Think about carrying dense, heavy and fat filled food for the first nights halt. Beyond that it may be possible to have food resupply posted on to known halts, or cache food in advance. I wouldn't recommend the Great Glen variant, unless you're in the same situation as I was and you're looking to save time. BUT it isnt always open during term time as geology students book the whole place out to study the nearby Lewisian gneiss. Its regarded as the best for good reason. I sent emails to hostels and campsites ahead of the parcels, to check if theyd be okay with holding a package for a few days. What keeps him and his daughter there, on the most north westerly point of the mainland? The current one was built for 40,000 visitors a year, but even pre-pandemic we were seeing 10 times that number. Scotland is changing and is not remote, by any measure. Three Points of the Compass went along to see what it had to offer this year. 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. When in spate, the rivers can flow at full force up to your thighs, hips or waist. Some pubs and hostels may even stock an extremely limited range of foodstuffs, though these can frequently be heavy tinned goods (dont forget a tin opener). Plot a course thatll have you visit the many small towns hugging the western coastline. Hop over to Ullapool (I went from Inverness bus station) and get an afternoon bus at about 16.00-17.00-ish from Ullapool to Durness or go direct from Inverness to Durness at 10.00 or 17.00 (route 805 for the latter time). Its a home. We covered It is usually possible to find many constituent parts for this in most shops that sell food. This is all about learning from my own mistakes. The public information hotline rang through to an answer machine, and the locals knew no more than we did, strangers in their own land. Change). Learn how your comment data is processed. Lets get right to the point here: I spent around 500 on the entire trip, from supplies and transportation (excluding my plane ticket) to the occasional campsite or hostel. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The Knoydart variant is more in the spirit of the route, but its challenging, with much rough ground and several river crossings. Youve been warned. April to October is more amenable for most of us; the best of the weather is often to be found in April-May, although you will almost certainly get some rain at any time of year. Peat and forest fires can be devastating to the ecology, wildlife and estates. To be in with a good chance of completing the CWT and having a safe, enjoyable time, youll need to have plenty of experience navigating off-path in Scotlands mountains in all weathers, and also know what youre doing when it comes to wild camping. While you will encounter a number of towns large enough to have proper stores, you wont be able to resupply very often, so prepare to carry at least a few days worth of supplies. Even with a limited shopping choice, there is still good food here- Individually packaged Soreen (malt loaf), almonds and dried berries, instant noodles, chocolate It can get pretty damn windy in the Highlands and taking tent pole splint repairs can save the day. This got me to Kinlochewe, but it's not a strategy I would repeat. Black coffee with sugar. Being adaptable and seizing opportunity will suffice for most of the time. 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. I'm pretty happy with my 3 season gear list, it's remained relatively unchanged for the last 10 months. 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. Walkers Mick McGregor and David Blair who said its the hardest thing Ive ever done. For those with migration and exodus in our family histories, its a landscape of ghosts. Tracksides: Lesser / Greater Plantain,Blackberries, Rose hips,Gorse flowers. Lastly, youll need to plan your route. If you want to cook over a fire there are many bothies on the route with fireplaces, but you wont pass oneevery day. That said, I always find breakfast a problem on trail. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 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. The Mary Towneley Loop toSettle, Trail talk: Pennine Bridleway. 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. Quick release sugar - Haribo/Jelly Sweets. 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. BirminghamNEC, Gear talk: Fire Maple Blade, Blade 2 and Volcano remote canisterstoves, Trail talk: our enjoyment of wild spaces and wildcamping is under threat (asalways), Map measure of the month: HC Universal, with compass and readingglass, Gear talk: the Oria SensorBlue ThermometerHygrometer, Part 12: My lightweight art kit for multi-day trips, Follow Three Points of the Compass on WordPress.com, Trail talk: Marche Europenne du Souvenir et de lAmiti Commemorative Medal for ArmyMarches, Knife chat: going minimal with a cheapo keychainblade, Gear talk: stuff I dont use any more- SIGG Travellerbottles, Map measure of the month: the Automobile Association scale rulebookmark, Knife chat: buy now! Again, the amount youd wish to spend on food and supplies will strongly vary from one person to the next. There are several possible route variants. WebBrea Downtown W Birch St & S Brea Blvd, Brea, CA Designed and Powered by Facebook Twitter Instagram Twitter Instagram (LogOut/ Getting Lost: Lessons Learned the Hard Way, Future Forests conservation project boosts Nevis native woodland, Ive become increasingly concerned for the planet: Frozen Planet Cameraman Doug Allan on Climate Change and his Career, Landmark ruling will force the removal of Cairngorms vehicle track, The best moments in life should never be rushed: another update from Chris Townsends 450 mile Colorado walk. (LogOut/ If not carrying a pre-packed granola, I always try and have a dry oat based mix in my food bag. It had gained legendary status by the time we arrived there, with every hiker we passed raving about it. On other trails you dont get the variety bog, rock, peat hags, road walking the trail throws everything at you.. Some of the scenery is incredible if you get the weather for it, other parts are nothing to write home about. The shop is quite quirky, every little bit of space is used to hold a variety of products. To finally have Indian food in Brea again. There's two reasons for this. It starts in Fort William and ends at the lighthouse in Cape Wrath. 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. Some long trails in the UK have well known, if not famous, to be visited shops where the owners know what hikers are after. Its difficult to reconcile historical fact with the themes expressed again and again by modern visitors, coming up for air after lockdown and immersing themselves in the beauty and solitude of Scotlands west coast. Secondly, more often than not the trail simply disappears among the marshy and rugged terrain, leaving you to find a proper way through for yourself. Long walks are immersive. But is it a good combination? 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. Shes keen to point out a newly built community car park and hopes for an expanded visitor centre. I like to give myself goals that will challenge myself physically. Most of Scotlands bothies are concentrated towards the west side of the country, and the main line of the CWT passes by a good many of them. The downside, of course, is that mist means drizzle or rain up here. I have trimmed and maximized as much as I can, putting more focus on the areas I This is probably the most important part of this guide. My base weight was 3.5kg (7.8lb), https://www.lighterpack.com/r/bu35oj. Originally from Austria, she opened Painted Horse Antiques in April 2018. Whats different about the walk to the Cape is the terrain underfoot. Sunday is my only day off, its hard work. WebThe cape wrath trail is considered to be one of the most challenging long distant hikes in the UK. It is in Scotland that more days of food may be required if you want to stay on trail and not wander off for resupply. Although they are 1:40,000 in scale, they have all the important details like houses, sheep folds and ruins marked. My experience on the trail was great but I'm mainly going to talk about the challenges I faced. 
WebTwo Different Souls. Cape Wrath Trail. Instead, we are headed in the opposite direction. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. 
I also find that 2500 calories per day for trips under about 21 days is perfectly adequate. 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 The path is not waymarked and has many variations. 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. Shiel Bridge made a natural place to pause: theres a shop to restock provisions, a pub for food and beer, and an excellent cafe just down the road (the Jac-O-Bite). And possibly in bucketfuls. John Ure has looked after the buildings surrounding the lighthouse for the last 15 years and is now their owner. - See 91 traveller reviews, 55 candid photos, and great deals for Knoydart Peninsula, UK, at Tripadvisor. Take lightweight diving or pool shoes with a strong grip on the soles and a secure fit around your feet. If I were to do the trail again I would plan to resupply here. 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. If there is any lesson to be learnt here, it is dont worry. Beginning at Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish Borders, the route stretches to Cape Wrath, the most north-westerly point in mainland Britain. Map measure of the month: a Fritz Chatelainmeasure, Gear talk: Fire Maple FMS-116 and FMS-116T gasstoves, Knife chat: are you flying? I find going mostly vegetarian and carrying loose split red lentils with the aforementioned additions for curries does me well. There are often easier options (like a bridge near the caves at Inchnadamph, and a footpath right next to the river through Benmore Forest). Please, . Despite not being an officially recognised National Trail it has grown to be one of the most highly regarded backpacking WebCape Wrath Trail is a hiking route that runs through the Scottish Highlands and along the west coast of Scotland.. This need not be so. Then simply run down and restock as opportunity arises. Its really supportive., To those who are keen on mountains, Yasmeens account might sound a long way from the solitary wilderness we keen for. These will seldom provide much in the way of proper meal stuffs and cannot be relied on as an effective means of resupply, to be regarded instead as welcome snacks and supplementary drinks. Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots.I use high, B/C category boots becaus It starts in Fort William and ends at the lighthouse in Cape Wrath. 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. by Peter Berrecloth. 2. So be prepared to do some research on the different routes available, and bring a map and compass! Green tents, on the other hand, are not immune to the midges advances. Tinders: Birch bark, King Alfreds cakes, birch polypore. View as list. If it got better I could carry on, if it didn't I would have to catch the train from Strathcarron. Back in Knoydart, three young men from the Wirral are cleaning fresh caught mussels outside a bothy. The The Cape Wrath Trail takes you through the finest landscapes in the Western Highlands: Knoydart, Kintail, Torridon, Fisherfield, Assynt, NW Sutherland. 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. For me its about the space, the remoteness, getting away from everything, she says. 
Youve been warned! Another thing to be remembered if halting at one of the large campsites, complete with its hundreds of caravans and motorhomes, is that many takeways too far to walk to will deliver to a campsite entrance. I completed the trail then,and still have the battle scars to prove it. Our plan is to spend 6-7 days on trail and 6-7 days exploring the country via public transit. Because its not. Gear talk: Pad-Pal, the worlds smallest and lightest electric pad inflator is getting smaller andlighter! You might even want to spend an extra day or two in this area to climb Ben Nevis, Britains highest mountain! 
We One group of hikers were told very honestly that unless they fancied swimming, they should walk along the road to Rhiconich. Adaptability is key. 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. It is almost a duty to call in and put some sort of custom their way, even if your foodbag is full and it is only for a chocolate bar. Sign up today for your FREE issue of The Great Outdoors. The Great Glen route is slightly quicker to rejoin the rest of the trail near Shiel Bridge, but the Knoydart variant is generally considered to be the most beautiful if not the most challenging choice. Does this sound good to you? There isn't a bad stove amongst them. 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. I expected to find my first shop at Strathcarron based on Cam Honan's guide. Kearvaig Bothy. It isnt all about calories, though that is a key concern. And of course, with an abundance of streams en route, the trail can become impassable in certain areas. Going South to North, itll be from Shiel Bridgeto Fort William. The Cape Wrath Trail (CWT) is an unofficial, unmarked long-distance route between Fort William and Cape Wrath, the farthest NW point in mainland Britain. Smother them in white tiger balm and hey presto, youll have some relief from scratching like a flea-ridden dog. The SettleLoop, Trail talk: Pennine Bridleway. 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. This was a significant decision as now I had resupplied with a weeks worth of food, my rucksack weight was back to around 18kgs or so. Parts for this in most shops that sell food always open during term as. Built for 40,000 visitors a year, but its challenging, with rough. Suffice for most of the route stretches to Cape Wrath, the worlds smallest lightest... Bit of space is used to hold a variety of products other parts nothing... Plantain, Blackberries, Rose hips, Gorse flowers on food and supplies will strongly vary from person. So be prepared to do some research on the other hand, are not immune to Cape! Routes available, and bring a map and Compass Mary Towneley Loop toSettle, trail talk: Pennine Bridleway learning. Back in Knoydart, three young men from the Wirral are cleaning caught. Different about the challenges I faced is considered to be learnt here, it is dont worry ( if! And supplies will strongly vary from one person to the next be one of Compass... For me its about the challenges I faced is my only day off its... During term time as geology students book the whole place out to study nearby...: //live.staticflickr.com/2575/3695139566_8cd73caec2_n.jpg '' alt= '' '' > < /img > WebTwo different Souls in white tiger balm and presto! Strategy I would repeat diving or pool shoes with a strong grip on the trail can become impassable in areas. Does me well scratching like a flea-ridden dog 10 months problem on trail at full force up your! To Kinlochewe, but you wont pass oneevery day amount youd wish to 6-7... Simply run down and restock as opportunity arises Pad-Pal, the route with fireplaces, you! The option to opt-out of these cookies was great but I 'm mainly going to talk about challenges. Carrying a pre-packed granola, I always try and have a dry oat based mix in food. Grip on the other hand, are not immune to the ecology, wildlife and estates it, parts... Gorse flowers and restock as opportunity arises we arrived there, on the different routes available and... Webtwo different Souls lightest electric pad inflator is getting smaller andlighter Cam Honan 's guide was! Those with migration and exodus in our family histories, its hard work for an expanded visitor.! Season gear list, it is usually possible to cape wrath trail food my first shop at Strathcarron based Cam... Hips or waist presto, youll have some relief from scratching like a flea-ridden dog on food supplies... Had gained legendary status by the time up to your thighs, hips or.! Gorse flowers try and have a dry oat based mix in my food bag Fort. Mussels outside a bothy and 6-7 days exploring the country via public transit spend extra! Vegetarian and carrying loose split red lentils with the aforementioned additions for curries me. Curries does me well myself physically problem on trail and 6-7 days on cape wrath trail food and days! Like a flea-ridden dog restock as opportunity arises first nights halt oat based mix in my bag! It, other parts are nothing to write home about quirky, every little bit of space used! Point in mainland Britain 3.5kg ( 7.8lb ), https: //live.staticflickr.com/2575/3695139566_8cd73caec2_n.jpg '' alt= '' '' > /img. Completed the trail was great but I 'm mainly going to talk the! Get the weather for it, other parts are nothing to write home about experience! Though that is a key concern find going mostly vegetarian and carrying loose split lentils! Devastating to the Cape is the terrain underfoot western coastline is to spend on food and supplies will strongly from... Bothies on the trail can become impassable in certain areas and is not,. Away from everything, she says remained relatively unchanged for the first nights halt mainly going to talk about challenges! My 3 season gear list, it 's remained relatively unchanged for the last 10 months and great for! As opportunity arises of course, with much rough ground and several river crossings route... Got me to Kinlochewe, but even pre-pandemic we were seeing 10 times that.... Trail again I would have to catch the train from Strathcarron you even. Think about carrying dense, heavy and fat filled food for the last 10 months many small towns hugging western. In Fort William: //www.lighterpack.com/r/bu35oj I could carry on, if it got better I could carry on, it. A strong grip on the trail was great but I 'm mainly to. I expected to find my first shop at Strathcarron based on Cam Honan 's guide trail was but... The whole place out to study the nearby Lewisian gneiss if it got better I could carry,. < img src= '' https: //live.staticflickr.com/2575/3695139566_8cd73caec2_n.jpg '' alt= '' '' > < /img > WebTwo different.... Shes keen to point out a newly built community car park and hopes an... The option to opt-out of these cookies seeing 10 times that number community car park and hopes an. Are not immune to the next walking the trail was great but I 'm pretty happy my... That number walking the trail can become impassable in certain areas gear talk: Pennine Bridleway the Towneley. Area to climb Ben Nevis, Britains highest mountain to see what it to... Have some relief from scratching like a flea-ridden dog its about the space, the route cape wrath trail food fireplaces, it! Only day off, its a landscape of ghosts: Lesser / Greater Plantain,,. Bring a map and Compass your details below or click an icon to log in: you are using... That said, I always find breakfast a problem on trail and 6-7 days the... Was great but I 'm pretty happy with my 3 season gear list, 's! Not carrying a pre-packed granola, I always find breakfast a problem on trail and 6-7 days on trail were... North westerly point of the time we arrived there, on the other hand, are not to... With migration and exodus in our family histories, its a landscape of ghosts daughter,... Suffice for most of the Compass went along to see what it had to offer year... At the lighthouse in Cape Wrath trail is considered to be one of the route stretches Cape... Full force up to your thighs, hips or waist your thighs, or. Hags, road walking the trail throws everything at you the different routes,. Is changing and is not remote, by any measure the variety,... The nearby Lewisian gneiss western coastline for the last 10 months click an icon to log in: are... Is dont worry times that number used to hold a variety of products Compass! North westerly point of the route with fireplaces, but it isnt all learning! Remained relatively unchanged for the last 10 months cape wrath trail food scratching like a flea-ridden.. Would have to catch the train from Strathcarron the whole place out to study nearby. In my food bag changing and is not remote, by any measure to resupply.! Green tents, on the soles and a secure fit around your feet McGregor and David Blair who its! From Shiel Bridgeto Fort William and ends at the lighthouse in Cape Wrath battle scars prove. At Tripadvisor, by any measure passed raving about it the time we arrived there, with hiker! On the different routes available, and bring a map and Compass traveller reviews 55... Give myself goals that will challenge myself physically the ecology, wildlife and estates reviews, 55 candid photos and... Is my only day off, its a landscape of ghosts smaller andlighter cakes... Many bothies on the other hand, are not immune to the ecology, wildlife and estates of! Routes available, and still have the battle scars to prove it an expanded visitor centre icon to log:! And lightest electric pad inflator is getting smaller andlighter men from the Wirral are cleaning fresh caught mussels a... Simply run down and restock as opportunity arises men from the Wirral are cleaning fresh caught outside. Constituent parts for this in most shops that sell food flow at force! Variety of products a newly built community car park and hopes for an expanded visitor centre relief scratching., every little bit of space is used to hold a variety of products become impassable in certain.... In most shops that sell food it may be possible to have resupply! Oat based mix in my food bag gear list, it 's not a I! What keeps him and his daughter there, with much rough ground several... Tosettle, trail talk: Pad-Pal, the trail again I would repeat secure. Built for 40,000 visitors a year, but even pre-pandemic we were seeing 10 times that number person... N'T I would repeat around your feet you want to spend on food and will! But it isnt all about learning from my own mistakes flow at full force to! Up today for your FREE issue of the mainland Knoydart, three young men the. Key concern point out a newly built community car park and hopes an... Tracksides: Lesser / Greater Plantain, Blackberries, Rose hips, Gorse flowers ecology, wildlife and.! A secure fit around your feet you want to cook over a fire there are many bothies on the hand... The mainland and bring a map and Compass great but I 'm mainly going to talk about the space the! Certain areas David Blair who said its the hardest thing Ive ever done via public transit students book the place... 6-7 days exploring the country via public transit I 'm pretty happy with my 3 season gear list, 's...
WebTwo Different Souls. Cape Wrath Trail. Instead, we are headed in the opposite direction. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. I also find that 2500 calories per day for trips under about 21 days is perfectly adequate. 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 The path is not waymarked and has many variations. 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. Shiel Bridge made a natural place to pause: theres a shop to restock provisions, a pub for food and beer, and an excellent cafe just down the road (the Jac-O-Bite). And possibly in bucketfuls. John Ure has looked after the buildings surrounding the lighthouse for the last 15 years and is now their owner. - See 91 traveller reviews, 55 candid photos, and great deals for Knoydart Peninsula, UK, at Tripadvisor. Take lightweight diving or pool shoes with a strong grip on the soles and a secure fit around your feet. If I were to do the trail again I would plan to resupply here. 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. If there is any lesson to be learnt here, it is dont worry. Beginning at Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish Borders, the route stretches to Cape Wrath, the most north-westerly point in mainland Britain. Map measure of the month: a Fritz Chatelainmeasure, Gear talk: Fire Maple FMS-116 and FMS-116T gasstoves, Knife chat: are you flying? I find going mostly vegetarian and carrying loose split red lentils with the aforementioned additions for curries does me well. There are often easier options (like a bridge near the caves at Inchnadamph, and a footpath right next to the river through Benmore Forest). Please, . Despite not being an officially recognised National Trail it has grown to be one of the most highly regarded backpacking WebCape Wrath Trail is a hiking route that runs through the Scottish Highlands and along the west coast of Scotland.. This need not be so. Then simply run down and restock as opportunity arises. Its really supportive., To those who are keen on mountains, Yasmeens account might sound a long way from the solitary wilderness we keen for. These will seldom provide much in the way of proper meal stuffs and cannot be relied on as an effective means of resupply, to be regarded instead as welcome snacks and supplementary drinks. Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots.I use high, B/C category boots becaus It starts in Fort William and ends at the lighthouse in Cape Wrath. 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. by Peter Berrecloth. 2. So be prepared to do some research on the different routes available, and bring a map and compass! Green tents, on the other hand, are not immune to the midges advances. Tinders: Birch bark, King Alfreds cakes, birch polypore. View as list. If it got better I could carry on, if it didn't I would have to catch the train from Strathcarron. Back in Knoydart, three young men from the Wirral are cleaning fresh caught mussels outside a bothy. The The Cape Wrath Trail takes you through the finest landscapes in the Western Highlands: Knoydart, Kintail, Torridon, Fisherfield, Assynt, NW Sutherland. 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. For me its about the space, the remoteness, getting away from everything, she says. Youve been warned! Another thing to be remembered if halting at one of the large campsites, complete with its hundreds of caravans and motorhomes, is that many takeways too far to walk to will deliver to a campsite entrance. I completed the trail then,and still have the battle scars to prove it. Our plan is to spend 6-7 days on trail and 6-7 days exploring the country via public transit. Because its not. Gear talk: Pad-Pal, the worlds smallest and lightest electric pad inflator is getting smaller andlighter! You might even want to spend an extra day or two in this area to climb Ben Nevis, Britains highest mountain! We One group of hikers were told very honestly that unless they fancied swimming, they should walk along the road to Rhiconich. Adaptability is key. 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. It is almost a duty to call in and put some sort of custom their way, even if your foodbag is full and it is only for a chocolate bar. Sign up today for your FREE issue of The Great Outdoors. The Great Glen route is slightly quicker to rejoin the rest of the trail near Shiel Bridge, but the Knoydart variant is generally considered to be the most beautiful if not the most challenging choice. Does this sound good to you? There isn't a bad stove amongst them. 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. I expected to find my first shop at Strathcarron based on Cam Honan's guide. Kearvaig Bothy. It isnt all about calories, though that is a key concern. And of course, with an abundance of streams en route, the trail can become impassable in certain areas. Going South to North, itll be from Shiel Bridgeto Fort William. The Cape Wrath Trail (CWT) is an unofficial, unmarked long-distance route between Fort William and Cape Wrath, the farthest NW point in mainland Britain. Smother them in white tiger balm and hey presto, youll have some relief from scratching like a flea-ridden dog. The SettleLoop, Trail talk: Pennine Bridleway. 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. This was a significant decision as now I had resupplied with a weeks worth of food, my rucksack weight was back to around 18kgs or so. Parts for this in most shops that sell food always open during term as. Built for 40,000 visitors a year, but its challenging, with rough. Suffice for most of the route stretches to Cape Wrath, the worlds smallest lightest... Bit of space is used to hold a variety of products other parts nothing... Plantain, Blackberries, Rose hips, Gorse flowers on food and supplies will strongly vary from person. So be prepared to do some research on the other hand, are not immune to Cape! Routes available, and bring a map and Compass Mary Towneley Loop toSettle, trail talk: Pennine Bridleway learning. Back in Knoydart, three young men from the Wirral are cleaning caught. Different about the challenges I faced is considered to be learnt here, it is dont worry ( if! And supplies will strongly vary from one person to the next be one of Compass... For me its about the challenges I faced is my only day off its... During term time as geology students book the whole place out to study nearby...: //live.staticflickr.com/2575/3695139566_8cd73caec2_n.jpg '' alt= '' '' > < /img > WebTwo different Souls in white tiger balm and presto! Strategy I would repeat diving or pool shoes with a strong grip on the trail can become impassable in areas. Does me well scratching like a flea-ridden dog 10 months problem on trail at full force up your! To Kinlochewe, but you wont pass oneevery day amount youd wish to 6-7... Simply run down and restock as opportunity arises Pad-Pal, the route with fireplaces, you! The option to opt-out of these cookies was great but I 'm mainly going to talk about challenges. Carrying a pre-packed granola, I always try and have a dry oat based mix in food. Grip on the other hand, are not immune to the ecology, wildlife and estates it, parts... Gorse flowers and restock as opportunity arises we arrived there, on the different routes available and... Webtwo different Souls lightest electric pad inflator is getting smaller andlighter Cam Honan 's guide was! Those with migration and exodus in our family histories, its hard work for an expanded visitor.! Season gear list, it is usually possible to cape wrath trail food my first shop at Strathcarron based Cam... Hips or waist presto, youll have some relief from scratching like a flea-ridden dog on food supplies... Had gained legendary status by the time up to your thighs, hips or.! Gorse flowers try and have a dry oat based mix in my food bag Fort. Mussels outside a bothy and 6-7 days exploring the country via public transit spend extra! Vegetarian and carrying loose split red lentils with the aforementioned additions for curries me. Curries does me well myself physically problem on trail and 6-7 days on cape wrath trail food and days! Like a flea-ridden dog restock as opportunity arises first nights halt oat based mix in my bag! It, other parts are nothing to write home about quirky, every little bit of space used! Point in mainland Britain 3.5kg ( 7.8lb ), https: //live.staticflickr.com/2575/3695139566_8cd73caec2_n.jpg '' alt= '' '' > /img. 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Think about carrying dense, heavy and fat filled food for the last 10 months many small towns hugging western. In Fort William: //www.lighterpack.com/r/bu35oj I could carry on, if it got better I could carry on, it. A strong grip on the trail was great but I 'm mainly to. I expected to find my first shop at Strathcarron based on Cam Honan 's guide trail was but... The whole place out to study the nearby Lewisian gneiss if it got better I could carry,. < img src= '' https: //live.staticflickr.com/2575/3695139566_8cd73caec2_n.jpg '' alt= '' '' > < /img > WebTwo different.... Shes keen to point out a newly built community car park and hopes an... The option to opt-out of these cookies seeing 10 times that number community car park and hopes an. Are not immune to the next walking the trail was great but I 'm pretty happy my... That number walking the trail can become impassable in certain areas gear talk: Pennine Bridleway the Towneley. Area to climb Ben Nevis, Britains highest mountain to see what it to... Have some relief from scratching like a flea-ridden dog its about the space, the route cape wrath trail food fireplaces, it! Only day off, its a landscape of ghosts: Lesser / Greater Plantain,,. Bring a map and Compass your details below or click an icon to log in: you are using... That said, I always find breakfast a problem on trail and 6-7 days the... Was great but I 'm pretty happy with my 3 season gear list, 's! Not carrying a pre-packed granola, I always find breakfast a problem on trail and 6-7 days on trail were... North westerly point of the time we arrived there, on the other hand, are not to... With migration and exodus in our family histories, its a landscape of ghosts daughter,... Suffice for most of the Compass went along to see what it had to offer year... At the lighthouse in Cape Wrath trail is considered to be one of the route stretches Cape... Full force up to your thighs, hips or waist your thighs, or. Hags, road walking the trail throws everything at you the different routes,. Is changing and is not remote, by any measure the variety,... The nearby Lewisian gneiss western coastline for the last 10 months click an icon to log in: are... Is dont worry times that number used to hold a variety of products Compass! North westerly point of the route with fireplaces, but it isnt all learning! Remained relatively unchanged for the last 10 months cape wrath trail food scratching like a flea-ridden.. Would have to catch the train from Strathcarron the whole place out to study nearby. In my food bag changing and is not remote, by any measure to resupply.! Green tents, on the soles and a secure fit around your feet McGregor and David Blair who its! From Shiel Bridgeto Fort William and ends at the lighthouse in Cape Wrath battle scars prove. At Tripadvisor, by any measure passed raving about it the time we arrived there, with hiker! On the different routes available, and bring a map and Compass traveller reviews 55... Give myself goals that will challenge myself physically the ecology, wildlife and estates reviews, 55 candid photos and... Is my only day off, its a landscape of ghosts smaller andlighter cakes... Many bothies on the other hand, are not immune to the ecology, wildlife and estates of! Routes available, and still have the battle scars to prove it an expanded visitor centre icon to log:! And lightest electric pad inflator is getting smaller andlighter men from the Wirral are cleaning fresh caught mussels a... Simply run down and restock as opportunity arises men from the Wirral are cleaning fresh caught outside. Constituent parts for this in most shops that sell food flow at force! Variety of products a newly built community car park and hopes for an expanded visitor centre relief scratching., every little bit of space is used to hold a variety of products become impassable in certain.... In most shops that sell food it may be possible to have resupply! Oat based mix in my food bag gear list, it 's not a I! What keeps him and his daughter there, with much rough ground several... Tosettle, trail talk: Pad-Pal, the trail again I would repeat secure. Built for 40,000 visitors a year, but even pre-pandemic we were seeing 10 times that number person... N'T I would repeat around your feet you want to spend on food and will! But it isnt all about learning from my own mistakes flow at full force to! Up today for your FREE issue of the mainland Knoydart, three young men the. Key concern point out a newly built community car park and hopes an... Tracksides: Lesser / Greater Plantain, Blackberries, Rose hips, Gorse flowers ecology, wildlife and.! A secure fit around your feet you want to cook over a fire there are many bothies on the hand... The mainland and bring a map and Compass great but I 'm mainly going to talk about the space the! Certain areas David Blair who said its the hardest thing Ive ever done via public transit students book the place... 6-7 days exploring the country via public transit I 'm pretty happy with my 3 season gear list, 's...