How much Water

[andrew_s]

Good grief, man, there is more of the stuff running off the hills there than almost anywhere on earth. I've walked all over Scotland for years, backpacking as well, and I've never needed to carry more than a few mouthfuls.

When you are cycling, you are most likely to be down in the bottom of the valley, and so just filling up out of the nearest stream is more likely to result in gut rot.

I had to carry water for a day and a half once (10L). There was a drought, and all of the streams were dry, and although there was water at the overnight campsite it wasn't drinkable

 

[ASC1951]

I had to carry water for a day and a half once (10L). There was a drought, and all of the streams were dry, and although there was water at the overnight campsite it wasn't drinkable

I can't see what the relevance of Summitville Mine is to this discussion.

The OP is proposing to cycle round Scotland carrying 4L of water. How on earth can that be necessary or even sensible?

 

[andrew_s]

I can't say it's what I would do, but if you are a shy and retiring soul who doesn't like to go beating on the door of the nearest house saying "give me some water", your last commercial/public water source was at lunch, and you want to camp down in the bottom of a valley with cows grazing all around, how much do you need for the afternoon, your evening meal, breakfast, and the first half of the following day?

I carry a water filter if I think I'm going to get into that sort of situation, but they cost significant amounts if they are to be reliable.

 

[jethro10]

I can't see what the relevance of Summitville Mine is to this discussion.

The OP is proposing to cycle round Scotland carrying 4L of water. How on earth can that be necessary or even sensible?

lol.
Yes, from B&B to B&B carrying all I need and not having to worry.
Wish I had just asked "how much water do you drink an hour" and left it at that and see if my own trials were in same ball park.

Ta
Jeff

 

[jethro10]

I can't say it's what I would do, but if you are a shy and retiring soul who doesn't like to go beating on the door of the nearest house saying "give me some water", your last commercial/public water source was at lunch, and you want to camp down in the bottom of a valley with cows grazing all around, how much do you need for the afternoon, your evening meal, breakfast, and the first half of the following day?

Why put so much effort into working up a scenario where i'm half dying cos i'm stupid to ask for help.
I'm not stupid and if necessary, then I certainly would.
Hey, I could easily afford to have the butler follow me round in the Bentley with £50 per pop mineral water, but that's not the point

But just cos I'd rather not, there is no need for you to persue this line of fantasy to satiate some in-built desire at demeaning other people.
ok?
Jeff

 

[wibblewobble]

If I am in the middle of no where when cycle touring and need water, I usually keep an eye out for churches with graveyards. As you can normally find an outside tap where people can get water for flowers, additionally they are open to the public, so no issues with trespassing.

 

[vernon]

There's lots n lots of places in central/north scotland where a days bike route wont go near any commercial/retail property.
Ok, I could knock on doors, but unless I'm desperate, it seems just a bit rude.

Jeff

You must be seeking out the most remote areas and pedalling extremely slowly to not come across sources of water during a day's ride in Scotland. I've never had any problems with water supply there.

 

[smeg]

You don't need to lug water around with you in Scotland yer fools Enough of the stuff falls out of the sky when I'm there anyway where do you think I get my water from when I'm backpacking/wild camping in the wilderness (Highlands) for up to 2 weeks a time, twice per year? I usually keep less than a litre at a time in my Platypus I don't need more, and often carry no water at all. I have enough weight on my back as it is. If it's fast flowing you're usually alright, if you're not sure just pop in a purifying tablet and leave it for a while before drinking (20 mins-ish), they're only 10p per pack in Army Surplus stores (well in my local one anyway). If you get desperate you could always drink from a clump of sphagnum moss (contains iodine) Bear Grylls style It ought to be less of an issue cycling, even in remote areas there will still be small villages scattered around with service stations, small shops etc, big gaps between them maybe - ride faster

 

[simon_adams_uk]

Returning back to the original question... I would reckon on something like 0.5l/hr. Estimate how long the ride will be, add some time for contingency, do the maths and that's your answer.

There is a secondary point about whether carrying this much water (eg 4 litres for an 8 hr ride) is the best approach. The OP knows best what route is planned and whether there is any reliable sources of water available. If there are any residential properties on the route then I would be inclined to ask politely for some water - each to their own though.

Alternatively it's carrying less water at the start and topping up from natural sources. I regard it as a trade off in terms of health, cost of purifiers etc. against certainty of supply and additional weight. I would be inclined to carry extra water that's of known quality, not faff around with finding suitable looking streams, and accept the weight penalty.

Oh, these bottle cages can be quite useful:
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?PartnerID=79&ModelID=4962
With the right bottle shape (Co-op?) you can carry 2 litres.

HTH
Simon

 

[hubbike]

I seldom carry more than 2 or 3 litres. If you really get caught out you can always flag down a car...

 

[beastie]

I seldom carry more than 2 or 3 litres. If you really get caught out you can always flag down a car...

And drink the radiator contents?