Trekking in the North West Highlands

Transcription

1 in the North West Highlands Europe 1,100m

2 Spend a week based in a beautiful cottage on the shores of Loch Torridon, trekking the rugged beauty of the North-West coast and mountains of Scotland. With an abundance of wildlife in both the sea and on land, this trip promises to be one never to be forgotten! Mountains! Of course, there will be mountains that we will trek. There are a plethora of mountains in the vicinity with over 10 Munros the highest of the Scottish mountains on our doorstep and many, many more a short drive away! Looking for a little more adventure? One or 2 days will be allocated to scrambling whether it is into the waterfalls directly behind the cottage, or a day trekking along the famous ridge of Liathach! Rated by many mountaineers and hill walkers as Britain s finest ridge traverse! Wild Camping? If the weather is right, we will also spend a couple of days on an adventure in the wilderness, getting away from all that the civilised world offers, to sleep under the stars in this designated dark sky area of the UK. Whilst the specific itinerary won t be decided until closer to the date (weather! tsk!), be assured that this week will involve trekking, scrambling and wild camping (whilst having the comfort and warmth of our cottage throughout the entire week!). We will also dine one evening at one of the best seafood restaurants/pubs in Scotland.

3 in the North West Highlands Europe 1,100m Physical - P2 Prolonged walking over varied terrain. There may be uphills and downhills, so a good solid fitness is required. Expect to be able to do a 6 to 8 hour walk over undulating terrain with a few punchy uphill climbs carrying a pack up to 6kg in weight. Technical - T2 Consider this a trek, although there may be occasion to use hands for short sections of easy scrambling. No previous climbing or trekking experience is necessary. Please note that the grading system used is a rough guide only.

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5 ITINERARY DAY 1 : Arrive Loch Torridon DAY 5 : Wild camping adventure You will be met at Inverness Airport at 11 am and driven to our accommodation and base for the week: a beautiful 5-bedroom cottage on the shores of Loch Torridon. We will pack an overnight bag, drive a little further north and head out on a wild camping adventure to the remote northern highlands. Specific location will be decided based on the weather, but we are likely to visit some of the oldest mountains in the world in an environment that could be taken straight out of pre-historic fiction! We will have a full trip briefing while enjoying a home cooked dinner and enjoying our surroundings for the first time. (BLD) (D) DAY 2 : Trek Ben Alligin DAY 6 : Return from wild camping adventure We will arise early to give us as much time on the mountain as possible. After breakfast we will have another trip briefing and safety discussion before heading out to ascend Ben Alligin (the mountain directly behind our cottage). Returning from our wild camping mini-adventure, we will freshen up at the cottage before heading to Applecross and what is often described as one of the best seafood pubs in the UK. A special treat for our final night in the area. We will then return to the cottage for dinner. (BL) (BLD) DAY 3 : Ghyll Scrambling/Gorge walk DAY 7 : Return home We will leave our cottage and take a short stroll directly up the river. Negotiating plunge pools and waterfalls as we go. We will return to the cottage for lunch and then change in to our trekking kit before heading out on a coastal trek to a remote fishing community for dinner. Today we will pack the minibus and head back to Inverness for your connections back home. Expect to arrive at Inverness airport around 4pm. (B) (BL) DAY 4 : Trek another local mountain, or scramble up and along the famous Laitach Ridge What we do today will depend on the group s appetite for adventure. We could trek or we could scramble. (BLD)

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7 KIT LIST Bags & Packs Headwear Daysack Warm headgear Approx L capacity. Your day to day pack that you carry with your daily essentials, fitted with shoulder straps and importantly a waist belt This can be a warm hat, beanie, balaclava, anything to reduce the heat loss from your head Rucksack Keeps the sun off exposed areas like ears and the nape of the neck Wide brimmed hat A large rucksack minimum 65L. To use for wild camping Sunblock Waterproof/Dry bags (optional) Lip salve Sleeping Gear Upper Body 4 Season sleeping bag (available to borrow from 360) Non-cotton T-shirts (with one long-sleeved) Ideally at least 2, with one being long-sleeved You should get a sleeping bag rated to -5C and choose a sleeping bag that functions within the comfort rating of this temperature. A silk sleeping bag liner will enhance this rating on the coldest nights. If you do not have a sleeping bag then 360 can lend you one Mid layer (long sleeved fleece tops) These are typically lightweight microfleeces or similar technology that provide varying degrees of warmth and insulation without being overly bulky or heavy to pack Sleeping mat (available to borrow from 360) Warm insulated jacket A full length self-inflating rather than ¾ length Thermarest. If you do not have a sleeping mat then 360 can lend you one Waterproof jacket In case it rains Sleeping bag liner Warm gloves Silk is best for keeping the bag clean and you a little warmer

8 KIT LIST Lower Body Hydration trousers Water bottles / bladder These tend to be polyester so they dry quickly after a shower and weigh little in your pack. Consider perhaps a pair with detachable lower legs as an alternative to shorts 2L capacity either in a combination of bladder and Nalgene bottle or just Nalgene bottles Waterproof trousers Change of clothing for evenings In case it rains Comfortable clothes for the evening Underwear Toiletries How many pairs you take is entirely up to you Wash kit Long Johns (optional) Keep it simple on the mountain. Essentials are toothbrush, toothpaste and deodorant. Moisturiser is advisable, everything else is a luxury! Thermal insulation for the lower body Feet Evening Wear Travel towel 3-4 season walking boots Well worn in 3-4 season waterproof boots with mid to high ankle support Travel towels from the likes of Lifesystems are perfect Wet wipes Comfortable trainers A comfortable pair of old trainers for any ghyll scrambling activities and/or for use around the cottage grounds Preferably biodegradable, these are great for washing when modern shower facilities become a thing of the past Alcohol gel Socks A must have for good camp hygiene Change of socks

9 KIT LIST Medications Snacks Personal first aid kit Although you will be fed well we do we advise bringing a small selection of energy bars. Have a couple per trekking day The 360 med kits are designed to be used in emergencies and akin to an A&E rather than a pharmacy on Expeditions so please come prepared with useful meds for yourself such as painkillers (Ibuprofen if you can take it and a Paracetamol) plus blister plasters, plasters, antiseptic, rehydration sachets and any muscle rubs you wish to use. Cup To use when wildcamping Bowl To use when wild camping Personal medication Cutlery/Spork Keep this in your daysack To use when wild camping Misceallaneous poles These tend to be a personal preference but help with your stability and can dampen the pressure on the knees coming down hill Camera Bring plenty of spare batteries and memory cards Head torch We recommend Petzl head torches. Bring spare batteries. Insect repellent Maps (optional) Compass (optional)

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11 FAQ'S Guides I have food allergies, can these be catered for? Where do I meet my guides? Absolutely, please inform the office of any allergies or intolerances and we will ensure that these are taken into account on the expedition. Your guide will meet you at Inverness Airport at 11am. Accommodation Food and Water What kind of accommodation will we use? What will the meals be like? At the cottage, breakfast will be of a continentalstyle and dinner will be hearty, homecooked food to refuel after a day on the hills. Lunches will be taken on the hills and will typically be a sandwich/wrap, crisps, fruit and a chocolate bar. Whilst wild camping, breakfast will be porridge and dinner will be dehydrated camp food (a variety of options are available). How often will water be replenished throughout the day? Initially, water will be taken from the cottage, but in the hills, we will source fresh Scottish Spring water directly from its source. We will base ourselves in a beautiful 5-bedroom cottage on the shores of Loch Torridon. Where we can sleep in either twin or double rooms. If the weather is right for wild camping, we will be using 3-person tents between 2 people (or, feel free to bring your own tent if preferred). Health and Safety What medication do I need to bring? You will need to bring your specific medication that you take for any medical condition that you have and pack it in your rucksack for each trek. Please notify your guide of any specific medication that you may be on prior to trekking. It is also worth taking a simple first aid kit such as painkillers, blister plasters, plasters, antihistamines and insect repellent.

12 FAQ'S What happens if there is an accident on the mountain? How warm does my sleeping bag need to be for the wild camping? Accidents can happen and anyone undertaking these adventures has to accept there is a degree of risk due to the nature of the activity. Our mountain crew are all experienced in dealing with problems that may arise These should be rated to a comfort rating of -5 C. Whilst we are likely to be experiencing end of summer temperatures, it is not uncommon for colder temperatures around this time of year. All leaders hold wilderness first aid certificates and can handle any emergency to the highest level of competency. The Trek How big is the group? The group will have a maximum of 8 people. Kit What is the best type of footwear to use for this trip? The Weather What is the weather like? Because of the huge variety of terrain encountered when trekking in the Scottish Highlands, it is very important to have the right footwear. Boots should be sturdy, waterproof, insulated against the cold and offer adequate ankle support. In addition, it is highly recommended that your boots are well worn in to prevent the formation of blisters. We will be on the west coast of Scotland which can have unpredictable weather at the best of times. It could be hot and sunny, it could be cold and wet. This is why the itinerary will remain flexible until closer to the trip, with activities planned to ensure the best possible time, regardless of the weather. Will there be midges at this time of year? Additionally, it is highly recommended that you bring an old pair of trainers for any ghyll scrambling activities and/or for use around the cottage grounds. The peak midge season in Scotland is the end of May until mid September. We do not expect to have a problem with midges, but you never know!

13 FAQ'S Travel Training Do I need to book my own travel to Inverness? How fit do I need to be to join this trip? Yes, you will. Easy Jet flies regularly to Inverness. Usually costing 40 for a return ticket (without luggage). You don t need to be super-fit and all hikes and mountain routes will be geared towards the group. Insurance Do I need special travel insurance for the trip? You must carry individual travel insurance to take part. We cannot take you on the expedition without proof of insurance. However, you should be of a level of fitness that enables you to hike up and down a hill in a day (likely to be at least 1,000m ascent/descent per day on day hikes) and to be able to hike with a 12-15kg rucksack for the wild camping microadventure. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the appropriate insurance for your intended trip. To include medical evacuation and coverage up to the maximum altitude of this trip. Your insurance details are requested on the booking form, however this can be arranged at a later date. 360 Expeditions will be requesting your insurance details 8 weeks before your departure.

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15 TRAINING PROGRAM To begin 6 months prior to the expedition where possible. MONTH 1 OPT 1 1. CVS: Cardiovascular exercise which is low impact such as swimming, cycling, cross trainer, rowing. 2. Weekend walk should be done over undulating terrain. Only a light rucksack needs to be carried. 3. For specific exercises it is worth doing static squats and heel raises on a regular basis to improve leg muscles prior to the trip. Static squats are especially useful to help protect the knees. Please remember that it is still important to have a well balanced workout using a variety of muscle groups. 4. It is worth winding down and resting in the week leading up to the trip, doing several light walks to keep things going. 5. When walking going at a pace of a brisk walk with a light sweat and enough to feel breathless is recommended 2 x 30 mins weekday walk 1 x 1 hour weekend walk 1 x 10 mins CVS 6. It is important you seek medical advice prior to starting any training program, especially if you are not used to regular physical exertion All the best with your training. 1 x 30 mins weekday walk 2 x 1 hour weekend walk 1 x 10 mins CVS MONTH 2 OPT 1 2 x 45 mins weekday walk 1 x 2 hours weekend walk 2 x 10 mins CVS OPT 2 1 x 45 mins weekday walk 2 x 2 hours weekend walk 2 x 10 mins CVS MONTH 3 OPT 1 2 x 45 mins weekday walk 1 x 2 hours weekend walk 2 x 10 mins CVS OPT 2 1 x 45 mins weekday walk 2 x 2 hours weekend walk 2 x 10 mins CVS MONTH 4 OPT 1 6. During the program, rather than step up suddenly each month (example, going for 3 one hour walks each week during the weekdays in April to 3 one and half hour walks suddenly in May) it is better to build up gradually each week so there isn't a large transition (example, going for 3 one hour walks during week 1 in April, going for 3 one hour and ten minute walks during week 2 in April, going for 3 one hour and fifteen minute walks during week 3 in April, going for 3 one hour and twenty minute walks during week 4 in April) OPT 2 3 x 1 hour weekday walk 1 x 4 hours weekend walk 3 x 15 mins CVS OPT 2 2 x 1 hour weekday walk 2 x 4 hours weekend walk 3 x 15 mins CVS MONTH 5 OPT 1 OPT 2 3 x 1.5 hours weekday walk 1 x 5 hours weekend walk 3 x mins CVS 2 x 1.5 hours weekday walk 2 x 5 hours weekend walk 3 x mins CVS MONTH 6 OPT 1 3 x 2 hours weekday walk 1 x 6 hours weekend walk 3 x 30 mins CVS OPT 2 2 x 3 hours weekday walk 2 x 6 hours weekend walk 3 x 30 mins CVS

16 Why 360? 1. Experience: We employ sought-after leaders. We know remarkable individuals make or break expeditions. 360 leaders pack huge enthusiasm, true expertise & dedication on every expedition. It s not uncommon to find yourself trekking Kilimanjaro with an Everest summiteer as your guide. 2. Standards: They re high. From office to support in country to supplying fresh tasty food (very important!) Value for money is key. You get what you pay for, and so does the crew. All our Sherpas, porters, cooks, even four legged team members, are treated & paid fairly. Powered by TCPDF ( +44(0) Organisation: Out in the field & out of your comfort zone, emotionally & physically, you need total support. Our meticulous office staff have wide field experience & ensure everything s covered for a seamless experience: detailed information prior to departure, practical tuition when out, gathering feedback on return. Absolute attention to detail means we re ready for all eventualities. Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty & well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out & loudly proclaiming Wow! What a Ride! 360-expeditions.com