For our Mum, who never got to see us do this together, RIP 14/10/2024

Monday, May 12th, 2025 – Goin Home!

The camp stirred early as we prepared for the 805 bus to Durness, enjoying one last porridge breakfast before heading to the Spar for snacks. I don’t know what it is about journeys, but I have an innate fear of hunger, and always overestimate the need for food. I panic-ate a sausage roll while waiting for the bus – on top of my porridge – not a great feeling.

Spirits were high, more photos were taken, and the little bus with its lady driver arrived on time, 08.00 am, complete with a trailer for cyclists; I’d never seen such a thing.

We filled the bus, leaving room for only two other passengers picked up en route. Other hopefuls had to wait for another day; I guess that’s Highland life?

Arriving in Inverness at 11:40 am, there were final farewells before everyone dispersed.

A few of us took the same bus back to Fort William. The 919 connects Inverness and Fort William, and booking is recommended.

I was anxious about my van, which we abandoned with uncertainty days ago – would I have a ticket, had it been towed? But two hours later, there she was, covered in bird pooh and sap from the tree I’d parked under. Finally, we dumped our heavy packs, changed into civilian clothing, and wandered into town, for a relaxed lunch, before starting our long journey back to Cornwall.

Reflections: The Journey Beyond the Trail

Stepping off a long-distance trail is uniquely disorienting. There’s a strange shift from the simplicity of daily walking and wild camping to suddenly re-entering a world of schedules and roads. Seeing the group disperse marks the end of a shared intensity. But the bond formed with your tribe, forged in hardship and triumph, remains.

The body gradually sheds the trail, unwinding from the constant push. This begins a new kind of journey – the long transition back to everyday life, carrying the indelible marks of the Cape Wrath Trail. The wilderness may be behind you, but its lessons and landscapes are now woven into who you are.

Looking back, the CWT was a massive accomplishment, and incredibly tough. It tested us physically and emotionally. The bog-hopping, tough climbs, and especially those two days of bad weather. Even so, among the physical demands of the trail, there was breathtaking beauty.

At times, I doubted my ability or desire to continue. I know I would have struggled day after day in wet conditions, and kudos to those who have. But we pushed through, ultimately nailing it in seventeen days. I’m personally chuffed that I kept up with a predominantly athletic male contingent.

Normally, I don’t want to go home at the end of a hike. Most people feel energised on the last stage – or do they? For me, on that final day, I just wanted it over and to reach the end as soon as possible.

The CWT, famed as the UK’s last wilderness, is changing. Increasing footfall means finding solitude is harder. Navigation wasn’t really an issue despite the vast landscape. You do need to know your stuff, but the trail these days is well trodden.

Would I do it again? Never say never, though maybe a different route. My top tip for future hikers: forget walking stage to stage, take your time, walk until you are tired, camp, eat, carry on. And don’t forget to just stop, take in the scenery, and have a swim.

The Cape Wrath Trail tested our limits and provided remarkable landscapes and memories. I started these crazy adventures at age 50 years, and here I am almost 60 years old. I’m proud we completed it together ❤️

All that is left is to leave readers with the sound of Scotland: