Day of departure

Today I am leaving for the Highlands to hike the Cape Wrath Trail. It going to be challenging. For me it does, because I do not know what to expect exactly. It is pushing the limits for me in the sence it is a trail on the map/ in the books, but not really on the ground. Na paths often or sometimes, no signs, just roaming empty mountains. And the weather, of course. But all is in order: maps, GPS, compass and SPOT device for emergencies. Food with me to last a day or five. So not enough at all and thus I have to rely on what the trail provides. All equipment adjusted to wet, cold and windy circumstances. This for more than two weeks hiking. But it is pushing a limit for me. Not the disctance, but especially the new aspects of it. Yesterday it made feel a bit like 'what was I thinking?' Anyway, I am off and the whole experience will at least keep me busy with other things than the daily stuff at work. Reload and happy to hike again since last year my planned trip was cancelled. And it is exactly five years ago I was in Scotland. Together with Judith doing a road trip through the Scottish Highlands.

Only toilet paper and construction tape

Only toilet paper and construction tape are the things to buy. Then I am ready for hiking the Cape Wrath Trail in Scotland. Hope the gods will grant Scotland some reasonable weather I can enjoy as well. The weather forecasts this week are reasonable for the coming week. Average 12 degrees and not much rain. That will be the week before I arrive.

I fly to Ingverness. Direct flight. The next day a bus to my starting point of the trek, Invergarry. Thus cutting the CWT with 2 days. Was necessarry too since time slot was a bit too tight. So guess I will be walking around at least 17 days. That is 17 days wet feet. For this I bring the construction tape. Sealing off blisters.

The thing I look must forward to, is pitching my tent in the totally deserted landscape for the night. Being completely alone with no habitation for miles and miles in the darkest of nights. Must be fantastic. And of course the incredible landscape where I am allowed to roam freely. Without a doubt, the first 4 or 5 days will be hell mentally and psysically, but I am confident I will pull myself through!