Through-Hiking the National Trail

[ekdavis81]

Hello!

I am at the beginning of organizing a thru-hike and wanted to see if others have done this, thoughts/tips, and what a rough estimate of the expense would be. I've done several multiple day backpacking trips but nothing as long as this. I'm planning a late April start.

Thanks!
Katie

[irishwasa]

Which National Trail?

[ekdavis81]

I am planning on the Scottish National Trail that runs from Kirk Yetholm to Cape Wrath.

[Guinessman]

Hi not done the SNT myself but have done the CWT which you will join onto. There's loads of information on the CWT on here. To get you started on a bit of research you could read this stage by stage account of the SNT to give you some idea of distances, times, accommodation etc

http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=38487

I'm going to do it myself probably in 2016 once I get the munros finished.

[ekdavis81]

Thank you, Guinnessman! I've read through the stage-by-stage section and agree that it's the best place to begin. I also ordered Scotland End to End and am eager to read it. This will be my first time traveling to Scotland so I thought this would be the very best way of seeing the country.

Katie

[helenw]

You've probably seen it but Walkhighlands has a stage by stage guide to the Scottish National Trail with OS mapping which will give you an idea of timings etc. Costs will depend a lot on what you plan for accommodation, wild camping is possible for much of the later stages (and also some bothies - they are all mentioned in the route description) and some of the first ones, maybe budget £7.50 - £12 for campsite, £17-£20 for hostel and from £35 for B&B, pub meals around £10-15, takeaway fish and chips around £6 - have a great trip.

[ekdavis81]

HelenW, this is very helpful! I very much appreciate the cost guide. I would like to wild camp most of the way but do plan on staying occasionally in a b&b or hostel. Thanks for the help!

Katie

[MountainHare22]

My parents are doing it in sections and from their updates I gather they have found the book by Cameron McNeish is not always terribly accurate and while the route might look good on the map it doesn't translate so well in practice, which is something to be aware of. In some places there is no path full stop and it takes you across difficult terrain which means a short distance suddenly becomes very time consuming, also some of the river crossings might be tricky depending on what the weather has been like. Overall they have enjoyed it though - I hope you have a good walk.

[ekdavis81]

Very good to know, MountainHare22. My brother backpacked the Pacific Crest Trail here in the states and he recommended that I carefully map out any section not clearly marked ahead of time and be aware of altitude changes. I appreciate the advice regarding the book!

[JillR]

Thank you for the info on this thread. Planning the same long hike starting in May and find the CWT a bit daunting. Good luck on your adventure.