Scotland’s West Highland Way: A Journey Into the Highlands

A cinematic guide through one of the most special and oldest thru-hikes in Scotland: The West Highland Way 🥾 ⛰️
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00:00 - Intro
01:05 - Getting to the trail
01:35 - Stage 1: Milngavie to Loch Lomond
06:55 - Stage 2: Loch Lomond to Crianlarich
08:40 - Stage 3: Crianlarich to Inveroran
10:31 - Stage 4: Inveroran to kinlochleven
12:50 - Stage 5: Kinlochleven to Fort William
14:33 - What's next?

[@eric_festinger]

That was gorgeous 🤩 Thanks for sharing!

[@jackbrookes]

Thanks Eric 🙏

[@thais30stm]

Thank you so much for this beautiful hiking vlog. This will be my first long hiking experience, this was so beautiful to watch, following 🥰🫶🏻

[@jackbrookes]

Thanks for the comment :)

[@silkewind1711]

great video! Cinematically good and interesting storytelling with some good tips. So thank you, I enjoyed it

[@jackbrookes]

Thanks so much! Glad you liked it :)

[@A7xforlifeRev]

4th time this year wild camping and walking the west highland way, can’t wait to do it all again 🤟great video dude

[@jackbrookes]

Definitely on my list to do again as well!

[@dustymillar7026]

I only started walking when I turned 60, but have completed the "way" twice, first time 7 days, 2nd time 5 days. It's glorious! Message to the people, the midges can be cruel. I iearned very quickly that the best time to do it is the 3rd or 4th week in May, before they show. This is also a time where you have a chance of decent weather, but don't come knocking on my door if it rains every day!!! Scottish weather? If you're not happy, just wait for 20 minutes!

[@adkc19]

I'm 60 in a month and am getting the gear together for this walk. Thank you for your tips, I'm working on the confidence to do this

[@jackbrookes]

Love it thanks for the comment! Can’t underestimate just how special a place Scotland is 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@jackbrookes]

Good luck! You’ll love it

[@globalheart]

I so, so miss the highlands!! I don't recall the midges though..perhaps i was so happy that they just didn't matter? Thank you for the guiding walk :)

[@ChrisRhysHarris]

Dude this is amazing!! This videos needs further reach 🙌 its done great already!

[@jackbrookes]

Appreciate it!!

[@ayeapprove]

Great work on the map and path animation and generally good video editing. I did 240km on the Camino Del Norte and I'm looking into the West Highland Way for next year, so thanks for the inspiration

[@jackbrookes]

Thanks! Hope you enjoy it when you go - it's an incredible place

[@TheHippoHop]

The intro gave me goose bumps. What an incredible video!

[@jackbrookes]

Thanks! Appreciate the comment 👌

[@crazyoldmaninthewoods]

Great video, I'm planning to bike the route in May with a friend. Hopefully not too many midges around then. Thanks for filming, Andy

[@jackbrookes]

Hey Andy hope you have a great time! Amazing trail and definitely one of the better times of the year to do it. Enjoy - Jack

[@SunnyGlasgow]

great video, Jack, thank you 👍

[@jackbrookes]

Thanks Tony 👌

[@barrypanaretou9124]

You have inspired me! Fantastic video 👌🏼

[@jackbrookes]

Cheers Barry!

[@Flurb_Xray]

Thank you for inspiration. Looking forward to walk the WHW this year. Greetings from Poland.

[@jackbrookes]

Thanks so much for the comment! Good luck on your hike - you’ll love it

[@sarahhuntley4818]

Fab video! Thanks!

[@jackbrookes]

Thanks!

[@kraigadams]

great job on this my dude. Planning my hike for next week

[@jackbrookes]

Mate!! can't believe you have commented on this haha. Hope you have a fantastic time - big inspiration to me. You will love Scotland.

[@dougieranger]

Fantastic movie Jack, absolutely loved it mate.

[@jackbrookes]

Thanks Doug 👌

[@ianhutchings6054]

Great film!!

[@jackbrookes]

Thanks Ian 🙏

[@VinCentjes5]

Me and my friend are planning to go to Scotland and hike this route this would be our first hike far from home, your video is very informative

[@jackbrookes]

Thanks for the comment and good luck on your hike! You’ll love it 👌

[@Clides-gg8ll]

This is by far the best documentary on KZbin man! I loved every second of it, I could hear your voice all day long! Also I wanted to ask, what shoes were you wearing?

[@jackbrookes]

Thanks so much! 🙏 they’re Brooks Cascadia trail runners. I love them! Can check them out on my gear vid :)

[@traceylasslett5514]

Excellent! Plan on hiking for my 60th . AT hiker so I’m sure this way different. Great information. Loved that you wild camped which is how I want to do the trail. Not into touristy stuff. Flying from the NJ. Be well and Trail on!🥾🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@jackbrookes]

Thanks Tracey! Hope you have a great time when you get on the trail - Jack

[@davidcurrie5230]

Hi this film of the WHW has certainly been one if not the best I have watched some incredible scenery. You make the whole journey look so Magical. I have visited the Highlands several times to look for what is left of the Incredible but rare Caladonian Pine Forest. Once again beautiful thanking you for taking your time to view some Tremendous Scenery Take Care David

[@jackbrookes]

Thank you David for the comment - it’s much appreciated All the best - Jack

[@MaylesTrails]

Good video Jack 👏 I'll be doing the West Highland Way in a couple of months. So, there was some useful information there.

[@jackbrookes]

Thanks 🙏 it’s Ana amazing trail, you’ll have a fantastic time!

[@MaylesTrails]

@@jackbrookes Cheers! Looking forward to it 🥾

[@Scordroid]

Did WHW in July 2017…Kinlochleven was the best day…Special memories..would like to do it every year.

[@jackbrookes]

Agreed - very special place isn't it

[@tanyangjie8131]

Thank you for making these videos! They are so beautifully shot. My friend and I are planning to visit Scotland this May and we want to do some hiking. We are considering between the West Highland Way and the Skye Trail that you did previously, any thoughts on which we should go for? :')

[@jackbrookes]

Hey thanks for the comment :) I would recommend WHW as a good starting option, though if you have the experience and are happy with slightly more poor weather risk then I would recommend the Skye Trail :)

[@timothey_sullivan]

In - Credible. Wow. Thank you. We love your work. Question: we were looking at your Lighter Pack and are curious about what shorts and shirt (s) your using on the trail. Thank you!

[@jackbrookes]

Thanks Timothey! My shorts are nike running shorts - about $30, and the shirt is a Nike plain running T that was about $25. Got some more info in my gear vid I’ll attach below :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5-VpmimmJaslc0

[@timothey_sullivan]

@@jackbrookes thank you so much! I totally missed it in the gear video. Thank you very much for taking the time!

[@jimg9820]

I have visited some of the places on the trail but would love to do it all one day! Loch Lomond is stunning and well worth a few days to visit the islands and climb Ben Lomond.

[@jackbrookes]

Amazing isn’t it - I’d love to get back and to climb Ben Lomond at some point

[@jimg9820]

@@jackbrookes Its a very straightforward walk up to the summit - but it can be busy as its so close to Glasgow - perfect for a day out!

[@BenderLudwig]

Thank you!

[@jackbrookes]

You’re welcome!

[@je710817]

Best pup crawl ever!!😎🍻

[@jackbrookes]

So many on the way 😂 🍻

[@enricodaprato8327]

HI! Great films...Did you do the WHW and the Skye trail together? Do you think it's possible to do both? Would you recommend it? Thanks 🤸🏻

[@jackbrookes]

Hey Enrico - yes definitely! with a day in between to get between the end of the trails 👌

[@aylinc8047]

Wow! This looks stunning. Which month where you there?

[@jackbrookes]

Thanks! It was early August :)

[@daynearthur7980]

i just visited isle of skye, really beautiful, wish someday i can try this route

[@jackbrookes]

Incredible place isn't it!

[@ARA230392]

Amazing video! At what month did you do the hike?

[@jackbrookes]

Thanks! I went in early August :)

[@MiddleAgeManAdventures]

Hi - great video - very helpful did you book camp sites or just turn up?

[@jackbrookes]

I just turned up :)

[@TheWhitehiker]

All good-- thanks much!

[@jackbrookes]

You're welcome!

[@Intake33]

Great video. Thanks for putting it together. Just out of interest have you done the Cape Wrath?

[@jackbrookes]

Thanks! And no not yet - it's on my list though. Have you?

[@Intake33]

Yes. Try do it most years. Have expanded it over the years to incorporate some of the fantastic mountains close to the route eg Sgurr Ghiubsachain day 1, Sgurr Thuilm day 2 Spur na Chichi day 3 etc also some big ones such as Liathach Slioch and An Teallach. Was going to do the WHW in April @@jackbrookes but that might have to wait until next year due to injury. Your video is the best introduction I have seen to what it is really like.

[@jackbrookes]

@@Intake33 thanks for the in-depth comment - I definitely want to do it again and will include those mountains to the trail. Hope the injury heals quickly! and appreciate the kind words 👌

[@schaalom1]

Hey jack! Great work :) i am planning a hiking trip for my summer holidays in scottland, bit i am relatively new in this area. I've also watched your viedeo about the hiking route on the island of skye. Which one do you think is better for beginners- this one or the one on the island of skye? :))

[@jackbrookes]

Hey Salome thanks for the comment! I would recommend WHW for beginners, easier access and if something goes wrong it's not as remote :) get confident with wild camping and thru hiking on the WHW then make the Skye Trail your second hike 👌

[@schaalom1]

@@jackbrookes Thank you very much for your response :)

[@Outdoor-Dom]

Doing this one in summer and going back to Fort William for the Cape Wraith Trail in the kext year with sole more experience.

[@jackbrookes]

Sounds good Dominic! Have a great time, you’ll love it

[@BlueDragon00]

btw do you know maybe someone who did cape wrath trail?I am gathering info for potential summer walk

[@freyasworn2600]

Hello Jack, hope you are well. Nice video i enjoyed it. I'm thinking of camping around Highlands in september time to december. Say if i'm wild camping and find a spot i like, would be acceptable to leave my tent up and belongings in that i'm not to bothered about getting robbed, and go off wondering to come back again at night? I ask this question, not out of worry of stuff being robbed, but to not find my site all cleared up from someone who thinks they are doing the right thing? I know you cant speak of the action of strangers, but how busy did you find the routes you took through Scotland? Did you see people everyday? Maybe i can leave a little note on tent entrance saying i will be back later lol

[@jackbrookes]

Hey Freya thanks for the comment! I myself have never done it, there's always people on the trail as well, especially the WHW. I myself probably wouldn't risk it unless it's a very isolated spot you've found. I think it's unlikely anything would happen but there's always a chance with these busier trails

[@BlueDragon00]

Man this quality is really insane, so sad that more people dont watch this videos

[@jackbrookes]

Cheers Destro as always!! think I need to be quicker with getting the content out, hopefully with time things keep growing 😅

[@BlueDragon00]

@@jackbrookes ye hit me up if you need new ideas for trips :p

[@jackbrookes]

@Destro if you have some recommendations then absolutely please share 😅

[@BlueDragon00]

@@jackbrookes contact me privately because this is longer talk

[@karimbouasker7078]

Hey, Thx for the video. I'm planning to do the tour with a friend. We thought about using our hammocks to sleep in the wild. What is your opinion. Is a good hike to find places for a hammock? Thx

[@jackbrookes]

Hey thanks for the comment! And yes absolutely, they’re are some spots for sure! I would just want to have a tarp in case of rain - which is a common occurrence on the WHW 😂

[@nicholasgray2503]

Curious on what offline map you used for this hike? Or did you use a paper map?

[@jackbrookes]

Hey Nicholas I used offline maps on AllTrails :) I pay for the subscription to be able to download offline

[@Fungobackpacking]

I am about to do WHW in next month, good to see this.

[@jackbrookes]

You’re welcome! Enjoy it!

[@barneyboy141]

Done the west highland way 4 times and everytime I find loch lomond is a total nightmare lol I opted for the original route along lochlomand if anyone has ever done it its very risky when wet at some points . Coming down the devil's staircase isn't very enjoyable either as you have to look at your feet most of the time to stop you from slipping

[@jackbrookes]

Great info cheers Paul - appreciate it 👌

[@elithayer8926]

Hi Jack - you mentioned that you stayed at a hotel one night. Is it usually possible to find rooms at stops along the way at the last minute? Thanks!

[@jackbrookes]

I found that there was quite a bit of availability yes! In August (school holidays) it can get quite busy though so I would try to book ahead where possible

[@elithayer8926]

@@jackbrookes that’s great to know, thank you!

[@Letsgetyouahouse-room]

Im wondering if it's too bad an idea to do it first week of April. 😢

[@jackbrookes]

I think it’s doable! Just be prepared for cold weather and rain ☔️

[@lauriequirk4949]

What time of year is this?

[@jackbrookes]

August / September 👌

[@lukeclayton-holland1564]

How much was bus back to Glasgow

[@jackbrookes]

Hey Luke it was about £15-£20

[@el_tejon383]

What dates!?

[@jackbrookes]

Ah I did it in the first half of August!

[@ahmadalshamsi5085]

Where did you take a shower?

[@jackbrookes]

I didn’t - I swam

[@dalestewart2868]

Well done, in completing the West Highland WAY, so efficiently, and quickly. Hope you don't mind a bit of criticism, but it seems to me, you completely missed the point. The WHW , is an adventure. An experience. Stop a day. Swim. Meet people. Go to pub. Get drunk. Swim. Stray off the way and back on again. Rejoice in the beauty of the intimacy of the path. The geology. The wildlife. You've marched 104 miles. What was the point of that. Maybe, do it again. Take a week, or longer. Live, the WHW.

[@jackbrookes]

Thanks Dale!

[@nikitaponomarenko1263]

Bro, trail running downhill even a with a light backpack = blown out IT Band

[@jackbrookes]

No doubt

[@chrishu6375]

Business Inquiry: Hi there, may I have your email for some business inquiries? We don't have INS. Really sorry for that and Thank you so much

[@jackbrookes]

Hey yeah sure - [e-mail]

[@chrishu6375]

@@jackbrookes Thank you so much, Jack! An inquiry email will be sent to you within 2 days. Have a good day! Best wishes

[@timschleifer3138]

very much enjoyed the video and I can only agree with joshuadavis498, keep up the good work

[@jackbrookes]

Thanks Tim, much appreciated 🙏

[@RockyGoesHiking]

Great film!

[@jackbrookes]

Thanks!