I couldn't help but notice the Offa's Dyke signpost behind you in your introduction. I seem to be on a similar journey to yourself. I am 64 years old , rediscovering this lost hobby, I walked Offa's Dyke back in 1975 when I was 15! I am working up to the CWT. Last year I walked the Slieve Bloom way here in Ireland solo and completed the TMB in the Alps with one of my sons. This year I am doing the Beara way solo and again with my son in the Alps we are doing some of the GR5. Next year the CWT! I found your video inspiring and reassuring that I am not the only grey haired guy rediscovering his love of the wild . Thankyou for your effort to make it and share it
Hi, it's great to hear from another 'oldie' who's rediscovering the joy of through-hiking :-) The Beara Way looks fantastic, and combined with the TMB and GR5 you're getting good preparation for the CWT. After all, the Trail is as much a test of mental strength as of physical endurance. I just hope that you get better weather conditions than I did. Good luck!
Hi Charles, Its not easy to say how much I enjoyed your account on the trail. I was very moved and bought back many memories of my trip 13 years ago and I'm still look back fondly today. Luckily we had dry weather or I would have given up. Thank you for sharing and giving me hope that I can do it again maybe next year although I have a few knee problems at the moment. Kind regards and happy hiking. 👍🍻🌞
Thanks Dave. I know for sure that - like you - I'll also have good memories to look back on in 13 years' time. The video was really a personal project to help capture the moments along the way, but I hope that it'll help anyone who's planning to walk the Trail, too. I'd love to do it again, if my knees and my wife would allow it *(not necessarily in that order)
Great video, thank you Charles. My walking buddy and I have done most of it in 2 sections, aiming to do the middle bit next May. It gets under one's skin, and I keep thinking about a thru-hike like yours! Thanks for sharing.
@@longsufferinghiker Yes, I spotted your reflection video. I've also ordered parts to make the guyline mods to my lanshan 2 as per your video on that. Roll on May 2024! Happy walking.
Thanks Alex. Yes, those days from the Oykel river onwards were grim..., but somehow that made it more satisfying to overcome the weather, and that sunny evening at Sandwood Bay was an absolutely fantastic respite!
Hello Richard, thank you for a very honest video of the CWT, I felt all your mental and physical highs and lows along the way, memories for you to reflect on for many years to come. Well done!
Doing it for your 60th wow.. I do hope I'm still able to carry on long distant hiking when I reach them numbers of age.. Awesome video pal.. Stay safe out there and well done on completing the CWT. It's on my bucket list to do in the next couple of years, along with the Pennine Way and Coast 2 Coast and then JOGLE.. Subbed and liked 👍👍🌳🌴🌲
Thanks! It was a big challenge, especially with the bad weather that I had to deal with. But all the more rewarding because of that. Good lightweight gear makes a huge difference, and plenty of training. It’s a hard one to follow though…
Very well done on your walking efforts and to your video. Lots of inspiration gained by watching you on the trail and notes taken to help guide me on my upcoming CWT in April. Like wise your kit debrief video was equaually as informative. All the best and wish you lots more adventures. I'm a similar age to yourself, but allowing myself 3weeks to complete, so high expectations to seeing it thru to the end.
Thanks Philip. Glad that I’ve helped inspire you 🙂 I think you’re wise to allow plenty of time for the Trail; having time for rest days or shortened days for bad weather etc will make all the difference, especially if you get a lot of rainy weather like I did. And you’ll have time to appreciate the amazing scenery as you pass through it. I’d urge you to do as much training as possible beforehand. Us old ‘uns can show the youngsters how it’s done!!
Thanks Alan. Glad you liked it. It really just started out as a personal record of the adventure, but it's good to be able to share such a fantastic experience :-)
Fair play for sticking it out with day after day of rain! I was walking the WHW about the same time as you were on the CWT and I only had a few minutes of rain here and there (but it did lash down during some of those times). I count myself very lucky as I got a “taste” of the rain experience without a proper soaking.
Thanks Peter. The rain certainly added to the challenge - both mentally and physically - but I guess it also meant that completing the Trail was even more rewarding. And the sun shining at last for a glorious evening at Sandwood Bay is something I’ll always treasure. Hope you enjoyed the WHW!
@@longsufferinghiker Rain is what makes Scotland Scotland but hey, a bit of sunshine helps! Had a blast on the WHW. Looking for more challenges. CWT looks amazing but a little daunting.
Thank you for the video. This has been the best view of the overall trail I’ve seen. I’m planning to follow in your footsteps next year so the serious training has to start soon. I’ve bought my first ever pair of trail runners and I need this hot dry spell to end so I can test them out in the wet! I was thinking of doing just the southern half but I’m going to be persuading work and wife I deserve enough time away .
Thanks Peter; I really appreciate the feedback, as the video was originally meant to be just a personal record. I hope you get on OK with the trail runners; despite the compromises they are the best option for a long trail because of the light weight and the fast drying IMHO, and many other walkers on the Trail had them too, so you'll be in good company!
Great video and well done, the cape wrath trail can be brutal but oh so rewarding. Nice to see you were using the Ikea zip lock bags, I never go hiking without them.
Well done mate, enjoyed being with you on your journey, which was different enough from the other more popular series that it was worth the watch. I could relate to those tough days, the highs the lows, the spectacular scenery. What a privilege it is to be able to take on such an adventure. I did my own CWT last year but haven't been able to let it go, so I am returning for another go in six weeks.
Thanks for sharing your adventure. On my todo list since I walked the West Highland Way. And say hi to Richard G3CWI. A fellow amateur radio mountain activator. I hope he got some activation in on the way. All the best from Austria from Joe. Callsign OE5JFE. Safe travels
Thanks Garry. Good luck for 2024; the best advice I can give you is to do as much training as possible, carrying a full pack up long climbs; it’ll really help you to enjoy the trail 🙂
Fantastic video, thanks so much for sharing. I'm starting the trail later this week and it's been great to see it for real rather than just the Harvey's maps and guide book. Congratulations on your amazing achievement and again for sharing your experience.
Thanks! I started the video as a personal record, but I'm pleased that you enjoyed it :-) I hope you have a brilliant time on the trail. In hindsight I wish that I had taken a bit longer on the trail, and spent more time to savour it, but sadly the weather that I encountered didn't make me want to linger! I hope you're taking a good midge net? lol
Did you say you were 60 when you did this? I will do this next year! Been binging on CWT vids. Your "gear vid" is by far the most informative. Looking forward to it. I'll be 48
Yes, I was 60, and it was a fantastic way to mark my age. I, too, watched loads of videos beforehand, and it helped me to prepare mentally. It was also cool to recognise places that I passed along the way. My best tip is to do as much serious training as possible before you start - it’ll help to make it a pleasant experience and not just an ordeal. In the meantime I’ve also uploaded a video of my reflections 1 year later: The Cape Wrath Trail - 1 year on th-cam.com/video/-YtTjMtRcOw/w-d-xo.html
Hi charles. Preparations for CWT continue. Waiting on the arrival of my scarp 1 tent. Just wanted to know how tricky the path around falls of glomach actually was. Does extreme caution need to be taken. I got back after trip from Glenfinnan to Inverie all in one piece but quite tired. I cant get to sleep in bothies. Never have! In regards to embracing wet feet and wearing runners how can you prevent blisters ? Did you use talcum powder? Thanks Tom
Hi Tom. Hope your trip was good fun. The Falls of Glomach was a bit scary but not technically difficult. I think I had to turn to face the rock once while I clambered down. Mostly I was worried about slipping, so I concentrated on looking where I was stepping! But the alternative routes aren’t much fun either, and the Falls are spectacular and well worth seeing. The Scarp is a fabulous tent; I’m a bit jealous! Personally I hate Bothies; they are always damp and gloomy, and I don’t like to share the space; there’s always someone staying up late chatting and drinking, or snoring, or getting up early while I’m trying to sleep. So I prefer to sleep in my tent nearby. I did that at A’Chuil, Maol Bhuidhe, and Shenavall. I have honestly never had problems with blisters in my Trail Runners. I found a type that fit my feet well, and wear very good quality socks. I have Compeed plasters with me, just in case I need preventative measures if a ‘hot spot’ develops on a foot. I do put on medicated foot powder every day, but that’s to prevent too much odour! 😉.
@longsufferinghiker hi charles. Thanks for input re falls of glomach and trainers v boots. Tbh, I've had a love hate relationship with bothies. I used to think they were great but like I say I've never slept well in them . I actually think they are cold and unhygienic places. Great in an emergency but massively overused. I am warmer and sleep better in tent. Yes I'm looking forward to scarp arriving, looks a very good tent with very positive reviews. Fingers crossed 🤞
Thank you for a great video - were you happy with your chosen footwear (I do wear trail runners - Altras) but I'm just not sure whether to go for trail runners or light weight boots?
From my experience Trail Runners are definitely the best option. If you already use them and your feet are used to them, then you don't need any extra 'ankle support' that boots might offer. I had a particularly wet time on the Trail, but you should expect heavy rain and many river crossings and boggy sections, so your feet will be getting wet constantly. Weight is a serious factor because the trail is so long and has so much ascent, so lightweight footwear will make a big difference and reduce fatigue. Trail runners are relatively light when wet and can dry out quickly. Whereas boots will stay wet and will be much heavier. But think carefully about the socks that you use; many people use waterproof socks for obvious reasons, but I find that once these get wet (and they will) then they are very slow to dry out again, so I used Darn Tough merino wool socks that were warm and comfortable even when wet. But putting on damp cold socks every morning was definitely not my favourite part of the day! I used the Altra Lone Peak because I need a wide fit, but the biggest problem is the poor grip, especially at the heel; I had countless slips and falls as a result and would not recommend them. I have switched to Topo Athletic because they are more sturdy and have a Vibram sole with better lugs - either the MTN Racer 2 or the Trailventure. But availability in the UK is tricky. I have also done a gear review: th-cam.com/video/ta9F6IkFznE/w-d-xo.html
Thanks Bob! I was lucky to be able to get away, but doing the trail in sections could be more practical; there are natural breaks at Morvich and Ullapool.
Hi Charles, I have been watching a lot of the CWT videos as my attempt will be August/Sept this year. Got some good tips from you in your gear list video. Thx for that. I'm a little confused over the total elevation gains for the day you show through this video as they seem to be way too high? For example, the OS Maps app for the kinlochewe shenavall section using walk highlands route is only 747m (2450ft) whereas you say just over 3400ft...I noticed this for the other sections too...why thea large discrepancy do you think?
Hi Iain. I’m pleased that you found the gear review useful. You raise a very good point about the elevation gains, and it’s something that I had noticed, too. My data is from the OS App which I used to record my activity each day. I also used the Strava App as a secondary record. I found that these varied, but by no more than 10% (it was useful that these both worked on flight mode, so didn’t affect the battery life on my phone too much). I can only surmise that the Apps logged my altitude frequently, and so the undulations in the path (or no path!) were recorded as elevation and distance changes. This would give a different result to a map plot, which would use a more ‘smooth’ model of the route. This would also explain differences between the nominal distance of each stage and the actual distance that I recorded. The difference between OS and Strava data would be explained by differences between their data point frequency. If this is the case, then the variation between ‘expected’ and ‘actual’ elevation gains could be used to give an indication of the amount of undulation in that section. This would certainly be the case for the Kinlochewe-Shenevall stretch, which was particularly rough going over Bealach Na Croise, and alongside Abhainn Loch an Nid. Other sections that were particularly rough going were over Bealach Bernais, and the section East of Ben More Assynt before Loch an Eircill, which still give me nightmares 😊 Enjoy your trip!
@@longsufferinghiker ah..yeah, the gps altitude is never that good on a phone and varies a lot. Good to know the os Maps app worked for you. I have that downloaded for offline use also as well as opentopo map on my Garmin etrex and the Harvey maps. I should be good thx!
Serious question: Do you only bring the clothes you walk in , plus night wear and no spares for the daytime, as I've found wet darn tough socks take ages to dry out? Often wondered if this was the way to lighten my pack on multi-day trips. Great way to celebrate your 60th BTW.
Yes, that's pretty much how I'd do things, and if I was doing the CWT again then that would be what I'd pack. On the CWT it's simply futile to try to keep your feet dry, so I think it's best to accept the inevitable and instead use gear that will perform well even when it's damp. It might seem strange, but a major benefit of the Darn Tough Merino socks is that they are still warm and comfortable even when they are wet. Inevitably I ended up wading through streams and bogs, but I found that the combination of the trail runners and Darn Tough socks meant that my feet were OK all day regardless (but it did help to have a nice warm & dry pair of socks to put on in the evening!). Having said that, putting on a pair of cold damp socks in the morning was definitely not my favourite party of the day!!
Just started watching your cape wrath video. Great video so thanks for sharing. What is your verdict on the Lanshan 2? I’m tempted to get one but feedback from people like you who have given a proper testing is what I need to hear. Condensation? And did you seam seal it yourself? Many thanks, Tim
Hi Tim. I'm glad you liked the video 🙂 I could talk for hours about the tent, but since you asked... If you already use walking poles then the Lanshan is a great choice, especially considering the cheap price and light weight compared to the alternatives. Of course, it's not meant to be a 4 season tent suitable for mountain tops in winter, so the CWT was a huge test of the tent; it had to withstand some very windy nights, and nights of continuous heavy rain. In poor weather I just set the poles lower (117cm) and it always performed excellently, with no problems. It is nice and spacious inside for 1 person, which I appreciated on the CWT. I find that having 2 vestibules is very useful; I keep my pack and wet gear on one side (usually the windward side), which leaves masses of room for cooking etc. on the other side. I have the standard (non Pro) version with a 4 season inner. There is a very small weight penalty compared to the Pro version, but I have never experienced condensation inside the inner, so my kit and sleeping bag have always stayed dry. Condensation on the outer is inevitable in the humid UK climate, and this is why I personally would not use a single-skin tent. I seam-sealed it myself, which wasn't hard. I have made the common modification to the main guylines; they are now much longer and stronger, and it also helps keep the bottom of the vestibules sitting lower. I tend to store the outer separate from the inner, which is therefore kept dry. I also have the factory footprint, which I keep permanently attached to the flysheet for convenience and to help with pitching. You'll also see that I use some bespoke short carbon poles on the side guylines. These help to brace the sides and maximise the interior space. The important thing is to pitch the Lanshan well, and that takes a bit of practice. It's essential to get the 'ridge' as straight as possible and to eliminate any creases. If you get that right then it's a brilliant tent.
Happy to help!! The poles are 60cm long, in 2 sections. There used to be a chap selling them on eBay, but his store has since shut down :-( I did also investigate using fishing rod rests... Similar carbon tube is available: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/294196790161 Are you planning on doing the CWT?
Thanks again Charles. Great help. No plans to do the CWT right now as I’m still working full time and time off is hectic doing other stuff. But who knows, maybe when I retire! 😊
Hi Tony. Yes, that was me! Were you running the local Backpackers Club at the time? I owe you a lot; getting out with the nice bunch was a big part of getting me started backpacking, and I'm still in touch with a couple of others; in particular Richard who I mention in the video who was a member too. I still remember my first trip with the club to the Black Mountains, and the infamous Sheep Fold. Are you still walking & camping?
@@longsufferinghiker yes. The sheep pen. Was that in snow and I had a black eye. Haven't done any proper backpacking for years. We have the odd night out in the hills. Do you remember Dennis? I still see him regularly . Next month is my 50th anniversary as a backpackers club member
Ah yes, and I was getting by in just a bivvy bag before I could afford a tent. Brrrrr. Yes, I certainly remember Dennis and his mad grin and amazing speed and stamina. I did the Ridgeway in 3 days with him & Chris Boulter back in the day when I was young and fit. Richard and I met with Chris a couple of years ago. How about the Air Steward who used to bring along a bag of miniatures? Was his name Colin? And Ann Benyon?
Hi again Tony. Seems there's something strange happening with your comments, as they're not showing on the thread, anyway it's really good to hear from you. Do you have any photos from those days in the '80s?
I couldn't help but notice the Offa's Dyke signpost behind you in your introduction.
I seem to be on a similar journey to yourself. I am 64 years old , rediscovering this lost hobby, I walked Offa's Dyke back in 1975 when I was 15!
I am working up to the CWT.
Last year I walked the Slieve Bloom way here in Ireland solo and completed the TMB in the Alps with one of my sons.
This year I am doing the Beara way solo and again with my son in the Alps we are doing some of the GR5.
Next year the CWT!
I found your video inspiring and reassuring that I am not the only grey haired guy rediscovering his love of the wild .
Thankyou for your effort to make it and share it
Hi, it's great to hear from another 'oldie' who's rediscovering the joy of through-hiking :-)
The Beara Way looks fantastic, and combined with the TMB and GR5 you're getting good preparation for the CWT. After all, the Trail is as much a test of mental strength as of physical endurance. I just hope that you get better weather conditions than I did. Good luck!
Fascinating video and congratulations on a great achievement !
Many thanks!
Hi, that was a fantastic account if your epic hike, congratulations and thank you for sharing.👍😁
Thanks; it means a lot to know that you enjoyed it
Good to see and hear all your ups and downs your up there with the best of them that stands the trial 👍
Thanks Gordon. It is definitely one of the biggest achievements of my life
Hi Charles, Its not easy to say how much I enjoyed your account on the trail. I was very moved and bought back many memories of my trip 13 years ago and I'm still look back fondly today. Luckily we had dry weather or I would have given up.
Thank you for sharing and giving me hope that I can do it again maybe next year although I have a few knee problems at the moment.
Kind regards and happy hiking.
👍🍻🌞
Thanks Dave. I know for sure that - like you - I'll also have good memories to look back on in 13 years' time. The video was really a personal project to help capture the moments along the way, but I hope that it'll help anyone who's planning to walk the Trail, too. I'd love to do it again, if my knees and my wife would allow it *(not necessarily in that order)
Very much enjoyed that Charles, great watch. Little choked at the end there, with you at the lighthouse. I know that feeling. I love that feeling.
Thanks. It was exactly one year ago that I reached the Lighthouse - I can still remember the happy feeling!
Good effort mate 👍 Thanks for the excellent video too 👍
Thanks mate; glad you liked it
Great stuff, thanks for the upload
Thanks; it's a fantastic trail (even in the very rainy conditions); the experience of a lifetime.
Great video, thank you Charles. My walking buddy and I have done most of it in 2 sections, aiming to do the middle bit next May. It gets under one's skin, and I keep thinking about a thru-hike like yours! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks mate. I’ve just uploaded a short reflection on my walk, one year afterwards. It’s a brilliant trail; I hope you enjoy the middle section!
@@longsufferinghiker Yes, I spotted your reflection video. I've also ordered parts to make the guyline mods to my lanshan 2 as per your video on that. Roll on May 2024! Happy walking.
Thanks! Was really rooting for you those last few days. Well done through that grim weather.
Thanks Alex. Yes, those days from the Oykel river onwards were grim..., but somehow that made it more satisfying to overcome the weather, and that sunny evening at Sandwood Bay was an absolutely fantastic respite!
Lovely walk, it looked beautiful, except for the rain. Good stuff!
Thanks. yes, it was very wet!! I think the final day was the only one when I didn't wear waterproofs at some point!
Well done. Lovely to see your path and hear your account.
Hello Richard, thank you for a very honest video of the CWT, I felt all your mental and physical highs and lows along the way, memories for you to reflect on for many years to come. Well done!
Thanks mate; much appreciated :-)
Great video of your challenging walk on the Cape Wrath trail. Well done on completing it in 1 go 👍
Thank you! 👍
Excellent video. Nice work with the editing and music too. And of course well done on the walk. It was great to play a small part in your success!
not such a small part...
Doing it for your 60th wow.. I do hope I'm still able to carry on long distant hiking when I reach them numbers of age..
Awesome video pal.. Stay safe out there and well done on completing the CWT. It's on my bucket list to do in the next couple of years, along with the Pennine Way and Coast 2 Coast and then JOGLE.. Subbed and liked 👍👍🌳🌴🌲
Thanks! It was a big challenge, especially with the bad weather that I had to deal with. But all the more rewarding because of that. Good lightweight gear makes a huge difference, and plenty of training.
It’s a hard one to follow though…
Very well done on your walking efforts and to your video. Lots of inspiration gained by watching you on the trail and notes taken to help guide me on my upcoming CWT in April. Like wise your kit debrief video was equaually as informative. All the best and wish you lots more adventures. I'm a similar age to yourself, but allowing myself 3weeks to complete, so high expectations to seeing it thru to the end.
Thanks Philip. Glad that I’ve helped inspire you 🙂
I think you’re wise to allow plenty of time for the Trail; having time for rest days or shortened days for bad weather etc will make all the difference, especially if you get a lot of rainy weather like I did. And you’ll have time to appreciate the amazing scenery as you pass through it.
I’d urge you to do as much training as possible beforehand.
Us old ‘uns can show the youngsters how it’s done!!
Very well done,enjoyed this👍
Glad you enjoyed it
Thanks for your video. Honest and informative. We'll done, such an achievement.
Thanks Alan. Glad you liked it. It really just started out as a personal record of the adventure, but it's good to be able to share such a fantastic experience :-)
Fair play for sticking it out with day after day of rain! I was walking the WHW about the same time as you were on the CWT and I only had a few minutes of rain here and there (but it did lash down during some of those times). I count myself very lucky as I got a “taste” of the rain experience without a proper soaking.
Thanks Peter. The rain certainly added to the challenge - both mentally and physically - but I guess it also meant that completing the Trail was even more rewarding. And the sun shining at last for a glorious evening at Sandwood Bay is something I’ll always treasure.
Hope you enjoyed the WHW!
@@longsufferinghiker Rain is what makes Scotland Scotland but hey, a bit of sunshine helps! Had a blast on the WHW. Looking for more challenges. CWT looks amazing but a little daunting.
Thank you for the video. This has been the best view of the overall trail I’ve seen. I’m planning to follow in your footsteps next year so the serious training has to start soon. I’ve bought my first ever pair of trail runners and I need this hot dry spell to end so I can test them out in the wet! I was thinking of doing just the southern half but I’m going to be persuading work and wife I deserve enough time away .
Thanks Peter; I really appreciate the feedback, as the video was originally meant to be just a personal record.
I hope you get on OK with the trail runners; despite the compromises they are the best option for a long trail because of the light weight and the fast drying IMHO, and many other walkers on the Trail had them too, so you'll be in good company!
Love the attempts at pronunciation of place names, monny a gaffaw!
LOL. Goodness knows how I'll manage in the Hebrides this year!!
Thoroughly enjoyed your account of your CWT journey. Great pictures and informative commentary.
Congratulations, well done 👏
Thanks Gavin. I'm really pleased that you enjoyed it!
Great video and well done, the cape wrath trail can be brutal but oh so rewarding.
Nice to see you were using the Ikea zip lock bags, I never go hiking without them.
Yep; they're much cheaper, and you can see what's inside. Simples!!
Well done mate, enjoyed being with you on your journey, which was different enough from the other more popular series that it was worth the watch. I could relate to those tough days, the highs the lows, the spectacular scenery. What a privilege it is to be able to take on such an adventure. I did my own CWT last year but haven't been able to let it go, so I am returning for another go in six weeks.
I completely understand why you want to return. Are you doing the same direction, or reverse?
Excellent stuff
Thank you! Cheers!
Thanks for sharing your adventure. On my todo list since I walked the West Highland Way. And say hi to Richard G3CWI. A fellow amateur radio mountain activator. I hope he got some activation in on the way. All the best from Austria from Joe. Callsign OE5JFE. Safe travels
Thanks, will do!
Congratulations 👏 👏 👏 great effort 👌 hopefully 2024 for me 🤞
Thanks Garry. Good luck for 2024; the best advice I can give you is to do as much training as possible, carrying a full pack up long climbs; it’ll really help you to enjoy the trail 🙂
Fantastic video, thanks so much for sharing. I'm starting the trail later this week and it's been great to see it for real rather than just the Harvey's maps and guide book. Congratulations on your amazing achievement and again for sharing your experience.
Thanks! I started the video as a personal record, but I'm pleased that you enjoyed it :-)
I hope you have a brilliant time on the trail. In hindsight I wish that I had taken a bit longer on the trail, and spent more time to savour it, but sadly the weather that I encountered didn't make me want to linger! I hope you're taking a good midge net? lol
I'm enjoying watching your video, thank you for sharing. I'm due to do the final 3rd of the trail from Ullapool to Cape Wrath in September.
I think that section was the finest; hope the midges aren't too bad for you!!
Did you say you were 60 when you did this? I will do this next year! Been binging on CWT vids. Your "gear vid" is by far the most informative. Looking forward to it. I'll be 48
Yes, I was 60, and it was a fantastic way to mark my age. I, too, watched loads of videos beforehand, and it helped me to prepare mentally. It was also cool to recognise places that I passed along the way.
My best tip is to do as much serious training as possible before you start - it’ll help to make it a pleasant experience and not just an ordeal.
In the meantime I’ve also uploaded a video of my reflections 1 year later: The Cape Wrath Trail - 1 year on
th-cam.com/video/-YtTjMtRcOw/w-d-xo.html
Hi charles. Preparations for CWT continue. Waiting on the arrival of my scarp 1 tent. Just wanted to know how tricky the path around falls of glomach actually was. Does extreme caution need to be taken. I got back after trip from Glenfinnan to Inverie all in one piece but quite tired. I cant get to sleep in bothies. Never have! In regards to embracing wet feet and wearing runners how can you prevent blisters ? Did you use talcum powder? Thanks Tom
Hi Tom. Hope your trip was good fun.
The Falls of Glomach was a bit scary but not technically difficult. I think I had to turn to face the rock once while I clambered down. Mostly I was worried about slipping, so I concentrated on looking where I was stepping! But the alternative routes aren’t much fun either, and the Falls are spectacular and well worth seeing.
The Scarp is a fabulous tent; I’m a bit jealous!
Personally I hate Bothies; they are always damp and gloomy, and I don’t like to share the space; there’s always someone staying up late chatting and drinking, or snoring, or getting up early while I’m trying to sleep. So I prefer to sleep in my tent nearby. I did that at A’Chuil, Maol Bhuidhe, and Shenavall.
I have honestly never had problems with blisters in my Trail Runners. I found a type that fit my feet well, and wear very good quality socks. I have Compeed plasters with me, just in case I need preventative measures if a ‘hot spot’ develops on a foot. I do put on medicated foot powder every day, but that’s to prevent too much odour! 😉.
@longsufferinghiker hi charles. Thanks for input re falls of glomach and trainers v boots. Tbh, I've had a love hate relationship with bothies. I used to think they were great but like I say I've never slept well in them . I actually think they are cold and unhygienic places. Great in an emergency but massively overused. I am warmer and sleep better in tent. Yes I'm looking forward to scarp arriving, looks a very good tent with very positive reviews. Fingers crossed 🤞
Thank you for a great video - were you happy with your chosen footwear (I do wear trail runners - Altras) but I'm just not sure whether to go for trail runners or light weight boots?
From my experience Trail Runners are definitely the best option.
If you already use them and your feet are used to them, then you don't need any extra 'ankle support' that boots might offer.
I had a particularly wet time on the Trail, but you should expect heavy rain and many river crossings and boggy sections, so your feet will be getting wet constantly. Weight is a serious factor because the trail is so long and has so much ascent, so lightweight footwear will make a big difference and reduce fatigue.
Trail runners are relatively light when wet and can dry out quickly. Whereas boots will stay wet and will be much heavier.
But think carefully about the socks that you use; many people use waterproof socks for obvious reasons, but I find that once these get wet (and they will) then they are very slow to dry out again, so I used Darn Tough merino wool socks that were warm and comfortable even when wet. But putting on damp cold socks every morning was definitely not my favourite part of the day!
I used the Altra Lone Peak because I need a wide fit, but the biggest problem is the poor grip, especially at the heel; I had countless slips and falls as a result and would not recommend them. I have switched to Topo Athletic because they are more sturdy and have a Vibram sole with better lugs - either the MTN Racer 2 or the Trailventure. But availability in the UK is tricky.
I have also done a gear review:
th-cam.com/video/ta9F6IkFznE/w-d-xo.html
Hi Charles 👋 I've always wanted to do this but never seem to have the annual leave! Great video, I will subscribe 👍
Thanks Bob! I was lucky to be able to get away, but doing the trail in sections could be more practical; there are natural breaks at Morvich and Ullapool.
Hi Charles, I have been watching a lot of the CWT videos as my attempt will be August/Sept this year. Got some good tips from you in your gear list video. Thx for that. I'm a little confused over the total elevation gains for the day you show through this video as they seem to be way too high? For example, the OS Maps app for the kinlochewe shenavall section using walk highlands route is only 747m (2450ft) whereas you say just over 3400ft...I noticed this for the other sections too...why thea large discrepancy do you think?
Hi Iain. I’m pleased that you found the gear review useful.
You raise a very good point about the elevation gains, and it’s something that I had noticed, too. My data is from the OS App which I used to record my activity each day. I also used the Strava App as a secondary record. I found that these varied, but by no more than 10% (it was useful that these both worked on flight mode, so didn’t affect the battery life on my phone too much).
I can only surmise that the Apps logged my altitude frequently, and so the undulations in the path (or no path!) were recorded as elevation and distance changes. This would give a different result to a map plot, which would use a more ‘smooth’ model of the route. This would also explain differences between the nominal distance of each stage and the actual distance that I recorded. The difference between OS and Strava data would be explained by differences between their data point frequency.
If this is the case, then the variation between ‘expected’ and ‘actual’ elevation gains could be used to give an indication of the amount of undulation in that section. This would certainly be the case for the Kinlochewe-Shenevall stretch, which was particularly rough going over Bealach Na Croise, and alongside Abhainn Loch an Nid.
Other sections that were particularly rough going were over Bealach Bernais, and the section East of Ben More Assynt before Loch an Eircill, which still give me nightmares 😊
Enjoy your trip!
@@longsufferinghiker ah..yeah, the gps altitude is never that good on a phone and varies a lot. Good to know the os Maps app worked for you. I have that downloaded for offline use also as well as opentopo map on my Garmin etrex and the Harvey maps. I should be good thx!
That sounds good.
Coincidentally, I see that you did walked the Skye Trail a few years ago; I'm going to be doing it in April.
Good luck, August/Spetember is peak midgie season to be prepared for the onslaught!
Congratulations well done you must be on cloud nine🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Thanks. I was very proud to have made it; the achievement of a lifetime.
I just wish that the weather had been nicer!! :-D
Serious question: Do you only bring the clothes you walk in , plus night wear and no spares for the daytime, as I've found wet darn tough socks take ages to dry out? Often wondered if this was the way to lighten my pack on multi-day trips. Great way to celebrate your 60th BTW.
Yes, that's pretty much how I'd do things, and if I was doing the CWT again then that would be what I'd pack. On the CWT it's simply futile to try to keep your feet dry, so I think it's best to accept the inevitable and instead use gear that will perform well even when it's damp.
It might seem strange, but a major benefit of the Darn Tough Merino socks is that they are still warm and comfortable even when they are wet. Inevitably I ended up wading through streams and bogs, but I found that the combination of the trail runners and Darn Tough socks meant that my feet were OK all day regardless (but it did help to have a nice warm & dry pair of socks to put on in the evening!).
Having said that, putting on a pair of cold damp socks in the morning was definitely not my favourite party of the day!!
Just started watching your cape wrath video. Great video so thanks for sharing. What is your verdict on the Lanshan 2? I’m tempted to get one but feedback from people like you who have given a proper testing is what I need to hear. Condensation? And did you seam seal it yourself? Many thanks, Tim
Hi Tim. I'm glad you liked the video 🙂 I could talk for hours about the tent, but since you asked...
If you already use walking poles then the Lanshan is a great choice, especially considering the cheap price and light weight compared to the alternatives. Of course, it's not meant to be a 4 season tent suitable for mountain tops in winter, so the CWT was a huge test of the tent; it had to withstand some very windy nights, and nights of continuous heavy rain. In poor weather I just set the poles lower (117cm) and it always performed excellently, with no problems.
It is nice and spacious inside for 1 person, which I appreciated on the CWT. I find that having 2 vestibules is very useful; I keep my pack and wet gear on one side (usually the windward side), which leaves masses of room for cooking etc. on the other side.
I have the standard (non Pro) version with a 4 season inner. There is a very small weight penalty compared to the Pro version, but I have never experienced condensation inside the inner, so my kit and sleeping bag have always stayed dry. Condensation on the outer is inevitable in the humid UK climate, and this is why I personally would not use a single-skin tent. I seam-sealed it myself, which wasn't hard.
I have made the common modification to the main guylines; they are now much longer and stronger, and it also helps keep the bottom of the vestibules sitting lower.
I tend to store the outer separate from the inner, which is therefore kept dry. I also have the factory footprint, which I keep permanently attached to the flysheet for convenience and to help with pitching. You'll also see that I use some bespoke short carbon poles on the side guylines. These help to brace the sides and maximise the interior space.
The important thing is to pitch the Lanshan well, and that takes a bit of practice. It's essential to get the 'ridge' as straight as possible and to eliminate any creases. If you get that right then it's a brilliant tent.
You’re a star Charles. Thank you so much for that fantastic reply. Where did you get those side poles? Great idea! 👏👏
Happy to help!!
The poles are 60cm long, in 2 sections. There used to be a chap selling them on eBay, but his store has since shut down :-( I did also investigate using fishing rod rests...
Similar carbon tube is available: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/294196790161
Are you planning on doing the CWT?
Thanks again Charles. Great help. No plans to do the CWT right now as I’m still working full time and time off is hectic doing other stuff. But who knows, maybe when I retire! 😊
Hi Charles. Enjoyed the video. Were you in the backpackers club and living in the Slough area many years ago. Tony Stanton
Hi Tony. Yes, that was me! Were you running the local Backpackers Club at the time? I owe you a lot; getting out with the nice bunch was a big part of getting me started backpacking, and I'm still in touch with a couple of others; in particular Richard who I mention in the video who was a member too. I still remember my first trip with the club to the Black Mountains, and the infamous Sheep Fold. Are you still walking & camping?
@@longsufferinghiker yes. The sheep pen. Was that in snow and I had a black eye. Haven't done any proper backpacking for years. We have the odd night out in the hills. Do you remember Dennis? I still see him regularly . Next month is my 50th anniversary as a backpackers club member
Ah yes, and I was getting by in just a bivvy bag before I could afford a tent. Brrrrr.
Yes, I certainly remember Dennis and his mad grin and amazing speed and stamina. I did the Ridgeway in 3 days with him & Chris Boulter back in the day when I was young and fit. Richard and I met with Chris a couple of years ago.
How about the Air Steward who used to bring along a bag of miniatures? Was his name Colin?
And Ann Benyon?
Hi again Tony. Seems there's something strange happening with your comments, as they're not showing on the thread, anyway it's really good to hear from you. Do you have any photos from those days in the '80s?
Pronounced “Kinloch you” not eewee 😃
Thanks for putting me straight.