Cape Wrath Trail

[Charlie83]

You can see on the map above how dodgy that crossing from the bridge to sourlies is, It seems I disappeared there once the bottom section of my pole did anyway... (they were sh!te poles anyway if I mind right)

 

[maddogs]

My CWT in April 2019, sure I only had my waterproofs on for about 4 hours on a stretch after Morvich, 17 days. Barely got my feet wet it was so dry, I find Scotland is like that, like the Maldives but with hills

what time of year were you there?

 

[craige]

My CWT in April 2019, sure I only had my waterproofs on for about 4 hours on a stretch after Morvich, 17 days. Barely got my feet wet it was so dry, I find Scotland is like that, like the Maldives but with hills

For the CWT, one bit of advice I'd always give, is after sourlies, (if the Carnoch is low/normal) ignore the CWT route map and stick to the south side of the river, hard against the hill,. There's a path marked on viewranger which turns into a LR track after the ford (opposite the carnoch ruins). I wouldn't advise pitching in this area though as there are a few Deer feeding spots (hay and salt licks) that are tickfest central.

Where I forded at the north end (on the red track) it was perfect, wide and shallow, although once across you can't avoid the mushy bit.

I had the same experience in late April 2019 with @Arne L., I got injured and bailed at Ullapool but he had some really cold temps and snow towards the end.

Is there a particular reason you recommend staying on the south of the river? I found the going pretty easy on the north side too.

 

[maddogs]

Our current plan (might be a bit optimistic, but we have a full 2 months which will allow a leisurly 20kpd)...

Scot2

273.6 km, +16178 m. Bike ride in Milngavie, Scotland

ridewithgps.com

Scot3

537.6 km, +32055 m. Bike ride in Upper Achintore, Scotland

ridewithgps.com

 

[TinTin]

"Offy boggy, minging slippy" - Hounds of Howgate

Love it!

 

[Back in Pack]

Yeah the first section is a rubbish start tbh. Hard packed estate track all the way, although it is a nice enough glen to walk through. Glenfinnan is much better!

You can do a mini resupply in shiel bridge, full resupply in kinlochewe, ullapool and Kinlochbervie.

I didn't plan at all for May, I guess 2mph is a decent average but as said some sections will be fast, some slow. I had some lazy days at the start, first day for example I only went to sourlies because the weather was horrific when there is some great camping a few miles further along. made up for those with bigger days, like 38 miles out of ullapool (easy walking). I took a short day in ullapool finishing just before 12. If you're reasonably fit you can still do 20s on the tough days imo but the 2 bealachs that will kick your ass are the one up to the saddle from kinloch hourn and bealach bearnais after bendronaig Lodge. They aren't excessively steep but grassy, rocky, undulating and wet with no trail - strength sapping. Easy on the descent from both though with easy flat sections to get average pace up after too.

After ullapool it's definitely easier going, notable slower sections are around ben more assynt and between lochstack Lodge and Rhiconich (super boggy here, at least it was for me).

I generally aimed to be walking between 7 and 8am and stopped when I wanted to, a couple of days I walked until 9pm but most days I was done by 6. Probably not that helpful as I am all over the place when solo. 10 days is pretty double though and I think you'll be able to get some good camp spots with that itinerary.

Do you know if the shop in Kinlochewe sells gas canisters?

Will send myself a resupply box to the PO and pick up in the morning, but I cannot mail a canister. Would prefer not to have to carry a “larger” canister for the whole 10 days

 

[Shewie]

There’s gas in Ullapool if you can stretch it out for a couple more days

Maybe check what’s been left in the bothies too on the way past

 

[craige]

Do you know if the shop in Kinlochewe sells gas canisters?

Will send myself a resupply box to the PO and pick up in the morning, but I cannot mail a canister. Would prefer not to have to carry a “larger” canister for the whole 10 days

I think they do, but I wasn't looking. The shop and PO are one and the same so worth a call to check. If not ullapool. Shiel shop did have them but they are closed for the year.

 

[dovidola]

As a meths user, how would I fare? I'm planning on forwarding supply parcels to stopover points, but the mail doesn't allow flammable liquids.

 

[Mole]

As a meths user, how would I fare? I'm planning on forwarding supply parcels to stopover points, but the mail doesn't allow flammable liquids.

It doesn't.
But if you were to fill a bottle to the absolute brim so no sloshing, seal it tight, and surround it with foodbpacked in in a solid parcel, no one will know...
I've proven this several times.

Or send Esbit/Hexi instead.

Pretty sure you'll get meths in Ullapool and Kinlochewe. I certainly have. I did phone to Kinlochewe to make sure they had it and reserved a bottle. This was 2017.

 

[craige]

As a meths user, how would I fare? I'm planning on forwarding supply parcels to stopover points, but the mail doesn't allow flammable liquids.

Kinlochewe and ullapool have it, so did shiel shop in 2019. Worth phoning to check for sure though.

 

[maddogs]

Shiel shop did have them but they are closed for the year.

Shiel shop is closed ?!?

 

[TinTin]

You can see on the map above how dodgy that crossing from the bridge to sourlies is, It seems I disappeared there once the bottom section of my pole did anyway... (they were sh!te poles anyway if I mind right)

I read somewhere that sticking close to the river bank was the best route. It is shown as a path on old maps. This is from the 6" OS from 1882 on Heritage Paths. You'll have to ignore the purple line. https://www.heritagepaths.co.uk/#zoom=15.03&lat=57.0012&lon=-5.5157

I was interested because this was on my 2020 TGO Challenge route (cancelled).

 

[Mole]

I read somewhere that sticking close to the river bank was the best route. It is shown as a path on old maps. This is from the 6" OS from 1882 on Heritage Paths. You'll have to ignore the purple line. https://www.heritagepaths.co.uk/#zoom=15.03&lat=57.0012&lon=-5.5157

I was interested because this was on my 2020 TGO Challenge route (cancelled).
View attachment 33461

I first went this way (S-N) in July 1988.

Coming from years of hiking on Dartmoor I didn't think anything of it.

Then next time on my first day of my first TGO. S-N. I followed that map route roughly. Having a well practiced eye for changes in vegetation and moss showing potentially different levels of firmness, I got through the area just up to my ankles at worst. There were folks nearby going deeper every other step - one thigh deep. It was hilarious.

Wasn't there a truly funny video of one of the American challengers really coming a cropper there a few years ago?

 

[cathyjc]

Having a well practiced eye for changes in vegetation and moss showing potentially different levels of firmness,

A much under rated skill which takes time and practice - including different times of year for different vegetation, colours and patterns.

 

[craige]

Shiel shop is closed ?!?

Yeah, just for this year apparently. Being refurbed and new management.

 

[cathyjc]

Yeah, just for this year apparently. Being refurbed and new management.

That sounds good - the old (previous) owner had a reputation for grumpiness and being unhelpful.

 

[maddogs]

Yeah, just for this year apparently. Being refurbed and new management.

good to know, thank you!

 

[craige]

I read somewhere that sticking close to the river bank was the best route. It is shown as a path on old maps. This is from the 6" OS from 1882 on Heritage Paths. You'll have to ignore the purple line. https://www.heritagepaths.co.uk/#zoom=15.03&lat=57.0012&lon=-5.5157

I was interested because this was on my 2020 TGO Challenge route (cancelled).
View attachment 33461

First time I went from sourlies the tide was in so I went over the little hill then made a beeline for the bridge. There was some hopping and skirting deep sections, but like Mole I was never close to going in past my ankles. Easy enough to avoid the sketchy stuff once you develop a bit of an eye for it. Since then I've beaten the tide and walked around twice. There's less deep stuff but I'm not sure if the going is any better.

 

[TinTin]

You can pay a virtual visit here at 9.44. I've copied the URL at 9.44 but from experience it doesn't always work.

 

[craige]

That sounds good - the old (previous) owner had a reputation for grumpiness and being unhelpful.

Yeah, he seemed a bit grumpy and short but I asked for what I wanted politely and got it (he's taken parcels for me twice) and was always alright when asking about his stock and whilst not particularly chatty I wouldn't say he was completely unhelpful. Possibly bored and fed up (hence new owners)?

 

[Boozawooza]

Thinking of attempting this next May.

If I was not to take my trekking poles which I barley use tbh, which tent would be most ideal?

1- I'm wanting some living space and decent wind resistance, so thinking of the Scarp 1?

2- Think I heard if you strip the extra storm pole attachments it nets at 1300g, is that true?

Currently have in my arsenal... the X-mid 1&2 (just wish they had a solid inner) + Vango F10 helium 1 (condensation coffin, need to sell this really) + Trekkertent Stealth 1 (a no go for Cape Wrath, was perfect for my C2C last month tho )

 

[craige]

@Boozawooza been covering the trekkertent Saor for a while now. Unfortunately I can't justify buying one

 

[OwenM]

Thinking of attempting this next May.

If I was not to take my trekking poles which I barley use tbh, which tent would be most ideal?

Trekkertent Stealth 1 (a no go for Cape Wrath, was perfect for my C2C last month tho )

If it was OK for the C2C why is it a "NO GO" for the CWT?

 

[Boozawooza]

If it was OK for the C2C why is it a "NO GO" for the CWT

Tbh I found it enough of a squeeze with the bare essentials I took.
Perfect to walk long days in and crash out in, but I'd go mad if I had to spend more time in it with extra food and clothing!
Decent shelter for what it is