CWT Late Fall/Winter: Seeking Information

[rreese]

I am contemplating attempting the Cape Wrath Trail in late autumn or early winter, but am having some difficulty finding good resources regarding winter travel in Scotland. Much of what I can find regards either day hikes/hillwalks, or mountaineering objectives, neither of which relate properly to the proposed endeavor.

A few specific questions:
1. What is the weather like in the Highlands from October to December? Does it rain or snow more? Does a persistent snowpack develop at this time? Avalanche hazards (if any)? Is there a band of elevation below which snow does not generally accumulate?
2. How much of an issue is wet clothing/equipment? How prone is it to freezing after getting wet? Methods of drying equipment over night? Equipment recommendations/advice?
3. What are some prominent hazards encountered in winter which are not present or not as severe in summer (creeks in spate, navigation in fog, medical considerations, etc.)?
4. Do the bothies generally close during hunting season for estate client and employee use, or can bothies be relied upon as a source of shelter?
5. What are overnight conditions like (Relative Humidity, Temperature, Windspeed and Direction, etc.)? Should a four season mountaineering tent be used?

In general, any advice on winter travel and conditions in the highlands will be appreciated. Any information from Anybody who has completed the route in winter before would be most welcome.

[jmarkb]

Hi there,

1. What is the weather like in the Highlands from October to December? Does it rain or snow more? Does a persistent snowpack develop at this time? Avalanche hazards (if any)? Is there a band of elevation below which snow does not generally accumulate?

Typically rainy at low level where you will be most of the time. And windy, sometimes very windy! Snow can fall to low levels but is unusual for it to last and accumulate much depth below about 500m above sea level.

2. How much of an issue is wet clothing/equipment? How prone is it to freezing after getting wet? Methods of drying equipment over night? Equipment recommendations/advice?

Wet gear and the inablilty to dry it easily in a tent is a big problem. Some useful advice here: http://www.tgomagazine.co.uk/skills/expert-advice-on-how-to-set-up-camp-in-the-rain-and-keep-gear-dry/

3. What are some prominent hazards encountered in winter which are not present or not as severe in summer (creeks in spate, navigation in fog, medical considerations, etc.)?

Rivers in spate can certainly be an issue. Navigation is fog is a potential problem at any time of year here, but less so at low level than on the hill tops. Lack of daylight is a biggie - there's only about 10 hours at the end of October, dropping to 8 by December.

4. Do the bothies generally close during hunting season for estate client and employee use, or can bothies be relied upon as a source of shelter?

Some close during the main hunting season, but that finishes on October 20th.

5. What are overnight conditions like (Relative Humidity, Temperature, Windspeed and Direction, etc.)? Should a four season mountaineering tent be used?

Temperatures likely to be in the range of -5 to +5 Celsius. Winds gusting to 50 or 60 mph would not be unusual during storms - a good tent is essential! Prevailing direction is SW.

In general, any advice on winter travel and conditions in the highlands will be appreciated.

Backpacking at that time of year is not very popular here - the weather and darkness puts most folk off. But in good weather the scenery can be stunning, with autumn (fall) colours and snow on the mountains. Staying the odd night in a hotel / B&B is likely improve morale, and give you a chance to get gear dry.

[walkingpoles]

Have you experience with long distance walks in winter? I don't think that the CWT is a good one to gain some (or you might need some luck). Your call. It's also a big difference between october and december. Check out the climate tables on wikipedia for Fort William. It won't be better further north.

I don't know whether you are aware, but in most bothies you can't make a fire unless you carry in some fuel. Daylight is precious and short. In many places you won't be able to walk in darkness due to rough ground or navigation issues, and finding a decent tent spot in darkness isn't obvous neither, so it will take you more days and nights than in summer. You also have to walk out of the cape, which adds another day or two.

In some places you'll be really alone after the start of november or so. If hypothermia gets you, it will be too late. It's rare, but occasionaly people fall for that. Also if you decide to abandon the project you might be a serious walk away from the next road, where you could try to hitch back into civilisation.

Winter hiking is absolutely bliss in the highlands, but I'd go for less tent/bothy-nights than a full CWT or spend the nights in a heated place and go roaming left and right during the day.

[china88]

In addition to the above information you should have in your planning :

Copy of Ian Harpers Book 'Walking the Cape Wrath trail' Publisher Cicerone ISBN 978 1 85284 8170

this a first class book and resource

https://capewrathtrailguide.org/

perhaps a review of the cape wrath trail notes notes in http://www.outdoorsfather.com/

As you may be walking in winter it may be advisable to take a satelite device with you;

https://explore.garmin.com/en-GB/inreach/

as phone coverage from Fort William is intermittent to non -existent in places

[mynthdd2]

also recognise that it is not a way marked path so make sure you have the right maps (OS) and good compass experience

but enjoy! its a brilliant route

[mynthdd2]

PS a great reply JmarkB.....

[jmarkb]

PS a great reply JmarkB.....

Cheers!