5 Things I'd Do Differently Hiking The West Highland Way

[@eleanorheptinstall5354]

I've always done the WHW in spring or early-mid Autumn, I've completed it 4 times incl. once southbound. The Loch Lomond section north of Inversnaid is certainly the most difficult bit, though the big climb from Kinlochleven to the top of the Devils Staircase is tough on the knees going south. I recommend a break in Crianlarich or Tyndrum, take the train into Oban for a day out, a very good whisky distillery there; or catch the train to Corrour, the highest and most remote station in he UK with it's excellent Station House that is famous for it's venison; or climb a Munro straight from your hotel, e.g., Ben More, Cruich Ardrain or Ben Lui above Strath Fillian. My favourite hotel along 'The Way' is The Drovers Inn in Inverarnan, at the top of Loch Lomond, or try the little ferry across the Loch to the hotel in Ardlui from Ardleish (£5). Very good hostels also at Rowardannan and Crianlarich (SYHA/HI hostel aff.) , or the excellent independent hostel at Tyndrum, a good one also in Kinlochleven. For a quirky place to sleep try the Bridge of Orchy station house. I recommend Day 1 to Drymen via Glengoyne distillery, good cafes and a good Inn along route eat at Scotland's oldest pub. Don't miss the trail cache in Gartness (and just beyond Rowardannan hostel along the way, bring cash) Day 2 to Balmaha (catch a little ferry to InchCailloch Island, right on the Highland Boundary Fault, an ancient plate boundary (easy to spot from Conic Hill) Day 3 to Rowcloish Bothy a good bothy experience + good lochside camping spots with a bite to eat at the Clansman Bar (take the high level path and backtrack a wee bit). NB: a camping restriction zone is in place up to a mile past Rowardannan, need camping permits or stay at campsites. Day 4 up to Inverarnan via Inversnaid, shorten this journey from the bothy to about 11 miles. Day 5 - To Tyndrum 13 + 2 miles if you want to pop down to Crianlarich shop/Post office, station cafe or good pubs. Day 6 - Day off Day 7 - Wild Camp near Inveronan Hotel - Small Bar open to Hikers, though limited spaces for food, the Bridge of Orchy does a good breakfast for walkers Day 8 - Wild Camp over bridge from Kings house or stay at GlenCoe ski centre campsite 9/10 miles, or have big day over Devil's Staircase to Kinlochleven (18 miles). Both are pretty pricey places, Kingshouse hotel no longer has it's slightly faded, Highland charm, now resembles something from Vale or Aspen. In 2009 it cost me £42 for B&B, now it costs over £200 a night. Day 9/10 - To Finish in Fort William, recommend a visit to the Ben Nevis Inn in Glen Nevis. For an easier post-Way day out, head up the Glen on the bus to Lower Falls and walk through the gorge on the path to the open meadow overlooking Steale Falls, or take the Train to Glenfinnan for its famous viaduct, wee station museum and excellent good at the Station buffet car, can sleep in the adjacent sleeping carriage. Hope this sounds interesting

[@drts6955]

Great itinerary! I was wild camping and feel like everyone who started with us completed it in 6 days without massive difficulty and stopping to enjoy things. No harm in taking longer but it's definitely comfortably feasible in less time.

[@mickmcmenemy7701]

I appreciate your tips. I walked the WHW 10 years ago but hope to do sections of it over 1 or 2 days over the next six months.

[@DJVOutdoors]

The hardest hiking I’ve ever done is inversnaid hotel to end of Loch,

[@stevefritz5182]

I love these honest videos. Too many KZbinrs just want clicks on their trip videos or, Heaven forbid, gear videos. This kinda of video keeps it real and keeps us safe and better able to enjoy getting out there. Thank you for that.

[@melaniegarden3416]

Mid April is a fabulous time time to hike in Scotland. No midgies yet and weather much more stable! And few people! Love all your videos and congrats on the new one on the way!

[@Robutube1]

I agree!😃

[@eleanoreadams]

I just did the WHW at the end of May this year (2024) also through MACS Adventure. I booked in October 2023 and got the accomodations I wanted (Kingshouse), so book early! I opted for the 7 day itinerary and I thought it was good for me. I like to hike early and all day, so the mileage was fine and not rushed. Yes - Loch Lomond was the hardest section. Technical trail. Had perfect weather in May - only rained a tiny bit. Plan on doing it again! So fun!

[@Philliben1991]

I kinda don't want to give you my WHW tip in case people actually see it! My view is that most people start the trail at the weekend or the beginning of the week - Saturday, Sunday, Monday. Therefore if you start the trail mid week the section you are on will always be much quieter than it would be at the busier times. I think another thing, especially people from outside Scotland often under estimate is the weather. Most people probably think of Scotland as being cold or cool even in summer and while that's true in terms of temperatures humidity can be off the scale making it feel very hot and uncomfortable. 90% humidity and upwards isn't uncommon so be aware. Also the weather is extremely changeable, it's pretty annoying, but you'll have to have gear for every weather type. I've had snow blizzards in the last week of May and blazing sun in November. Often the weather changes significantly multiple times in a day or even a morning or afternoon and people might not be used to that. One last thing regarding the weather which was kind of mentioned in the video. Scotland is very, very wet October to March and then the rainfall levels drop off a lot in April. Then from April the rainfall increases again getting heavier through the summer then dips again in September. So in terms of getting dry weather (good luck!) the best chances are April/May or June/September. Rain fall is actually higher during mid summer July/August.

[@patchthomas2710]

I'd recommend long trousers, ticks were super bad when I went in summer. I still see them crawling up the inner of my tent when I close my eyes. :p

[@eobeara]

I did the WHW in the first week of May. This meant the midges and ticks weren't as prevalent, but there was more chance of rain. I did it in eight days, wild camping. I would definitely do it that way again. For the NE section of Loch Lomond, my pace dropped from about 4km/hr to 1.5km/hr, due to the technical sections. I had a full 14kg backpack too. On this slower section, I got the most insect bites, despite wearing long trousers, all on my legs. If possible, book accommodation in advance.

[@jerrim.2951]

Thank you for sharing your advice. We’re thinking of doing this next year, and all of your recommendations were helpful. We did the Camino Santiago and the Cotswolds Way with a booking company. Both times, I wish we’d have allowed extra time. Loved following your adventure on the WHW, and it has really inspired me to do it.

[@wakingtheworld]

It was AMAZING. Did it in July over 8 days and no midges. Yes, do split up the Loch Lomond section - as a solo and older person, I was slowed considerably along here, ensuring all my steps up/down the awkward bits were safe & secure. Also used Mac Adventures and my suitcase went with a carrier BUT could have sorted it cheaper myself I'm sure, had I booked a way in advance. Staying in Glencoe village (instead of Kingshouse) meant using the shuttle mini bus they provided but gave me the most wonderful ride through the glen. The scenery WILL BLOW YOU AWAY. Plenty of up but you don't get those 'to die for' panoramas without them.

[@jimbobh1965]

May is always the best month in Scotland.Try the TGO Challenge next time, right up your street.

[@joanhennes2249]

Great to see you back on the trail, Dixie. Nearly 35 years ago, while living in Yosemite, I hiked up to the Vernal Falls Bridge when my daughter was a week late. She was born healthy the next day, on Halloween. Your baby is so lucky to have you for a mother.

[@RodMurray]

Good points all round! We started in early June 2023 and had very warm and sunny atypical Scottish weather. We had to stop midday before Tyndrum due to the heat. I agree that indeed the Loch Lomond section would be better broken up. We opted for the high road trail, suggested by a local as one of our group had to wear a knee brace. That eliminated the super challenging rocky section you spoke of. We were also on the 9 night 8 day trip but had our own lodging the night before we started.

[@dkbt1]

Good tips and tricks! Love these videos where people have actually done it. Thanks! ❤

[@fionaburrows6659]

I've walked WHW 4 times - always same weekend in May. Once similar to you. Once 25+ degrees sun. Once rainier. And once with non stop rain, snow and hail. You can never guarantee anything about the weather in Scotland! Midges are definitely worst Jun-Aug though.

[@MIEJ4]

You were VERY lucky to avoid the midgies!🤣 June can be awful, I once tried to quickly change camera lenses in a forest and the camera filled with them!! There are lots of other long distance paths in Scotland, you can do the John Muir trail either direction (think he founded Yellowstone or something?). I like the Fife coastal path but that’s me being a Fifer… but there are many more to choose from and some can be linked together. Probably top of my to-do list is the Hebridean Way, across the Outer Hebrides on some of Scotland’s most spectacular islands. Hit me up if you want any advice about Scotland/UK 👍🏻

[@michelle_ajema]

I'm sorry but the visual of a lens filling with midgies is hilarious. Hope the camera survived! 😂😂

[@moxiemckeldrey5486]

Thank you for the tips. Enjoy your time at Glenville Lake. You're in my neighborhood of WNC! Good OL' Cullowhee WCU. GO CATS 🐾🐾🐾

[@jamesdec1774]

Watch some of your videos in the past and really enjoyed them finally found your channel again and subscribed

[@carlagallahan720]

I agree with other comments about hiking the WHW in mid-April to mid-May. We hiked WHW in mid-April, no midges and it only sprinkled one evening for 15 minutes. So far completed WHW, Hadrian's Wall and Wainwright's 2C2 in mid-April to mid-May and had overall great weather. We carried full gear so tented when possible and stayed in pubs/hotels when available. We did not pre-book any stays except maybe the day prior, so we had lots of flexibility. Loch Lomond is a chore after a few miles and totally agree with all the ups and downs around the shore.

[@rkatrails]

All great observations and helpful. I'm seriously interested in doing this hike.

[@johneason6540]

Thanks for the added invaluable info. I will put this hike on my must do list.

[@alangauld6079]

To be honest May is the month I always recommend both for the WHW and for visiting Scotland generally. The days are still long and you usually still have snow on the hill tops(pretty!) and there are fewer midgies. And accommodations are much easier because the main tourist season hasn’t started yet, although the WHW is at peak by then. Because the WHW follows the road and rail routes you are competing for rooms with all the other tourists too.

[@EnglishmanJustWalking]

Yup. Weather notwithstanding, Loch Lomond is the only ‘tough’ section if you have to do it in one day Having survived a state of emergency in Vermont on the AT (rain), I was never as wet through as i was being caught in the rain on Rannock Moor Great videos. Talented lass

[@TheTravlingirl]

Mac Adventures is a great company to book thru and can modify your trip how ever you like. I’ve done the WHW 2x- once backpacking (2017), once (September 2024) with Mac Adventures. Both were great however, my backpacking trip was cut short about 1/2 way due to the non stop rain- 2.5 days to be exact. With no reservations anywhere I decided to plan the trip at a later date. The September trip was with a friend and it was decided to do the B&B. 9 days . We spent time in Edinburgh first to attend the Military Tattoo in Edinburgh castle. Then took the train to Milngavie to begin our hike. It was great. We went in late August beginning our walk the 27th. I highly recommend this hike and incorporating it into seeing Edinburgh. Hot toddy’s and whiskey tastings are part of the trip. If you do decide to camp /backpack- there are strict rules for camping and wild camping. Be sure you do your research - if you camp in the wrong place it could ruin your vacation. Glad you got your do this Dixie- The Great Glen Way is another one - a bit less rocky -beautiful in its own right. Tracey

[@rkatrails]

Terrific information!

[@MIEJ4]

There’s only camping restrictions are around the Loch Lomond area, pretty much everywhere else normal wild camping is allowed.

[@becky_please_no5728]

Thanks for the info. Planning this hike and a visit to Edinburgh next May.

[@karensmith5116]

Thank you for this information! I am considering checking this off my bucket list next year.

[@johnrodgers2018]

I found camping but paying a service to drop your bags off at a campsite every night was a pleasant way to enjoy the hike.

[@MIEJ4]

@@johnrodgers2018 yeah this is an often overlooked option

[@johnrodgers2018]

@@MIEJ4 indeed, i have done it twice and although the scenery is amazing there is so much to explore along this route, you can also carry more supplies if you arent lugging it around.

[@sunnyday05]

I planned to do the WHW in 6 days, but quickly realized I needed one day more. Finished the path with barely enough time to grab a lunch and take the bus back to Glasgow. My flight was at 7am the next day :S Please do yourself a favor and don't do like me :P I would have loved to spend the night in Fort William and spend more time exploring Scotland outside of the WHW. Ben Nevis is a also great addition.

[@SabrinaScully]

Hi! I would love to hear more about your experience hiking and backpacking while pregnant in general. I'm going to start trying soon so it would be great to get an idea of what it might be like

[@redrunner]

I agree spit the Loch by staying at Inversnaid Bunkhouse was great and fantastic food and great choice of local beers. And giving giving yourself more time to Beinglas Farm.

[@chuckcolburn8931]

Enjoyed following your trip. My son and I walked it last September in 7 days. We split up Loch Lomand by making day 3 a short day from Rowardennan to Inversnaid. Meant day 6 was long from Inverarnan to Kinlochlaven but I’d do it the same way again

[@RickCollman]

Re: Midges. Alert for North Americans: A mosquito net does not cut it! They'll go right through your basic S2S net. Get a headnet once you arrive or make sure it's extra fine. Check your tent net for even the smallest of openings or prepare for torture.

[@kevincarlyle7572]

S2S makes one for midges, you just have to pay attention that it's the right one.

[@stevensteptoe682]

I'd recommend not feeling you need to take enough food for all of the days you'll be out. There are plenty of places to eat in, or pick up food on the way, hotels, resautants, bars, shops, even honesty boxes. I did it over five nights of camping, and took enough meals and snacks from home for all the time I was out... that was complete overkill, and I could have gotten by with just carrying enough food for one of two days, and picking stuff up as I went.

[@TimAdamsDagda]

We did the WHW in April through Macs & we did 10 days on the trail/11 nights. Plenty of time to enjoy the experience!

[@AirdrieRambler]

Some great tips there. Midges are a big problem, and I now carry a Thermacell which I've found to be very effective. Ticks seems to be a more serious problem in recent years, and I would recommend carrying a tick remover or tweezers to deal with them.

[@ShawnHikes]

We did it and wild camped the entire trip, 8 and 1/2 days. I agree. Break up the Lohmond section into days and book a campsite for 1st section.

[@Jesusandbible]

The only outdoor girl I ever saw who understood the basics of a tiny survival tin, like a tobacco tin or better a mini mess tin, is survival Lilly. If you are separated from your rucksack the right contents can save your life literally. Like a whistle, fire lighter, flint and steel, pen knife with a saw, etc.

[@Jesusandbible]

@@TheMcspreader If people do not ask permission when needed, that is hardly the fault of Lilly. But that is beside the point.... the survival tin must be understood, for instance the mini mess tin can be used to boil water and have a brew and make water safe. A lot hiker can be found by lighting a fire. for instance.

[@1low8te]

Just great reasons to go back! Scotland is a wonder place to visit.

[@deec6535]

Can confirm it’s worse in a tent. We were camping in Wales in July. And that’s further south! It’s like daylight until nearly 2300. It’s wild for this CA girl.

[@FreddyEnergizer]

indeed more days :) first thing I would advise. Split Lomond section big yes, Go in April May and one more start in Glasgow and walk to the start point..

[@mcdon2401]

Did the WHW back in the mid 80s. An interesting 5 days... Midge repellent and waterproofs are my 2 main memories 🤣

[@alysiachristensen5475]

Thanks for the information!!! You are such an inspiration!!!

[@Buszkraftowski]

Hi. I suggest to take the ferry to Island of Inchalloich in Blamaha. If you book in advance, you even can camp there. I did not regret this detour. It was totally worth it.

[@angiebee598]

I used an eye mask on the camino and now always travel with one. Those long days can be hard to get used to.

[@alexanderlawson1649]

The best time to avoid the midge in Scotland is up to mid May. They usually appear around mid May, so early May can often be midge free. I live here and I do a lot of camping and canoeing in Scotland, the midges can be total hell.

[@jzoop1]

You go Dixie! You can do anything!

[@TheWanderingStone]

My biggest regret was not taking ticks seriously. I wore long light colored pants and gaiters so i thought my legs were safe from ticks but those sneaky little bastards would get into my socks. I didn't realize that they were small like a grain of sand either. I should have been spraying my legs with smidge. Also, if you have an emergency, go to the hospital. It was free for me as an American when I came in with an infected tick bite or possible Lyme.

[@orangew3988]

This is so funny, id say most Scottish people would underestimate it and call this a 4-5 day walk. So when i did it, without training other my sport fitness, i thought i was being super generous to give myself seven days. I agree 10 days of walking sounds glorious! I do recommend spending longer on the trail than what you think you can walk it, just so that you can enjoy the ride.

[@PabloP169]

You still did a great job Dixie, pregrant or not, great stuff.

[@rochellearellano7135]

Great booking company. We booked The Great Glen Way. Ten days My daughter who walked with me was 5 months pregnant.

[@alphared2484]

I haven't done the WHW but I am looking forward to doing the Wainwright's Coast to Coast in September.

[@wakingtheworld]

Congrats Dixie on your pregnancy & completing the WHW. I must have got lucky then - Did it over 8 days the first part of July. No midges & apart from the (welcome) intermittent rain on Days 1 & 2, some rain on Day 3 when I was under the trees of Loch Lomond & rain the very last 2 hours, I had dry days and glorious sunshine even for the additional couple of days I took at Fort William. I don't think any guide prepares you for the dodgy stretches along the Loch esp when you're an older person and/or the exact opposite of mountain goat! When you know you're last (apart from those crazy dudes who pass you in the evening, doing it all in 3/4 days), there's little or no mobile signal and you're on a totally inaccessible trail (the section after Inversnaid), it can get quite scary on your own. There was no way I could risk a slip, fall, twisted ankle or worse, so had to take extra care getting up/down certain sections. Walking poles for me, were a must here. BUT having said all this, I absolutely loved the trip, the scenery took my breath away and I took 100's of photos and a lot of video footage. Yes, I'd do it again though maybe starting at Ardlui (top end of the Loch)!!!

[@tashlentine]

I'll be honest i'm not sure if the time of year you go will have any affect on the weather up there too much other than the general temperature and maybe the quantity of rain - in jan-march you get a fair bit of flooding LOL I'm a brit and spent a lot of time in scotland and there's a saying up there 'if you don't like the weather, wait 10 mins'. I've been on a hack (horse ride.. not sure what the US term for that is) in the borders in July and in the space of 2 hours I was in baking sun, then overcast, then mizzle, then rain, then hail, then snow, then mizzle again, and by the time I got back to the yard I was dry and too hot again lol Skye in October was also a mix of drizzle, overcast, torrential rain, hail, blazing sun and 60mph winds on a fairly rapid cycle. Scottish weather is a beast of its own 😍 The only guarantee is it's changable and packing for all four seasons in one day is a generally good rule of thumb. Layers. Lots of layers.

[@mikejohnson2098]

Thanks for the trip vid

[@baothiletran-ef8zn]

thank you!

[@betemp1]

i started early june for 10 days. the first 4 days ware hot. 23 degerees celcius. i broke the loch lommond in to 2 days. that worked fine for me. the rest was easyer to do.😄 i have a tarptent, and it lets in a lot of light, but I just close my eyes and sleep.

[@andyjohnson6270]

Just stopping and saying you’re going to camp on Loch Lomond is infortunately the only point of the journey you can’t do that, Jess.

[@rkatrails]

Good to know!

[@MIEJ4]

Only at certain times of the year, and you can get permits when it is restricted - but makes it much less flexible, agreed.

[@BTurner.]

Only certain parts of the Loch too. I camped outside of the permit area last week.

[@runforfunken]

Didn't do proper research before you hiked. Good job on completion of the WHW.

[@JAaronMattox]

Or late June was the only time she could go

[@DJVOutdoors]

Do it early April no midges and quiet

[@chetthebee1322]

Next: Dixie hikes across Antarctica.

[@jasonlowes223]

the midges are a pest but after a couple of days you get used to the biting. im fine with them but my friend gets lumps from the bites.

[@stephenwest1491]

Hiya Dixie i did it in the winter 12 days through november 14th till the 26th a few years ago i woke one morning one side of my tent was black and the other very bright i was walking with my 3 springer spaniels got out the tent and it had snowed fortunately i had mendle high boots with a set of gators knee height i put leather socks on my dogs and they had saddle bags carrying there own food in on the 3rd day you never know what life has to throw at you wait till you've had your child and take 12 - 15 days your best video camera i made 9 great videos ill never forget...

[@pppantz]

That little one better learn to walk early☺

[@ruanaich]

Should re-title “5 reasons to come back to Scotland!”

[@iviewthetube]

That day will come when that baby will be carrying you.

[@andeez4663]

Would you not prefer to do The Great Glen Way straight after and go on to Inverness?

[@1Selous]

Just an Important thing to Note Wild Camping IS Only Legal in Scotland NOT Wales or England Other than Dartmoor National Park in England, wild camping anywhere else is trespassing. Also Note Loch Lomond wild camping is alao not allowed. Re when to go to Scotland Any tine of year expect rain its Scotland 😂 midge season is quite clear, and enough info on line.

[@EldestPuck]

And you know why the way is so crouwded bc there such services u booked as well that everyone can hike that trail without carrying almost anything... When I hiked it I saw tonnes of ppl with tiny little backpacks hiking that trail. And even worst talking so loud that they disturbe hikers who wanna enjoy the the nature and wanna be in silence... To be hones my last trail where such sevices are available...

[@hindsfeetonhighplaces]

"It's just rocky and rooty and beats the crap out of you". Oh, so just like the White Mountains! The video you showed as you were saying that reminded me a lot of the ascent up Wildcat D.

[@buzzonedown]

Wait. Dixie is prego-eggo? Congrats!