The Devil's Staircase (West Highland Way 2024)

[@helencunningham1259]

I’m loving your vlogs of the West Highland Way. I was your transfer driver on this morning and didn’t imagine you could possibly get such incredible footage, especially on the cable car. You are inspiring me to get out there and walk again in the hills. Thank you

[@sailingnstuff]

Sometimes we don't see things when we are around them all the time!

[@wakingtheworld]

It's a small world but were you the lady who picked me up from the ski resort on 7th July? I was last (as usual) but at least made it well before the deadline of 5pm. I was known as the lady dressed in green (even my rucksack is green) with the white hair... the blonde dye not doing its job. Lol. I shot a panorama of Glencoe when we got to the Claghaig Inn. Hope you're still enjoying your job. Happy memories of my trip.

[@helencunningham1259]

@@wakingtheworld sorry not my day, it would have been Loraine or Shauna. We all love our job. It’s the last day on Thursday until next year.

[@wakingtheworld]

@@helencunningham1259 Thanks for getting back to me. Last day on Thursday? So no more ferrying folk to/from Glencoe village. Assume it's cos the wintry season is on its way. I never tire of that drive through the glen - awesome is an understatement. 😊

[@BafMilr052]

Someday your child will watch this video series and be so impressed with Ma and Pa, and think “I was there too!”

[@ChrisSunHwa]

What a cool thought!

[@flacat6437]

I came to say the thing! It’s a family adventure!

[@Jeff-jg7jh]

@@flacat6437 I watch enough Utube family adventures that I worry about the kids, but they come from good and strong folks.

[@sturmykins]

Loved your comments on being pregnant on the trail. I've got a chronic illness, so that's my attitude towards hiking/camping- I can be hot, fatigued, and in pain at home, or I can go be those things in the outdoors. And a bit of movement does help, as does being distracted by everything the outdoors has to offer!

[@saskiavanpeet9426]

So true! Being outdoors is making me feeling better, even though the symptomes stay the same.

[@baijokull]

Your baby is going to be the ultimate long distance hiker. Completing such a beautiful trail before even being borne must be great inspiration for the future. Wish mother, father and baby all the best :P

[@jeremymerritt5564]

Only have one trip through this circus of life. It’s short and tomorrow is never promised. Glad you are enjoying every moment.

[@raktoda707]

"I'm not trying to raise a weak baby !" We know your not young one.Shes got a intelligent, determined Mama that's giving her all she can to face and succeed in this world.Safety and Blessings to you and yours always

[@lisaray6493]

Awesome thoughts about the babe. Back in the day the chores had to be done. I think its great that you are staying so active. You go girl

[@rjhikes6248]

You two really seem so relaxed together, it’s wonderful to watch. 🥰

[@vailpcs4040]

I was just thinking, that's a stupid cute couple.

[@RodMurray]

Another super episode! I think your active lifestyle can only make for a happy, healthy family. I can see that you two will be extraordinary parents when the time comes.

[@adelevickers2120]

Really enjoying the Scotland videos. Think babies are happy and healthy when their mums are happy doing what they love. Enjoy.

[@28105wsking]

So beautiful! The glaciers from the peak of the Late Devensian Glaciation period 22,000 years ago that covered all of Scotland, really left us all a great gift and the pretty little tarns blocked in by old moraines where deer can drink now, thousands of years later! How many miles has Tiny-Baby hiked already? Well, I looked up my questions from the last video. That is purple heather alongside the trail, and the yellow gorse finishes blooming in June, so you missed that. The big rolling spaces are Scottish moors! Ive only heard of moors in Yorkshire, but didn't know what they were exactly. Didn't sound like they had anything to do with Morocco! LOL! There is the trail ahead, like "a ribbon of moonlight" as you are walking, walking "up to the old inn doors!" You even met "Bess the landlord's black-eyed daughter!" who " plaits a dark red love-knot into her long black hair." "The Highwayman" written by Alfred Noyes, my ancestor! You will enjoy it! Scottish Robbery, Redcoats, self-sacrifice for love, blood! Lace, rapiers drawn! Will it be the hangman's noose, or "dead like a dog in the dust"??? Check it out~! 💞

[@alangauld6079]

The Highwayman was compulsory reading for us at school and was one of my favourite poems along with "The Fighting Temerare". Dixie did the walk in June so she saw gorse (and I think included some in the first video?) But it actually blooms well into July and even August sometimes, just not in such profusion.

[@alicebecht859]

You are doing great hiking while pregnant. You are doing something you enjoy. After baby it will be a while before you can get out on such an adventure, so enjoy! Many women stay active while expecting. I worked 12+hours on my feet as a RN until close to my due date. I was more tired at the end of the day but everything went well during labor and delivery.

[@davida.thompson6456]

Great series. We loved Scotland. We took an Outlander series tour. Glad to hear you used The Skye theme!

[@kirkbass7319]

Retired ER nurse here again. You must at least try a can/bottle of Irn-Bru while you're in Scotland. It is called the "other national drink" along with whiskey. It's an orange colored soda that has a unique taste; not bad. Also, please, talk to locals and other climbers IF you decide to take on the top part of Ben Nevis. It can be treacherous with rapid weather changes. Be ready for the top to be significantly colder and windy compared to the bottom. BTW , love the drone and nature shots! Great job. Good eye. Also, being active like this could translate to an easier L&D. Keep safe!

[@crosske1]

My wife and I started the WHW on June 21 and finished on June 28. We were just behind you! It is so cool that you happened to be there at the same time and now we have these great videos to watch that were filmed the same week we were out there! We even saw a "Hi Dixie! Hope you are enjoying your hike!" sticker on the little bridge tunnel we had ro walk through on the day we went to Tyndrum, so we thought you'd maybe been there a few months ago. We've been watching since the Appalachian Trail videos (We thru-hiked the AT back in 1999 and like to reminisce watching hikers). You do such a great job on your videos.

[@TimothyHailey-w5w]

Been meaning to comment ever since you started doing it but I *love* the way you embed the HW logo in the intros to your vids. You're production values have sky-rocketed over time. Kudos.

[@alysiachristensen5475]

I’m 100% so proud of you for doing this trail while you’re pregnant and I know that it’s 100% safe unless you have a high risk pregnancy! You are incredible in my book!!! God bless all three of you!!!

[@bbwoolfy]

Sgoinneil (brilliant)! You're smashing the WHW! 🙌🏼 Devil's Staircase isn't as bad as it's name suggests, is it? Not when you have the mighty Buachaille (Etiv Mòr) across the glen to stop and admire regularly. My favourite mountain. ⛰️ And this episode also featured my favourite band, the mighty Biffy (Clyro)! 🤘😎 PS Not sure when you did this but the Glencoe ski centre had snow a week ago - on the 4th of July! 🏔️🌨️

[@billevans9231]

This has been a great series so far, enjoying every step.

[@rkatrails]

The opening scenes reminded me of your Iceland trip. I think I would like this current hike you're on, I really like the cool looking weather.

[@marilyndoering2501]

You’ve become such an accomplished videographer! Some really stunning shots! I am really enjoying following your hiking trip in Scotland, and I admire your determination to do this while pregnant! Your baby is getting gently rocked to sleep all along the way! Best of luck to you all!

[@amysthe-wise-one8493]

Nothing like taking the wee one for a good walkabout before they get here - and to help you stay enthused with what's to come (including the sleep deprivations!) Glad you and Mr. Dixie are having/had a good time on the way in the cooler temps (better than the oven down your way!)

[@Yaketyyak21]

That slug you met has probobly been walking the trail all its life..

[@j.stephens257]

😂

[@debbiewollard9056]

Walkers and Lay..z… 😂😂😂😂 that made me laugh right out loud

[@JimBobele]

Gorgeous! I love Scotland so much. Did the same trip 2 years ago and I think I booked it with the same organisation. Unfortunately I developed a huge blister on a very rainy day 2 from Drymen to Rowardennan over Conic hill and struggled quite bit on day 3 and day 4. But despite the blister the whole experience was absolutely worth it. Even with the amount of rain... And I had a lot. But that kept the midges away ;-) Fortunately there was sunshine during the stage from Bridge of Orchy to Kingshouse through the Rannoch Moor. That was my favorite stage! So vast, so (kind of) remote. Hope you had some sunshine when you did Ben Nevis. Did it twice and on top there was always rain and fog. One could barely see 50 feet. But we did it 🙂 Slainthe mhath and Happy hiking

[@EngineerSaysWhat]

I am concerned about your heart condition, related (?) previous covid infection(s), your pregnancy, the likely unmasked international air flights, and the currently high covid levels in Scotland particularly. Protect yourself and your baby as much as possible. Be safe. Be well.

[@muskadobbit]

That baby gonna be a hiker! I wonder if she will have a strange fondness for Scotland…

[@andrewmcalister3462]

@muskadobbit certainly a strange sense of familiarity whenever Skye Boat Song is played.

[@Alexmontis3843]

I hope you have a clear sky when climbing the Ben Nevis.

[@dorisgustav]

So schöne Aufnahmen, Danke für´s mitnehmen! Grüße aus Wien.

[@jonbroadsword7572]

I like the way the Scottish Tourism Board keeps dropping off their hand-picked representatives on the trail in front of you. 😁

[@dagnolia6004]

ok, deer turn your head....cue the mist... inch worm(centimeter worm) tell the black slug to smile in her closeup....it is all so PERFECT on video!

[@carriehikes]

That would be centimetre in UK English but it's a caterpillar anyway! 😁

[@dagnolia6004]

@@carriehikes i love that it moves like all the 23,000 species of geometer moth caterpillars~~inching along🐛

[@carriehikes]

@@dagnolia6004 It's cute😁We don't say inch worm in the UK, it's a cute name- maybe we should 😁

[@dagnolia6004]

@@carriehikes i always remembered the refrain from "The Inchworm Song": inchworm, inchworm, measuring the marigolds, Seems to me, you'd stop and see, how beautiful they are. i think a lot of older people (like me) memorized "doubling numbers" to this tune. 🙂

[@suzanne5961]

Way to go Dixie and Mr. Dixie!! Love this series, and your photography and video editing as usual. I'm glad you're enjoying yourselves because after the baby arrives it's more difficult to find time for that, although I'm sure you will eventually. Cheers!

[@bernardlyons2422]

Dammit, Aaron, I’ve had Over The Sea To Skye stuck in my head for over a week now.

[@tresannrn8454]

Absolute amazing video. Loved seeing the buck in velvet… all the fawn and flora. Thank you so much for allowing us along…. Be safe and enjoy all those blessings!✌️🙂💚

[@AMCD18]

Looking forward to see your day 9 on the Ben! It will bring such wonderful memories for me. 🙏🏻

[@m00nsplitter72]

Happy trails, Jessica, especially when you're both (can that mean three?) finished with the midge gauntlet.

[@wakingtheworld]

I never thought - Walkers crisps!! Lol. Takes an overseas visitor to notice that! I'm just binging these superb videos of your WHW trek. It's now 2.30am! 2 more to go!

[@28105wsking]

Good Lord willin' and the crick don't rise, you saw your future coming toward you on that ski lift!

[@txhypnotist]

Girl, you do you! “Nobody puts baby in the corner “❤❤❤

[@lizwallace273]

Dixie, I am loving this series so much! We did the West Highland Way in April of 2023, and your beautiful photography brings back such a wonderful memories. I love seeing how green and lush it is in the summer. There was still snow on the mountaintops when we were there and we about froze in 40 mph winds at the top of the Devil's Staircase!

[@LaurenSheldrake]

I loved “I’m not trying to raise a weak baby”!❤😅

[@sharrison3974]

Great to see you doing this while pregnant and glad you enjoyed our UK snacks!

[@judithrussell9162]

I'm really enjoying this hike with you as it seems so calm and relaxed, although I'm sure it's hard at times. And the photography is fantastic!

[@SDSsongs]

I like how the moss on the rocks is saying "Hi" at 0:30. 😁

[@JAaronMattox]

It’s the Homemade Wanderlust logo

[@greeno6064]

I have really enjoyed watching your video series this week. Take no notice of people who say you shouldn't be hiking whilst pregnant. Pregnancy is not an illness. Having said that hats off to you young lady for being able to do 100 miles whilst being pregnant that is some achievement. Look forward to watching the final episode soon. Incidentally the drone footage at the end of this episode was really good with the follow me, which drone was it?

[@anthonyharris7780]

That baby is going to come out conditioned to go in a rollercoaster ride - hiking is going to be ‘natural’. Keep em coming- very much enjoying your trip. All the best.

[@AirdrieRambler]

Really surprised to see you pop up here in Scotland, and it's very refreshing to hear your take on the West Highland Way. I've walked much of it at different times and climbed many of the hills in the background of your videos, so this has been a wonderful trip down memory lane for me. Your filming and choice of music have been superb, and I'm looking forward to the next installment already! I first attempted it years ago, and have yet to finish off the last section, something this video is encouraging me to do. Thanks to you both.

[@johneason6540]

Hu Jessica and Rodney, what a beautiful series. Of videos. Beautiful trail. Tell how you reserved your overnight stays. Do you reserve in advance? Thanks I was on the TMB when you started posting this series, then some extended land travel. Boy the trail with refuses and huts is luxury hiking, hahaha

[@madisonlee6752]

I love that you are doing this adventure as a family!

[@TXMEDRGR]

Good luck with everything, and best wishes to all of you.

[@nickname6747]

Thanks for uploading, Dixie. Sorry the clag was on the hills but, hayho, could have been worse. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏔👍

[@andrewmcalister3462]

Glencoe is just stunningly beautiful. 😍

[@jodymckenzie3828]

Thanks for another wonderful video!

[@quonston]

Just beautiful, thank you Dixie!

[@rosemariestofko4626]

I just love watching your travels as it is something I wish I could do but am physically unable to. And so I live vicariously through these videos, enjoying the places that I would love to visit thru you. Especially impressed with the overhead shots. Do you have drone you use for those? Your little one will be so impressed when they are older watching where they went with you both. Travel on!

[@icepick6270]

Some people Lay and some people Walk 😁

[@jimmyjenkins9240]

This is quite pleasing in many ways!

[@greenlove1979]

I admire you so much! You’re amazing Dixie! ❤

[@mauriceegan8476]

You will now have to climb the "Devils Ladder" on Carrantuohill the highest mountain in Ireland

[@Turtle-Hiker]

Love that you already have the babe out in nature and experiencing different cultures! How did you use a guide service? If not how did you plan lodging and luggage transfer?

[@dabaird12]

Walking is great for the two of you👍💪

[@paavoviuhko7250]

Highly appealing videos. I only joined with the fifth episode unfortunately. Interesting trying to understand the spirit of Scotland. And I love the Alabama accent along the trail. Very enjoyable.

[@johnrodgers2018]

Amazing views, amazing music. Devil's staircase was my favourite section. Fantastic

[@nilesdelta8636]

Really great series watched the channel for years got me started on the trails glad you had a good trip and you showcased Scotland truly well

[@ChrisSunHwa]

Baby's getting lots of sleep so s/he can keep you up all night later.

[@huongtrinh8609]

thank you!

[@amberbydreamsart5467]

Honestly, the only reason I wouldn't go walk the west highland way specifically pregnant is that I think I might die from not being able to try the local whiskies and ciders. Probably better for your budget this way, though!

[@janefreeman995]

When I hiked it my friends and we contemplated why you just don't see so many athletes from Scotland in the Olympic games and international championships in any given sport. There are the highland games, of course. We mused that it was the whiskies and the ciders. Just then, we ran across some Scottish guys on the trail and they were happily walking from one pub to another for the day!

[@gestalt1]

Over £7 for a sandwich! Inflation's really hitting hard

[@donrobinson5540]

Awesome video and music

[@booklover6963]

Beautiful

[@PieceOfMyMind.]

Gorgeous . . . 😊

[@samstrickland4344]

Biffy Clyro when in Scotland. I like it.

[@JamesOfEarth]

Heard slugs called lots of things, but never once cute till now. 🍻

[@EatCarbs]

Thank you for the video

[@susiehilsman1360]

Walkers and Lays. 😂 Hilarious and true!

[@BadgerBotherer1]

Walkers crisps, Lay's chips!

[@VeritySnatch]

the three of you are doing well

[@sarahsue42]

2nd video you've played the Skye boat song😂 Admirable walking whilst pregnant,hope you get to put your feet up nearer the delivery though

[@sarahsue42]

Ps eating big chunks of raw ginger worked for morning sickness for me

[@afriendofB]

Who hikes back or ahead to set/pick-up the camera? I know on many of your hikes you added a lot of distance setting and retrieving cameras.

[@bettyjorodgers8552]

Thanks

[@ashmaybe9634]

I know someone whose daughter climbed the north face of the Eiger in the Alps while six months pregnant with her son Tom! He turned out to be a strong outdoorsman and mother and baby were just fine. Our bodies let us know :)

[@grantjordan4672]

Beautiful ! But if both of you are hiking with trekking poles in your hands , how in the world does the drone fly around you there at the end ?? 🤔 is there a third person operating it ? Also, doesn't the hipbelt on your backpack squoosh the baby ? LOL 😅 sorry just wondering. As always, great job, and thank you 😊 G.

[@mikeb7117]

Nice bit of Biffy Clyro!

[@patriciaworkman9867]

Beautiful video!!

[@mikea6634]

5:28 was that sandwich £7.50!? Flipping heckkk

[@e.k.4508]

The UK is really expensive imo (dutchie here) but this is a fairly remote and small shop on an island. Fresh and prepared food has its price then. I bet they didn't get the banana for 50 ct as well

[@LittleTravelChannel]

Did you plan all the stays and shuttles yourself or did you use a service/website? Curious as we’re interested in hiking it.

[@Eliza_Jane787]

Beautiful video

[@thomasfenlon2363]

nice job with the music

[@drewgilmour3489]

Lock Loman was the worst terrain, Devils stair case and Conic hill were not bad in my opinion, The worst thing about the trail was the small rocks about the size of a pool ball

[@fuzzykitty4271]

My hero😊

[@oldschooljeremy8124]

The Devil's Staircase up to the Devil's Dining Room. And presumably eventually the Devil's Bathroom.

[@MoonbeameSmith]

I love the hidden/not hidden logos

[@ajc389]

For ninety five percent of human existence we were nomadic hunter gathers, so doing what you are doing is the norm. Being pregnant, carrying your possessions and doing the gardening part of hunter gatherer.

[@peribiscular]

For the soundtrack check out.. the cocteau twins… treasure…

[@sailingnstuff]

I've read that babies can hear sounds from outside.

[@philipgard6762]

This baby should be healthy as a horse when it finally meets the world.

[@deelaura7140]

❤

[@Wondering_Fireball]

Who did you go through to plan this trip. I have done it once on my own. And it sucked.

[@mikepeterson9362]

Guys, we love you very much, but, um.....who's flying the drone at the end of the video???

[@ReginaKimbro]

Have u ever thought about being a trail guide. I would love to hike with you

[@zaftra]

7.50 for a sandwitch, that should be 3.50