No need to feel down Ray, you done really well mate and there is always another time. As I said in your last video I was up in the Cape Wrath area the same time as you were hiking and my god it’s some hard terrain. I’m an ex Royal Marine and have hiked for decades but it was a big wake up call. Bogs, marshes, thick mud, bloody midges, carrying 36 pounds, sinking up to your shins, sweating, yet all the time making sure your navigation is spot on is no easy thing to do. Hats off to the guys and gals that complete the trail over two or three weeks. I’m sure you’ll give it another go soon enough. Good watching mate. Take care. Bill.
I speak from bitter experience that there's nothing worse than finding out during a long-distance footpath that your boots are not up to the task, for whatever reason. Great video, though. Really enjoyed it.
Great video, thanks a lot! Beautifully filmed and really captures the sense of adventure (including the midges, bogs, messed up feet etc.) Makes me want to go and simultaneously really appreciate my sofa 😂😂
I don't often write comments, but please mark these words: Please never stop exploring. It's been such a pleasure to see you on all your various journeys. Please, keep the videos coming. I for one really, really appreciate what you're doing. Take care.
Absolutely brilliant Ray. Hats off to you and much respect 💪👍. Not only doing it, on your own, but making the videos too. Really enjoyed it, an awesome effort and really inspiring. Hope the feet are recovering. ATB - Dave
Yeah I reckon you can do it It’s a shame aboot the boots but lessons learned. It’s a great series and it shows the reality. You’re to be commended like. A lot of folks would’ve give up long before. The blisters will heal (heel) 😆 and you’ll be back. I stayed in the arch inn New Year’s Eve once. Nice place good to see Ullapool again. Look forward to the show burning vid and your next adventure Ray. Hope alls well and take care. Atb 👍
Well done Ray and thanks for sharing. I think if I had to endure the pain you looked like you were in filming would have been out of the question. A good test of character and you passed!
I made the wrong boot choice on a thru hike , it resulted in the same , horrible blister that was that painful I could of thrown the towel in , but didn't, completed the walk but the pain was like walking with glass in my boot 😢 Well done Ray , fantastic filming under difficult conditions. 👏🏻
Hi Ray, fabulous series of videos of you doing the Cape Wrath trail. Well done to you, that was some serious walking with some horrible conditions. A good ending would be pouring a dram or 2 of whiskey into the walking boot and drinking it. Then putting a match to them. Looking forward to your equipment reviews etc in the coming weeks. Great work as always pal.
I think that a lot of people want to bag it and don't actually consider the journey starts from packing your bag and planning the walk, and the journey itself. Uppermost in our minds is the final destination, the true joy of life is the trip. (Excerpts taken from The Station - by Robert Hastings). Kudos.
Well done young man, you made it to Ullapool through extreme pain and it was difficult at times watching you struggle through the pain barrier. As you rightly said you made all bar one decision correct and that error cost you. It was awesome to hear your positive summary of your week when you must have been disappointed. Thanks for your boldness in sharing your week and look forward to the boots review but more of you in the great outdoors. A great adventure all in all .
Well done Ray, Grit and determination.....I admire it! I could see you struggling to walk in the last clips....Full respect, you did fantastic ! Enjoyed watching the series, full credit to you filming it all even through all the pain and misery!!! You deserve a pint.......or ten!!!!
Hi Ray. Another beautiful video. The week on the cape wrath has used all the energy from your body. Walking looked very difficult and painful. Comparing the cape wrath with the WHW is like david and goliat. Thinking that the CWT can be done in 2 weeks is a common misconception. I personally have not been to Ullapool, but from Ivarlael, where most hikers take the bus to Ullapool to rest and stock up on new supplies, I stayed on the trail and hiked up to Knockdamph Bothy that day. From Inverleal I walked for 7 days to reach Cape wrath. The day after I slept in the bunkhouse of Oykel Bridge Hotel, this was really the best bunkhouse in all of Scotland. I hope you pick up the CWT again next year and then walk it out to Fort William. Walter
Oh FFS mate, that blister!!! ...don't know how you kept going with that, looked more like a couple of moon craters..600ml just to fill the blisters....great to watch these back to back., a really enjoyable watch. well done Ray.
Morning Ray - it was great to see a 'warts and all' account of the Cape Wrath Trail. That looked incredibly tough - really impressive !! Really enjoyed your videos from an amazing part of the world that I haven't explored any where near enough. Keep up that great work !!
I dont know how you could be so calm with all those midgies in your tent. just spent 2 weeks in the highlands on my mtb to cape wrath and i was never that calm around them! Great videos! Look forward to seeing the next series when you attempt it again.
Great for us to watch Ray but when the feet are done it aint gonna end well , you could see with every step the pain in you face. You had some damp weather to say the least with the underfoot conditions the same , yeah not for the faint hearted that trail ... I'm sure you will be back to finish it off , looking forward to watching the debrief video atb Dave
Those are some cracking blisters ! You'll nail it next time, get the boots swapped out for something that fits you & there's nae stopping you. I've wrath on my list of training hikes next year, really looking forward to those first few days of near solitude followed by the compulsory fish supper in Ullapool & a sit doon at the harbour.
I did it over 5 weeks but followed my own route a lot of the time. Went over the tops and avoided walking on estate roads as much as possible. I wore a pair of lightweight leather boots, the third pair of the same model I'd owned. So I knew they were comfortable and wouldn't let me down. You can always go back and pick up where you left off, nothing wrong with section hiking it. Met a couple at Sourlies once who were in a sorry state, they thought the Cape Wrath Trail was just an extension of the West Highland way. They'd been lost in Glen Dessary for three days. They were literally in tears. Persuaded them to go to Inverie and get the boat back.
Watching your endeavours Ray has firmed up my plan to attempt to do it in 4 weeks, outside the worst of the midge season, and with several rest days included. Oh, and wearing boots I know I'm comfortable in! Even so it'll be the toughest trek I've ever taken on.
Amazed that you did all that in 6 days given what those boots did to your poor feet. Didn't appreciate how bad it was until that last clip of the video! You're a real trooper Ray, and brave to record it and put it up for us to see and learn from.
WELL DONE RAY .Great series dam boots though I reckon not many boots would survive that repeated boggy ground that would be lightweight for a journey that long .I maybe wrong brill stuff though big pat on the back pal .
Ray, I really enjoyed this set of Cape Wrath videos. You didn't shy away from showing how tough it can be. And as lots of others have said, "Chapeaux" for keeping going as long as you did with those blister problems. It looked very hard going indeed. Well done. The CWT will be there next year. ATB, Wadi.
A fantastic set of videos. The best description of what walking this trail is really like. Well done with the blisters, I would have given up after a couple of days. A fantastic effort.
Well done Ray. Despite the very obvious 'brutality' of the long walks with damaged feet, it was a great series of videos and very inspirational. I've had the same Scarpa leather boots for 6 years and every time I think about getting new ones, I re-condition them because they are so comfortable for my feet, its the one area where we can't afford to suffer. Never mind.... 'Winter is Coming'. Regards - John
I've watched a few CWT videos and these were really refreshing to show that things don't always go to plan. I reckon some TH-camrs wouldn't post the videos unless it all went perfect. I hope you get to have another crack it in future. Enjoying the rest of your channel as well.... keep up the good work 👍🏔️
All credit to you Ray to get as far as you did ... with feet like yours so early on ... give your self one almighty pat on the back son. No doubt your have another crack at the CWT , perhaps early spring ? ATVB big man thoroughly enjoyed, look forward to your kit review 👍🏔
Ray... Thank you for sharing your story. I'm so sorry that you never got to finish the Trail, this time. You made a very sensible decision. Your honesty, your openness and your vulnerability make your videos extremely captivating. I'm sure you'll absolutely smash the Cape Wrath Trail the next time you give it a go!
Really enjoyed watching this adventure my hat goes off to you mate fantastic scenery along the way some canny blisters thanks for sharing atvb Jimmy 😎😎👍👍👍
never knew you were a fifer haha loved the adventure mate keep up the good work you and others are what inspired me to adventure Scotland and all its beauty
Ray, blisters or no blisters, it's been an absolute pleasure to watch your epic experiences on the CWT. I hope you get to continue on it at a later date. ATB, Chris
Well done Ray. That pint or two were very well earned in the end! You made the right decision, no doubt about it given the circumstances. Really enjoyed your series of films and the cinematography was just great. Congrats deserved.
Superb Ray I'm guessing you going to finish it someday starting from ullapool. I would love to do that but take at least 3 weeks. When I was in knoydart people said they were doing it in 4 weeks even. My navigation skills are far too low so I would prefer going in a 3/4 man group, helps with morale as well. You would lose that sense of isolation and filming would be effected though. Once again fantastic effort no doubt you would have completed it without the boot problem. ATB.
If I had one on I would doff my cap instead I will genuinely salute the effort you put into this under such difficult circumstances. Well done chap, cheers.
Some adventure Ray, thanks for taking us along, think these videos have been your best ones, how you managed to stay so calm with the feet problem, midges and the weather, unless there is a bloopers video with nothing but swearing 🤣 hope your feet heal soon.
Thanks for a great series Ray. I felt your pain when you showed those blisters. It must have been agonising knowing you had to put those boots back on before you got to Ullapool. I also cringed when I saw all of those midgies swarming around. I must admit I've a total aversion to the things and cannot rest in a tent until I'm sure I've got every last one. You should see the inside of my tent! I'm looking forward to seeing your review on the ME jacket. Chin up!
Jeez, that's a nasty pair of heels at the end there! Maybe some day I'll take a trip over and try that one myself. Great series Ray, really enjoyed watching them!
Hello Ray. Just watched all of your episodes on the cape wrath trail. Excellent. Your heels looked painful. I've been to cape wrath, but the easy boat/ truck route. Would love to do part of that trail one day. Thanks for the journey :-)
Just watched the Cape wrath videos last night. Mainly as I will be staying in Durness (not camping) in September and was hoping to visit Cape wrath area. Have never done camping or long distance multi day hiking, but due to Covid have been doing loads of walking, sometimes 20-odd miles in a day. Hoping to do the South Downs Way in next couple of months (as I live in London), and if that goes well, at some point doing some hiking in Scotland. I love that you call it "dilutin juice" rather than "squash", as that's what I've always known it as (being Scottish). Ps, I was really feeling for you with the blisters.
Brilliant Ray. The fact that you talked about it with such passion shows that despite the pain and blisters you've enjoyed every moment you’ve been on those hills and that is adventure mate. It doesn’t go always as planned, and there are lessons to be learned no matter how well prepared we are, so, on that note I have enjoyed every moment as I was there with you, I laughed, I felt sad and suffered with you, great trip you’ve had. Regards, Florin P. S. What tent do you use Ray, if you don't mind me asking.
Hi Florin and thanks for watching. It had its ups and downs but enjoyed every minute. The tent in the film was the DCF Mountain Laurel Designs Duomid with an inner nest from Aliexpress. Think this is the best setup I have owned to date. Currently using my MSR Access 2 but that is my current winter / snow tent. Atb
Ray, thanks for sharing this series of videos, I learned a lot from your experiences. Now you'll have time to reflect on the boots issue. Probably do some trials in boggy terrain. I thought about it a lot and had some ideas, but think I'd be shot down as a rediculous idiot, so will keep quiet! Cheers.
bloody well done Ray, I have to say that I could see how much pain you were in while walking, and with blisters like dustbin lids there's no wonder! but man, I was scratching just looking at those midges lol. take care, atb.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series... thanks for putting it together. Kudos for perservering for so long with that level of foot pain. It was clear how much discomfort you were in. You captured some incredible scenery and hopefully you enjoy looking back on it too. All the best, Richard
I hope you filmed the dumping of the boots, well done, u looked gubbed at the end, I could see you were in pain walking, well done for going on as long as you did was a great series to watch, looking forward to reflections and that jacket review
Great set of films Ray, you never got the best of weather and Sod's law the day you leave looked nice. With the right footwear, you'd nail it as you've dialed in everything else spot on. Agree about doing it over 3 weeks to absorb it more.
Ray that was one phenomenal effort given those horrendous blisters i winced when you showed them at the end , really well done you are an inspiration to others that's for sure .
Great effort that, even more so considering the blisters. Great watch as usual, I prefare watching your vids to watching TV etc, although this series was just like a box set. Loved the music you used, haunting. There's definitely something to be said for the silent shots where you make it all about the scenery, it's a great technique, after all us viewers would love to be out there with you and this gives us a sense of that. It very much reminds me of a guy called Kraig Adams here on TH-cam, he's renowned for his silent hiking videos with ambient soundtrack, not sure if you're aware of his work but yours is a very similar style to his. Don't get me wrong, there's a time for talking but there's also a time to just soak it all in, excuse the pun. As usual thanks for the video.
Many thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed the series. Hope to have a lot more stuff out this year. Another YT guy I watch is Eric Normak, he has some great stuff. Atb
Really enjoyed following you on your adventure Ray,I don't mind a good tough hike but that just looked totally brutal from the moment you set off,the constant mental challenge must be every bit as hard as the physical one..thanks for taking us along with you via your vids..ATB Andy
Great endurance, well done Ray. Ever since I wrecked my feet with new boots, I've carried gel heal protectors in my first aid kit. I'm not great with sore feet so an ace solution if your skin is starting to break.
Hoofin stuff ray well done I thought by the the looks you we're giving us I thought you we'r going to Rapp in. I agree with the bootneck K9 Your feet and boot combination have to be spot on and conditioned to all that Yommping across moors and 360' ankles would always help....👍
Yep, we've all been there. I used a pair of inov8 roclite 315's for weight. Let's face it, on the CWT you're gonna get wet feet no matter what the footwear. Had you worn those boots before? Well done anyway and hopefully the next trip is more enjoyable for you. However this vlog is a realistic shot of the realities of long distance walking. Cheers
I've had those blisters too Ray - I feel your pain! You did brilliantly to push on through to Ullapool and should be very pleased with your effort. Oh, and those midges on your last night looked fierce beyond endurance!
I was thinking about doing the CWT this year in stages but thankfully Ray you and Robin Wallace have put me off,lol. Absolutely fantastic effort to you.
It is an amazing adventure but it is difficult. Many other Tubers and written posts online make it look fairly easy. Even in my own films it doesn't really show the true scale of the terrain and distances covered. Maybe watch this film where I do the other half and filmed it a bit better. There is the option to do north to south and finish that half at Ullapool and head home and same going from Fort William to Ullapool and then home another time. That's what I done but sometime I do want to go back and complete it all in one go. Atb for 2024 th-cam.com/video/3DiTxfG5s04/w-d-xo.htmlsi=QIVP6jeoxHEtzrp3
fantastic effort Ray. I guess many of us have enjoyed blister hell at some point in our travels. So I think you did really well to get to Ullapool. For me, footwear has been a lifetime experiment and I'm talking about 56 years of hiking ! I've done the trail you have yet to do, and I am planning to do the section you have just completed. Hence my interest in your posts. Thanks for some informative insights and may your next section be blister-free.
ouch..those feet...yer..bin those shoes! bloody good effort tho, Cape Wrath one of the hardest trails in the UK, and a good excuse to return , with better boots of course. Really enjoyed yr films, inspired me to have a go at it next yr after the TGO challenge. Hope you all well and looking forward to yr next adventure...ATB WJ
Really enjoyed your videos of this journey, your style is really good. You have put the Cape Wrath Trail on my todo list, but I will take your advise and not under estimate the challenge.
That was a lot to deal with, such a shame your footwear didn't work out for you . A beautiful landscape to be hiking through so big thanks for taking the time and effort to film your journey & for sharing with us .
Jeezo man !!, poor wee tootsies. Will there be a boot burn video ? Would love that. I've bought umpteen jackets, they say waterproof, but im sure they dont get tested in Scotland!!!!! Thanks for sharing your videos. Lessons learnt for us all. Will watch your reviews now. Keep up with the walks and useful info. Cheers AliOban
Thanks for watching and glad you found it helpful. Boots got passed onto a friend for free and he loves them, lol. Jacket is great but hard to get hold of and more chance of finding pot of gold at end of a rainbow I think. Atb
Wow Ray, that was some trip. It looks absolutely amazing but brutal too. It’s been a great series of films and you’ve not held back on how you felt. Looking forward to seeing any follow up videos. Great stuff. 👍🏻
Fantastic effort, my heals were blistered just like yours at the start of the West Highland Way cpl years ago, compeed plasters helped me carry on, I had the wrong boots on to, the Cape wrath trail is one of the toughest in Europe, well done, great filming, enjoyed atb Derek
I just asked my husband (the real walker of the house) ‘fancy the Cape Wrath Trail then?’ and he replied ‘No! not unless I’d got stranded there’ 😂. Seriously though, hats off to you for you amazing stamina and willpower! I’m a chronic pain sufferer, and even I winced at your feet in the last shot 😯😖. I hope you were able to gather a few great memories ❤️ (and gave your boots the boot 😱). Fantastic video, which I’ve really enjoyed! 👍👍
No need to feel down Ray, you done really well mate and there is always another time. As I said in your last video I was up in the Cape Wrath area the same time as you were hiking and my god it’s some hard terrain. I’m an ex Royal Marine and have hiked for decades but it was a big wake up call. Bogs, marshes, thick mud, bloody midges, carrying 36 pounds, sinking up to your shins, sweating, yet all the time making sure your navigation is spot on is no easy thing to do. Hats off to the guys and gals that complete the trail over two or three weeks. I’m sure you’ll give it another go soon enough. Good watching mate. Take care. Bill.
Aye...doesn't look easy! Gore tex leather boots all the way for Scotland!
I speak from bitter experience that there's nothing worse than finding out during a long-distance footpath that your boots are not up to the task, for whatever reason. Great video, though. Really enjoyed it.
Cheers John. Atb
Great video, thanks a lot! Beautifully filmed and really captures the sense of adventure (including the midges, bogs, messed up feet etc.)
Makes me want to go and simultaneously really appreciate my sofa 😂😂
Glad you enjoyed it! Atb
I don't often write comments, but please mark these words:
Please never stop exploring. It's been such a pleasure to see you on all your various journeys.
Please, keep the videos coming. I for one really, really appreciate what you're doing.
Take care.
Thank you for the kind words and will try my best. Atb
Great adventure but I was itchy all the way through it 😁
Brilliant effort Ray! Don't sell yourself short! It is what it is!
Thanks John, Atb
Great stuff Ray. You should film yourself volleying them boots in the bin (once your feet have healed). Great watch mate. Cheers
Thanks JagerScot and hope you are keeping well. Atb
Absolutely brilliant Ray. Hats off to you and much respect 💪👍. Not only doing it, on your own, but making the videos too. Really enjoyed it, an awesome effort and really inspiring. Hope the feet are recovering. ATB - Dave
Fabulous stuff. What a wonderful week. It looks bloody hard work but the blisters will heal and the memories will last a lifetime
Absolutely fantastic ray loved it mate. Big pat on the back say no more. Great crack too . 👍⛺️🏴
Well Done!! Fantastic videos and a compelling journey.
Yeah I reckon you can do it It’s a shame aboot the boots but lessons learned. It’s a great series and it shows the reality. You’re to be commended like. A lot of folks would’ve give up long before. The blisters will heal (heel) 😆 and you’ll be back. I stayed in the arch inn New Year’s Eve once. Nice place good to see Ullapool again. Look forward to the show burning vid and your next adventure Ray. Hope alls well and take care. Atb 👍
Shoe. Burning.
You did a fantastic job butty, especially with those horrendous blisters. Hats off to you.
Thank you so much 😀
Well done Ray and thanks for sharing. I think if I had to endure the pain you looked like you were in filming would have been out of the question. A good test of character and you passed!
Maximum respect to you for that!
Tip of the hat to ya mate. Damn, those blisters were brutal.
I made the wrong boot choice on a thru hike , it resulted in the same , horrible blister that was that painful I could of thrown the towel in , but didn't, completed the walk but the pain was like walking with glass in my boot 😢
Well done Ray , fantastic filming under difficult conditions. 👏🏻
Well done, and very honest.. But you did a large chunk of the trail. A great video yet again.
Hi Ray, fabulous series of videos of you doing the Cape Wrath trail. Well done to you, that was some serious walking with some horrible conditions. A good ending would be pouring a dram or 2 of whiskey into the walking boot and drinking it. Then putting a match to them. Looking forward to your equipment reviews etc in the coming weeks. Great work as always pal.
I think that a lot of people want to bag it and don't actually consider the journey starts from packing your bag and planning the walk, and the journey itself. Uppermost in our minds is the final destination, the true joy of life is the trip. (Excerpts taken from The Station - by Robert Hastings). Kudos.
Well done young man, you made it to Ullapool through extreme pain and it was difficult at times watching you struggle through the pain barrier. As you rightly said you made all bar one decision correct and that error cost you. It was awesome to hear your positive summary of your week when you must have been disappointed. Thanks for your boldness in sharing your week and look forward to the boots review but more of you in the great outdoors. A great adventure all in all .
Thanks Brian. It was an adventure and a half all right. Atb
The boots would make good plant pots. Enjoyed the videos, great achievement making it to Ullapool.
Well done Ray,
Grit and determination.....I admire it!
I could see you struggling to walk in the last clips....Full respect, you did fantastic !
Enjoyed watching the series, full credit to you filming it all even through all the pain and misery!!!
You deserve a pint.......or ten!!!!
Many thanks Colin, Atb
Hi Ray. Another beautiful video. The week on the cape wrath has used all the energy from your body. Walking looked very difficult and painful. Comparing the cape wrath with the WHW is like david and goliat. Thinking that the CWT can be done in 2 weeks is a common misconception. I personally have not been to Ullapool, but from Ivarlael, where most hikers take the bus to Ullapool to rest and stock up on new supplies, I stayed on the trail and hiked up to Knockdamph Bothy that day. From Inverleal I walked for 7 days to reach Cape wrath. The day after I slept in the bunkhouse of Oykel Bridge Hotel, this was really the best bunkhouse in all of Scotland. I hope you pick up the CWT again next year and then walk it out to Fort William. Walter
Thanks for watching and advice Walter. Looking to do it all again next year with better results ;) Atb
Well done Ray enjoyed your videos on this trail hard going for you ,hope your feet heal quickly looking forward to your next video .
Thanks 👍
Brilliant well done 👍👍👍
Oh FFS mate, that blister!!! ...don't know how you kept going with that, looked more like a couple of moon craters..600ml just to fill the blisters....great to watch these back to back., a really enjoyable watch. well done Ray.
Many thanks for watching, Atb.
Morning Ray - it was great to see a 'warts and all' account of the Cape Wrath Trail. That looked incredibly tough - really impressive !! Really enjoyed your videos from an amazing part of the world that I haven't explored any where near enough. Keep up that great work !!
Thanks for watching. Atb
I dont know how you could be so calm with all those midgies in your tent. just spent 2 weeks in the highlands on my mtb to cape wrath and i was never that calm around them! Great videos! Look forward to seeing the next series when you attempt it again.
Well done Ray, really enjoyed the videos. Respect.
Thanks John, atb.
Great a achievement. Enjoyed that.
Many thanks! Atb
Great for us to watch Ray but when the feet are done it aint gonna end well , you could see with every step the pain in you face. You had some damp weather to say the least with the underfoot conditions the same , yeah not for the faint hearted that trail ... I'm sure you will be back to finish it off , looking forward to watching the debrief video atb Dave
Those are some cracking blisters ! You'll nail it next time, get the boots swapped out for something that fits you & there's nae stopping you.
I've wrath on my list of training hikes next year, really looking forward to those first few days of near solitude followed by the compulsory fish supper in Ullapool & a sit doon at the harbour.
I did it over 5 weeks but followed my own route a lot of the time. Went over the tops and avoided walking on estate roads as much as possible. I wore a pair of lightweight leather boots, the third pair of the same model I'd owned. So I knew they were comfortable and wouldn't let me down. You can always go back and pick up where you left off, nothing wrong with section hiking it.
Met a couple at Sourlies once who were in a sorry state, they thought the Cape Wrath Trail was just an extension of the West Highland way. They'd been lost in Glen Dessary for three days. They were literally in tears. Persuaded them to go to Inverie and get the boat back.
Cheers Owen, and look forward to trying it again next year ;) Atb.
You did well to get that far with them blisters, please show a film of the death of the boots.
Bet your feet were sore for days... Loved the videos Ray. Well done!
felt every tortured step, the hills will still be there, great watch great views. well done.
Wise words on distances. I did it over 3 weeks. Loved it
Ray, was looking forward to you sending your boots blazingly to Valhalla🙂
Very well made video and always informative.
excellent video Ray...we went on our honeymoon to Ullapool in 1987...! absolutely loved it up there despite the usual Scottish July weather!
Thanks for watching and glad you liked it. Atb
Thanks for sharing. I kind of enjoyed it. Just sad to see you in pain like that.
Watching your endeavours Ray has firmed up my plan to attempt to do it in 4 weeks, outside the worst of the midge season, and with several rest days included. Oh, and wearing boots I know I'm comfortable in! Even so it'll be the toughest trek I've ever taken on.
Have fun and I hope uou complete it :)
A truly authentic experience. No sugarcoating the tough parts. Well done Ray! 👍
Thank you Eileen, atb.
Well done for getting that far with those blisters. A mixture of heaven and hell. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching mate. Atb
Well done! excellent achievement, it looked tough! atb Sinco
Amazed that you did all that in 6 days given what those boots did to your poor feet. Didn't appreciate how bad it was until that last clip of the video! You're a real trooper Ray, and brave to record it and put it up for us to see and learn from.
Many thanks Stewart. Atb
WELL DONE RAY .Great series dam boots though I reckon not many boots would survive that repeated boggy ground that would be lightweight for a journey that long .I maybe wrong brill stuff though big pat on the back pal .
Bloody brilliant Ray. Loved every episode of this adventure.
Ray, I really enjoyed this set of Cape Wrath videos. You didn't shy away from showing how tough it can be. And as lots of others have said, "Chapeaux" for keeping going as long as you did with those blister problems. It looked very hard going indeed. Well done. The CWT will be there next year. ATB, Wadi.
Thanks for sharing, amazed you made it so far with your feet in that state. Loving your videos and as a newbie to the hiking
the advice is fantastic.
Cheers Steve and glad it has been of some help. Atb
A fantastic set of videos. The best description of what walking this trail is really like. Well done with the blisters, I would have given up after a couple of days. A fantastic effort.
Well done and thanks for sharing your journey. That looked like really hard work, how you managed to sane enough to vlog I’ll never know.
Well done Ray. Despite the very obvious 'brutality' of the long walks with damaged feet, it was a great series of videos and very inspirational. I've had the same Scarpa leather boots for 6 years and every time I think about getting new ones, I re-condition them because they are so comfortable for my feet, its the one area where we can't afford to suffer. Never mind.... 'Winter is Coming'. Regards - John
Many thanks John. Looking forward to the winter as missed out last year due to working away. Atb
I've watched a few CWT videos and these were really refreshing to show that things don't always go to plan.
I reckon some TH-camrs wouldn't post the videos unless it all went perfect.
I hope you get to have another crack it in future.
Enjoying the rest of your channel as well.... keep up the good work 👍🏔️
Glad you enjoyed it! Hope to have another bash at it next year. Atb
All credit to you Ray to get as far as you did ... with feet like yours so early on ... give your self one almighty pat on the back son.
No doubt your have another crack at the CWT , perhaps early spring ?
ATVB big man thoroughly enjoyed, look forward to your kit review
👍🏔
Thank you Dave, appreciated. Atb
Ray... Thank you for sharing your story. I'm so sorry that you never got to finish the Trail, this time. You made a very sensible decision. Your honesty, your openness and your vulnerability make your videos extremely captivating. I'm sure you'll absolutely smash the Cape Wrath Trail the next time you give it a go!
Thanks for watching! Much appreciated. Atb
Well done Ray looked tough!! Once the BLISTERS APPEAR it stops then fun. Cheers Jc.
Absolutely amazing Ray!!👊👏👏👏👏 Great viewing! Scenery spectacular! How you managed with your ankles!...... Thank you!
Thanks 👍
Well after all the great scenery in the wilderness of cape wrath trail ,and painful blisters ☹️ you deserve a pint 👍
It was great to have a pint and relax I must say. Atb
Really enjoyed watching this adventure my hat goes off to you mate fantastic scenery along the way some canny blisters thanks for sharing atvb Jimmy 😎😎👍👍👍
never knew you were a fifer haha loved the adventure mate keep up the good work you and others are what inspired me to adventure Scotland and all its beauty
Thanks 👍
Ray, blisters or no blisters, it's been an absolute pleasure to watch your epic experiences on the CWT. I hope you get to continue on it at a later date. ATB, Chris
Thank you Chris. Hope to do it all again next year. Atb
Well done Ray. That pint or two were very well earned in the end! You made the right decision, no doubt about it given the circumstances. Really enjoyed your series of films and the cinematography was just great. Congrats deserved.
Superb Ray
I'm guessing you going to finish it someday starting from ullapool. I would love to do that but take at least 3 weeks. When I was in knoydart people said they were doing it in 4 weeks even. My navigation skills are far too low so I would prefer going in a 3/4 man group, helps with morale as well. You would lose that sense of isolation and filming would be effected though. Once again fantastic effort no doubt you would have completed it without the boot problem. ATB.
If I had one on I would doff my cap instead I will genuinely salute the effort you put into this under such difficult circumstances. Well done chap, cheers.
Thanks Dorset P, very kind. Atb
Some adventure Ray, thanks for taking us along, think these videos have been your best ones, how you managed to stay so calm with the feet problem, midges and the weather, unless there is a bloopers video with nothing but swearing 🤣 hope your feet heal soon.
Thanks for a great series Ray. I felt your pain when you showed those blisters. It must have been agonising knowing you had to put those boots back on before you got to Ullapool. I also cringed when I saw all of those midgies swarming around. I must admit I've a total aversion to the things and cannot rest in a tent until I'm sure I've got every last one. You should see the inside of my tent! I'm looking forward to seeing your review on the ME jacket. Chin up!
Jeez, that's a nasty pair of heels at the end there! Maybe some day I'll take a trip over and try that one myself. Great series Ray, really enjoyed watching them!
Thanks for watching. Atb
Hello Ray. Just watched all of your episodes on the cape wrath trail. Excellent. Your heels looked painful. I've been to cape wrath, but the easy boat/ truck route. Would love to do part of that trail one day. Thanks for the journey :-)
Thanks for watching. Atb
Enjoy the series ! Cracking effort. Total commitment. Look forward to some of gear reviews. Cheers
Just watched the Cape wrath videos last night. Mainly as I will be staying in Durness (not camping) in September and was hoping to visit Cape wrath area. Have never done camping or long distance multi day hiking, but due to Covid have been doing loads of walking, sometimes 20-odd miles in a day. Hoping to do the South Downs Way in next couple of months (as I live in London), and if that goes well, at some point doing some hiking in Scotland.
I love that you call it "dilutin juice" rather than "squash", as that's what I've always known it as (being Scottish).
Ps, I was really feeling for you with the blisters.
Thanks for watching Dave. The South Downs way sounds a great trip. Enjoy your visit up to Scotland. Atb
Brilliant Ray. The fact that you talked about it with such passion shows that despite the pain and blisters you've enjoyed every moment you’ve been on those hills and that is adventure mate. It doesn’t go always as planned, and there are lessons to be learned no matter how well prepared we are, so, on that note I have enjoyed every moment as I was there with you, I laughed, I felt sad and suffered with you, great trip you’ve had.
Regards,
Florin
P. S. What tent do you use Ray, if you don't mind me asking.
Hi Florin and thanks for watching. It had its ups and downs but enjoyed every minute. The tent in the film was the DCF Mountain Laurel Designs Duomid with an inner nest from Aliexpress. Think this is the best setup I have owned to date. Currently using my MSR Access 2 but that is my current winter / snow tent. Atb
Ray, thanks for sharing this series of videos, I learned a lot from your experiences. Now you'll have time to reflect on the boots issue. Probably do some trials in boggy terrain. I thought about it a lot and had some ideas, but think I'd be shot down as a rediculous idiot, so will keep quiet! Cheers.
Thanks for watching Nigel. Dont think you will get shot down ;). Have a few routes i know that I will start using to test my footwear. Atb
bloody well done Ray, I have to say that I could see how much pain you were in while walking, and with blisters like dustbin lids there's no wonder! but man, I was scratching just looking at those midges lol. take care, atb.
Hats off to you, that looked tough, day 5 looked a physiological slog...well done and well done for filming it too, bloopers n all :-)
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series... thanks for putting it together. Kudos for perservering for so long with that level of foot pain. It was clear how much discomfort you were in. You captured some incredible scenery and hopefully you enjoy looking back on it too. All the best, Richard
Cheers Richard and the kind words. Atb
I hope you filmed the dumping of the boots, well done, u looked gubbed at the end, I could see you were in pain walking, well done for going on as long as you did
was a great series to watch, looking forward to reflections and that jacket review
Great set of films Ray, you never got the best of weather and Sod's law the day you leave looked nice. With the right footwear, you'd nail it as you've dialed in everything else spot on. Agree about doing it over 3 weeks to absorb it more.
Brilliant watch Ray following your journey. Well done on getting on with it as those blisters look painful.
Ray that was one phenomenal effort given those horrendous blisters i winced when you showed them at the end , really well done you are an inspiration to others that's for sure .
Great effort that, even more so considering the blisters. Great watch as usual, I prefare watching your vids to watching TV etc, although this series was just like a box set. Loved the music you used, haunting. There's definitely something to be said for the silent shots where you make it all about the scenery, it's a great technique, after all us viewers would love to be out there with you and this gives us a sense of that. It very much reminds me of a guy called Kraig Adams here on TH-cam, he's renowned for his silent hiking videos with ambient soundtrack, not sure if you're aware of his work but yours is a very similar style to his. Don't get me wrong, there's a time for talking but there's also a time to just soak it all in, excuse the pun. As usual thanks for the video.
Many thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed the series. Hope to have a lot more stuff out this year. Another YT guy I watch is Eric Normak, he has some great stuff. Atb
@@RS.Outdoors nice one, I'll definitely be checking him out.
Really enjoyed following you on your adventure Ray,I don't mind a good tough hike but that just looked totally brutal from the moment you set off,the constant mental challenge must be every bit as hard as the physical one..thanks for taking us along with you via your vids..ATB Andy
Great endurance, well done Ray. Ever since I wrecked my feet with new boots, I've carried gel heal protectors in my first aid kit. I'm not great with sore feet so an ace solution if your skin is starting to break.
Hoofin stuff ray well done I thought by the the looks you we're giving us I thought you we'r going to Rapp in.
I agree with the bootneck K9
Your feet and boot combination have to be spot on and conditioned to all that Yommping across moors and 360' ankles would always help....👍
Yep, we've all been there. I used a pair of inov8 roclite 315's for weight. Let's face it, on the CWT you're gonna get wet feet no matter what the footwear. Had you worn those boots before? Well done anyway and hopefully the next trip is more enjoyable for you. However this vlog is a realistic shot of the realities of long distance walking. Cheers
Thanks. Yes I had worn them before. Getting to point that I disagree you need to have wet feet doing that trip. Going to fo some testing;)
Great series of films blisters and all , was almost feeling the blisters myself watching ,
Thanks for watching Rodger. Atb
Well done Ray and I wish you better luck next time.
👍❤
Cheers Dave. Atb
Great viewing. Took the audience with you every step of the way.
Epic journey. Looking forward to the 2nd half next year 😉
I've had those blisters too Ray - I feel your pain! You did brilliantly to push on through to Ullapool and should be very pleased with your effort. Oh, and those midges on your last night looked fierce beyond endurance!
I was thinking about doing the CWT this year in stages but thankfully Ray you and Robin Wallace have put me off,lol. Absolutely fantastic effort to you.
It is an amazing adventure but it is difficult. Many other Tubers and written posts online make it look fairly easy. Even in my own films it doesn't really show the true scale of the terrain and distances covered. Maybe watch this film where I do the other half and filmed it a bit better. There is the option to do north to south and finish that half at Ullapool and head home and same going from Fort William to Ullapool and then home another time. That's what I done but sometime I do want to go back and complete it all in one go. Atb for 2024 th-cam.com/video/3DiTxfG5s04/w-d-xo.htmlsi=QIVP6jeoxHEtzrp3
Thanks Ray , you do make very realistic Blogs and very very enjoyable indeed.
Absolutely smashin'. A momumental effort. Bet that chippie and beer was like necktar. Thanks for sharing the adventure with us.
You sure you enjoyed that mate, looked like a hellish nightmare from this end ;)
Was a great adventure and amazing for body, mind and soul. Except for the blisters :) Atb
fantastic effort Ray. I guess many of us have enjoyed blister hell at some point in our travels. So I think you did really well to get to Ullapool. For me, footwear has been a lifetime experiment and I'm talking about 56 years of hiking ! I've done the trail you have yet to do, and I am planning to do the section you have just completed. Hence my interest in your posts. Thanks for some informative insights and may your next section be blister-free.
Thanks for watching Phil and hope film was of some help. Atb
ouch..those feet...yer..bin those shoes! bloody good effort tho, Cape Wrath one of the hardest trails in the UK, and a good excuse to return , with better boots of course. Really enjoyed yr films, inspired me to have a go at it next yr after the TGO challenge. Hope you all well and looking forward to yr next adventure...ATB WJ
Cheers Jay. Hope you have a great time on the TGO as we loved it a couple of years back. You will enjoy the CWT as well. Atb
Really enjoyed your videos of this journey, your style is really good. You have put the Cape Wrath Trail on my todo list, but I will take your advise and not under estimate the challenge.
Thanks for watching and hope you get the chance to do it. An amazing adventure to try. Atb
That was a lot to deal with, such a shame your footwear didn't work out for you . A beautiful landscape to be hiking through so big thanks for taking the time and effort to film your journey & for sharing with us .
Thanks for watching mate. Atb
Jeezo man !!, poor wee tootsies. Will there be a boot burn video ? Would love that. I've bought umpteen jackets, they say waterproof, but im sure they dont get tested in Scotland!!!!!
Thanks for sharing your videos. Lessons learnt for us all. Will watch your reviews now. Keep up with the walks and useful info. Cheers AliOban
Thanks for watching and glad you found it helpful. Boots got passed onto a friend for free and he loves them, lol. Jacket is great but hard to get hold of and more chance of finding pot of gold at end of a rainbow I think. Atb
Wow Ray, that was some trip. It looks absolutely amazing but brutal too. It’s been a great series of films and you’ve not held back on how you felt. Looking forward to seeing any follow up videos. Great stuff. 👍🏻
Fantastic effort, my heals were blistered just like yours at the start of the West Highland Way cpl years ago, compeed plasters helped me carry on, I had the wrong boots on to, the Cape wrath trail is one of the toughest in Europe, well done, great filming, enjoyed atb Derek
I just asked my husband (the real walker of the house) ‘fancy the Cape Wrath Trail then?’ and he replied ‘No! not unless I’d got stranded there’ 😂. Seriously though, hats off to you for you amazing stamina and willpower! I’m a chronic pain sufferer, and even I winced at your feet in the last shot 😯😖. I hope you were able to gather a few great memories ❤️ (and gave your boots the boot 😱). Fantastic video, which I’ve really enjoyed! 👍👍
Thank you for watching Nicki and glad you enjoyed it. Take care and Atb.