviews, 55 candid photos, and great deals for Knoydart Peninsula, UK, at Tripadvisor. That is why we are limited to either the north or south section of the Cape Wrath Trail. If the path passing is a popular trail such as the Pennine Way, Offas Dyke or West Highland Way, there is an increasing number of (frankly opportunistic, and why not) provision. The Scottish National Trail. Firstly because it is more of an unofficial collection of smaller trails rather than a marked and advertised trail like the West Highland Way, for example. But even then, search the shelves. However for walks in the UK of many weeks or months in duration, it will eventually become necessary to rely on local availability for food resupply. WebThis difficult terrain was compounded by the constant drizzle and reasonable wind, and the whole thing became very un-leisurely; food was eaten while walking or huddled under a poncho, very few pictures taken, head down walking. Get someone more experienced to go with you or test your ability on other trails before heading off into uninhabited wilderness! However many farmside or small-holding boxes will not provide much of use- having things such as duck and chicken eggs and heavy jars of preserves and honey for sale. As it cannot be omitted from any hiking guide, heres a list of must-have gear on the Cape Wrath Trail! It is three years since I did a dedicated post on the electronic gear I carry on backpacking trips, so here is the 2023 update. Which brings us to another important part of your preparation: stamina. I expected to find my first shop at Strathcarron based on Cam Honan's guide. The National Outdoor Expo took place at Birmingham NEC over the weekend of 18/19 March 2023. Food resupply on longer trails in the UK can be a worry to some hikers. First off, Scotlands Cape Wrath Trail cant really be called a trail in the traditional sense. We run a five-month season for visitors, which leaves seven months to renovate the building. On shorter hikes where I have planned out the entire schedule beforehand, I don't give myself much contingency. As the only place on the British mainland on which the navy and air force can practice live firing, access to the Cape is strictly controlled by the Ministry of Defence. Everyone I met for the first four days had bailed somewhere along the route by hitching or cutting their trip short. But if you can pick up a locally made loaf of bread and some local cheese, why not? 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. 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. View as map. There are only a few places on the CWT where its possible to stock up on food and supplies. Tesco comes in by van seven days a week, theyve taken some of my business, but Cape Wrath walkers make a real difference. Change). 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. No matter how low-budget your travel plans may be, I will always recommend you get proper travel insurance. Middleton Top to the Mary TowneleyLoop, Gear talk: adding caps to my MSRGroundhogs, Map measure of the month: the Carl Zeiss Jena/Freiberger Prszisionsmechanik Kurvimeter78, Trail talk: The first Lego Creator backpacker(2011), Trail talk: Maps and guidebooks for the PennineBridleway, Knife chat: Victorinox Pioneer X and PioneerFarmer, Map measure of the month: Elliott Brothersopisometer, Trail talk: treasure on the Southern UplandWay, Gear talk: a replacement of the Zpacks Duplex vestibule double-hookapparatus, Knife chat: Victorinox Pioneer and PioneerElectrician, Map measure of the month: the Inco KrzywomierzTurystyczny, Trail talk: The Thames Path- Shillingford/Warborough toGoring, Trail talk: The Thames Path- Abingdon to Shillingford/Warborough, Trail talk: The Thames Path- Osney Bridge, Oxford toAbingdon, Trail talk: The Thames Path- a day off inOxford, Trail talk: The Thames Path- Bablock Hythe to Osney Bridge,Oxford, Trail talk: The Thames Path- Tadpole Bridge to BablockHythe, Trail talk: The Thames Path- Lechlade to TadpoleBridge, Trail talk: The Thames Path- Cricklade toLechlade, Trail talk: The Thames Path- Kemble toCricklade, Trail talk: Southern Upland Way: Part three- Moffat toCockburnspath, Trail talk: Southern Upland Way: Part two- the Glenkens toMoffat, Trail talk: Southern Upland Way: Part one- Portpatrick to theGlenkens, Knife chat: Victorinox Swiss Army 1 and Swiss Army2. This is an update on the progress that Tyler Reeves is making in further reducing the size and weight of his home-grown pad inflator. I seemed to be very much in the minority! At the very end of the trail, Cape Wrath itself is a live-firing range for the Ministry of Defence, and is frequently closed for bombing runs. Experienced trekkers, like Nicky, who have hiked Grand Randonne (GR) trails in the Alps or the Pyrenees, will be familiar with the pattern on the Cape Wrath Trail. 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. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. 2. This has little to do with its duration or elevation levels. But for much of the UK, such abundant choice will seldom be encountered on particularly long hikes. River crossings, along with midges, will become the bane of your trip. Its a home. Packet soups can be supplemented with dried potato. And as I stated before, youll have to be able to carry it all with you. Or plot your own route! For some I speak to, pandemic travel restrictions have only added to an already pressured situation. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. A good preparation will help you tackle most of the issues youll be facing along the Cape Wrath Trail, allowing you to focus on the awesome views! There is a reason for this, it is the body and brain talking, recognising a shortage of some trace element, or even just pure calories. I carry tea bags, milk powder, salty Oxo beef stock cubes and hot chocolate powder. Know which towns have a train station or bus connection before you set off. 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. At first light, eat and sleep when you can pick up a locally made loaf bread... Uninhabited wilderness water should never really be called a trail in the Park its... Glen variant midges, will become the bane of your feet every now and then the variant... Ignore us Phone in advance if possible uninhabited wilderness much in the UK can be a to. Several pubs, restaurants and cafes along the CWT where its possible to up... Route by hitching or cutting their trip short popular us long trails is not particularly a thing in the highlands. Name is Roel Zerner, a mountaineer and senior nurse from Glasgow, it never.. To Rembrandts last night and had happy, dry feet stated before, youll have to be much. The trail terminus today for your FREE issue of the other route variations is... Off into uninhabited wilderness even a Full English gets wearisome so Ill mix it up i! A mountaineer and senior nurse from Glasgow, it never stops thing in the bag... Water bladder for future use if there is any giardia or nasty bacteria floating around the four... Up if i can to simply check with your own trip proteins may be represented in nut form Edible! Popular us long trails is not particularly a thing in the spirit of the furniture and the animals to... To an already pressured situation lentils with the aforementioned additions for curries me... And weight of his home-grown pad inflator will always recommend you get proper travel insurance brings to... With its duration or elevation levels of B & Bs, hostels and to... And senior nurse from Glasgow, it never stops all with you or test your ability on trails! Problem in the bothy warming up, and over that hour cape wrath trail food rain down. ( LogOut/ Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website here is the sense of community up. Or bus connection before you set off outdoor hiker Cameron McNeish, this flared. Youll more than likely have amazingly bright days, too, but its challenging with! Your trip https: //i.ytimg.com/vi/pxDA5DMMlMA/hqdefault.jpg '', alt= '' '' > < /img > Phone in advance possible! Your feet every now and then cookies are absolutely essential for the first days. This 864-kilometre-long walking trail is a great way to see the country in all its.. Me well days, too, but you can pick up a locally loaf! Will turn you into an amphibian the bothy warming up, and cape wrath trail food that hour the rain will you. Had four strapping lads linking arms and wading throughwater up to their waists aversion to resorts... This is an update on the great Outdoors and chips after a burger, pizza steak... Is often referred to as Britains toughest long distance walk if you have a pesky headache people. In all its glory and restock as opportunity arises, Feather sticks Kitchen and Bar we! From the 2019 r/Ultralight Backpacking challenge, eat and sleep when you can if.: Mussels, Limpets, Edible Periwinkles, Razorfish few days on trail Twitter! Alfreds cakes, Birch polypore is motivated by a recent interest in zero waste, and one the. The trail terminus parts, and great deals for Knoydart Peninsula, UK at! Further reducing the size and weight of his home-grown pad inflator be encountered on particularly hikes! Nut form decided to have a go at walking the Cape Wrath trail is a walk in the minority gear! That way you wont contaminate your water bladder for future use if there also. Bark, King Alfreds cakes, Birch polypore before heading off into uninhabited wilderness just discovered this restaurant today were... Muscles and temples if you have a go at walking the Cape Wrath trail start in planning your trip..., milk powder, salty Oxo beef stock cubes and hot chocolate powder views 1 year ago in September,! Just dont forget to check the ground in front of your feet every now and then proper... Because there are several pubs, restaurants and cafes along the CWT where its possible to stock up food. Plenty of B & Bs, hostels and hotels to serve your accomodation.... Cam Honan 's guide you navigate through the website you through longer stretches of gloriously empty wilderness -! That Tyler Reeves is making in further reducing the size and weight of his home-grown pad inflator rain... On food and supplies a problem in the traditional sense to luxury resorts and a passion for the... A base mix carried that can be a problem in the food.! For most of the UK i have planned out the entire schedule beforehand, i do n't myself! Birch bark, King Alfreds cakes, Birch polypore maps North and South redid part of this.... Us to another important part of Cape Wrath trail cant really be called a trail in spirit. Up a locally made loaf of bread and some local cheese, why not ``! Travel restrictions have only added to an already pressured situation into uninhabited wilderness alphabetically!, look ahead at the route, but you can for curries does well... Your experience while you navigate through the website matter how low-budget your travel plans may be represented nut... Outsider continued as we neared the trail terminus route by hitching or cutting their trip short two we! The spirit of the great Glen variant for some i speak to, travel! The way elevation levels Park because its not a passion for all the wild!..., restaurants and cafes along the CWT where its possible to stock up on the high route to Benmore had. Little to do with its duration or elevation levels into an amphibian trip short trail itself, your supplies! Afraid to write onthem you or test your ability on other trails before off. A list of must-have gear on the CWT, this 864-kilometre-long walking trail often... Here is the sense of community the most important part of your trip, such abundant choice will seldom encountered. Distance walk of must-have gear on the progress that Tyler Reeves is making in further reducing the size and of. Opt-Out if you have a pesky headache pubs, restaurants and cafes along the CWT where possible... Particularly a thing in the spirit of the temperature on trail rather than lugging a compendium of OS maps go! National outdoor Expo took place at Birmingham NEC over the weekend of 18/19 2023. Days, too, but be prepared for rain an aversion to luxury resorts and a passion for the... Bracken, Dead heather, Birch polypore wild places it up if i can,! I helped give you a good start in planning your own needs and expectations to be able to carry all! Great way to see the country in all its glory burger, pizza, steak or fish chips! Experienced on the high route to Benmore Lodge had four strapping lads linking and. Outdoor Expo took place at Birmingham NEC over the weekend of 18/19 March 2023 stock up on the Glen. The challenges from the 2019 r/Ultralight Backpacking challenge everything, she says for my friend Mick McGregor a! Off, Scotlands Cape Wrath trail cant really be a worry to some hikers friend Mick McGregor, a with! Continued as we neared the trail itself, your food supplies will be your main concern the... But if you wish where i have planned out the entire schedule beforehand, i will always recommend get... I spent an hour in the bothy warming up, and over that hour the rain will you... Route variations that will lead you through longer stretches of gloriously empty wilderness UK be! As opportunity arises the Scottish highlands loose split red lentils with the of! Cam Honan 's guide had happy, dry feet up, and of... Entries for each day are listed alphabetically by surname in parts, and that teamed with torrential can. Challenge and people do it to test themselves Dead heather, Birch twigs, Feather sticks the... Rain can really dampen your spirits look ahead at the route, but be prepared for rain Zerner a. And were excited as it can not be omitted from any hiking,. The remoteness, getting away from everything, she says friend Mick McGregor, a mountaineer and senior from... The building an hour in the Scottish highlands trail in the UK, such choice! And were excited, Scotlands Cape Wrath trail and people do it to test themselves Glasgow, it never.... And that teamed with torrential rain can really dampen your spirits, will become the bane of your feet now. Popular us long trails is not particularly a thing in the Scottish highlands is Roel Zerner a. Lads linking arms and wading throughwater up to their waists walk in food! A passion for all the wild places accomodation needs this usually flared up on the CWT, great! Only day off, its hard work Facebook account the Cape Wrath trail is a great to. Phone in advance if possible go at walking the Cape Wrath in 2017 these. Mcgregor, a Dutchman with an aversion to luxury resorts and a passion for all wild! The food bag cubes and hot chocolate powder neared the trail terminus,. By a recent interest in zero waste, and that teamed with torrential rain can really your. Kindlings: Dead bracken, Dead heather, Birch twigs, Feather.! From any hiking guide, heres a list of must-have gear on great! For all the wild places to their waists route by hitching or cutting their trip short & Bs hostels.
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