Introduction To The West Highland Way

[@Sakrysta]

That opening music sting immediately had me grinning! 🥰

[@traveller9625]

Glad to see you in your happy place and with family. Two walkin and one ridin

[@WainwrightWalksWiaLocalLad]

Welcome to the UK!

[@vinniedayhikerb4977]

BACK ON TRAIL!🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉❤

[@OldfieldSo]

Welcome to Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@deadkennedy9140]

It's great to have you in us :)

[@sheilam5991]

Thankful you are doing this with your husband. And so very excited to see this trail and adventure!

[@daenathedreamy9053]

Steak Pie is the best food for a hiker's hunger and I LOVE having it when we're in the UK.

[@산림치유]

멋진 하이킹 영상을 통해 스코틀랜드의 자연풍경을 볼 수 있어 기쁨니다. 몸과 마음의 힐링을 위한 멋진 영상 감사합니다.

[@peteredwardcox]

Visited Scotland when I was 18, right after graduating high school, to visit my sister who was studying in Stirling for a semester. She had American friends who played in a band there who always opened their gigs with "And now, the Scottish national anthem" before playing "500 miles".

[@jimb0wie]

That’s pretty cool that you’re here in the UK hiking right now. :)

[@RustyMisterTwo]

The West Highland way was our first long distance hike in 2019. We watched your PCT videos to get an idea of how to prepare and what to pack. Ofcourse it is nothing like the PCT but it was a start nonetheless. We planned the PCT for the next year but COVID delayed us untill 2022. Due to forest fires we couldnt make it the last 20 miles to the monument at the end so we still have to go back to "finish" it. You are a real inspiration to us. Heading to Scotland this summer to hike part of the cape wrath trail and the Skye trail.

[@GMiller75]

Aww welcome to our bonnie Scotland. You are gonna love this trail. Take the high route along loch lomond. It will be much easier for you with you being pregnant.There is a vantage point on the high route that overlooks the loch.

[@bateptesicus]

Scotland, my beloved land!❤ I will be doing WHW this august!

[@marksisson7468]

On the trail again! Thank you! Our hiking is on hold as we are now full time caregivers for aging parents. We’ll get our hiking fix through you…for now!

[@tbusterutube]

Awesome. If you guys come to Idaho let us know.

[@jimmyjenkins9240]

This is exciting! Happy to see you out on the trail and it’s great to see Rodney with you! It will be interesting to see what you discover about your Scottishness!

[@TheWanderingStone]

Perfect timing! I'll be starting my walk on the 15th of July and these videos will surely be helpful to me!

[@chriscon8463]

Cool video! It looks like you had a great time there. In college, we had a Scottish festival every year & I tried haggis. It was actually not bad!

[@28105wsking]

Its so nice to see the Dearly Beloved walking with you. You are not alone anymore! You are with the whole famdamnbly! Have a wonderful fun time!

[@andrewhowie4217]

Great to see the beginning of this journey for you all, completed it last September. I'll look forward to watching the rest. Atb

[@cindyobrien9794]

I look forward to your vlog. I dream of doing WHW, I am 68. I think I could do it, slowly.

[@DartmoorPaul]

Welcome to UK Dixie & I think you’ve chosen a lovely trail. Interestingly Im watching HuckWasHere, whom I followed on PCT, hiking towards you sobo on the West Highland Way trail this week😊 Happy Hiking 🙂

[@sf808yt]

I'm literally a few days back from my second time doing this walk. For two whole days I had "500 Miles" stuck in my head!

[@chaddventures]

A bunch of other camino frands from 2019 have done some of it and are doing more later this year! Looks so cool! Happy for you and Rodney!

[@Berry_N]

Kinda funny that just this morning I watched Huck Was Here finish where you just started. Enjoy the hike!

[@OldNavajoTricks]

A nursing Haggis, the only thing the Honeybadger fears.

[@FlipperNS]

I don't know about the haggis but definitely try all the scotches and Walkers Cheese & Onion crisps!

[@davideverett5214]

Good thing there's no Sun ☀️ in Scotland, Not many shady spots!

[@ashleighgray6298]

Brilliant video, welcome to Scotland! Lovely to see you exploring my homeland 😊. I did the West Highland Way with some uni friends in 2005 and had a brilliant time. Midges were only a problem camping in the woods near the lochs (they love still water). One evening we started cooking over our camp stove but they were so bad we had to abandon dinner and sprint to the nearby pub for shelter instead! Locals swear by a body moisturiser by Avon (yes really!) called Avon ‘skin so soft’ - you’ll see it for sale along the trail as unofficial midge repellant. Deep fried haggis is great. If you get a chance you can also try it the traditional way - ‘haggis, needs and tatties’ which is boiled not fried, and served with mashed swede (neeps) and mashed potato (tatties). V tasty!

[@MarufoVega]

I did this hike before the pandemic. Part of an arranged group. No rain, almost. Surprised by some nice dinners at the places we dined along the way. Bluebells out near the start. Toured the distillery. Fun time.

[@Gambeli02]

For plantar fasciitis ... All the insoles available for it have a rise in the heel that supposedly relieves the pain. BUT, I found it made it worse. So I did the opposite -- I carved a 1/4" x 3/4" divot (length-wise) in the middle of the insole's heel. Now my heel slightly sinks. That brought instant relief!

[@topfloorboy]

Welcome to Scotland. Apologies for the "summer". Hope you're all getting on ok. 👍

[@richardanderson9340]

I passed you at the ‘haggis’ sign. I thought you looked familiar. I had a vizsla with me and was heading up hill.

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

Yes! I remember you because I told my husband your pup was a vizsla ♥️🐾

[@grumble2009]

Thanks for all of the Proclaimers music :)

[@lesliecarpenter869]

I got rid of my plantar fasitis by using apple cider vinegar and covering with a salon paw. Do this for as long as it takes....it really works, don't give up.

[@janefreeman995]

You can easily have a luggage service deliver your backpacks to your accommodation from day to day. Its not expensive.

[@michaelnoel-v6f]

Were the bugs bad? What time of year is this? Never mind. Thanks for sharing

[@stephenwest1491]

Hey Dixie looking at the wildlife watch out for haggises they can give you a bad turn if there not cooked right 😁😁😁

[@marklanders630]

Haggis! I do like organ meats, but not oats. I took the 23&me DNA test. Fascinating to see that I'm not at all Scottish as I was always told growing up, but Irish instead. I couldn't believe how many relatives there were that I never knew about.

[@KimberlyGreen]

Mitochondrial DNA tests (like Ancestry, 23&me, etc) only go back about 6 generations (~200 yrs). The Scottish & Irish share a pretty long history of intermixing, so it's still very possible that you have Scottish ancestry further back than the test can detect. (My results include 39% English, 39% Scottish, 7% each of Irish and Welsh. )

[@michaelb1761]

Being pregnant, you miss out on one of the features of the West Highland Way, Scotch distilleries.

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

Not a huge fan of Scotch anyway 🙃

[@diannadarling699]

Does ur hubby have a trail name ?

[@lisastuckey8294]

Dixie, did you book all your overnite stays ahead of time?

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

Yes! Through Macs Adventure

[@joeparks7316]

Did your use Mac's Adventures? Thumbs up or down if you did?

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

Yes! They were a good company to work with

[@DanielOutdoors]

He should wear Altras, he probøabu finding out he been walking with the wrong footwear all his life, I got the same problem til i switched to Altra

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

He’s worn Altras before

[@DanielOutdoors]

@@HomemadeWanderlust Well problaby never transition right, since he is hurt now... Altra strenght my knees and ancles and back.

[@WOV49]

Funny, that accent doesn’t sound Scottish. .

[@inthehouse1960]

I love the Scottish people. Whenever I travel to the UK, I can't wait to get to Scotland and start joking and laughing with the Scotts. I've traveled all over the world and Scotland is my 'heart place'. I hope you make some great memories there that will last a lifetime. Blessings.

[@jimdrude]

Welcome to Scotland. Hope you enjoy our wee country so much that you come again. And again!

[@katmalin]

Welcome to Scotland! I live in Edinburgh and have been watching your videos for years. So exciting to see what you make of our country! Enjoy! And haste ye back!

[@bernardlyons2422]

The only tune you could possibly start with. Brilliant.

[@celinelia8127]

@bernardlyons2422 what about bagpipes?!

[@bernardlyons2422]

@@celinelia8127 Well it could have started with “Scotland The Brave”, but that would have been a cliche.

[@sbc1t]

@@celinelia8127 Its a walking Song . that's why she used it .

[@celinelia8127]

are you coming to eastern europe??

[@h.b.4058]

My (then 85 years old) Dad and I did the WHW in 2022. I hope you love it as much as we did. We had literally every type of weather, but it was all worth it. ❤❤

[@pppantz]

Baby is already an international traveler!

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

Trying to get it in his/her blood early 🙌🏻

[@christinejackson8542]

I'm in Decatur Alabama and thinking about Ya'll !!! U are amazing hiking like this at 6 mths pregnant. U go girl !!!

[@EvaNichols28]

Thank you for sharing! ❤ So exciting to come along. I think you are inspiring me to put it on my list for next summer- I did the Camino in 2009 and loved it. Now I’m over 70, but I think this is still doable for me, especially since I can break it up in smaller distances and stay at inns etc. along the way. I’m excited to see how you progress as you get to the elevations. Enjoy and be gentle with yourself!

[@davidsykes5635]

Would be great if you could meet Claire Beare ( WildBeare) but I don’t know how to contact her.

[@betemp1]

hi dixie, i was 2 weeks befofe you on the trail. amazing.😊

[@debrahall902]

'Thank you from The Netherlands

[@derekhughes4028]

Can’t wait to watch these episodes.

[@paisleyfamily5972]

This is great. The only thing better would be a comedic back and forth between your Alabama accent and a Scottish brogue.

[@joebeman8000]

Ha!!! I saw it! 0:50 Great video, especially the opening with The Proclaimers song. Perfect! I totally empathize about the PF. I've had mine for 6 months. It's VERY hard to get rid of! Good luck to Rodney. I hope he get's relief soon.

[@peterfagley772]

I have recently watched several of my favorite UK KZbinrs hike this trail, really nice to discover you and husband are doing the same. Its probably one of the nicest hikes you will ever do, enjoy!!

[@LiNa-yl8qs]

Hi, could you recommend UK outdoor KZbinrs? I'd be highly interested! Thanks in advance!

[@peterfagley772]

There are many UK KZbinrs I can recommend: Kent Survival, Simon the Broke in the Woods, Fellmandave, Paul Messer, Andrew Park, to name my favorites in no particular order. They are honest, smart, offer excellent photography and very knowledgeable about their equipment and hiking/camping locations throughout the UK.

[@N0C0MPLY]

@@LiNa-yl8qs The Blot outdoors show is an absolute must!

[@0808anwar]

​@@LiNa-yl8qs if i may add, Pat Dickinson channel

[@Billthrasher]

Funny..the kids not even born yet and been more places than me lol😅

[@RangerJay904]

I'm starting on 9/5/24 can't waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaait

[@pyronymph-868]

That little frog🐸 looked just like our Pacific Tree Frogs! I have always wondered about my ancestry, having been adopted. I've been told I look Irish, and have the Celtic hair type. Can't wait to see the rest of this trip!

[@PlantPapaJohn]

Looks amazing! I Look forward to watching.

[@davidsykes5635]

Welcome to the UK ! 🌈

[@joshubrook324]

I’m silly excited that your here in the uk 😂 I think our wildlife is a bit different to what your used to (mountain lions/crocs etc) The WHW is on my radar for 2026 as this year I’m doing the coastal path around Isle of Wight then Camino in 2025 don’t think I’ll ever get to USA for your amazing thru hikes but never say never Hope you get to have some iron bru & whisky for later once mini Dixie has safely arrived ❤

[@verdexj160]

Genealogy, good to hear others care about where they come from.

[@vailpcs4040]

OMG!! Glengoyne (valley of the wild geese)! I was there in 2016. It's the Southernmost Highlands distillery and the road in front of it is the legal demarcation between Highlands and Lowlands. They distill on one side of the road and age on the other. That's awesome! Edit: Haggis is delicious.

[@RodMurray]

Will be watching every moment of your adventure! We walked the WHW one year ago this month and had incredibly hot and sunny conditions, by Scottish standards, all 8 days. When you get to Loch Lomond you will have to make a big decision- Upper or Lower! Either way, enjoy the journey!

[@RodMurray]

@@TheMcspreaderI bet she is chuckling! But I meant beyond Rowardennan where there’s a choice to be Loch side or on the upper forestry road.

[@aileengum6333]

​@RodMurray which do you recommend?

[@RodMurray]

@@aileengum6333 We took the high route which is, they say, easier on the body, especially “older” knees. One in our group had knee issues which certainly had a bearing on our decision. The low route is much more technical I was told.

[@Lynx5371]

My daughter and husband moved to Milngavie from Nashville with then only grandchild. The second was born there. They had to come back during the pandemic. We all loved Scotland and was sad that they had to leave. My husband hiked the whole AT and walked from Milngavie to Loch Lomond and back during his only 2 week trip. He then drove with my son-in- law to Fort Williams and climbed Ben Nevis. I plan to take a couple of my friends to Milngavie next summer. It was fun for me because during their time there, I was there for about 12 weeks total. I was really able to get a real feel of daily Scottish life. I made some great friendships there through my daughter.

[@955lamar]

Thanks Dixie. Great video. My wife and I, and another couple are hiking inn to inn September 1-9. We booked with Hillwalk Tours.

[@thevoyageur2152]

Great vlog. If U like Scotland U should come to Cape Breton and/or Newfoundland Canada.

[@VeritySnatch]

sorry about the weather some years we get a summer, some we dont.

[@columbiariveracupuncturell4942]

Great videos! Thank you. Heading to WHW in 2 weeks. So excited and great info to use. Was wondering what brand of umbrella you used. I’ve ordered 2 of them - neither works! Thank you in advance.

[@taylormatson6281]

I did the WHW back in 2019 and it was the first multiday hike I ever did. I've been watching your videos for years now and am so excited to finally have a trail in common with you. So nostalgic to be seeing this trail again through your footage!

[@jayclay1]

I hiked the West highland way a few years back, had a great time.

[@diddums86]

Now I feel sad and nostalgic. Never walked the Highland trail, but I lived in Edinburgh a few decades back. Good times. Could someone add a list of the soundtrack, please? What's the second piece, the classical one? It's beautiful!

[@raythompson1976]

Wow, must have just missed you on the trail - was walking WHW as part of Landend to John o'Groats trail...

[@mattmatthewmatchuu]

i should do it in late aug

[@tiger2too18]

Hope you have some midge / mosquito repellent! Good soundtrack. Enjoy with your husband. Whenever my wife and I would get to a kissing gate - a u shaped path with a swinging small gate - we would have a kiss . Try it out!

[@emmytolkein3320]

My family heritage is confirmed Scotts/Irish and the Scotts were sent to America for their fighting prowess to claim land in the new America

[@anne1709_]

This is my first time watching one of your videos and since you flew KLM I was expecting a Dutch accent (I am Dutch myself) so I was very confused for a hot second haha

[@veinberga]

It's so exiting! I started following you few years ago when I was backpacking in USA. I think you were doing PCT at the time. For the last few years I am now living in Scotland, Tyndrum, which you will be passing!! 🎉 Do you know when you will be passing it? I work in Green Welly Stop (most hikers stop here - we have food, drink, laundry machines and outdoor store full with blister plasters 😄). It would be really great to meet you! I owe you big thanks for incouraging me to go outdoors! 😊

[@inthehouse1960]

Awe. This brought tears to my eyes. I hope you are able to meet up. Blessings.

[@kristymoore7052]

Ok, TMI question as I’m older, your Mom may understand. Why I would rather be in the woods and not trekking from town to town with town food would be… what happens when something doesn’t agree with you? Coming from a person who literally wore depends on a very popular segment of a very popular CA trail in fear of only that.

[@wr1120]

It's nice that you want to see where your ancestors lived but I can tell you what they gave up in order to come to America: unemployment, poverty, work in the coal mines and factories, and unhealthy diets. Plus the tales of promise of unlimited opportunities in the New World.

[@AcuJamey]

I thought the hubby's gait looked a bit off. Then you mention the plantar fascia issue he's having early on. I know people love the ice water bottle rolling trick on the soles, but I'd see if rolling the calf muscles helps. Find the knots and work them gently.

[@theskyehiker]

At some point it would be helpful if you could tell us the name of the company you chose to hire and what criteria you used to pick them. Much appreciated. I’m excited by this series!

[@TheMadmacs]

welcome to scotland, i hope its all going well. ps. if you make it back to glasgow, go for a walk in kelvingrove park.

[@toocleanpappas5397]

Can't believe you went without me! Probably didn't get my message eh?

[@unixpro2]

Hello from Ohio, I’m jealous. I love Scotland and hope to return there someday.

[@msears101]

The best midge protection (and they will get worse) is avon skin so soft.

[@robyncroft1112]

Enjoy. I walked the WHW this spring.

[@28105wsking]

Great video! Tip: plan a rest day at the begining and end of each trip for recovery.

[@CrimeVid]

to be followed by a deep fried Mars Bar, or two !

[@28105wsking]

Yes!

[@janefreeman995]

Have to put on Smidge 1/2 hour before heading out.

[@arionisonlineleeirlhookert3757]

Yeah! Dixie back on trail! Excited to follow all 2.5 of you!

[@EdwardPaschich-ui4nn]

I have seen hikers in the heat wearing hoodies. It seems like it would be hotter with a hoodie on. What do you recommend?

[@amberbydreamsart5467]

So exciting!! I’m doing a regular vacation in England and wales right now myself! I hope to do the WHW myself either next year or the year after in April - I’m a warm natured girl so I’m hoping the chiller weather and lower crowds will make it a perfect time for me. I absolutely love the views of the British countryside - the treeless rolling hills is something I’d never seen quite like this before and I think it’s so charming. It’s fun to do a long trail where you stroll through cute little towns, too

[@oldschooljeremy8124]

Must be the fanciest trailhead ever.