I've had your Cape Wrath series on repeat for the last few months - thank you! Now that I'm actively planning my own hike, 'map time' has become one of the most valuable resources I could've found. I'm planning each day and then cross-referencing with your videos. Brilliant stuff, keep them coming!
Thank you! 🙂 That's great that you are planning your own CWT hike: really glad to hear the vids have been useful. Let us know how you get on and of course if you have any questions just ask away! Cheers! 🙂🐾👍
@@HoundsofHowgate I admire you 👏👏👏👏👏👏 for caring her on two trails. One of my dog weighs 27 kg, so I will not be able to carry him😊 and a backpack. So you are lucky she weights only 15 kg, but I could see it was hard. I admire your persistence!! I watched some videos of Cape Wrath Trail. Two different guys on UA-cam mentioned the path after the Falls of Glomach was hard to find and very dangerous. One guy even gave up the hike as he tried also an alternative root as well but couldn't cross the river as it was to deep. What do you think of the path after the Falls? If you have time it will be very interesting and useful to watch a video of your review and summary of hiking the Cape Wrath Trail with a dog, as it seems like not many videos on UA-cam about summary of hiking the most wild and difficult trail in the UK. Congratulations on completing Hiking the length of Scotland to Greta. It seems like the last day of your hikes something happens, but you've completed the hikes in spite of all troubles thrown at you. Well done!!! I like your videos so much that I'm going to watch some of them 2nd time.❤❤❤
Hi am a novice, thanks for ya video's with maps n wild camping places, I struggle with maps so your video's are a fantastic resource for me. Gonna eat midges n mash for tea :) Whoop
Just started watching this, it’s my new favourite channel. Despite being an avid UA-cam watcher I almost never leave a comment but this is brilliant, entertaining and genuinely extremely informative, thanks! Me & ma two pals are doing the Cape Wraith in sections over a few years, we are about to do Strathcarron to Okyel Bridge. Loving your vids. Hope Moss is good and I’ll be engrossing in more of your stuff.
Thanks Mark! 👍 Really glad you are enjoying the channel and taking the time to write: nice one! You'll need to keep us up to speed with your CWT adventures. Cheers! 🙂🐾👍
Hi Hounds from Howgate. Just subscribed&looking forward to your adventures.Stumbled across your channel whilst researching quilted covers. :-) Really glad I did.
Just finished watching the whole of your Cape Wrath series and really enjoyed it! Looks an incredible journey. I have been wanting to do it for a few years. Wanted to come back and comment on the first one. Just watching some of your winter gear vids too. Keep it all up mate, brilliant stuff!
Hey John! We stumbled upon your channel when looking for some Cape Wrath content as we're intending on tackling it next year. Absolutely made up to have found this; we loved your videos, found them extremely informative, helpful and hilarious. Not usually one for commenting but just really wanted to let you know that we think you're awesome and we hope to see a lot more of the John & Moss adventures. Not even kidding, but in the space of about 2 weeks we watched all of your videos, even the hiking with dogs ones and we don't own a dog! 😂 You come across as someone really genuine, knowledgeable and likeable, and it's been a pleasure to see your journeys across your beautiful country. Moss is such a sweet girl, and the trust she shows in you is heartwarming to see. We're moving up to Scotland (from England) next year, hopefully we can buy you a pint sometime! 🍻
That's high praise indeed! Thank you very much. 🙂 I'm really glad you have been enjoying the videos. 👍 Haha, that's funny that you watched the dog ones when you don't have a dog 😂, I would too though. I love dogs and Moss is such a wee cracker! ❤️🐺 That's a whole power of watching youz have been doing! I'd be sick of the sight of me by now! Haha! I'm really happy to hear you have found the vids helpful and informative though, and entertaining. That's my main goal, so it's always nice to hear that folk have found them to be so, so thank you. So youz are moving up to Scotland? That's awesome, you'll love it! So much still do do, things to see and places to visit! If you want some recommendations for places to go etc by all means send me a message and ask away. I'm on FB, IG, Twitter and there is also a contact page on my website. All HoundsofHowgate. Thanks again, John & Moss 🙂🐾👍
@@HoundsofHowgate Haha yeah, coz...dogs! ❤️ She is a beaut for sure 🥰 Honestly, your vids have been so useful - we are actually on our second watch through, starting with our favourites The Cape Wrath lot. And the entertainment factor is a huge draw for us, you've got natural wit and it never appears like you're just trying to be funny. You've just got that way about you. Yep we sure are. We were hoping this year but covid changed that. We're currently saving up to quit our jobs and have a few months travelling around for the first half (at least) of next year, then we'll settle down somewhere in Scotland after that. We cannot wait, its been a long time dream for both of us. Aye, we definitely will, thanks for the offer! And likewise, if you make it back down to The Peaks we'd happily give you some recommendations. I wish I could get behind Instagram but it's just a bit too...ya know. Will find you on FB and Twitter though! ☺️
I did the CWT from Ullapool with my dog in May this year and will be doing the first half next May. I wasn't planning on taking her this next time as it was hard work and fas much as I loved her company, she did get a bit tired too. She also carried a ruff wear pack, the pallisades version so I could take the pack off and leave the harness on. Now I have watched your brilliant videos , I will reconsider. They have been really informative, detailed and funny too! oh and tbh, the best I have seen. Well done and thanks!
Thank you very much! Yeah, it is a hard call with our dogs, isn't it. For all we love them sometimes it's better we journey separately. It just depends on the dynamic. Personally Moss and I work well together: the hiking hounds! I used to have a Border Terrier and for all I loved him we just didn't work in the same way. It's a hard one as you don't want to end up out there and neither of you having a good time. For me my enjoyment of the hikes is magnified with Moss. I just wouldn't go with out her. In fact I enquired about the TGO Challenge for next year and they said dogs were not allowed and for all I understand their reasons it just ruled it out for me. If I'm going to spend two weeks off work in the countryside hiking I just want to do it with my dog. But she is capable and we work well together. I wouldn't bring her if it was a stress and neither of is would have a good time. Moss really is a great dog! Yeah, that is the pack I would have got if I had the cash actually! Super expensive and as I already had a harness for Moss I just couldn't justify the cost. If I didn't have a harness I would have gotten that one though. Ruff Wear is defo the best in my experience. I've bought other stuff before and it has either broken or rubbed on Moss and caused problems. I guess the age old saying of you get what you pay for rings true with dog kit too! Thanks for watching!
Hounds of Howgate I use that harness also for my older dog who isn’t as fit as he once was and definately wouldn’t be able to come along. That’s how I justified buying that pack ! After seeing your videos I am definately going to take my other dog as I just couldn’t not! She is a rescue and has some issues but getting better all the time and you are right, it wouldn’t be the same. I would rather face the challenges with her :-)
great vid dude I am looking into do the full trail in the next year . I've done from the car park to sandwood and then onto the light house and back agin a couple of times and love it. really great vid m8 looking forward to watch the rest . cheers
Hi buddy. They wee rubber feeling fly's are Deer Keds. When they bite you (rare) its an an egg there laying under your skin. Only deer they do this too but they are a pain. It was Glenfinnan when I first ever encountered them. Great watch mate. Cheers
Hi Hounds, great to see you & Moss back on the trail. About 10 years ago I dropped down into The Cona Glen on a days outing up from Glen Callop. I turned right at the bealach that you came up from and went on to do three Corbetts in the area. So is that 'tent' you've got just a 'Tarp'? I.e. open sides . Good job your not a veggie with the number of midge supplementing the diet! BTW you know who is the star of your videos....?? Yes, she may not speak.. yet, but she's got bags of personality. The chef Rick Stein, years ago used to have a little JR called Chalky, he was the star of the show. I remember him growling at Prnce Charles.........good dog!! LOL
Thanks! Yeah, Moss is a great wee dog! Honestly, she is such a personality that she is such great company. I would not be the same without her and I know it. I'm really lucky to have found such a great companion in life! We are a wee team: the hounds of howgate!
My tent is a Zpacks Duplex. It's a DCF (cuben fibre) single skin tent with a sewn in bug liner. Crazy strong, crazy lightweight and crazy expensive! So worth it by the way. You are right though because in essence it is a right fancy tarp. So well designed though that it feels like a full blown tent. I'm a pure gear freak and really fussy with my kit and I love it so much it's my prized possession. Zpacks are now my No.1 hiking kit company. Super specialised specific kit, great at what they do and really stand by their products. Have you seen the unboxing vid of the backpack I got from them? If not check it out, well good stuff...I just received a parcel from them yesterday and am going to make an unboxing vid today actually.
Hello Jane, it's great to have you! Hope you enjoy the CWT series and others. For day to day things Moss and I also are on FB & Insta, so if you wanna check us out on there too it's: instagram.com/houndsofhowgate Facebook.com/houndsofhowgate All the best, cheers! 🐾👍
Nice one bud, enjoyed that. Planning on a section of the CWT next year. Some nobad looking camp spots at the start. I fancy upgrading to the cloudbase when the Numo gives up the ghost. Great mat the Numo but slippy as fook. Moss is a wee beaut by the way.
Thanks Kevin! Aye, the Cloudbase was fine. I would say for summer only though as it has not insulation as such other than the air gap. Even a foil survival blanket under it would do. Just something to consider. One thing I done was to get some of that thin plastic mesh stuff (to stop carpets slipping around) for under my sleeping mat. It works well and costs nothing. Either that or I stick my thermarest butt pad under the sleeping mat and that has the same effect! 👍
Aye, deer keds they are; I just found out today. One of the guys told me on here and I looked them up. Bit of a nightmare they were: worse than the midges!
Haha, that midge love: they get in your butt crack and everything! I once read somewhere that if you are going to get a Border Collie you have to get to like dog hair with everything: on a highland hike you have to get to likin' a dustin' of midge with, on and in everythin'!
Thanks Michael! Haha, I don't know about being on the telly though! Don't know if folk would want to flick the channel over and suddenly see mah big mug filling the screen! 📺😉👍
hi there, just watched your first video as I am hoping to do this trail with my dog. How did Moss cope with the ticks? Thats a concern as I really hate ticks..
Can i ask when you started + completed the CWT and your general thoughts on when to go? I'm only a few videos in but the clues thus far seem to suggest October (video post date + I spied a bothy log book). Just looking for some hope during COVID-19 to potentially attempt the CWT in September on the basis things may have settled down by then and there's not too much reliance/interaction with society on this one vs other trails. Great to see someone in the UK and Scotland no less with it's epic-ness, producing quality content and giving a great account of the trails available. This was an excellent find and I enjoy your style and humour. I see you have also been bitten by the Z-Packs bug, myself and my wife found the duplex to have too much condensation with the pair of us, looking at the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultamid 2 for all the benefits of a dual wall tent but keeping the benefits of the Z-Packs.
Hi Jon, sure, it was mid August when I hiked it and it took me 14.5 days to complete. That included a half day rear day and a couple of shortish days based on where I camped. It took me a month or so to edit the vids etc, hence the later upload date. I'm sure things will be calmer come September; the only thing you would need to check is that there is no firing at the Cape planned in the military area and also that the shuttle bus is running. Oh yeah, the bus back to the nearest bus/train station too from Durness. When to go, hmm. Well I personally wouldn't look to hike it until about between May until September. The reason is if you hike it out with those times you might have snow at the start of the year, it's colder out with those months so you need to bring more heavier kit and the days aren't as long, so that cuts down on the amount of time you can hike. In addition it's wetter so not as pleasant to hike and then that can cause bother with the rivers being full making river crossings more difficult etc. I don't get any bother with condensation in the Duplex with Moss and I but if you still have it have you seen they do the mesh wall inserts? Basically it's two squares of mesh that attach inside on the flat side that catch any condensation drips. If you still have it it may be worth checking out. My winter tent is an MLD Duomid with a mesh half inner so I can see your thinking though. The HMG stuff gets good reviews. Hope that helps! Cheers! 🐾👍
Hey Jon, my wife and l will hopefully also hit the CWT in September. April seems to be the 'ideal' month, but September should also be alright (June, July and August are midges high season according to the "Cicerone" guide and better avoided)... Good luck and see you on the trail!
These videos are amazing-- I am starting the planning process of my own for the Cape Wrath trail but I can only do 6-8 days on it. With that in mind- what part of the trail would you recommend? I don't mind doing the middel (shiel bridge to inverlael or something like that)
Thanks! 👍 I'd actually recommend doing the first half so that if you ever want to return to complete the full trail it leaves a clean second half with the lighthouse at the end. 🙂🐾👍
Great video! Looks like an amazing birthday :) I'm really stoked as I'm currently planning my trip from Glasgow to Cape Wrath starting mid april. I'm thinking of buying the Zpacks Duplex tent, did you use it on this hike as well? What do you use for navigation, as I haven't found the right hardcopy maps yet. Also, those midgies look super tasty, can't wait to try them ;) Thanks! Greetings, from the Netherlands.
Hi there! Sorry for the late reply; somehow I missed this one! I did use the Duplex on this hike, yes. I hiked it in August and the weather wasn't too wild, so with some mindful campsite selection the Duplex was great. I used it to hike the entire length of Scotland last year (apart from winter). In winter I use my MLD Duomid with half inner so I can have a separate wet and dry area under the tarp. I used Harvey maps and a GPS with routes downloaded from walkhighlands.com. I wouldn't recommend using the Harvey maps on a trail like this where the route is not an established one. The Harvey trail maps are not suitable to navigate off of with a compass if you are off route as they only offer the slice of terrain the route passes through. I'd stick with Ordinance Survey maps, print then off and laminate them. If you sign up to wqlkhighlands.com (it's free) you can get printable 1:25k OS maps. I'd print them off and either laminate them or keep them in a waterproof map case. One thing to note as well is that some of the downloadable routes on walkhighlands are not complete. I stupidly didn't check them on the computer before I left and sometimes the route just ended at the top of a pass or something. Defo make sure to check them and then complete them before downloading them to your GPS. I mostly use my GPS for the time and distance recording etc and as a way to make use I am where I think I am grid reference wise for peace of mind in bad weather right enough but that wasn't good if someone went out with just the downloaded routes. If you want to use the otherwise okay Harvey maps make sure to either have the OS maps on your phone as a back up or print them out as above: preferably hard copies. I also use theViewRanger app on easier hikes. I find it to be quite good and you can save the maps for offline use. So your phone is a backup GPS with decent maps on it. I use a waterproof cover that is touch sensitive so the touchscreen actually works in the rain. Touch screens in foul weather or cold have issues so I always prefer to have an actual GPS with buttons rather than a touch screen. Essentially you want a good couple of redundancy navigation tools as unless the weather is good decent navigation becomes a skill that is needed on the CWT. Give us a shout if you want to ask anything else. I'm always happy to help! 🙂🐾👍
I wouldn't, no. It quickly became less efficient after a few uses, clogged, and my forearm was killing me from all the pumping by the end of the day. I quickly reverted back to my sawyer filter. Maybe as an emergency filter for when you are going on day trips, but I'd definitely not buy one again. In fact I never used it ever again after that first day of this trail. I like a HydroBlu Versa Flow as my main filter. Plus I like a Katadyn BeeFree filter and bottle setup for on the go.
Hounds of Howgate I’m up to Day 3 and you haven’t died ! Can see what you meant about Harvey vs OS .... I can read a map well , just lazy on compass. Your technique is similar to mine....Stop ... check map, check surroundings and verify .....then carry on 👍
@@IamRecon001 for sure! It gets mad when your guidebook, map and GPS all say different things too! That's why I would recommend detailed OS maps in hindsight, as you can't go wrong with those and a compass: bulletproof!
@@lisabritton9852 no worries Lisa! That's great to hear you are planning an epic trip! If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask either here, Facebook, Instagram or via my website contact page. 🐾👍
I love this! I hope to do this trail someday but I’m 65 so I’m living through you and your doggy! Thanks for this. Can’t wait to watch the rest.
Thanks Linda, hope you enjoy it and it inspires you to hike it too!
Cheers,
John & Moss 🙂🐾👍
I've only watched this first video and already I'm hooked!
Gonna watch the rest
Thanks
Thanks Ken, hope you enjoy the rest! 🙂🐾👍
I've had your Cape Wrath series on repeat for the last few months - thank you! Now that I'm actively planning my own hike, 'map time' has become one of the most valuable resources I could've found. I'm planning each day and then cross-referencing with your videos. Brilliant stuff, keep them coming!
Thank you! 🙂
That's great that you are planning your own CWT hike: really glad to hear the vids have been useful.
Let us know how you get on and of course if you have any questions just ask away!
Cheers! 🙂🐾👍
Hi Hounds. Thank you for the great videos of the Cape Wrath Trail!! Please, show Moss more in next adventures. It is a joy to see her😊.
Thank you very much! 🐾👍
Have you seen my hiking with Dogs series? Haha, she has her own wee section! 🐺🐾
@@HoundsofHowgate I admire you 👏👏👏👏👏👏 for caring her on two trails. One of my dog weighs 27 kg, so I will not be able to carry him😊 and a backpack. So you are lucky she weights only 15 kg, but I could see it was hard. I admire your persistence!! I watched some videos of Cape Wrath Trail. Two different guys on UA-cam mentioned the path after the Falls of Glomach was hard to find and very dangerous. One guy even gave up the hike as he tried also an alternative root as well but couldn't cross the river as it was to deep. What do you think of the path after the Falls? If you have time it will be very interesting and useful to watch a video of your review and summary of hiking the Cape Wrath Trail with a dog, as it seems like not many videos on UA-cam about summary of hiking the most wild and difficult trail in the UK. Congratulations on completing Hiking the length of Scotland to Greta. It seems like the last day of your hikes something happens, but you've completed the hikes in spite of all troubles thrown at you. Well done!!! I like your videos so much that I'm going to watch some of them 2nd time.❤❤❤
Thank you for taking us with you. Subscribed, that is a beautiful adventure.
Thank you! 🐾👍
Hi am a novice, thanks for ya video's with maps n wild camping places, I struggle with maps so your video's are a fantastic resource for me. Gonna eat midges n mash for tea :) Whoop
Hi Graham, no worries man. Glad you are enjoying the vids!
Cheers! 🙂🐾👍
Just started watching this, it’s my new favourite channel. Despite being an avid UA-cam watcher I almost never leave a comment but this is brilliant, entertaining and genuinely extremely informative, thanks! Me & ma two pals are doing the Cape Wraith in sections over a few years, we are about to do Strathcarron to Okyel Bridge. Loving your vids. Hope Moss is good and I’ll be engrossing in more of your stuff.
Thanks Mark! 👍
Really glad you are enjoying the channel and taking the time to write: nice one!
You'll need to keep us up to speed with your CWT adventures. Cheers! 🙂🐾👍
Hi Hounds from Howgate. Just subscribed&looking forward to your adventures.Stumbled across your channel whilst researching quilted covers. :-) Really glad I did.
Thank you! 🙌🐾👍
great video, it brought back memories, I did it with my son last year.
Thanks Andy! 🐾👍
Hi Big Man, just found your channel and totally enjoying it, looking forward to the rest of this epic trip thank you.
ATVB
👍🏔
Cheers Dave! 🙂 Hope you enjoy it! 🐾👍
Enjoying the video. Great memories you’re reviving- be watching the rest.
Thanks Maurice! Hope you like the rest of the hike!
Just finished watching the whole of your Cape Wrath series and really enjoyed it! Looks an incredible journey. I have been wanting to do it for a few years. Wanted to come back and comment on the first one. Just watching some of your winter gear vids too. Keep it all up mate, brilliant stuff!
Thank you! Really glad you enjoyed the series and checked out some of my other vids. Hope you enjoy the rest too! 🐾👍
Big thumbs up man! I love your style 😂random, positive and funny. Of course you have an awesome dog too!
Thanks Aleksander! 🙂👣🐾👍
Hey John! We stumbled upon your channel when looking for some Cape Wrath content as we're intending on tackling it next year. Absolutely made up to have found this; we loved your videos, found them extremely informative, helpful and hilarious. Not usually one for commenting but just really wanted to let you know that we think you're awesome and we hope to see a lot more of the John & Moss adventures. Not even kidding, but in the space of about 2 weeks we watched all of your videos, even the hiking with dogs ones and we don't own a dog! 😂 You come across as someone really genuine, knowledgeable and likeable, and it's been a pleasure to see your journeys across your beautiful country. Moss is such a sweet girl, and the trust she shows in you is heartwarming to see.
We're moving up to Scotland (from England) next year, hopefully we can buy you a pint sometime! 🍻
That's high praise indeed! Thank you very much. 🙂 I'm really glad you have been enjoying the videos. 👍
Haha, that's funny that you watched the dog ones when you don't have a dog 😂, I would too though. I love dogs and Moss is such a wee cracker! ❤️🐺
That's a whole power of watching youz have been doing! I'd be sick of the sight of me by now! Haha!
I'm really happy to hear you have found the vids helpful and informative though, and entertaining. That's my main goal, so it's always nice to hear that folk have found them to be so, so thank you.
So youz are moving up to Scotland? That's awesome, you'll love it! So much still do do, things to see and places to visit!
If you want some recommendations for places to go etc by all means send me a message and ask away. I'm on FB, IG, Twitter and there is also a contact page on my website. All HoundsofHowgate.
Thanks again,
John & Moss 🙂🐾👍
P.s. I was on the Guinness heavy style last night, so please excuse the stunted caveman writing. 🙂😉😂
@@HoundsofHowgate Haha yeah, coz...dogs! ❤️ She is a beaut for sure 🥰
Honestly, your vids have been so useful - we are actually on our second watch through, starting with our favourites The Cape Wrath lot. And the entertainment factor is a huge draw for us, you've got natural wit and it never appears like you're just trying to be funny. You've just got that way about you.
Yep we sure are. We were hoping this year but covid changed that. We're currently saving up to quit our jobs and have a few months travelling around for the first half (at least) of next year, then we'll settle down somewhere in Scotland after that. We cannot wait, its been a long time dream for both of us.
Aye, we definitely will, thanks for the offer! And likewise, if you make it back down to The Peaks we'd happily give you some recommendations. I wish I could get behind Instagram but it's just a bit too...ya know. Will find you on FB and Twitter though! ☺️
@@HoundsofHowgate 😂😂😂 Can't beat a bag of cans though 🍻
Great video. I look forward to watching to next video.
Brilliant video Ive not long moved to Scotland and got into hiking backpacking wild camping thanks for sharing
Thanks man! 🐾👍
I love your vids they're so funny, got loads to catch up on. 🙏😎
Thank you Alex! 🙏🐾👍
Nice one mate, enjoying your videos..Good viewing while stuck offshore
Thanks Stephen! What are you on? 2 on/2 off?
3 on 3 off ..good for the hills/camping etc
And Gracie my Border collie pup
Great set of videos.
Thank you Gordon! 🐾👍
I did the CWT from Ullapool with my dog in May this year and will be doing the first half next May. I wasn't planning on taking her this next time as it was hard work and fas much as I loved her company, she did get a bit tired too. She also carried a ruff wear pack, the pallisades version so I could take the pack off and leave the harness on. Now I have watched your brilliant videos , I will reconsider. They have been really informative, detailed and funny too! oh and tbh, the best I have seen. Well done and thanks!
Thank you very much! Yeah, it is a hard call with our dogs, isn't it. For all we love them sometimes it's better we journey separately. It just depends on the dynamic. Personally Moss and I work well together: the hiking hounds! I used to have a Border Terrier and for all I loved him we just didn't work in the same way. It's a hard one as you don't want to end up out there and neither of you having a good time. For me my enjoyment of the hikes is magnified with Moss. I just wouldn't go with out her. In fact I enquired about the TGO Challenge for next year and they said dogs were not allowed and for all I understand their reasons it just ruled it out for me. If I'm going to spend two weeks off work in the countryside hiking I just want to do it with my dog. But she is capable and we work well together. I wouldn't bring her if it was a stress and neither of is would have a good time. Moss really is a great dog!
Yeah, that is the pack I would have got if I had the cash actually! Super expensive and as I already had a harness for Moss I just couldn't justify the cost. If I didn't have a harness I would have gotten that one though. Ruff Wear is defo the best in my experience. I've bought other stuff before and it has either broken or rubbed on Moss and caused problems. I guess the age old saying of you get what you pay for rings true with dog kit too! Thanks for watching!
Hounds of Howgate I use that harness also for my older dog who isn’t as fit as he once was and definately wouldn’t be able to come along. That’s how I justified buying that pack ! After seeing your videos I am definately going to take my other dog as I just couldn’t not! She is a rescue and has some issues but getting better all the time and you are right, it wouldn’t be the same. I would rather face the challenges with her :-)
Cracking vid mate! Looking forward to watching the others.. .
ATB 2
Thanks man! 👣🐾👍
Great video and an awesome dog :)
Thanks! 🐾👍
great vid dude I am looking into do the full trail in the next year . I've done from the car park to sandwood and then onto the light house and back agin a couple of times and love it. really great vid m8 looking forward to watch the rest . cheers
Thanks! 🐾👍
Hi buddy. They wee rubber feeling fly's are Deer Keds. When they bite you (rare) its an an egg there laying under your skin. Only deer they do this too but they are a pain. It was Glenfinnan when I first ever encountered them. Great watch mate. Cheers
Yeah, they are totally minging, boak! 😬😂🐾👍
Glad I've found this- I'm really interested in seeing what the terrain is really like on the CWT - loving Moss too!
Hope you enjoy the trip Stephanie! 🙂🐾👍
@@HoundsofHowgate definitely one to think about - although it scares me!!
It wouldn't be normal of you didn't feel apprehensive about an unknown! 🐾👍
This is great stuff. Regards Barrie
Thanks Barrie! 🐾👍
Excellent vid. Thanks for the upload. ATB
Thanks Paul! 👍
Hi Hounds, great to see you & Moss back on the trail. About 10 years ago I dropped down into The Cona Glen on a days outing up from Glen Callop. I turned right at the bealach that you came up from and went on to do three Corbetts in the area. So is that 'tent' you've got just a 'Tarp'? I.e. open sides . Good job your not a veggie with the number of midge supplementing the diet! BTW you know who is the star of your videos....?? Yes, she may not speak.. yet, but she's got bags of personality. The chef Rick Stein, years ago used to have a little JR called Chalky, he was the star of the show. I remember him growling at Prnce Charles.........good dog!! LOL
Thanks! Yeah, Moss is a great wee dog! Honestly, she is such a personality that she is such great company. I would not be the same without her and I know it. I'm really lucky to have found such a great companion in life! We are a wee team: the hounds of howgate!
My tent is a Zpacks Duplex. It's a DCF (cuben fibre) single skin tent with a sewn in bug liner. Crazy strong, crazy lightweight and crazy expensive! So worth it by the way. You are right though because in essence it is a right fancy tarp. So well designed though that it feels like a full blown tent. I'm a pure gear freak and really fussy with my kit and I love it so much it's my prized possession. Zpacks are now my No.1 hiking kit company. Super specialised specific kit, great at what they do and really stand by their products. Have you seen the unboxing vid of the backpack I got from them? If not check it out, well good stuff...I just received a parcel from them yesterday and am going to make an unboxing vid today actually.
So pleased I've found you and your vids. Specifically the CW trail.
Hello Jane, it's great to have you! Hope you enjoy the CWT series and others.
For day to day things Moss and I also are on FB & Insta, so if you wanna check us out on there too it's:
instagram.com/houndsofhowgate
Facebook.com/houndsofhowgate
All the best, cheers! 🐾👍
Nice one bud, enjoyed that. Planning on a section of the CWT next year. Some nobad looking camp spots at the start. I fancy upgrading to the cloudbase when the Numo gives up the ghost. Great mat the Numo but slippy as fook. Moss is a wee beaut by the way.
Thanks Kevin!
Aye, the Cloudbase was fine. I would say for summer only though as it has not insulation as such other than the air gap. Even a foil survival blanket under it would do. Just something to consider.
One thing I done was to get some of that thin plastic mesh stuff (to stop carpets slipping around) for under my sleeping mat. It works well and costs nothing. Either that or I stick my thermarest butt pad under the sleeping mat and that has the same effect! 👍
Aye ma pal Robin (Walk With Wallace) uses mesh stuff for his cloud base.
@@Kev_Russ same stuff as you mate. 👍
Highland Shit flies 😂
Another fine video mate. 👍
Aye, deer keds they are; I just found out today. One of the guys told me on here and I looked them up. Bit of a nightmare they were: worse than the midges!
@@HoundsofHowgate aye they were terrible this year. Clegs as well.
Well that's my evening planned for awhile. Great first day, enjoyed the potato and midge mash, extra protein!!!
Haha, that midge love: they get in your butt crack and everything! I once read somewhere that if you are going to get a Border Collie you have to get to like dog hair with everything: on a highland hike you have to get to likin' a dustin' of midge with, on and in everythin'!
That midge mash looked class👍
Pure delesh! 🥄😋👍
@@HoundsofHowgate mash potato out of the dish water, genius !!😊
@@bigcorky4687 gotta be all about the biggest bang for yer buck! Plus gathering water all the time over a duration ends up a pain the thy butt! 😉
@@HoundsofHowgate my auld man used to put a tea bag in the water after boiling an egg when we went camping many moons ago!!
@@bigcorky4687 yass! 💥👍
Great video!!
Thanks man! 🐾👍
Superb. Well done. You should be on the telly
Thanks Michael! Haha, I don't know about being on the telly though! Don't know if folk would want to flick the channel over and suddenly see mah big mug filling the screen! 📺😉👍
We're missing you n the moss'ster😊 hope yer good big man😊
New sub here laddie lovin yir stuff✌️
Thanks! 🙂🐾👍
Dump expensive kit carry pale. Love it make you right. Big thumbs up from me 😊 I'm hooked. Hi ya 😊
Hey bud! I think I watched your WHW vid before hiking it over a year ago: good stuff!
Cheers! 👣🐾👍
@@HoundsofHowgate 🤩 cheers, loving your Cape wrath trail series, happy belated birthday by the way. ATB Dave 👍👍
@@wackyswanderings3627 thanks Dave! 🙏👍👣🐾👍
hi there, just watched your first video as I am hoping to do this trail with my dog. How did Moss cope with the ticks? Thats a concern as I really hate ticks..
Can i ask when you started + completed the CWT and your general thoughts on when to go?
I'm only a few videos in but the clues thus far seem to suggest October (video post date + I spied a bothy log book).
Just looking for some hope during COVID-19 to potentially attempt the CWT in September on the basis things may have settled down by then and there's not too much reliance/interaction with society on this one vs other trails.
Great to see someone in the UK and Scotland no less with it's epic-ness, producing quality content and giving a great account of the trails available.
This was an excellent find and I enjoy your style and humour.
I see you have also been bitten by the Z-Packs bug, myself and my wife found the duplex to have too much condensation with the pair of us, looking at the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultamid 2 for all the benefits of a dual wall tent but keeping the benefits of the Z-Packs.
Hi Jon, sure, it was mid August when I hiked it and it took me 14.5 days to complete. That included a half day rear day and a couple of shortish days based on where I camped. It took me a month or so to edit the vids etc, hence the later upload date.
I'm sure things will be calmer come September; the only thing you would need to check is that there is no firing at the Cape planned in the military area and also that the shuttle bus is running. Oh yeah, the bus back to the nearest bus/train station too from Durness.
When to go, hmm. Well I personally wouldn't look to hike it until about between May until September. The reason is if you hike it out with those times you might have snow at the start of the year, it's colder out with those months so you need to bring more heavier kit and the days aren't as long, so that cuts down on the amount of time you can hike. In addition it's wetter so not as pleasant to hike and then that can cause bother with the rivers being full making river crossings more difficult etc.
I don't get any bother with condensation in the Duplex with Moss and I but if you still have it have you seen they do the mesh wall inserts? Basically it's two squares of mesh that attach inside on the flat side that catch any condensation drips. If you still have it it may be worth checking out. My winter tent is an MLD Duomid with a mesh half inner so I can see your thinking though. The HMG stuff gets good reviews.
Hope that helps!
Cheers! 🐾👍
@@HoundsofHowgate top man, thank you
No worries! 🙂🐾👍
@@HoundsofHowgate Just had a look on the zpacks site and can't locate the mesh inserts you mentioned?
Would you mind firing over a link please?
Hey Jon, my wife and l will hopefully also hit the CWT in September. April seems to be the 'ideal' month, but September should also be alright (June, July and August are midges high season according to the "Cicerone" guide and better avoided)... Good luck and see you on the trail!
These videos are amazing-- I am starting the planning process of my own for the Cape Wrath trail but I can only do 6-8 days on it. With that in mind- what part of the trail would you recommend? I don't mind doing the middel (shiel bridge to inverlael or something like that)
Thanks! 👍
I'd actually recommend doing the first half so that if you ever want to return to complete the full trail it leaves a clean second half with the lighthouse at the end. 🙂🐾👍
Sorry,where can I find your full kit list?
Great video! Looks like an amazing birthday :) I'm really stoked as I'm currently planning my trip from Glasgow to Cape Wrath starting mid april. I'm thinking of buying the Zpacks Duplex tent, did you use it on this hike as well? What do you use for navigation, as I haven't found the right hardcopy maps yet. Also, those midgies look super tasty, can't wait to try them ;) Thanks! Greetings, from the Netherlands.
Hi there! Sorry for the late reply; somehow I missed this one!
I did use the Duplex on this hike, yes. I hiked it in August and the weather wasn't too wild, so with some mindful campsite selection the Duplex was great. I used it to hike the entire length of Scotland last year (apart from winter). In winter I use my MLD Duomid with half inner so I can have a separate wet and dry area under the tarp.
I used Harvey maps and a GPS with routes downloaded from walkhighlands.com. I wouldn't recommend using the Harvey maps on a trail like this where the route is not an established one. The Harvey trail maps are not suitable to navigate off of with a compass if you are off route as they only offer the slice of terrain the route passes through. I'd stick with Ordinance Survey maps, print then off and laminate them. If you sign up to wqlkhighlands.com (it's free) you can get printable 1:25k OS maps. I'd print them off and either laminate them or keep them in a waterproof map case.
One thing to note as well is that some of the downloadable routes on walkhighlands are not complete. I stupidly didn't check them on the computer before I left and sometimes the route just ended at the top of a pass or something. Defo make sure to check them and then complete them before downloading them to your GPS. I mostly use my GPS for the time and distance recording etc and as a way to make use I am where I think I am grid reference wise for peace of mind in bad weather right enough but that wasn't good if someone went out with just the downloaded routes.
If you want to use the otherwise okay Harvey maps make sure to either have the OS maps on your phone as a back up or print them out as above: preferably hard copies.
I also use theViewRanger app on easier hikes. I find it to be quite good and you can save the maps for offline use. So your phone is a backup GPS with decent maps on it. I use a waterproof cover that is touch sensitive so the touchscreen actually works in the rain. Touch screens in foul weather or cold have issues so I always prefer to have an actual GPS with buttons rather than a touch screen. Essentially you want a good couple of redundancy navigation tools as unless the weather is good decent navigation becomes a skill that is needed on the CWT.
Give us a shout if you want to ask anything else. I'm always happy to help! 🙂🐾👍
Would you recommend msr trailshot filter?
I wouldn't, no. It quickly became less efficient after a few uses, clogged, and my forearm was killing me from all the pumping by the end of the day. I quickly reverted back to my sawyer filter.
Maybe as an emergency filter for when you are going on day trips, but I'd definitely not buy one again. In fact I never used it ever again after that first day of this trail.
I like a HydroBlu Versa Flow as my main filter. Plus I like a Katadyn BeeFree filter and bottle setup for on the go.
Thank you for info..
Awesome series what time of year did you do it
Later on in the season: August.
I would have done it earlier but it was my birthday. 🐾👍
Your dog looks madder than a bucket of frogs.btw🐕
Haha, she is a wee bit: not as much as me though!
brilliant mate 😳 what map you using ?
Cheers man! 👍
The Harvey maps...but keep watching to see how that ends up! 😂🐾👍
@@HoundsofHowgate av whatched all your vids mate brilliant keep it up 😀.
@@mickmunro9188 cheers man! 🙂🐾👍
Ok. So looks like CWT is on the list for sure
Glad to hear it! 🙂👍
Hounds of Howgate I’m up to Day 3 and you haven’t died ! Can see what you meant about Harvey vs OS .... I can read a map well , just lazy on compass. Your technique is similar to mine....Stop ... check map, check surroundings and verify .....then carry on 👍
@@IamRecon001 for sure! It gets mad when your guidebook, map and GPS all say different things too! That's why I would recommend detailed OS maps in hindsight, as you can't go wrong with those and a compass: bulletproof!
At what time of year did you go? Great series, just watching it for the 2nd time in preparation for my CWT hike in August.
Thank you! Glad you are enjoying the series! 🐾👍
I went in August too.
Ask away if you have any questions. 🙂👍
@@HoundsofHowgate that's great to know!
Did you have any problems with deer stalking at all? Or any parts of the route you conciously avoided?
@@Sabsemade nah, it was all good. 🐾👍
What date did you start the cape wrath trail?
Hi Lisa, it was the start of August. 🐾👍
Hounds of Howgate thanks! Love your videos, so helpful as I am planning to hike the Length of Scotland in 2021.
@@lisabritton9852 no worries Lisa!
That's great to hear you are planning an epic trip! If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask either here, Facebook, Instagram or via my website contact page. 🐾👍
Oh yes pain is my friend. I've come to the right place
Haha! Welcome! 🙂🐾👍
No more videos? Sad.
Never say never! 😉🐾👍
@@HoundsofHowgate I’ll keep subscribed 👍
Crack on hound-dog! Subbed n liked👍
Thanks Fraser!
I've been told to stop watching your stuff
Apparently you cost us a fortune lol
Going from family camping to solo
Had to buy a few bits
As you do
Hahaha, yassss! 👍👍👍
Midge mashed potato 😂
Canne whack it! 😋😄👌😂
I m about to experience the same, preparing myself mentally..
Heid duh
Sorry,where can I find your full kit list?