The Cape Wrath Trail

Minimum group size is 4 / maximum number is 7

7 - 22 May 2005

This two week guided trek takes you through Scotland's most spectacular scenery and during its 160 mile length we shall traverse many fine peaks, ford wild rivers and wander through lonely Straths. From the tranquil banks of the Caledonian canal, over rugged mountain summits and on to Sandwood Bays' golden sands we shall explore all that is the North-West Highlands before finally reaching Cape Wrath.

The trip will involve a certain amount of backpacking and wild camping but the number of days a full pack will be carried is kept to a minimum by virtue of mini-bus backup. There will be 11 nights in comfortable hostels and no more than 1 night at a time will be spent wild camping (4 nights total)

Please call us on 01786 870 456 if you are interested in this trip.

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Fort William (6-7pm)

Stage 1 (day 2):
GR (41) 112768 - (34) 201 941
Fort William - Fedden Ruin Overnight Camp
Distance: 20km (13 miles)
Ascent: 400m (1000m if including the Munros)
The walk from Banavie on the outskirts of Fort William leads us from Neptune's Staircase on the Caledonian Canal for 9km along the canal tow path. This section is the start of the Great Glen Way. At Gairlochy the route continues on the road to Achnacarry before climbing gently along forest roads and trails from the Eas Chi-aig waterfall. Camp for the night is at the wild remote bealach below the Great Glen Munros.
Option of Munros above Loch Lochy - Meall na Teanga & Sron a Choire Garbh (after striking camp!)

Stage 2: (day 3)
GR (34) 201 941 - (33) 077117
Fedden Ruin to Cluanie Inn
Distance: 26km (16 miles)
Ascent: 500m
The route begins with a scenic descent to cross Loch Garry before heading west down the road past the Tomdoun Hotel (excess baggage can be dropped at mini-bus). We then walk north into wild country fording the River Loyne before picking up the track around the eastern end of the South Glenshiel Ridge. Then on to a welcome pint at the Cluanie Inn. Night at Ratagan Hostel (Glen Shiel).

Stage 3: (day 4)
GR (25) 0946302 - (25) GR053360
Glen Elchaig - Maol Buidhe
Distance 24km (14 miles)
Ascent: 400m
An easier day today with a trek in along a good track, via the Falls of Glomach. An overnight camp in the wilderness of the Killilan Forest.

Stage 4: (day 5)
GR(25) 053360- (25) 040493
Maol Buidhe to Glen Carron (Craig)
Distance 22km (13 miles)
Ascent: 800m
A trek through the wild heart of the West Monar Forest, we pass the remote peaks of Lurg Mhor and Bidean a' Coire Sheasgaich. A good stalker's track then leads over the high pass in to Glen Carron via the path along Sgurr na Feartaig.

Stage 5: (day 6)
GR (25) 003484 - (25) 960568
Glen Carron to Glen Torridon
Distance:13km (9 miles)
Ascent: 900m (1200m with Munro of Sgorr Ruadh or Beinn Liath Mhor)
At Alltshellach we head north into Coire Lair where we are amid spectacular peaks of Torridonian sandstone. The very energetic can take in Beinn Liath Mhor or Sgorr Ruadh (Munro) en-route to Glen Torridon. Spectacular views of Liathach abound at the head of the pass. This area is a personal highlight and the stalkers paths lend themselves to easier walking than the previous few days.
The ascent involved in this day without the Munro top is also considerable but no backpack is necessary after crossing the road in Glen Carron.
Night spent at Torridon Youth Hostel.

Stage 6: (day 7)
GR (25) 960568 - (19) 029619
Torridon to Kinlochewe (via Beinn Eighe Ridge, 2 Munros)
Distance: 16km (10 miles)
Ascent: 1000m
This spectacular peak is one of the Torridon 'Big Three' and a complete traverse of its sweeping ridge and many summits is a true Scottish classic. Today we have that chance and at the end of the day we descend to Kinlochewe . Daypacks only!

Night at Torridon Youth Hostel

Kinlochlewe

Day 8: Rest Day

Night at Torridon Youth Hostel

Stage 7: (day 9)
GR (19) 029619 - (19) 083796
Kinlochewe - Fisherfield (Achnegie ruin)
Distance: 22km (14 miles)
Ascent: 450m (1200m if 2 Munros included)
After leaving Kinlochewe we enter the realm of the Fisherfield Forest. This treeless 'Deer Forest' is one of the centres of Highland Stalking activities in the autumn. The walking is rugged after leaving the vehicle tracks in the Glen but these facilitate easy approaches to the mountains.

Optional high level over Mullach Coire Mhic Fheachair, Sgurr Ban - only for the energetic as this is a tough walk with full kit!

An overnight camp in the lonely Strath na Sealga is essential and one of the best wild camp sites around.

Stage 8: (day 10)
GR (19) 083796 - (19) 125940
Fisherfield to Ullapool
Distance: 17km (11 miles)
Ascent: 500m
Todays route crosses the pass below An Teallach and drops down to Corrie Hallie near Dundonnell. Then a road walk leads to a path near Loch Broom. A short Ferry crossing takes us to Ullapool. Spectacular views across Little Loch Broom toward An Teallach are a highlight of this walk.

Night in Ullapool hostel.

Stage 9: (day 11)
GR (15) 229121 - (15) 158250
Short Drive to Elphin - Glencanisp forest to Little Assynt
Distance: 18km 11 miles
Ascent: 200m
This walk passes through the lochan strewn expanses of Assynt. Peaks such as Suilven and Canisp rise from the undulating peaty tableland of Lewisian Gneiss.
Views of the wall of cliffs that defend Quinag abound later in the day and will surely whet the appetite for the next days traverse.
(night at Inchnadamph Field Centre hostel)

Stage 10: (day 12)
GR (15) 232274 - (15) 300387
Quinag to Loch More (including an ascent of Quinag)
Distance: 25km 16miles
Ascent: 1000m
The day begins with an ascent of Quinag; one of the spectacular Assynt Corbetts (3 Corbetts). The views seaward are unbeatable and the dramatic architecture of Quinags many buttresses, cliffs and pinnacles are sure to impress. Nevertheless this is a walkers route!

We continue via the road over the Kylesku bridge before taking the stalker's path to Loch More.

Night at Inchnadamph Field Centre hostel.

Stage11: (day 13)
GR (15) 300387 - (9) 309 569
Loch More - Strath Dionard via Arkle / Foinaven
Distance: 27km (17 miles)
Ascent: 1550m (if both peaks included; 1100m if only Foinaven)
The ascent of one or both of these peaks is recommended. Their rough quartzite ridges give very rough walking in places and their summits demand respect. The views from the summits are truly unsurpassable and this truly is the spirit of walking in the remote NW Highlands. Unbeatable!

Stage 12: (day 14)
GR (9) 309569 - (9) 220652
To Sandwood Bay for overnight bothy /Camp - easy day!
Distance: 12km (7 miles)
Ascent: negligible
After the previous strenuous days this short day may be welocome and will give us a chance to explore the remote and secluded beach at Sandwood Bay. The walk in isn't of great interest but on arrival the Bay is well worth it. We shall either camp/bivvy out or spend the night in a nearby bothy. Either would prove an unforgettable experience.

Stage 13: (day 15)
GR (9) 220652 - (9) 259748
To Cape Wrath
Distance: 10km (6 miles)
Ascent: 300m
A wander along the rugged cliff tops to Cape Wrath concludes our grand expedition. - return to Durness - head south to Inverness for grand night out! Accom in 3 star hostel.

Day 16 - Departure

Costs and What is Included

Cost £950 per person

There will be one Lomond Walking Holidays mini-bus as back-up for the 2 weeks to collect bags / excess luggage at strategic points. It is possible to undertake just one week of the two - enquire for details - the price will be £475 for 1 week.

The cost includes all meals and accommodation (11 nights in hostels, SYHA and Independent, and 4 nights wild camping). The walkers will be expected to help in preparation / clearing up after meals although all food is provided by Lomond Walking Holidays including chocolate etc. You will be expected to provide your own alcoholic drinks (if required!) for evening meals.

A celebration restaurant meal in Inverness on the last night is included in the price.

An evening slide show on the first evening will introduce us to some of the scenic aspects of the walk.

Tents and cooking equipment can be provided if necessary. All participants will be expected to provide their own rucksacks / sleeping bags.

The 2 week 15 night trip includes 12 walking days and one rest day.

The meet point is Fort William (6-7pm) and the Termination will be at Inverness for the last night with departure the following morning. Onward travel from Inverness is the responsibility of the walkers.

What is Not Included

• Travel insurance
• Travel too and from start / finish points listed above.
• Drink!

Bookings are now being taken and are on a first come first serve basis. If you require guidance about equipment please contact us for details. A list is included.

Drinking Water

Water purification tablets or a small portable water filter may be required if you do not wish to drink water from natural sources. Although flowing water, even at low levels in Scotland, is nearly always pure it may be advisable to take precautions if you are not accustomed to drinking from such sources. Alternatively water may be boiled but this will not be practical whilst 'on the move'.

Fitness

A good level of hill fitness is required although backpacking with full packs is kept to an absolute minimum as enjoyment of the scenery and wilderness with minimum suffering is the focus of the trek! You should be able to handle 15 mile walks on consecutive days (whilst carrying a reasonable pack weight of approx 30 - 40 lbs on the 4 backpacking days).

There are options to miss out on stages if necessary although during certain stages opting out is really only for an emergency as access is very difficult. In May the days are long so there is no rush and their will be plenty of time to savour the wilderness.

Weather

As we all know the British climate is fickle. During May the weather is characterised by relatively cool temperatures with day time averages of 15C although in truth days of 10C and Days of 20+C are more likely than a consistent temperature. Clothing should reflect the changeable weather. May temperatures can reach 28C so light summer clothing should be carried. Rainfall tends to be less than average and sun hours higher, although fresh snow fall is not unknown over the mountains either!

Night time temperatures are cool ranging from 3 to 12 degrees although a light frost can not be ruled out. Therefore a 3 season sleeping bag will be required.

Basically a full range of conditions will be encountered during this 2 week expedition.

Tents

If you have a good 'valley camping' tent (e.g Wild Country Mistral or Vango Hydra or similar) please contact us as we only have a limited number available for loan.

Lastly

Iif you have any questions about any aspects of the trek please contact me at any time by phone (01786 870456) or e-mail (lwh@thinkbiggar.net)

Equipment List

Waterproof Trousers
Waterproof Jacket
Gaiters
Sturdy walking boots that are well worn in and comfortable!
55-65l Rucksack (optional 35l pack for days without backpacking)
Rucksack Liner / Survival bag
Fleece
Gloves
Hat / balaclava
Platers / Blister kit / first aid kit
Water bottle (x2) / flask
Sun Protection lotion factor 12+
Sun Glasses
Trekking Poles (2 would be advisable)
Spare walking socks
Camera / film
Swim wear / lightweight pack towel
Washing kit / toothbrush etc
Money - cash machines are few and far between
Insect repellent (midges shouldn't be a problem at this time of year!)
Torch / spare batteries (e.g. Petzl zoom)
Tent / stoves / pans (please advise us if you need these items)
3 season sleeping bag and compression sack
Thermal top / trousers
Other clothing items including, underwear, shorts and t-shirts (washing facilities are available at some hostels)
Thermarest or a good foam sleeping mat

Lomond Walking Holidays

Tel / Fax: +44 (0)1786 870456 (24HRS)

Kirkhill Cottage, 5 Burnside, Kippen, Stirlingshire, FK 8 3EF.

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