For this blog, I hand over the baton to Mark (@mullionvagrant) as he plans for his trip up north to tackle The Outer Hebridean Way.
"As my next adventure approaches—hiking The Outer Hebridean Way across the Outer Hebrides—I’m turning my attention to what I’ll need for the journey. This trip will involve solo travel through some remote and rugged wilderness, so careful planning is crucial.
Here are the main considerations for my trip:
What to Expect on The Outer Hebridean Way
The Outer Hebridean Way spans nearly 200 miles across ten stunning islands. The route features rugged hills and a captivating Atlantic coastline, and the geography will influence my packing choices:
Weather: Sunshine isn’t guaranteed; persistent heavy rain is likely. The islands are exposed to strong winds as Atlantic weather systems first hit the Outer Hebrides.
Temperature: Conditions are expected to be cold and potentially harsh.
Terrain: About 40% of the hike will be through peat and bog, with another 40% on roads and firm paths. Around 20% will involve walking on sand dunes and beaches.
Shelter: The islands offer minimal shelter with limited trees and accommodation.
Wild camping is allowed, in accordance with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
What I Will Need
For packing, I break it down into six key areas:
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Shelter and Sleep System
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Clothing and Footwear
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Water, Food, and Waste Management
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Emergency Supplies, Navigation, Health, and First Aid
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Technical Gear
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Miscellaneous Items
With these considerations in mind, I’ll ensure that I’m well-prepared for the adventure ahead.
Shelter and Sleep System
Given the minimal shelter and the strong winds that can be prevalent on the islands, selecting a robust tent is crucial. I’ll need a tent that strikes a balance between durability and lightweight portability, ideally with a spacious vestibule. The vestibule will be essential for storing my backpack and, potentially, for cooking in sheltered conditions. Additionally, a good groundsheet may be necessary to handle the peat and boggy terrain.
I will be taking the Wild Country Zephyros 2.
Zephyros 2
Pegs are an important consideration and I will be taking extra long pegs to cope with the wind. These will be the Easton 9" Backpacker Stakes. I'll also be packing 6No. MSR Blizzard stakes due to the fact that 20% of the camping spots will be potentially on sand dunes and beaches and I want to ensure my tent is fixed down well.
A good sleeping bag, appropriate to the conditions is a must! I'm taking a decent dry bag too to compactly stash it in to to ensure that I don't have any damp nights sleep. I use the Sea to Summit eVent Dry Compression Sacks.
Along side your sleeping bag, you really do need a good sleeping mat and this is important. Im taking a mat by Klymit as it offers incredible comfort and insulation. Look at a high R-Value if you want a truly all year round sleeping system.
Mark and his Klymit mat
Clothing / Footwear
I will be placing a strong emphasis on high-quality waterproof gear. Always ensure your waterproof items are still effective before a trip and re-proof them if necessary.
Understand the layering system and bring enough clothing to keep warm and comfortable.
Essential items include gloves, a beanie, a Buff, and a good insulating layer for camp.
I'm still deciding between hiking boots and trail runners. However, given the boggy conditions, waterproof socks are definitely a must to keep my feet dry.
Water/Food & Waste
I always like to carry lots of water as I'm never sure when I can fill it up next. A good physical filter is a must so I use my Platypus Quickdraw. Although I do also carry water purifying tablets like the Katadyn Micropur as an excellent backup.
Mark filling up his Platypus Quickdraw System
I will need to be carrying more food than normal as there are minimal points on the island where I can re-supply. Some villages offer the opportunity for re-stocking but this is by detouring off the trail and can significantly increase the distances.
A good stove and pan set is a MUST have with the MSR PocketRocket2 and the Soto Thermostack Combo!
MSR PocketRocket 2 with Soto Thermostack Combo
Of course leaving no trace is important when wildcamping and hiking so I always take a toilet trowel and biodegradable toilet paper.
Emergency/Navigation/Health/First Aid
Based on my research, there appears to be good mobile signal and network coverage across the islands, which should allow for calls and texts.
The route is waymarked, but some reviews indicate that certain sections are less well-marked.
I will use a variety of electronic navigation devices, including a Garmin Fenix 3 watch, my mobile phone with the Hiiker app, and a Satmap 10 GPS. Additionally, I always carry a compass and map, as I never rely solely on technology.
Health wise, I will be taking a range of products to cope with midges and ticks! I found that on my Arran Coastal Way hike that Smidge had a great range of products to take. I take a tick remover, Smidge Spray, a Smidge headnet and some sterile wipes.
MIDGES WATCH OUT!
Technical Items
Due to the nature of the hike, I will be off grid for prolonged periods, so I need to maximise charging opportunities. I've bought a fast charge plug and cable to maximise speed. I will also be taking a solar panel, which I will mount on my back pack but there's no guarantee with the weather that I can rely upon this for charging.
I will also be taking a headtorch that I can recharge from my backup battery packs.
Other
I will be taking a good ruck sack cover to ensure that the contents of my bag remain dry. There's nothing worse than soggy gear!
A range of dry bags is essential. I prefer to pack my bag using the cube packing technique rather than having one large bag.
I'll be taking a taking pair of binoculars as there is a great opportunity to spot Golden Eagles, Red Deer and Sea Otter along with a multitude of Wading birds.
Music is a nice luxury to have so I will be packing a portable waterproof speaker.
I love the luxury of having a good inflatable pillow!
Having the right kit and being prepared is essential in a successful adventure. Jim at Valley and Peak is always at hand to offer excellent advice and will happily discuss all the options available and whether he feels that kit will be suitable for your needs.
Getting There
Getting to the outer Hebrides is a major undertaking. I have chosen to fly into Glasgow from Bristol and then catch a small plane to Barra, before hiking across the islands. I will then get a ferry back to the mainland and a bus to Inverness where I will catch a return flight.
Road: The distance by road from Oban to London is roughly 500 miles, the same distance as from London to the French Alps.
Ferry: Caledonian MacBrayne Ferries operate all the ferry routes linking the Scottish mainland to the Outer Hebrides. Oban is the mainland port for ferries to Barra and Castlebay, while Ullapool serves as the mainland port for ferries to Stornoway and Lewis.
Air: At the southern tip of the Outer Hebrides is Barra Airport, renowned for having the only scheduled air service that lands on a beach. I will be arriving this way, which presents its own challenges, such as being unable to carry camping gas on the plane and needing to source it upon arrival—a task that is not easy."
I'd like to say a big thank you and a huge good luck to Mark as he sets off on his trip!
If you are struggling for ideas or can't find that perfect combination, please reach out to me in the usual places - @valleyandpeakuk on Instagram or on jim@valleyandpeak.co.uk for email.