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Main Boards => Long Distance Walks => Topic started by: WILDWALKINGUK on 22:16:53, 28/06/20

Title: Dover to Cape Wrath walk
Post by: WILDWALKINGUK on 22:16:53, 28/06/20
I've done too much sitting around during the lock-down. So to get my body and mind right again, I'm setting off to try and walk 1000 miles from Dover to Cape Wrath shortly. So all going well I'll return home in September, happier and healthier. I've just finalised my gear list and route plan, so can't wait to get going now. I'll be trying to wild camp all the way and following The North Downs Way, Grand Union Canal, Limestone Way, Pennine Way and The Scottish National Trail.  
I've included a link to my blog if you wish to follow my progress:   https://wildwalkinguk.com/2020/06/28/dover-to-cape-wrath-walk/ (https://wildwalkinguk.com/2020/06/28/dover-to-cape-wrath-walk/)  
Title: Re: Dover to Cape Wrath walk
Post by: WhitstableDave on 23:05:29, 28/06/20
Sounds great and I'm looking forward to following your progress.  :)

The only part of your route I can claim to know well is the North Downs Way. As you know, there are two choices between Dover and Boughton Leas (near Ashford) - via either Canterbury or Folkestone - and I see you've chosen the latter, which I think is the far more scenic route and a brilliant start to the adventure!  O0 
Title: Re: Dover to Cape Wrath walk
Post by: SteamyTea on 08:32:06, 29/06/20
Grand Union Canal
My sister has a canal boat business on the Aylesbury Arm.  Faster to walk though.


Was it you who forgot your pants on the LEJOG?
Title: Re: Dover to Cape Wrath walk
Post by: watershed on 09:13:34, 29/06/20
Sounds fantastic WW all the very best of luck to you.
I will look forward to reading your blog.
Title: Re: Dover to Cape Wrath walk
Post by: Birdman on 09:15:55, 29/06/20
Great Plan! Walking through populated areas wouldn't be my thing, but I walked the northernmost part of your route and that was awesome. I walked a from Milngavie to Cape Wrath last year (early spring) following the WHW and CWT and I loved it! Fantastic wild camps, especially on the CWT. Make sure you camp your last night at Sandwood Bay :)

Good luck with your walk!
Title: Re: Dover to Cape Wrath walk
Post by: richardh1905 on 09:39:35, 29/06/20
Sounds good. Nice easy walking along the canal towpaths, less easy as you near Cape Wrath!


Good luck.
Title: Re: Dover to Cape Wrath walk
Post by: gunwharfman on 11:26:20, 30/06/20
I think its a grand idea, LEJOG, everyone does that!!

When I go away I use an Android app, 'Real Time GPS Tracker 2' on my mobile phone. My wife checks where I am every day on her laptop and If I haven't moved for say 12 hours, she would just assume that I'm in trouble. In 2015 when I hiked the GR10 across the Pyrenees my 'charity sponsors' used it as well, I didn't want them to think I was sunbathing on a beach somewhere. It also gave them a greater interest in me as well, I wasn't 'out of sight, out of mind' so my donations went up!

I also carry a Pebbell alarm around my neck as well which in an emergency can be used as a mobile phone as well.

They have never been tested though, so far I've never had a 'good enough' problem to worry about. I've fallen over, (more than once) I've slipped down banks, (more than once) I've had a few bruises, I've been attacked by a cow, have been 'ransacked' by pigs, I've  sat on an ant nest and have run the gauntlet of wasps, but nothing more than that.

   
Title: Re: Dover to Cape Wrath walk
Post by: astaman on 19:56:18, 30/06/20
Sounds great. I enjoyed your Lejog blog very much - looking forward to the next one. Good luck with it.
Title: Re: Dover to Cape Wrath walk
Post by: WILDWALKINGUK on 07:59:01, 03/07/20
Thanks very much for your comments and encouragement. And yes, I did forget my spare pants on LEJOG! I've definitely packed some this time. Planning very much underway now, and I am aiming to start next week.
Title: Re: Dover to Cape Wrath walk
Post by: emdaw on 18:21:29, 04/07/20
Good luck hope you get the weather, very much enjoyed reading your LeJog blog.  Out of interest what boots/shoes are you planning on using?

Title: Re: Dover to Cape Wrath walk
Post by: Dodgylegs on 12:15:28, 05/07/20
I met a young lady from Belgium doing this walk 2 years ago (to the day actually!), and wild camping, I could hardly lift her backpack!


Met at Garrigill, her day 44 since getting off the ferry in Dover, walked together towards Alston.


She had an amazing number of walks she had done all around the world ....


Around the coastlines of Iceland, Ireland and New Zealand were a few!!


All this against doctors orders!


If you've ever met a more cheerful walker I'd like to meet them, hope all goes as planned, with maybe a few adventures thrown in!!  ;)
Title: Re: Dover to Cape Wrath walk
Post by: rigby on 06:23:57, 07/07/20
..I use an Android app, 'Real Time GPS Tracker 2' on my mobile phone. My wife checks where I am every day on her laptop and If I haven't moved for say 12 hours, she would just assume that I'm in trouble.
that sounds interesting.. how much juice does it use on your phone?
Title: Re: Dover to Cape Wrath walk
Post by: rigby on 06:28:11, 07/07/20
sounds like a plan! without looking how many miles of the Grand Union will that be? careful you don't get labelled a gongoozler  O0
Title: Re: Dover to Cape Wrath walk
Post by: SteamyTea on 08:27:41, 07/07/20
gongoozler   

 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gongoozler (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gongoozler)
Title: Re: Dover to Cape Wrath walk
Post by: gunwharfman on 14:24:53, 07/07/20
My tracker and its 'juice' use? Sorry, no idea. Its never caused me to notice if it drains my battery quickly?
Title: Re: Dover to Cape Wrath walk
Post by: rigby on 18:43:01, 08/07/20
i'll give it a go and let you know.. can't be worse than Strava!  ;)
Title: Re: Dover to Cape Wrath walk
Post by: WILDWALKINGUK on 13:20:06, 17/07/20
Hello all - Emma here, Mark's wife. He has now started his walk from Dover to Cape Wrath, and I've posted the first stages on our blog (North Downs Way, Wey Navigations and Thames Path). You can read the first post here if you'd like to follow his progress: https://wildwalkinguk.com/2020/07/14/the-north-downs-way/ (https://wildwalkinguk.com/2020/07/14/the-north-downs-way/) He is still wild camping so far, and these were the sections he was most worried about! Best wishes all.
Title: Re: Dover to Cape Wrath walk
Post by: WhitstableDave on 14:03:40, 17/07/20
An excellent blog - thanks! Living and walking in Kent, I'm very familiar with that section of the North Downs Way. The signpost with the Viewpoint and the NDW Link has caught me out too (and I still haven't found the viewpoint)!

The photos are extremely good and I'm very much looking forward to the next instalment.
Title: Re: Dover to Cape Wrath walk
Post by: gunwharfman on 14:08:59, 17/07/20
Thank you, I enjoyed reading about the North Downs Way. I grew up in Maidstone and once had a girlfriend from Detling so I know the area quite well. I've also walked that section from the M2 bridge to Ashford a number of years ago.
Title: Re: Dover to Cape Wrath walk
Post by: cornwallcoastpathdweller on 21:33:15, 17/07/20
Also following the blog, looks like he's having a good time and is making fast progress, im not jealous . . . . honest. . . no really . . . im not . . . .  OK, yes i am, lots.  Enjoy and keep the updates coming  O0
Title: Re: Dover to Cape Wrath walk
Post by: SteamyTea on 23:11:01, 17/07/20
I am looking forward to the Grand Union canal bits.  I have walked a few sections of it and visited quite a few more.  I even got asked by the Landlord to leave a pub on it once (then asked to come back by the Landlady who wanted to spite her husband).
Title: Re: Dover to Cape Wrath walk
Post by: WILDWALKINGUK on 14:42:30, 21/07/20
I've just posted the Grand Union Canal section - https://wildwalkinguk.com/2020/07/21/dover-to-cape-wrath-chapter-3-the-grand-union-canal-walk/ (https://wildwalkinguk.com/2020/07/21/dover-to-cape-wrath-chapter-3-the-grand-union-canal-walk/)
Mark is getting on really well, and still wild camping!
Title: Re: Dover to Cape Wrath walk
Post by: SteamyTea on 15:26:41, 21/07/20
I've just posted the Grand Union Canal section - https://wildwalkinguk.com/2020/07/21/dover-to-cape-wrath-chapter-3-the-grand-union-canal-walk/ (https://wildwalkinguk.com/2020/07/21/dover-to-cape-wrath-chapter-3-the-grand-union-canal-walk/)
Mark is getting on really well, and still wild camping!
The Grand Union is great. I used to walk the Watford to Hemel section quite often.
Interesting that you noticed train and car noise.
Canals came first. Then the Railways and finally the Trunk roads. All following the same route.
Oxford Canal is good. Seem to remember that most if it has a flow.
Title: Re: Dover to Cape Wrath walk
Post by: watershed on 15:45:09, 21/07/20
Delighted its going so well Mark.
Title: Re: Dover to Cape Wrath walk
Post by: gunwharfman on 20:31:36, 21/07/20
I'm really enjoying the read and looking at the photos. I know the Castlethorpe pub well, been in there many times. Our friends live just down the road. Hanslop is just a couple of miles away, we go there a lot as well.
Title: Re: Dover to Cape Wrath walk
Post by: Jac on 08:44:58, 23/07/20
Glad it's going so well and the new tent is living up to expectations.
Title: Re: Dover to Cape Wrath walk
Post by: GnP on 12:43:13, 23/07/20
A wonderful read . M & M`s in porridge .? You are a born rebel. ! O0
Good luck , your blog has lovely photos and you make it an interesting read .  :)
Title: Re: Dover to Cape Wrath walk
Post by: WILDWALKINGUK on 15:57:43, 24/07/20
Thanks so much for the support, all. I am so glad you are enjoying reading the blog. Please don't encourage him with the M&Ms in porridge though!! I might need to re-socialise him when he gets home.
Next instalment (Oxford and Coventry Canals) is here: https://wildwalkinguk.com/2020/07/24/dover-to-cape-wrath-chapter-4-the-oxford-and-coventry-canals/ (https://wildwalkinguk.com/2020/07/24/dover-to-cape-wrath-chapter-4-the-oxford-and-coventry-canals/)  
Best wishes, Emma
Title: Re: Dover to Cape Wrath walk
Post by: Dodgylegs on 16:49:17, 24/07/20
Enjoying your walk, thanks Emma for sharing.


Canals look lovely and peaceful.... reminds me of a 'finished school' canal trip, many years ago now!
Title: Re: Dover to Cape Wrath walk
Post by: watershed on 08:54:49, 05/08/20
Wildwalking is progressing well.


Latest update has him camped at Hadrian's wall.


Great reports and photos


https://wildwalkinguk.com/ (https://wildwalkinguk.com/)
Title: Re: Dover to Cape Wrath walk
Post by: Thedogsmother on 12:50:01, 11/08/20
I am following the progress and really enjoying reading the blog posts and photos. Just a note to wish Mark all the very best for this incredible walk.
Title: Re: Dover to Cape Wrath walk
Post by: gunwharfman on 16:26:32, 11/08/20
All I know is, I couldn't walk that fast. Good luck.
Title: Re: Dover to Cape Wrath walk
Post by: WILDWALKINGUK on 21:47:17, 14/08/20
Thanks for all the support. Mark is still going, and doing really well (although the midges might break him now he's in the Highlands). I've just posted the next stage, as he starts the Scottish National Trail - from Kirk Yetholm to Traquair.


https://wildwalkinguk.com/2020/08/14/dover-to-cape-wrath-chapter-10-the-scottish-national-trail-part-1/ (https://wildwalkinguk.com/2020/08/14/dover-to-cape-wrath-chapter-10-the-scottish-national-trail-part-1/)
Title: Re: Dover to Cape Wrath walk
Post by: Dodgylegs on 22:21:53, 14/08/20
Certainly a change in scenery from Northumberland, looks well watered!


He's doing amazingly well.
Title: Re: Dover to Cape Wrath walk
Post by: gunwharfman on 13:29:58, 15/08/20
Really good, great photos, having walked the same route last year I remember nearly all of the places from your photos.
Title: Re: Dover to Cape Wrath walk
Post by: Slogger on 16:32:42, 17/08/20
Well that was a long catch up from the Grand Union Canal, but I am now up to date on this fantastic journey and it has made me even more determined to get back to doing some very long backpacking trips again, even though it may well be 2021 before I'll be able.Well done so far Mark, keep the reports coming and look forward agian to Cape Wrath.
Title: Re: Dover to Cape Wrath walk
Post by: Jac on 10:39:34, 25/08/20
Mark is now onto the West Highland Way and possibly even beyond!

https://wildwalkinguk.com/2020/08/14/dover-to-cape-wrath-chapter-10-the-scottish-national-trail-part-1/         look for Part 2

Fantastic



Title: Re: Dover to Cape Wrath walk
Post by: WILDWALKINGUK on 08:33:29, 31/08/20
Hello again
If you've been following my progress, sorry for the delay - my wife was busy collecting me from the top of Scotland. We've now posted chapter 13 of my Dover to Cape Wrath walk: https://wildwalkinguk.com/2020/08/30/dover-to-cape-wrath-chapter-13-the-scottish-national-trail-part-4/ (https://wildwalkinguk.com/2020/08/30/dover-to-cape-wrath-chapter-13-the-scottish-national-trail-part-4/)  
Thanks all for reading and for your support. I'm now back home in Norfolk sorting through 3889 photographs..
Mark
Title: Re: Dover to Cape Wrath walk
Post by: Dread on 16:03:06, 31/08/20
"collecting me from the top of Scotland"?


SPOILERS!
Title: Re: Dover to Cape Wrath walk
Post by: gunwharfman on 16:48:22, 31/08/20
I'm really enjoying your hike, not the midges though. Very well done.
Title: Re: Dover to Cape Wrath walk
Post by: watershed on 18:31:40, 31/08/20
Superb Well done!
Title: Re: Dover to Cape Wrath walk
Post by: Dodgylegs on 19:19:10, 31/08/20
Guess from what you say in your reports you're kind of used to these long adventures, I can't even contemplate it!
Maybe mentioned once before I met a young lass from Belgium doing this walk, day 44 in Alston! She had achieved some remarkable goals walking all around the globe.
As for Scottish golfers... I played on some obscure courses up there over the years and could never work out how you play whilst drinking so much booze! The tee waste bins were well used!
Title: Re: Dover to Cape Wrath walk
Post by: Bigfoot_Mike on 09:29:13, 01/09/20

As for Scottish golfers... I played on some obscure courses up there over the years and could never work out how you play whilst drinking so much booze! The tee waste bins were well used!
It’s not booze, it’s antifreeze. Try playing golf with frozen blood. That’s much more difficult.
Title: Re: Dover to Cape Wrath walk
Post by: Dodgylegs on 22:57:18, 10/09/20
It’s not booze, it’s antifreeze. Try playing golf with frozen blood. That’s much more difficult.
Tennents Super?
Title: Re: Dover to Cape Wrath walk
Post by: Bigfoot_Mike on 23:20:32, 10/09/20
Tennents Super?
In general,I wouldn’t drink Scottish beer if you paid me (with a few exceptions). Single Malt is a different matter.
Title: Re: Dover to Cape Wrath walk
Post by: fernman on 08:51:49, 11/09/20
In general,I wouldn’t drink Scottish beer if you paid me (with a few exceptions). Single Malt is a different matter.

Whaaaat??  :o
When I camped at Kirkwall in Orkney, the Tesco along the road had a huge selection of bottled beers from small Scottish breweries and they were absolutely wonderful. Quickly got into the habit of having one to accompany dinner, and even my wife used to knock them back (after removing the crown cap with her teeth).
Title: Re: Dover to Cape Wrath walk
Post by: Johnny Thunder on 09:11:40, 11/09/20
I can certainly recommend Fierce. They do some lovely brews.
Title: Re: Dover to Cape Wrath walk
Post by: gunwharfman on 09:25:22, 11/09/20
My wife has a friend who came over here to Nurse about 40 years ago. Her bloke doesn't eat foreign food.
Title: Re: Dover to Cape Wrath walk
Post by: gunwharfman on 09:27:49, 11/09/20
Sorry, still half asleep, the lady came from Malaysia, her parents were Chinese. Her bloke doesn't eat foreign food.

Really enjoyed all of your walk and the photos, well done.
Title: Re: Dover to Cape Wrath walk
Post by: Bigfoot_Mike on 07:56:53, 12/09/20
Whaaaat??  :o
When I camped at Kirkwall in Orkney, the Tesco along the road had a huge selection of bottled beers from small Scottish breweries and they were absolutely wonderful. Quickly got into the habit of having one to accompany dinner, and even my wife used to knock them back (after removing the crown cap with her teeth).
I did say there were a few exceptions.
Title: Re: Dover to Cape Wrath walk
Post by: tonyk on 09:09:06, 12/09/20
Really enjoyed reading this blog.Shame about the racism in Scotland but these types exist as a minority in most countries.
Title: Re: Dover to Cape Wrath walk
Post by: fernman on 10:59:45, 12/09/20
Eagerly awaiting the concluding part. It's a long time coming.
Title: Re: Dover to Cape Wrath walk
Post by: Dodgylegs on 12:54:45, 12/09/20
Eagerly awaiting the concluding part. It's a long time coming.
I'm with you on that one fenman
Title: Re: Dover to Cape Wrath walk
Post by: watershed on 16:39:12, 12/09/20
Mark has posted the final leg to Cape Wrath O0
Title: Re: Dover to Cape Wrath walk
Post by: Jac on 08:49:57, 14/09/20
................................. and breath

what an achievement and thank you for sharing it O0