Backpacking UK - The West Highland Way 2024 - the PERFECT start!

This is backpacking the West Highland Way like you’ve never seen before! 96 miles of hiking in 5 days with 4 stunning wild camping locations.
In Day 1, I start from Milngavie and make my way up to Rowardennan covering 29 miles, 3000ft of elevation and passing through Drymen, Balmaha and walking alongside Loch Lomond to my final wild camp destination on the way up to Ben Lomond.
The weather was stunning all week so please watch the full series so you can see the magnificent mountains on the West Highland Way 2024.
Follow my Insta for daily updates / backpacking_uk
Also, if you’re interested in the Helm series by here with 20% off using the code backpackinguk.
www.terra-nova.co.uk/products...
www.terra-nova.co.uk/products...
Use ‘backpackinguk’ for 20% off all Terra Nova, Wild Country and Extremities products 👍
My backpacking gear includes:
West Highland Way Harvey Map amzn.to/3WiCaDy
Osprey Aether 60L backpacking bag amzn.to/3w3PAbU
Wild Country Helm 1 tent
www.terra-nova.co.uk/products...
Sierra Designs Cloud 20 sleeping bag ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/c...
Decathlon Forclaz MT-900 R5.4 sleeping pad tidd.ly/3WtYc6n
Decathlon Forclaz pillow tidd.ly/4aWg7XG
MSR 900ML Titan Pot valleyandpeak.co.uk/products/...
Decathlon Forclaz MT-900 stove tidd.ly/3Wk41TM
Sea to Summit collapsible xl bowl amzn.to/3UAXeUr
Sea to Summit spork amzn.to/44hHM2S
Tent Meals porridges amzn.to/3Qos3JD
Firepot & Real Turmak meals www.thefellstore.co.uk
Nitecore NB20000 power bank amzn.to/3UBZtXH
Sandmarc head torch www.sandmarc.com/products/pro...
Flextail Gear Zero Pump amzn.to/4a1sKiO
Lifesystems Nano first aid kit amzn.to/3UFkjFK
Garmin Epix Gen 2 watch amzn.to/3UDcDUq
Garmin Messenger sat device amzn.to/49Za6It
Oakley Frogskin sunglasses amzn.to/3UCeWHi
Osprey amzn.to/3Qm5Mff & Sea to Summit dry bags amzn.to/3WBwB3l
Inov-8 waterproofs tidd.ly/3UBb60X (pants) tidd.ly/3WiBRbS (top)
Salomon X-Ultra 360 boots www.salomon.com/en-gb/shop-em...
Darn Tough socks tidd.ly/4dgqPda
Mountain Equipment Ibex Pro trousers
Mountain Equipment Ibex shorts tidd.ly/4bgb3wY
Thru Dark Ithrax jacket tidd.ly/4aTmQSh
OMM Rotor bottoms theomm.com/product/rotor-pant/
Extremities gloves
www.terra-nova.co.uk/products...
Extremities neck warmer
www.terra-nova.co.uk/products...
Fjallraven beenie amzn.to/3WiCr9y
Katadyn BeFree water filter amzn.to/44lFRu1
Super Sparrow water bottle amzn.to/3WhnSms
Platypus foldable water bottles amzn.to/4aRvsbT
Toiletries
Mini 'coin' towels amzn.to/4bfvYk0
If you are into hiking, backpacking and wild camping please SUBSCRIBE @BackpackingUK
Thanks, Andy.
#wildcamping #westhighlandway #wildcampinguk

[@lew0071]

Andy, as a keen wild camper and general lover of the outdoors, I watch your videos often for inspiration, guidance and ideas. I find your videos very informative, and relaxing during cases such as when you document your trips. You come across as very genuine and a decent person, which I’m sure gravitates viewers towards you. Thankyou for all your videos and keep up the good work!

[@BackpackingUK]

Thanks so much 🙏

[@alexchan163]

How lucky you were with the weather. No doubt it will be pouring torrential rain when we start next week 😂 15kg and 30 miles. Superman 😆

[@andreasffm]

Hello Andy, thank you so much for sharing your experiences, Scotland was the first time i went abroad at the age of seventeen and I fell in love with the country immediately. The West Higland Way is on my to do list since then 🙂 cheers from Germany, Andy (as well)

[@calconi6427]

You were blessed with that weather!

[@The_Great_Escapist]

I did it over 5 days last year and loved every second of it. I can’t believe you did 30 miles on day one, mental. I stopped at Milarrochy Bay campsite which was about 23 miles and I was done.

[@ranbirsingh7666]

Il wait for all the videos to be posted, so I can binge watch it all in one go 😅👊🏼

[@Northern_Rockhopper]

Great video this mate, some mission that 30 miles mate. What a spot for a camp too.

[@jamesoutdoors.6450]

Looks stunning.

[@maxfook1340]

Great video Andy. What a way to start a Saturday

[@graemer3657]

Great video, just the right length. Must have been a very tough day.

[@Leeslost]

Great video Andy you absolutely smashed that first day , Looking forward to the next episode 🤙⛺️

[@richardparkes1325]

Great vid Andy! Looks like you had a blast. Looking forward to the other episodes 👍

[@mrnobody3276]

This is your best film yet Andy, it felt so authentic to how it feels.

[@SwiftAndSureAdventures]

Top class video Andy; as always. Looking forward to the next one.

[@jackmccann7147]

Glad to see you taking on my favourite hike. The weather gods were looking down on you favourably. I hope it continued. Look forward to the rest of your journey mate.

[@talkradio7]

Nice to see you happy and motivated, great content! :) Arto from Finland

[@Gretny]

That spot where you pitched the tent is perfect ! Great video !!

[@leebarton1143]

Cracking video mate, look forward to watching the rest, Lee...

[@dudleyclements2736]

Really enjoy the multi day adventures and what a stunning place to pitch up for a much needed rest. Top little film matey👍

[@stirfrywok2927]

Great stuff, you had perfect weather for day 1

[@pootlingalong8928]

Love your films, can’t wait for next instalment here Andy 👍🏻

[@andykeast8920]

Absolutely stunning scenery Andy. Great video once again. Probably one of my faves from your catalogue. I bought the Helm 2 after your review about 6 months ago so was pleased to see its smaller brother/sister make an appearance on this trip. Really want to do this trip in the summer but will stack up on fly repellent as I know it can get a bit bitey around those parts. Thanks so much for putting this one together.

[@andypilkington-steele8573]

A fantastic start for you there Andy, take it easy and enjoy... waiting to catch up with the next instalment.

[@julianfry8485]

Great vid. Lucky with the weather. Looking forward to following you on this adventure...

[@BackpackingUK]

The scenery gets better and better. I still can’t believe I had blue skies for all 5 days 🤯

[@Scot-land]

Thanks for showcasing our beautiful wee country

[@BackpackingUK]

Thanks for having me 🙏

[@Scot-land]

​@@BackpackingUK Scotland welcome's you and others anytime my friend

[@iknowyoureright8564]

What a second day…weather looked amazing…love that feeling when you just wanna get stuck into it, knowing it’s going to be beautiful. I’m here for the whole series, can’t wait for the next part. Well done mate.

[@BackpackingUK]

Awesome, some of the later shots are mind blowing 🤯

[@themunrobagger]

Fantastic first day and amazing wildcsmping spot 👌

[@craigy1872]

Great video and good that you show your gear as you go 👍🏻

[@smoore5540]

Well done day 1 mate, cracking distance. You knocked it off with the weather👍 "crane la rack, =crane larach, = Crianlarich👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@MrNotanybody]

banger of a trail so many experiences would do again

[@sketchyjoe1]

Great video, big day 1. Would love to see a longer video of that same route. Or a video about the gear. The watch looks great! Thinking of doing this route in the summer. Thanks for the great content andy. Keep up the great work.

[@BackpackingUK]

I got through a bit of kit each day. I’ll also do a load-out video when I get home. However, everything is listed in the description 👍

[@sketchyjoe1]

@BackpackingUK nice one. Didn't realise that it was just a day 1 vid lol. The tent looks great

[@wazeroonie6084]

As a Scotsman I find it funny that only in Scotland would there be a Greggs at the start of a multi day countryside walk🤣😂🤣

[@BackpackingUK]

😂😂😂

[@DAoutdoors]

Hi Andy, looking forward to this, hopefully the weather kept up for you. I have the Helm compact 1. Absolutely love it. Thanks for sharing your adventure with us. We are doing the Cumbria Way next week, really looking forward to it. All the best mate Dave 😀⛰🥾🏕️

[@BackpackingUK]

Good luck!

[@DAoutdoors]

@@BackpackingUK Thank you mate. 👍

[@ramblingracheltrailtales]

Good stuff Andy. I’d love to do this trail. What a milage! 😊

[@stephenvicary9243]

Great informative video Andy 👍🏻 some spectacular scenery and blessed with decent weather. Clever way you kept hydrated 🍻 😉 Looking forward to the next update.

[@BackpackingUK]

Hydration is key to any backpacking trip 🍻😂

[@seanstacey3223]

Been looking forward to your videos of the West Highland way, n8ce 9ne Andy 😊👍

[@jamiewright1977]

Great video Andy, looking forward to the next chapter.. I had the same weather last July when me and a couple of lads done the WHW for the 3rd time. Hopefully get the same weather this July with my youngest daughter doing it.. Next time you think about a hike and camp! Definitely try the Charlie Ramsey Round😊 you will love it... I should of said alright when i seen you😂

[@BackpackingUK]

I’ll check it out 👍

[@andrewhowie4217]

Great following you along Andy, definitely one ticked off the bucket list! Atb Andy

[@wpl-lifemusiceverything3090]

Beautiful spot for first camp Andy. ❤ I live 15 mins from Loch Lomond and just don’t get into the hills enough, though been up Ben Lomond and Conic Hill many times. Time to change that as I’m going to try out some wild camping and have built a wee kit up, some of it on your great advice. All the best, mate.

[@BackpackingUK]

Lucky you, it’s beautiful around there. You’ve got some idyllic camping spots to choose from too!

[@patrickelliott5858]

Really glad you had a great time and very good weather for your trip. Do it some time with your family and walk up Ben Nevis they will love it.

[@pw6582]

You will do it again and again it becomes addictive, we did it two years ago and returned early march this year but had to give up at Beinglas because of bad weather but will return. The scenery is stunning looking forward to the rest of your journey.

[@BackpackingUK]

Some of the campsites looked great so I’d probably choose a site with a pub / shop next time and spend the evening chatting to fellow hikers.

[@summittaedae2323]

Welcome to Bonnie Scotland Andy. Enjoy your week slainte Mhath 🥾

[@jamesatoneill]

Row-ar-den-an 😊 nice video

[@BackpackingUK]

Unfortunately the pronunciation gets worse 😬 Apologies 🙏

[@jamesatoneill]

@@BackpackingUK yes! Crianlarich 😂😂😂😂 doesn't matter a bit!

[@macinthewild8116]

I went to hide behind the settee when Andy pronounced Crianlarich , I had just recovered from Rowardennan ! Great video though 😂

[@richlondonrich]

Great content mate. We love this. Reviews are good and all, but this shows the reality and your personality well. Can't wait to see the rest. I know you got family etc, but can I recommend the HRP over the Pyrenees about a month. I personally do it in sections, but you can do it all. Just done advice for future content. Thanks for all the work

[@BackpackingUK]

I’ll check it out 👍

[@GetGemmaOG]

Loving the video & your approach. 😂 The old ‘I’ll be having lunch out and about’ then the reality when faced with a proper pie, chips, gravy with a pint. You’ll need all the energy for 30 miles in day 1 with a back pack! 😅

[@BackpackingUK]

Packed meals in my go so far and they don’t always agree with my stomach so I have to be a bit careful!

[@GetGemmaOG]

I hear you. I’ve yet to do multi day trip self sustained. Endurance adventure friends swear by the Tent Meals and Firepot as a must. So I was happy to see those in your kit. Cured meats or veg leather would elevate or a nice snack. I’d love to do WHW with hubby & dog we loved driving NC500 after I’d paddled Great Glen Way. Did you spot any honesty boxes with eggs 🥚?

[@PeteDavisYates]

Cracking video. That mileage for the first day was brutal, hat off to you!

[@BackpackingUK]

I think I was a bit keen 😅

[@PeteDavisYates]

@@BackpackingUKjust enjoying the moment and stunning scenery more like 💪

[@Craigsoutdooradventures]

Cracking day 1 Andy, fair play after 2 pints and that food I would be taking a Power Nap 💤 14:13

[@duncan3144]

I did that last year. Have fun.

[@BackpackingUK]

It’s been unbelievable, I was blessed with fantastic weather all week ☀️

[@garth8979]

Awesome. Intend on doing it myself before the summer holidays start. But encountering all the Millets brigade along the way would kinda spoil it for me a little.

[@joshcoupe556]

I got the helm 2 compact, brilliant tent for the price

[@Kev.B.4311]

What a well timed adventure Andy... How lucky to have such great weather & no critters yet...!🙏 Sun Cream in April...?!!!🤣 Looking forward to watching the rest...👍

[@BackpackingUK]

I know it’s crazy, I got sunburnt in Scotland in April 🤷🏻‍♂️ 😂

[@richarddavis1687]

Hi Andy, Great video as always. You make me want to get out there. A question I wonder about it the heat you use, do you buy this yourself or is it something loaned to you to promote? I’m just intrigued as you managed to show a great range on here, it always gives me great ideas and that choice of what to get. Thanks 👍🏻

[@greeno6064]

Andy, so you finally doing the WHW, great stuff. Im off there monday. I would love to know where you got, and i can get those 2 shoulder strap bottle/phone holders from. I have really struggto find anything as good as them. Good look on thecrest of the way. Although your probably home by now anyway. Look forward to seeing the rest of the route

[@BackpackingUK]

Gossamer Gear but I also use OMM ones too that are cheaper and lighter 👍

[@rarknivesandleatherwork8045]

30 miles a day is John Merrill territory. Impressive. That was his standard daily distance on his huge walks like the UK coastline. 15 kg is pretty decent, seeing as you've got all your morning and evening food as well, and you don't seem to have ultralightweight kit. I did the Cleveland Way carrying all my food back in the late 1980s and was carrying closer to 25kg.

[@outdooradventures4250]

Another great video 👌👍what make are pouches on your shoulder straps ?

[@BackpackingUK]

Gossamer Gear but I also use OMM ones too that are cheaper and lighter.

[@TarrelScot]

Phew, that’s definitely too much pace for me. I limit myself to around 25km a day for multi-day hikes. But then I doubt I’m as young as your good self!😂 Where did you get those pouches on your backpack straps? They look really handy and I can’t see mention of them in the gear list, unless I missed it? I have unfinished business with the stretch from Crainlarich to FW. Did Crianlarich to Milngavie with a mate a few years ago. Just finished the Great Glen Way which is a nice sequel to the WHW, so just got the bit in the middle to plug the gap! Have you done, or considered doing, the TGO challenge? ETA: excellent rehydration strategy over dinner on the first night. Given its similarity to water, I find Tennants works particularly well!

[@lukeclayton-holland1564]

🎉🎉

[@markswishereatsstuff2500]

Boy, that's looks like a nice civilized trail through inns and pubs. That toothbrush is all the rage among UL backpackers. I don't get it either.

[@BackpackingUK]

It’s rubbish 🪥 it cut my tongue twice 😩

[@BackpackingUK]

Plus I can’t get it off 😂

[@markswishereatsstuff2500]

GarageGrownGear.com is a great website for UL gear from cottage industry ventures. With every purchase they throw in a mini toothbrush, the kind they use in prisons so you don't shiv your buddies in the shower.

[@iainrowan8651]

Amazing scenery and weather! Always enjoy your videos Andy. Do you manage to eat all of the TentMeals 800 calorie bags or are they just the right amount?

[@BackpackingUK]

Yes, all of them. There’s a couple that you struggle to eat the last few mouthfuls but it’s all good energy 💪

[@anthonyharman7837]

The fire pot meals are really expensive

[@scotbotvideos]

Oh, dude. Everybody does the WHW as if it's the only long distance hiking route in Scotland. Coulda, shoulda done the Southern Upland Way and been a hero.

[@kimpriessloft371]

Well done on your first day! 👍😃 Did you take the high or low route? I think the low route was brutal! (I 68 years old 😅) Good luck with the rest of this epic trail…

[@BackpackingUK]

The low route 😩

[@davidc107500]

How did the Vern 1 go did it collapse ?

[@deetee-uk]

Great video..enjoy watching your channel. Where do you get those pouches on your straps?

[@BackpackingUK]

Gossamer Gear but I also use OMM ones too that are cheaper and lighter 👍

[@conorbuckley6710]

Awesome Andy. Was there any migies out with it being so hot ?

[@BackpackingUK]

None. I don’t think I got any ticks either and I was camping in long grass.

[@tomoutdoors_5933]

Andy mate do you have a link to those grey bags on your straps?

[@BackpackingUK]

They should be on Gossamer Gear and OMM websites 👍

[@rooksfoot1184]

👍

[@oscartravis5740]

Looks epic. Did you suffer from any midges with it being nice weather?

[@BackpackingUK]

No midges and I don’t think ticks either.

[@oscartravis5740]

@@BackpackingUK The hiking gods were smiling on you 😊

[@DeeJayEll]

@9:26. That max heartrate of 177bpm was when Andy saw Ben's Bakes Honest Box i reckon.

[@BackpackingUK]

It was climbing the hill after I stuffed my face with cakes from there!!! 😂

[@paulkelly-sx3iy]

What footwear did you use. I had altra lone peak 5 last week and struggled for support loch Lomond sude

[@BackpackingUK]

Massive mistake. The heat and constant rocks meant my feet were swollen every day. I should have sized up for this trip!

[@user-ru7cd9bm5p]

What weight was your’e backpack Andy?

[@BackpackingUK]

15kg inc 1L of water 👍

[@ALLWEATHERRIDERM]

Considering all your super duper tents, I am surprised about your tent selection. Why did you pick the helm?

[@BackpackingUK]

I’m trying to get people into backpacking and it didn’t sit right with me going ultralight with expensive gear. Not for the first ‘Way’ video anyway.

[@Jim553just]

At👍🇬🇧

[@Delgrey]

“May your dreams be larger than mountains and may you have the courage to scale their summits” 🏔🚞