The SNT - Best experience of my life
Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2021 1:15 pmIn 2018, I was the first solo female to thru-hike the Scottish National Trail [woo hoo girl power!!].
Here's a quick summary:
Week 1 [Kirk Yetholm-Edinburgh]: I wasn't the fittest going into the hike, so I found the first week challenging [especially climbing Wideopen Hill on Day 1 with my pack] but it really is a lovely walk- one I would definitely do again. The Borders have so much history and it was fun to walk through it. Highlights were wild camping outside Cessford Castle, Melrose Abbey, the walk from the Three Brethren across the hills, spotting Edinburgh from the Pentlands and staying at the amazing B&B JustB in Balerno [the best way to reward yourself after week 1- the beds are SO comfy and the breakfast is A+].
Week 2 [Edinburgh-Drymen]: A chance for your body to recuperate after week 1 as you're following canals for the majority of this week. Highlights included Linlithgow Palace, Callander House [worth the detour], camping on the grassy field next to the car park at the Falkirk Wheel, hiking Day 1 of the West Highland Way [and seeing other walkers!] and the delightful village of Drymen.
Week 3 [Drymen-Pitlochry]: Another great walk, easier than Week 1, but more interesting than Week 2. Sections start getting a little wilder too. Highlights included the church ruin at Aberfoyle, amazing views of Loch Venachar, the chippy in Comrie, hiking a section of the Rob Roy Way, the Birks of Aberfeldy, the pubs in Pitlochry.
Week 4 [Pitlochry-Kingussie]: The 3-day hike through the Cairngorms is a good introduction to what is to come. You won't find reception here! Highlights included Killiecrankie, staying at the Ruigh Aiteachain bothy and Ruthven Barracks.
Week 5-6 [Kingussie to Cape Wrath]: This is where it gets real. The Cape Wrath Trail is definitely the toughest section, but has the wildest, most beautiful terrain. River crossings, bog, unpredictable weather- you name it. Highlights included the best views of Loch Ness from the Corrieyairack Pass, Fort Augustus, Invergarry Castle, the section from Inchnadamph to Glencoul Bothy. wild camping at Sandwood Bay, and of course, reaching Cape Wrath!
Here's a quick summary:
Week 1 [Kirk Yetholm-Edinburgh]: I wasn't the fittest going into the hike, so I found the first week challenging [especially climbing Wideopen Hill on Day 1 with my pack] but it really is a lovely walk- one I would definitely do again. The Borders have so much history and it was fun to walk through it. Highlights were wild camping outside Cessford Castle, Melrose Abbey, the walk from the Three Brethren across the hills, spotting Edinburgh from the Pentlands and staying at the amazing B&B JustB in Balerno [the best way to reward yourself after week 1- the beds are SO comfy and the breakfast is A+].
Week 2 [Edinburgh-Drymen]: A chance for your body to recuperate after week 1 as you're following canals for the majority of this week. Highlights included Linlithgow Palace, Callander House [worth the detour], camping on the grassy field next to the car park at the Falkirk Wheel, hiking Day 1 of the West Highland Way [and seeing other walkers!] and the delightful village of Drymen.
Week 3 [Drymen-Pitlochry]: Another great walk, easier than Week 1, but more interesting than Week 2. Sections start getting a little wilder too. Highlights included the church ruin at Aberfoyle, amazing views of Loch Venachar, the chippy in Comrie, hiking a section of the Rob Roy Way, the Birks of Aberfeldy, the pubs in Pitlochry.
Week 4 [Pitlochry-Kingussie]: The 3-day hike through the Cairngorms is a good introduction to what is to come. You won't find reception here! Highlights included Killiecrankie, staying at the Ruigh Aiteachain bothy and Ruthven Barracks.
Week 5-6 [Kingussie to Cape Wrath]: This is where it gets real. The Cape Wrath Trail is definitely the toughest section, but has the wildest, most beautiful terrain. River crossings, bog, unpredictable weather- you name it. Highlights included the best views of Loch Ness from the Corrieyairack Pass, Fort Augustus, Invergarry Castle, the section from Inchnadamph to Glencoul Bothy. wild camping at Sandwood Bay, and of course, reaching Cape Wrath!