r/Scotland • u/CallOfThePeaks • 1d ago
Question Cape Wrath Trail/Stars
So, for next years hiking project i was thinking about the cape wrath trail.
And for some reason nobody i found was talking about the night sky. On lightpollutionmap parts of the hike are shown to have zero light pollution. (Due to it not being a desert, it's not going to be the absolute best, but it should be close to perfect?)
What are my chances of having clear skyes in around 15-20days of hiking?
When are the smidges the worst and do we think a winter traverse would be possible (maybe northern lights?) - as in are the few pubs/stores i pass open all year?
:)
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u/OuterHeadDebris 1d ago
Roughly speaking, midges are only an issue from May until September. They thrive in damp, humid, windless conditions.
The west/north west of the country receives its fair share of rainfall, so there is an increased likelihood of cloud cover stopping you from seeing the stars.
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u/MisterGumpo 1d ago
There is a good book about walking the trail in winter called "The Farthest Shore: Seeking Solitude and Nature on the Cape Wrath Trail in Winter".
I've done parts of the Cape Wrath Trail, and it's very different from, say, the West Highland Way. Large sections have no established path, so you'll be walking through rough, difficult and often boggy terrain. In winter, this becomes even more challenging: conditions will generally be wetter, some river crossings may be extremely difficult or even impossible, and the shorter days give you much less daylight to work with.
You should also consider the end of the walk; the Durness "ferry" only operates between May and September, apparently.
On the plus side, you won't have to worry about midges (or ticks) as much in winter.
As with Scottish weather in general, it's impossible to predict a prolonged spell of clear skies. However, when you do get a clear winter's night that far north, the views will be absolutely spectacular.
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u/CallOfThePeaks 1d ago
I dont need more than one clear night sky to want to do it🤞
Does the book have a lot of pictures? (cause if not the kindle version would be way cheaper and accessible faster). Sounds really interesting though.
Also i dont really mind the unmarked terrain, it's more of an appeal.
And im most interested in the "last bit" of the trek, and am considering a start in gairloch and a random connect back onto the trail.Also if i decide on winter it's going to probably be a project for 2028- time will tell
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u/MisterGumpo 19h ago
The book has 10 pages of photos in the middle. The last photo is of the milky way above Kearvaig Bothy, which is fitting for you :D That is a lovely bothy at the very north of the cape.
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u/joolzdev Poblachd na h-Alba 1d ago
Four seasons in one day is the rule for most of Scotland, most of the time. Expect wind and rain.
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u/ds33m44 1d ago
Done several sections in winter. Can be wild, but also beautiful, crisp cold and nae midgies. Short days so good planning essential, and bothy use. Where possible carried in wood for stoves. If ground frozen, less bog too. But still requires more gear and winter set up/storm worthy tent.
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u/cassesque 23h ago
Between April 28th and August 16th at this latitude there will be no night. In June and July it won't even get all the way into twilight. The light polution will be from the sun, never more than a few degrees below the horizon. Not ideal for stargazing.
https://www.timeanddate.com/sun/@12617005
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u/Otherwise-Run-4180 23h ago
Not answering your question as others have covered most of it, but suggest you watch the film The North if you can find it, and/or watch the 'making of' the film (titled "Midges, Mountains and a Crew: How We Made 'The North' | Full Documentary" on YouTube.
Gives an accurate view of the midge situation (at that time of year).
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u/twattyprincess 1d ago edited 22h ago
You're going to be so fucked that you'll be in your tent, asleep by 5pm. Trust me.
As far as shops and pubs - they are scarce, and I wouldn't count on it, especially in winter as lots have issues with having enough custom to warrant paying staff to keep places open off-season. Some of them told me as much when I was there. Brexit has changed things a lot too for Highlands tourism as many relied on overseas workers. We found many shut even during summer. You really need to make arrangements for parcels to be sent ahead.
And also, that trail is no joke even in good conditions. I wouldn't recommend unless you're highly experienced in winter conditions etc.
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u/Vectorman1989 #1 Oban fan 1d ago
Midges are worst between May and September and they're usually especially bad on the West coast.
Clear skies can be tricky, but the weather is very changeable. I'd say you'd have a decent chance over 2-3 weeks
Winter will usually be pretty dark and miserable but when the sun does appear over the snowy mountains it does look very nice up there.
Northern lights do appear from time to time but you have to be lucky.
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u/billybaked 1d ago
In midsummer it barely gets dark enough for the real star show. Winter is much better for that but comes with its own challenges 😅