The Scottish National Trail - Camban bothy to Morvich

Distance: 9 miles, Ascent: 365m

So I never managed to get up at first light as planned, I slept in and missed the bus that I had intended to get, which would have connected with a second pre-booked bus from Inverness.

Plan C was initiated, I left the bothy around 8am and enjoyed a soggy descent through Gleann Lichd, finally reaching Morvich at about quarter to 12.  I didn't have too long to wait for the next bus to Inverness, hopping on at the Jac-o-bite restaurant at Ault a' Chruinn.

This concludes my walking adventures for 2017 and I aim to continue the trail from Morvich sometime in 2018.  I may even start from fort William and make a third attempt at completing the Cape Wrath Trail, as the Scottish National Trail basically follows the same route upon reaching Morvich. I'll continue my blogging in April 2018.

The Scottish National Trail - Cluanie to Camban bothy

This stage begins with a boggy walk through the An Caorann Mor to remote Alltbeithe hostel in the uppermost reaches of Glen Affric. The route then heads west through the wild upper glen, passing Camban bothy and finally making a very scenic descent down Gleann Lichd.

Distance: 8 miles, Ascent: 365m

Click bottom right of video to view full screen.

I leave Cluanie along the A87 (passing Loch Cluanie) and then head North into the An Caorann Mor, back into the hills, following the Allt a'Chaorainn Mhor for some miles.

The rain becomes heavy and the path extremely boggy as I reach Glen Affric Youth Hostel and turn South West into Fionnglean to reach Camban bothy. The plan was to keep going to Morvich on the same day to be on time for the bus the following morning but I was soaked through and cold. I decided the sensible thing would be to stay at the bothy and try to leave at first light.

The Scottish National Trail - Garrygualach to Cluanie

Distance: 13 miles/10 hours

Yet another long day on the trail as I walk 14 miles and climb 669m across the hills to Cluanie, where I find an ideal camping spot beside the river. It was pitch dark when I arrived so it's a good job I always carry my head torch.  I took a walk down to the Cluanie Inn where they were kind enough to give me some fresh drinking water which I used to make my noodles once I got back to my tent.

The Scottish National Trail - Loch Lochy to Garrygualach

Distance: 15 miles/8 hours

The journey continues as I leave Loch Lochy behind and head for the abandoned farmhouse at Garrygualach (no longer abandoned).  I walk approximately 16 miles, with 5 extra miles added due to the location of my overnight camp which was off the route.  I arrive at the farmhouse to find it under renovation and after a quick look in a private bothy, I find a small camping area by the river.

The Scottish National Trail - Blackburn bothy to Loch Lochy

Blackburn of Corrieyairack bothy to Loch Lochy 
11 miles/7 hours

Click on bottom right of video to view full screen

I set off from Fort Augustus after descending from Blackburn bothy.
Upon arrival in the village, I have a stroll down to Loch Ness and then stock up on supplies before I begin to follow the Caledonian Canal towards Laggan Locks, following the old Invergarry railway line along the banks of Loch Oich.

In the second half of the video I stop for lunch at Loch Oich before continuing along the old railway line to Invergarry Station where I rejoin the canal towpath and continue on the Great Glen Way to Laggan Locks. From Laggan locks I continue to follow the Great Glen Way for a short distance to reach a fine camping spot at Loch Lochy, a few miles short of Mandally.

Thieves road (Fort William to Dalwhinnie) - Day 4

A 44 mile hike from Fort William in the Highlands to Dalwhinnie in the Cairngorms.

Time taken: 4 days
Distance: 70 km
Ascent: 500m

Day 4 (5 September, 2017)

On the final day of the trip, after finding myself pitched up on a bed of heather at about 600 metres, I descend to the abandoned Culra bothy. I then pick up an easy path to Loch Ericht, where I follow another easy (but very long) track along the loch to my final destination, Dalwhinnie.

You can view all the photos from the trip here:

https://www.flickr.com/gp/156143109@N02/1wZ90x 

Thieves road (Fort William to Dalwhinnie) - Day 3

A 44 mile hike from Fort William in the Highlands to Dalwhinnie in the Cairngorms.

Time taken: 4 days
Distance: 70 km
Ascent: 500m

Day 3 (4 September, 2017)

On day 3, I leave Meanach bothy in my damp clothes and head for the abandoned Culra bothy where I had planned to wild camp. For anyone who doesn't know, Culra bothy was closed for asbestos issues. The path out of Meanach is extremely boggy but improves as Loch Treig is approached. I pass by Stoineag bothy, Loch Treig, Corrour Station and Loch Ossian. It was a very long day and I didn't make it to my destination. I spent the final hour walking in the dark with my headtorch eventually having to wild camp on top of some heather, a couple miles short of Culra bothy.

Thieves road (Fort William to Dalwhinnie) - Day 2

A 44 mile hike from Fort William in the Highlands to Dalwhinnie in the Cairngorms.

Date walked: 02/09/2017
Time taken: 4 days
Distance: 70 km
Ascent: 500m

Day 2 (3 September, 2017)

On day 2, I climb the Nevis Gorge and pass Steall Falls to follow the faint (and very boggy) path to Meanach bothy. To my dismay the heavens soon open up and it's not long before I am returned to my Amphibian roots. Due to the heavy rain I had to put away the camera until I eventually got to the bothy. For anyone wishing to try this route you will almost certainly need to take a map if you don't want to get lost! You've been warned!!

Thieves road (Fort William to Dalwhinnie) - Day 1

A 44 mile hike from Fort William in the Highlands to Dalwhinnie in the Cairngorms.

Date walked: 02/09/2017
Time taken: 4 days
Distance: 70 km
Ascent: 500m

Day 1 (2 September, 2017)

I begin my 44 mile hike from Fort William after arrival by train late afternoon (and after a quick visit to Morrisons for supples).
I pick up the path of the West Highland Way and begin walking out towards Glen Nevis where I find a reasonable camping spot close to the lower falls.

You can view all the photos from the trip here:
https://www.flickr.com/gp/156143109@N02/1wZ90x

The Scottish National Trail - Aberfeldy to Pitlochry

Aberfeldy to Pitlochry - 9 miles/4 hours

After a moderately peaceful night camping by the River Tay and the B846, I leave Aberfeldy on the riverside path to follow the Rob Roy Way to Pitlochry where I finish this 6 day trip. 9.5 miles, easy day.

I already walked the next section between Pitlochry and Blair Atholl the previous year, in reverse order so decided to skip it this time round and start the next 6 day expedition from Blair Atholl.  However, just for a bit of fun I threw together a video of the section, walking in reverse motion from Pitlochry to Blair Atholl!

The Scottish National Trail - Glen Almond to Aberfeldy

Glen Almond to Aberfeldy - 20 miles/12 hours

I cover the next 20 miles between Glen Almond and Aberfeldy, joining back up with the Rob Roy Way (Amulree alternative) and passing Loch Freuchie.  I stop for Noodles at a random shooting hut before descending into Aberfeldy where I set up camp by the River Tay.

The Scottish National Trail - Comrie to Glen Almond

Comrie (Water of Ruchill) to Glen Almond - 16 miles/11 hours

Following the Walkhighlands description I continue on the trail towards Loch Freuchie, re-joining the Rob Roy Way at Glen Almond.  I pass through the village of Comrie for supplies and quick lunch stop before heading back into the hills.
I spend the evening camping in the beautiful Glen Almond.  16 miles approx.

The Scottish National Trail - Callander to Comrie

Callander to Comrie - 16 miles/8 hours

On day 3, I cover the next 13 miles of the trail between Loch Venachar (near Callander) and Comrie.
I lose track of the official route at Auchinner farm and find myself following the minor road, on the wrong side of the river (Water of Ruchill) towards Comrie. Luckily I find a church and after a small prayer I am presented with an excellent camping spot by the Water Of Ruchill, a few miles short of Comrie.

The Scottish National Trail - Drymen to Callander

Drymen to Loch Venachar/Callander - 18 miles/10 hours

On the second day of my trip, I walked approximately 18 miles between Drymen and Callander, passing through the small town of Aberfoyle.  I later found a nice camping spot by Loch Venachar (2 miles from Callander) but had to pay for the privilege of using it due to the new Loch Lomond National Park byelaws. 

The Scottish National Trail - Milngavie to Drymen

Milngavie to Drymen - 11 miles / 5 hours

The Scottish National Trail is a 536 mile/864 km-long long distance walking route running the length of Scotland from Kirk Yetholm to Cape Wrath.
The Trail offers very varied walking, following long-established footpaths for much of the distance but becoming progressively more difficult as it heads north, finishing with a tough stretch of backpacking - with some pathless and demanding terrain - on the final stretch of the Cape Wrath Trail.

In Summer 2017 I spent several weeks completing sections of the Scottish National Trail.
My original plan for 2017 was to backpack the whole of the trail but due to lack of funding I could only manage sections where wild camping was an option. I aim to complete the remaining sections, through the Scottish Borders and The North Highlands in Summer 2018.

I ventured out on three separate occasions and completed the route over the course of 15 days, as follows:

Trip 1 - Blair Atholl to Fort Augustus (6 days, 5 nights)
Trip 2 - Milngavie to Pitlochry (6 days, 5 nights)
(skipped Pitlochry to Blair Atholl because I made a video last year)
Trip 3 - Fort Augustus to Morvich (5 days, 5 nights)

Along the way I made a video diary/vblog which you can view here on my blog page.

Day 1

On the first day of the trail, I set off from Milngavie along the West Highland Way.  Upon reaching Drymen I stopped for supplies at the store before heading to a woodland area where I set up camp for the first night.

Cape Wrath Fail - Day 4

On the final two days of my Cape Wrath Fail, after climbing to a height of 878m, (Great way to start the day - not!) I pass through Barisdale Bay (where I stop for some lunch at the bothy) before making my way along Loch Beag to Kinloch Hourn.

I popped into the tearoom at Kinloch Hourn hoping to get some juice and maybe a snack but felt rather unwelcome by the owner who was quick to inform me that he only sells Tea and Fruitcake, making me feel like one!

I continued on past Kinloch Hourn, climbing a very steep hill towards the Coire Reidh but idiotically, I turned off the main track too early and ended up climbing the wrong hill.  This is where it all went wrong. I wasted over an hour here, realising I'd gone wrong I descended to the Coire Reidh, directly down the steep heathery slopes to get back onto the main track, tripping up over myself and almost breaking my leg.

Back on track, I thought I could still make it over the hills to Shiel Bridge to meet Thomas but due to my mistakes, I was way behind schedule.  I followed the track crossing the Coire Reidh passing a tent pitched up near a wooden hut and continued for a short distance until the track disappeared at the next river crossing.  This is the point where I became confused as the map indicates that you need to work out your own path in order to navigate over the hills to Shiel Bridge. 

By this time it was getting dark, I knew I was doomed until the morning so I threw up my tent in the most flattest place I could find, which wasn't actually flat, I think it was beside the Coire Mhalagain.  I was exhausted and dehydated and for some reason craved a Chocolate Milkshake, the best I had was a Hot Chocolate sachet so I mixed it up in cold water and drank it (the thought of it is quite rank now) before falling asleep and ending my absolute nightmare of a day!  :?
Day 5

I woke up to a stunning morning as I quickly packed up at 5:30am and began to drag myself up the pathless hill. 
I must have been slightly off route as I ended up bagging some random munros, taking in some fantastic views as I made my way towards Glen Shiel.  By lunchtime the main road into Shiel Bridge eventually came into view, I was still very high and off route and just decided to descend to the road as quickly as possible.  It took me about 3 hours to get down there and I was still 5 miles from Shiel Bridge.  I had to hobble along the side of the road with sore feet in my damp boots and nobody offered me a lift.  The time I finally got to Shiel Bridge it was about 4pm, my hiking buddy Thomas had already left and I decided I was going home on the next bus. 

I could have caught up with Thomas and continued the trail if my feet had stayed in good condition but my boots had become saturated on the second day of the trip and I had been unable to get them dried out, causing my feet to severely blister.  I think my boots were also about half a size too small.

So anyway that's the story of my second "Cape Wrath Fail". 
I'm going to try again, start to finish sometime between May and September 2018. 

Thanks for reading/watching.

You can view the photo collection here:
https://www.flickr.com/gp/156143109@N02/2N936i

Cape Wrath Fail - Day 3

On day 3, I have Coffee in the bothy before making my way towards Barisdale Bay (15 miles), stopping for a quick break at Sourlies bothy en-route. The plan was to stay at the bothy at Barisdale Bay or make use of the campground there but the route along the River Carnoch took much longer than expected.  I ended up wild camping somewhere at the top of the River Carnoch, settling down quite late but just in the nick of time as it began to get dark.  

Cape Wrath Fail - Day 2

I make my way through Glenfinnan, Glen Pean and Glen Dessary covering 12 miles and climbing to a height of 598m to eventually arrive at A'Chuil bothy.  I stop for a Coffee break at Corryhully bothy.  The plan was to stay in A'Chuil bothy but there was already 4 people inside using both rooms so I settled for another night under the stars. Another guy called Blake from the U.S. (also walking to Cape Wrath) turned up and found a camping spot further down.

Cape Wrath Fail - Day 1

I attempted the Cape Wrath Trail for a second time in July 2017. The original plan was to complete the trail in approximately 15 days while recording my progress as a video blog.
I would be walking the first 4 days solo before meeting up with my dutch friend at Shiel Bridge.
Unfortunately due to extremely sodden wet, blistered feet plus navigation issues, I only made it as far as Shiel Bridge before giving up. So I now share with you my 4/5 day expedition, presented in the form of 4 videos and one photo album of The Cape Wrath FAIL! 

Day 1 - Fort William to River Callop, near Glenfinnan

I arrived at Fort William late afternoon and spent the first evening at Glen Nevis campsite before making a start from Camusnagaul the next morning.  It stayed mostly dry as I walked approximately 18 miles between Camusnagaul and Glenfinnan.  I was able to follow my Harvey's map through Cona Glen without getting lost and after a long days walking, I eventually found a fairly decent spot to set up camp by the River Callop, about 2 miles short of Glenfinnan.

The Scottish National Trail - Laggan to Blackburn bothy

Corrieyairack Pass: Laggan to Blackburn bothy - 17 miles

I follow General Wade's military road into Corrie Yairack where I have to climb 732m across the Monadhliath mountains to arrive at Blackburn of Corrieyairack bothy where I stay for the night. On the way through I visit General Wade's office where I collect supplies for the journey. 17 miles, 732m ascent.

In the next video, I descend to Fort Augustus.