Part Three: 200km Solo Backpacking | 20 Munro Summits | Cairngorms National Park, Scotland | 4K

[@TalesFromAbroad-SJ]

What an epic adventure! Hiking 200km and summiting 20 Munros in the Cairngorms is incredible. The changing weather must have made it even more challenging. Your video really captures the beauty and intensity of the trip. Thanks for sharing - definitely makes me want to tackle the Cairngorms someday! Cheers, Simon - Tales From Abroad

[@MaylesTrails]

@@TalesFromAbroad-SJ Thanks Simon, I appreciate that! The Cairngorms are a great place to hike

[@waterfallmadman]

Way to go, completing that mega trek! Pretty foggy up on those summits. And interesting seeing those snow patches as well.

[@MaylesTrails]

@@waterfallmadman Thanks! Yeah, it certainly didn't feel like summer in the fog 😂

[@tomcuthbert7047]

Hey! Just wanted to say that I enjoyed this three parter, so thanks for making the effort to edit and post! With only 2 Munro's left to complete, I did particularly enjoy the Cairngorms and climbing the hills there. The sense of space is pretty amazing and it was nice to relive the hills through your videos. Distances are always large there, but that didn't seem to put you off at all! As I've seen you've done some American hiking too - it's on my wish list, but I've never hiked there - how did this trip compare to your experiences across the pond in terms of landscape and access? All the best.

[@MaylesTrails]

@@tomcuthbert7047 Thanks you! Yeah, the Cairngorms is so vast compared to most places in the UK. Great job on almost completing the Munros 👏 Which 2 do you have left? It's definitely different hiking in the US. As good as the scenery can be in the UK, there is just more of a "wow" factor in places like the Sierra Nevada, Southern Utah, Grand Canyon etc. The trail network in US National Parks and designated wilderness areas is extremely well maintained. Most places you don't even really need a map, due to obvious trails and sometimes signposts. If wanting to wild camp, there are a lot more rules and regulations, and you need permits in a lot of places (permits sell out quickly, 6 months in advance, in some places). The other main difference is that there is often wildlife that you have to consider for things like food storage (e.g. bear cannisters). Feel free to let me know if you have any specific questions about hiking in the US.

[@tomcuthbert7047]

It’s 1 left now - Seana Bhraigh in the Fannichs. Got the other one done yesterday! Yes, hiking in the US is on the list. I’ve no specific plans, but the JMT and the CT appeal. During the Covid lockdown I discovered Backpacker Radio podcast (have you heard of it?) and this has given me an itch. I’m interested in the logistics of it all - do you have friends out there to help organise things? I’m not that good at KZbin, but if you’re willing, it would be nice to pick your brain via email.

[@MaylesTrails]

@@tomcuthbert7047 Seana Bhraigh looks like a great Munro to finish on! Congratulations in advance 👏 The JMT looks incredible, as does the CT. I have friends who have done the JMT (and PCT). The biggest thing to know with the JMT is that permits are limited, and they go quickly, months in advance. But if you started in September, you would have a better chance of securing a permit than in July or August. I'm not sure on the permit process for the CT. I lived in California for a while, which is why I've hiked there a lot. Logistics would certainly be more difficult, if flying out from the UK specifically to hike. I've heard of Backpacker Radio, but not listened to it.

[@tomcuthbert7047]

Ah yes, I can see how having a base can be an advantage (and bolt hole). I’ll have to get my head round the idea of pemits and rules and regulations. I gather this does not detract too much from the experience. Your videos certainly show some of the grandeur of the place, and that is what inspires. I’m looking forward to getting the final one. Need a good day and this one is quite remote and even an approach from the north taking the car in some distance is going to be a long day.

[@MaylesTrails]

@@tomcuthbert7047 No, the rules and regulations certainly don't detract from the experience. If anything, the limit on the number of people that can get a permit on any one day enhances the experience. As long as you plan in advance, it pretty straightforward to navigate the permit process