Spring/Summer Backpacking: Cape Wrath and PCT

[robert livezey]

All,

 

During my enforced month hiatus from Tuesday hikes I've wrapped my head around what would be involved in two big trips I'd like to organize this coming backpacking season.  In each case I would enthusiastically welcome up to 3 capable companions.  Let me know by email, or in person on Tuesdays (after Jan. 1), of your interest and we'll start our planning.  I want to get the word out now because I know there is discussion by others of big AT trips, the John Muir, etc., so we can coordinate dates and participation.

 

Like last year I'll do the heavy lifting on organization/logistics, but keep participants in the loop as much as they want.

 

Cape Wrath Trail, Scotland:

 

What:  A long distance backpack with some peak bagging along the way and a separate climb of Ben Nevis (and/or around Glen Coe) at least.

 

Where:  Northwest Highlands from Ft. William to Cape Wrath (NW tip of Scothland) through the UK's wildest and woolliest country.

 

How Long:  200 miles

 

When:  From about May 17 to June 6 (14-17 days on the trail, rest are day trip or travel days).  Optimum time of year in terms of trail conditions, weather, bugs, and long days.

 

Difficulty:  Very strenuous but not as difficult as Maine High Peaks or northern Long Trail (e.g.). 

 

Accommodations:  A combination of tents, bothies (crude cabins), and on several occasions, B&Bs and Inns. 

 

Provisions:  I don't know at this point whether PO resupply is feasible.  I do know that we will be able to frequently get meals in informal establishments along the way and occasionally can purchase "supplies."  Likely we would start out with a fair load of provisions (up to half of what we would ultimately need), but I will research this issue thoroughly to keep our loads down. 

 

Description:  This is one of 10 of Backpacker's "World's Best Unknown Treks"  (see p. 51 of the March '09 issue).  They describe the route as varied "from established trail to rural lanes to cross-country rambles, traversing a Tolkienesque landscape of rugged peaks, boggy moors, and ancient forests."  The trail is all superlatives, including one less desirable.  It rains a lot in Scotland and there will be "boggy moors" to negotiate from time to time.  But forewarned is forearmed.

 

Information and Route:  Start with the Backpacker article and then check out http://capewrathtrail.co.uk/  There is no cast in stone "official" route.  However, after reading the whole published guide and every description on the web it is clear that there is no variance among different versions for about 2/3 of the way.  The biggest variances are in the first 1/4 (about 50 miles) where I favor the guide book route for a variety of reasons.  The other variances are minor and I believe clear choices are indicated.

 

Transportation:  Airport in Scotland TBD, otherwise trains and buses.

 

Pacific Crest Trail, Northern California:

 

What:  A long distance backpack.

 

Where:  Through the middle Sierra Nevada connecting two other major trails that partially utilize the PCT, namely the John Muir Trail at Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park, and the Tahoe Rim Trail near Carson Pass.

 

How Long:  150 miles

 

When:  From about July 31 to August 13 (12 days on the trail, other two are travel days).  Excellent time of year in terms of trail conditions, weather, day length and traffic.

 

Difficulty:  Straightforward for experienced backpacker

 

Accommodations:  Tents, bivys, or stars.  All backcountry.  

 

Provisions:  One or two PO resupplies.   

 

Description:  A beautiful Sierra trek with great weather.  Altitudes lower than the Muir Trail but higher than further north around Tahoe.

 

Information:  Pacific Crest Trail, Northern California, Wilderness Press; Yosemite and Carson-Iceberg, Emigrant & Mokelumne Wilderness Areas Trails Illustrated Maps.

 

Transportation:  Fly in and out of Reno and via regional buses.

 

 

Let me know if you are interested in either and any thoughts you might have.

 

Bob Livezey