The Cape Wrath Trail. Iain Harper

bogs and leg-sapping terrain. Limited re-supply points require self-sufficiency for much of the journey, and there will be stretches during which you’ll need to carry many days’ supplies. This is absolutely not a route for beginners or those unfamiliar with remote, rugged mountain areas. It is in a totally different league to other Highland trails like the West Highland Way, where civilisation is never far away.

      The journey usually takes two to three weeks and the cumulative effect of sustained daily exertion is substantial. Don’t be afraid to start with a few shorter days and build rest stops into your schedule. To borrow from the lexicon of football managers, this is a marathon, not a sprint. With a decent level of overall fitness and mountain experience you should be able safely to enjoy your weeks on the trail.

What to take

      The choice of equipment for any expedition is intensely personal. On such a long and arduous trip, there is a temptation to err on the side of lighter weight, but given the likelihood of harsh weather at any time of year, you’ll need to strike a sensible balance between weight and function. The list below is not designed to be comprehensive, but offers a broad outline of the kind of equipment you’ll need to be considering. For more information about expedition kit see www.capewrathtrailguide.org.

      Camping and carrying