My First Wild Haggis Encounter (West Highland Way 2024)

[@michaelwalsh5735]

In 1974, 1 was 18. My younger brother and I were hiking through the Gap of Dunloe in Ireland. As we went along, we became a little thirsty. We both got a drink from the stream along side of the trail. After our drink, we continued along. After going about another 75 meters, we found a dead sheep in the water. Fortunately, neither one of us suffered any ill effects from the water. We were pretty lucky, I think.

[@bbwoolfy]

Hehe, you finally got the haggis joke! 🤭 Lovely to see the Inverarnan to Tyndrum section dry & sunny. Twas torrential rain when I did it in 2020. The paths were burns (small streams), the burns were rapids and the main river (Fillan) was tickling the bottom of the bridge and had burst it's banks at several points along the way. Soaked to the bone, backpack full of water, electrics all ruined. Was almost the end of our trip. I watched a KZbin video of some retired US marines who bailed at Tyndrum after several rainy days. Hope the rest of the trip was dry for you. Next section via Loch Tulla, Inveroran (food in the hotel is best on the WHW!), the old drovers road, black mount, opening up to Rannoch Moor and Glencoe is rather lovely! 🏞️⛰️ Glad you are enjoying Scotland and the people along the way! ☺️

[@jimmyjenkins9240]

This was so enjoyable! I admire Rodney. He seems just right for you. I liked the music in this one, as well. “ Wild Mountain Thyme”; 5:45-6:35, was perfect!

[@peterfagley772]

Thank you both for taking us along!

[@amberbydreamsart5467]

Gorgeous!! Glad you were able to get some easier days finally to recover energy and get into the groove. I love how welcoming the locals are - they seem a people quite proud of their country and thus happy to see others come and be enamored by it. You're making me really want to solidify doing a WHW run of my own next spring!

[@deborahpratt8311]

Such beautiful scenery… Hahaha that other hiker looked like a giant compared to Rodney. Everyone there seems so friendly and helpful. Glad you can still get out and explore. Thanks for sharing

[@neilcampbell9383]

I have watched and enjoyed your adventures traversing the wilds of America for years and it is so weird to see you in Scotland walking the WHW. Delighted to see that you are both having fun and the weather is not too bad so far. Bringing back lots of great memories of my own hike. 👍🙂👍

[@budm9982]

Excellent production! The scenery is superb. All edited so well. I'm really enjoying your content. So much fun to watch.

[@pamelamann9293]

Your flora and fauna shots are always so good.

[@wakingtheworld]

"I'm on my way from misery to happiness" - I'm smiling! Yep, exactly how I felt! What music choice to kick off with. After I left Ardleish (at the head of the loch) I put the previous day behind me and knew it would get better though my trek to Tyndrum was 13 miles. The views as I climbed up and away from the loch were stunning, shrouded in morning mist. You've gotta be there to sense this beauty, haven't you? My Tyndrum to Bridge of Orchy took 4 hours!! (to do 7 miles!!) Yep, I took my time too. One lady went past me head down, earplugs in. What's the point? Life ain't about rushing to get to your destination but savouring the journey. Such guys miss out on this scenery, the sounds of the sheep, the mountain streams, the waterfalls and wee critters like that dragonfly you spotted. That was lovely.

[@bromptinowner763]

Love your choice of music Jerry Rafferty especially

[@debrahall902]

Thank you from The Netherlands

[@ChrisSunHwa]

Thank you for sharing all of this, Dixie! I knew what haggis was, but I couldn't decide whether you really didn't know or if you were only playing along with the joke. 🤣 They're so ornery, in a fun way, and you're such a great sport! 💚💚💚 That's one of the many things we love about you.

[@judithressler4584]

I love following you along this trail. Brings back so many fond memories.

[@thomasthurston608]

Beautiful videos and music. That version of "Will Ye Go, Lassie" is wonderful. That tune has long been one of my favorite scottish ballads. Thank you.

[@barbarasmith8090]

I love this section also! When you got that train on the film it didn't even look real. Looks like a beautiful place I can't wait to see. I am also 28% Scottish. Traced back to clans that fought for Robert the Bruce. Thanks for sharing I can't wait to go.

[@RodMurray]

Thanks for capturing the wildlife, the “coos” and your wonderful insights along the WHW of people, places and lammies too! It’s a magical journey. Can’t wait for the next episode.

[@toddmiller4905]

I love how you incorporate local wildlife in your videos. The Florida trail video is my fav so far

[@angusgreeneyeslefay9485]

Awww so sweet you are on my island .Bless you and thank you for all of your inspirations.

[@angusgreeneyeslefay9485]

Did you know that Scotland is famous for the Faery?If you have time please visit ancient sites ,you wont regret it .May the spirits of the ancestors protect and bless each steps you take

[@sking1459]

Such a wonderful hike today. Love how you show all the critters and linger there with the camera. Such a delightful trip; good to get to know Rodney. Thanks for taking us along!

[@robertedwards7749]

I have enjoyed all of your Scotland videos, I always heard its very beautiful there and your videos show it. Thank you for sharing a world i will never get to see.

[@amysthe-wise-one8493]

Ah, my heritage. I'm laughing in solidarity at the nose upturn at black pudding (and white pudding, too!) but the food... 'tis excellent. And a happy Retirement to Momma M. I hope she enjoys it as much as my mam does.

[@lbh002]

A big English (Irish, Scottish) breakfast is the best! I had my first when I visited a friend who was stationed at RAF Alconbury. He insisted we visit a pub for breakfast and he was right for insisting. Where I live in Dunedin, Florida there are several restaurants who make bit English breakfasts. I am glad you embraced and enjoyed the experience.

[@bbwoolfy]

Did you know that Dun Edin is the old gaelic name for Edinburgh? Scottish settlers!

[@flacat6437]

I live near Dunedin! Where is your favorite breakfast there? Usual past through to kayak N Caladesi but want to stop and stay sometime. Cheers!

[@guillaumekeulen219]

Not good idea for me! I guess at 11 pm i still having breakfast 😂🎉

[@guillaumekeulen219]

With aunt Megans Black pudding!

[@cyndirowland7873]

So true that southern hospitality comes from those fun loving Ulster Scots ancestry!

[@cecilezimmer8773]

Beautiful! You take amazing videos!! Thanks for sharing your trip😊

[@alisannpoutinen591]

So pretty! Love the folk tunes 🎶

[@amdelorey]

Really enjoying the music accompaniment. And of course following you along a trail!

[@traciklein4291]

I was wondering when you'd catch on to haggis! When you do the Arizona trail come on over to Tucson and we can fish for Sand Trout in the Santa Cruz river. ;)

[@bbwoolfy]

Notice how nobody said anything in the comments 😉

[@Lous-vx9gs]

Make sure to stop at Hotel Inveroran the next day! Nadia is such a sweetheart and they have the greatest food ❤

[@judithressler4584]

I can confirm this 😊

[@janefreeman995]

I remember stopping at that hotel last year in the last frame of your video. I had some soda...it was off season and they were kind to serve a thirsty soul. There's a pretty bit after that, I remember seeing deer in a river.

[@MichaelKilby]

Love Scotland. Been several times to hike/climb Munros such as Ben Nevis . I love haggis. Also love the Bridge of Orchy Hotel. Great food! West Highland Way is on my bucket list. Thank you.

[@dtaylor10chuckufarle]

Beautiful! Love how you talk to others on the trail. Godspeed, Dixie. Godspeed!

[@Revup1]

Having watched your channel for a few years now, what joy it is to see you come to the trails here in Scotland. I commend your courage doing the WHW with a 'bump' and also Rodney for not becoming a paranoid overprotective husband (like I did!). Remember Haggis can be dangerous when cornered and are best tackled with a knife and fork! I've also ordered your book recommendation (8.34) smells like a good one! Enjoy

[@derekhughes4028]

The videos of your hikes are exceptional. The scenery, wildlife and interactions with others are endearing. The music is beautiful. It looks as if the weather has been kind to you. As you progress north the landscapes become magical. Rowardenan to The Drovers Inn can be a wee bit brutal. Hope The West Highland Way has been everything you expected and more. Looking forward to your visit passing through Glencoe.

[@Tankomac]

Lovely Video :)

[@nathaliedaniela3187]

Thank you for choosing such great soundtracks 🎼 the music truly catapult me into the experience of hiking right next to y’all 😊

[@traveller9625]

Beautiful.

[@skipandcherieadventures116]

Very enjoyable video to watch….sure is beautiful there!

[@DrewBoswell]

What a beautiful video. This is one of your best visually. Well done!

[@dabaird12]

Dixie maybe a short video on the cost and planning which went into your west Highlands Hike. 👍💪❤️✌️

[@lardo666]

Haggis is traditionally hunted using haggis hounds - a terrier-like breed, low to the ground and nimble. Now the haggis is a canny wee beastie, and inhabits hills similar to the Conical Hill you climbed. For speed the haggis runs across the hillside when in danger. Over time the haggis hound evolved longer legs on one side than the other, to better pursue the haggis. This worked well, with different hills having left and right handed haggis hounds. (They can interbred, but the even legged offspring are at a disadvantage, so the two races persisted). Until not long ago, when an especially clever haggis sought to escape the hound's pursuit by grabbing the heather with its powerful jaws, swinging around and then rolling down the hillside. As soon as the hound follower the haggis began running the opposite way, and the haggis hound tumbled out of control far down the hill (its legs unable to regain balance in the wrong direction). Other haggis saw and copied this tactic, and sadly the haggis hounds became extinct in the wild. As you saw, today's haggis roam with few predators except man, and remain a national delicacy.

[@28105wsking]

Sounds suspiciously like a related species in New Hampshire's Franconia Notch. The Left-Legged- Run- Around is a species of deer only seen after 300 mgs of L*S*D. It inhabits the lower elevations and is often seen near colleges. There is also sometimes seen the WIld Moose of Agassiz Mountain near Bethlehem, New Hampshire. Its antler rack covers the whole sky and its muzzle can be seen in the clouds, but only the pure of heart have ever seen its actual body! It munches on the tops of pine trees and can be heard muttering " "Ooomph, ooomph!" softly. It is not dangerous, but the Left-Legged-Run -Around has been known to attack the unsuspecting and butt them!

[@lardo666]

@@28105wsking Please, dear reader - don't try this! 300mg of acid is almost three thousand times the normal dose. I hope the LLRA can be seen after safer more normal amounts - although it clearly demands respect.

[@sbc1t]

Fantastic , love the film.

[@taterhater7419]

i am thoroughly enjoying your hike through Scotland.Good on you for getting out. the tough part is to come.

[@erin6381]

Beautiful film quality. I have Scotland on my bucket list.

[@helenvwalker7919]

Great filming, loved the bee footage🐝

[@kiera_kayaks7521]

Just take a bus, I won't tell anyone! Lol

[@AMCD18]

So beautiful! Thank you and take good care of 🙏🏻

[@Nynke_K]

I couldn't believe you weren't in on the haggis joke! 😆 so funny 😂

[@davidandmoose1499]

Baked beans for breakfast are very common here in New Hampshire.

[@Galiuros]

Arizona Trail next year! I remember the scenes you shot at the beginning of the attempted AzTrail last time. Beautiful.

[@EatCarbs]

Thanks for the video

[@HM-gk3rq]

I like the map to show where you are!

[@LWilli5]

Scotland is so beautiful, and it’s good to see you chasing bugs and critters 😉.

[@RR-ed2ml]

Haggis and Jackalope’s 😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂. Love it! Just wait till ya get to NZ!!

[@Jawsoflo]

Got back to NYC from the WHW on July 9th! So cool you guys are there now - As you get up by Glencoe its so amazing. Stay Dry!

[@stattravels8109]

Awesome video!!!!!

[@AuburnAlum1977]

I want to go to Scotland more than ever now! What a beautiful country! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@Awenda18]

🥇You are the best B Roll videographer, Dixie💕📹Love all your vlogs!

[@janefreeman995]

I have a neighbor who would walk everyday with her infant in a little papoose thing and I remember thinking he will grow up entirely comfortable in the out of doors. 18 years later I just talked with him moments ago, getting in as much surfing as possible before heading off to school.

[@28105wsking]

I'd think there would be a lot of people up at that little tarn lake with metal detectors! That sword is just waiting to be found! And what a find it would be!

[@sarasands5]

Aww you guys are so cute.

[@jeremymerritt5564]

One of the best videos in my opinion.

[@flacat6437]

9:26 after closeups of wildflowers you floored me with that image! I could feel the cry of my Scottish ancestors in my veins!

[@nebc_yukonyeti]

Haggis & a great theme song for WHW! 🥾⛰️🇨🇦❤️

[@slighwentwalking2025]

That was fun, thanks.

[@baothiletran-ef8zn]

thank you!

[@christineconley7903]

Robert the Bruce is my 19th great grandfather on my mom's side and my 19th great grand uncle on my dad's side. Love hearing about his sword.

[@bbwoolfy]

@@christineconley7903 Does that mean your 18th great grandparents were cousins? 🤨

[@henrybutchy3242]

Cheers, Dixie

[@Wild.cat.adventures]

Omg can't believe youre over here in the uk! Hope you've had an amazing time on our little island! Wish I'd bumped into you!

[@WanderFreeWithBarb]

I love this section. Recently went back to do this as a day hike. Left my car in Bridge of Orchy and got the train back to Tyndrum and then had the most relaxed say ever walking this part without feeling the need to rush to get to my next pint on trail.

[@sagehiker]

It has been amazing to watch your evolution as hikers, now married and adding more dimensions to the trek. Yet still never missing a good poop joke or fart snark along away (grins)

[@tashlentine]

man you're making me miss Scotland - i've been up pretty much every year of my life but i haven't been since the pandemic and this has really hit me in the feels.

[@Rin22730]

This is so beautiful! You should try the East Coast Trail in Newfoundland, Canada!! :) Or the West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island!! One day...😂

[@wohlhabendermanager]

The best Scottish water can be found in Dumfries & Galloway. Their water's so delicious.

[@everyoneknowsadave3580]

The Wild Haggis is a distant relation to the Jackalope and just as elusive…. You were lucky to spot its tracks…😂

[@Karen-dq8nw]

Great music choices!

[@TheePIB]

Regarding haggis … I thought you guys were in on the joke from the outset 🤣 my understanding-based purely on reading and not on personal experience or actual academic research-is that haggis is animal (often sheep, but might be from other animals) pluck (lungs, heart) and sometimes other offal diced up super finely, mixed with suet and oats, seasoned, then stuffed into a sheep's stomach and boiled (just thought that might be interesting to share, in case others were confused)!

[@CoasttoCoastOutdoorAdventures]

I live in Phoenix. I am doing the AZ Trial in sections currently. Thanks for the content! I enjoy your channel!

[@28105wsking]

So glad you had a sunny day! Wow! Its beautiful. Hope you are fat and happy!

[@nathaliedaniela3187]

The hiker along the way is correct … “… you have to chase your dreams and make long them reality…”. ❤

[@BafMilr052]

Wait, so the haggis isn’t real? 😂😂😂. BEST DIXIE VIDEO EVER. And I love them all.

[@colleenhauptfleisch7046]

Lovely music😊.

[@longrider42]

Ah the Jackalope. I live in Wyoming, so I know all about the critters. Its a cross between a Jack Rabbit, and a Pronghorn Antelope. Fastest critter on the plains. Almost impossible to hunt ;)

[@angelaknisely-marpole7679]

Wow, a golden ringed dragonfly! Ace

[@Columbia.Hiking.Club.29212]

It is the jackiranhalope that you've got to watch out for. This crossbreed of a jackalope and a piranha is extremely dangerous and attacks as a pack, devouring its prey quickly, leaving only bones.

[@maritak.1391]

I'm surprised to see myself in your video ;-)

[@thomasfenlon2363]

civilized hiking

[@stpetie7686]

OH good! The Arizona Trail! I was thinking perhaps you'd blew that one off after the bad luck a couple of years ago. Hearing you still have it on the agenda made my day!

[@InSurrealtime]

Now that we have AI imaging the Haggis creatures have really gone crazy.

[@longrider42]

Ah yes, the Wee Wild Haggis, I know them well. Throw a stone behind them. Then when they look the other way. Clobber them. They are good eating :) And yes I really have had Haggis. My Mother used to make haggis for the Robert Burns Supper in January. And I had haggis in Scotland back in 87 when I was visiting..

[@tinacolecampbell]

❤

[@longrider42]

Okay I shall educate you about the Haggis. Being as how I have helped make a few. In the fall when animals where slaughtered for winter. There where certain parts that you could not preserve. The Heart, Liver, Kidneys and Lungs. Lungs are no longer used in Haggis. So the Heart, Liver and Kidney's would be ground up, then you would add natural Oatmeal, and spices. A bit of good Scotch, too bad the alcohol evaporates in cooking. This was then stuffed into a cleaned Sheep's stomach which was then sewn shut and then boiled till it floated. Now you do not eat the stomach part. That is just the casing. Its very good, when there is not too much liver.

[@scottishsoldiernew5326]

Are you still in Scotland I can't believe you are here as I have been a subscriber since you did the PCT etc

[@NiagaraThistle]

lolz on looking for the wild haggis!

[@Airlessmean]

i did this trail start of may and it was something ! :) what was ya best bit of the journey?

[@shinvictus]

"tastes like water" reminded me of Professor Perk on (?CDT?) with his filtered water from the scummy cow trough. "It tastes like steak and water."

[@rjhikes6248]

Such beautiful countryside. Glad y’all are having fun! 🥰

[@BeeAFinch]

If you tried scottish water you also have to try Irn bru 😂 It is the same colour as the "iron brew" you find in natures water sources. The taste though is quite different. Which one do you like better?

[@7951Aries]

I had paused this video to google what a haggis was. Lol. Then went back to video and ya'll had figured it out. 😂

[@backpacker3421]

Haggis is ground meat, oats, and spices, made into a mash, and packed in a sheep's stomach like a sausage to cook. And it's damn good if it's prepared properly. Don't go trying the garbage in a can. If you go to scotland,, or find a restaurant that serves really good scottish food, I highly recommend trying it. Most people I've met who don't like it have either never tried well prepared haggis, or are just hung up on the stomach part.