My Full Guide For Hiking The West Highland Way (Food, Lodging, Cost, Navigation, Midges, etc.)

[@DJVOutdoors]

Top tip. It’s tough walking from beinglass to bridge of orchy in one go after the loch the day before split this day up and stay in Tyndrum. Go in April, it’s quiet and no midges plus you might catch snow on the mountain tops.

[@kristensinclair4822]

I walked the WHW in Sept 2021. I booked it myself and stayed in camping cabins the whole way. They had platform beds inside (and electricity) so all I had to carry was a sleeping bag and pillow and they had shared bathrooms. It was cheaper than hotels but wasn’t full on camping. I loved this hike and plan to do it again soon! Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@NeilEvans-xq8ik]

Were the beds inside rooms you could lock? The word "shared" sounds ominous!

[@kristensinclair4822]

@@NeilEvans-xq8ik The camping cabins were private, not a shared space. There were community bathrooms that were shared with other campers.

[@NeilEvans-xq8ik]

@@kristensinclair4822 Roger that. Thank you.

[@chris_2112]

I walked the WHW back in 2018 with a bunch of friends. Was an awesome experience and lovely views. We went on to do the east highland way afterwards which is a lot quieter than the WHW, less well marked and more wild. Total trip cost about £250 all in

[@alangauld6079]

So glad you enjoyed your visit. Midges are tricky because they don't like hot or cold or rain or wind and can't fly more than 4mph so you can outrun them. But if you are unfortunate enough to hit their sweet spot (and often the best camp spots do!) they can make life unbearable! But the last two years they haven't been as bad and in 2022 I only got attacked once out of the the whole year. Personally, I worry about ticks and cleggs (aka horseflies) a lot more!

[@HT-dy5co]

Also if you go early in the year, they're too young to bite properly. I'd advise going before May.

[@melanie_meanders]

this is definitely a bucket list trail for me. my dad is scottish and i’ve always wanted to visit, but never knew the perfect way to see the country the way i wanted to. this is incredible! thanks for sharing with us, and congrats on completing the hike while pregnant! so excited for you to meet your little bean!

[@stitch3163]

Enjoyed the WHW trip videos, but really appreciate this bonus video. Thanks, Dixie!

[@Nighthawkeye1]

Great overview and plenty of details, wonderfully organized. Looked like a ball. At some point, I'd like to hear you compare Ben Nevis to Mts. Washington and Katahdin.

[@greenlove1979]

Hey Dixie! Thank you for the tips! My wife and I are now planning a trip there.

[@Cornwall1888]

I’m from scotland and occasionally experience the west highland way midges for a short time before retreating up the mountains in the area

[@jennykraemer1659]

I always enjoy watching your adventures, but this one pulled at my heart the most. I've been in Scotland 3 times, twice in the Highlands, with the last trip being this past May. I loved re-living my experiences in the beautiful Highlands through your videos (though I didn't hike during either trip). Your practical tips, cinematography, and positive spirit make all of your content both valuable but also profoundly moving. I've convinced my husband to go do the WHW for a big wedding anniversary in 2026. What I'm wondering is this: how far ahead did you book the travel company? Thanks again for all you do, and best wishes with the new baby.

[@johneason6540]

Very cool info. Certainly a trip I will add to my to do list. Very similar to how I just hike the TMB, I will Certainly do that again, maybe the Dolomites next year.

[@Ouga_Official]

I don't do camping and I don't like dehydrated stuff so I will be doing the inn to inn option. I am going next year in May

[@kevincrooks639]

Really appreciate this video. Helps me plan.my hike in a couple of years.

[@suemoore1965]

Thanks so much for the info 😊 That last breakfast looked amazing ❤

[@deannnerem6589]

Thank you so much for this information. I am going to switch my AT section hike to the WHW and Great Glen in Sept.

[@rbailey294]

This was terrific. So informative, and presented in your unique style...outstanding, in other words. Thank you!

[@patrickgiles4800]

Hi Dixie, a great video, as ever, thank you. Having walked the WHW several times you were probably a bit unlucky not to have seen a Red Squirrel but sighting a Golden Eagle is very hit and miss.

[@28105wsking]

Very interesting and wonderful tips!

[@andeez4663]

I think quite a lot of people continue from Fort William and do the Great Glen Way to Inverness. The Great Glen Way passes Loch Ness and is roughly the same distance as the WHW

[@deannnerem6589]

I saw the Edinburgh castle in May 2024 and it was amazing.

[@ChrisSunHwa]

Thank you, Dixie! You are an absolute treasure! 🥰🥰🥰

[@clivedunning4317]

Love your pronunciation of Milngavie !

[@citydesk4527]

Glad that you enjoyed walking in the UK. Come again with the family, what about Hadrian's Wall walk? You could walk some days and your partner and new addition could catch the bus to meet you in the evening.

[@desperadodeluxe2292]

I really like the way they have these tour packages. They need stuff like this in California for bicycles.

[@EatCarbs]

Thanks for the video

[@baothiletran-ef8zn]

thank you!

[@Karen-dq8nw]

Snipes are real. Just saying! Thanks for all the info. Looks like a great hike!

[@I-_.-S--_._--D07]

The sawyer squeeze only works with marks and Spencer threads in the UK! Use the 1 litre lemonade bottle

[@joycedunnrogers8248]

Ooo....good to know!

[@ashmaybe9634]

I can't believe you fell for the Haggis hype. An educated person like yourself. Brilliant A word if folks want to wild camp the WHW, there are restrictions around the Loch Lomond area so don't assume you can camp absolutely anywhere. It's not hard to wildcamp though. Loads of choice.

[@mattmatthewmatchuu]

ive traveled and lived all of the world and it seems most cultures dont have heavy breakfasts like us americans. quick carb/fruit plus espresso seems to be common. i love a calm long breakfast

[@mattmatthewmatchuu]

@@Navy1977 been to Israel and english breakfasts are decent

[@thomasfenlon2363]

thank you

[@richardanderson9340]

Buccleuch = Buc-clue is the closest. The first c is softer than Buck

[@nanchaidaily]

Nice sharing

[@dagnolia6004]

fun vid

[@richardguenther655]

Did you consider staying at hostels on the way? It seems like this would help with the cost, though would likely not have all the comforts of an inn.

[@richardjennings2708]

Hi Dixie. Have you any plans to walk another trail in the UK?

[@JTdude63452]

What did you think of the PAKA socks? Did they perform differently than darn tough? Do you have a preference?

[@proehm]

That cost (assuming flights were extra) doesn't seem out of line to me.

[@jimmac1953]

Midges are all about timing. Go April of early May or Sept or October

[@intrepedo100]

Cost - was that per person? Also I assume doesn’t include flights to Scotland.

[@e.k.4508]

For 2 persons, traveling to the WHW excluded. Check out at 10:00

[@intrepedo100]

@@e.k.4508 Hi thanks-- I looked up Macs. It works out to 395 USD a day not including lunch and Dinner. So this was not a Budget walk!! Cost now listed as more about 475 USD a night. Wow, I remember B& B's in Scotland for 10 pounds. No doubt exposing my age!

[@e.k.4508]

@@intrepedo100 Yeah, Scotland and England cottages, pods and hotels are pretty expensive. My son hiked the WHW 2 years ago. Wild camping, so no costs. It was a bit harsh but doable for him. I'm thinking of doing the same, but with an occasional night in a pod on a camping site. There are also some huts for free, like in Doune Byre. Of course those don't have privacy or any luxury apart from a wooden floor and a roof. I'm 59 now and have reumatism. So camping will be a challenge in itself. Still looking forward to this new adventure!

[@Wez633]

How dare they charge me day 1 on day 1, on the hiking tour!

[@sylviebenoit1634]

Did your feet stay dry with all the rain?

[@pamelasotelo7307]

How would you compare it difficulty wise to the Camino Frances? ( elevation/effort etc)?

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

The Loch Lomond section is more difficult than anything I encountered on the Camino, but otherwise it’s pretty comparable

[@CindyTaylor-mr4wf]

Is the $3000 for 2 or per person? Does that include your flight?

[@tinacolecampbell]

❤

[@mattmatthewmatchuu]

18lbs!????

[@HikerBikerMoter]

Scotland Appalachian

[@garybenning1771]

What the heck is an obgyn?

[@batdoguk]

Obstetrician-gynecologist

[@garybenning1771]

@@batdoguk no doubt another american money grabbing construct. Im so glad im never going to be a victim of their system of ill-care. Having said that, pur nhs is rapidly going down the same road of corporate business models.

[@ashmaybe9634]

Buccleuch House is pronounced "Buck-Loo". You are welcome :)