Solo Hiking 156km on West Highland Way in Scotland (kraig adams style)

[@JonathanLundmark]

If you enjoyed this video please consider supporting me by subscribing to my channel :) Any feedback is also highly appreciated!

[@johnsettlage]

I did a solo WHW in May 2022 and struggled to describe the experience to others afterwards. My pix just don't capture it. THIS video is reveals what it's like to stroll the length of the trail all on your own. The only diff is I didn't camp. Otherwise, if you're wondering whether to do this walk, this is should convince you. Plus I 💙 there is no narration!

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thank you very much, glad to hear you liked it!

[@VanLifeMum]

Thanks for this, great to see the different paths etc .I'm doing it solo May 2023 😃

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thanks yourself, glad you found it informative! It was a good solo hike!

[@janrandles8683]

Living my dream. Solo hike in a faraway place. Loved the silence. Very meditative.

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thank you Jan and glad you found it meditative, I tried a different format this time opting for precisely that (no talking, better microphone for nature sound capture and less overtaking music as opposed to my earlier hiking videos that always to some degree involve commentary)

[@JensSöderblom]

Tack för en fin film! Riktigt hög nivå på filmning, klipp och komposition. Imponerande!

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thank you very much Jens! I would not say anything less of your work :)

[@dougieranger]

What a fantastic film. No drama, no useless chit chat, just epic scenery and what looked like some great food. Thanks for sharing your adventure Jonathan. Subbed.

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thank you very much, I appreciate it! Seems to be a bit of a water divider where some people prefer a bit of talking along the way and some don’t.

[@dougieranger]

@@JonathanLundmark I don’t mind either but there’s a time for the sounds of nature.

[@JonathanLundmark]

Touché 🍃

[@Joyraffeable]

I love the not talking! You must have walked it several times over to get all that video! I'd like to do it one day at the same time of year, so beautiful!

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thanks! Yes, the hike did take a bit longer due to the walking back and forth, however what took up most of my time when creating this video was to take up and down the camera as well as switch lenses. It was my first time bringing a proper camera and external microphone setup with a tripod and I'm still getting used to it.

[@Joyraffeable]

@@JonathanLundmark it was worth it! 🙂

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thanks 🙏

[@ervinslens]

This is outstanding scenery, video is just epic. Editing is done masterfully here, congrats 👌👌🥾🥾

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thank you very much, highly appreciate it!

[@photographytraveller956]

great Video, thanks for your work.

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it!

[@debbieaschenbach5635]

I thoroughly enjoyed this very serene and meditative journey you shared. I appreciated the silence to just be able to take in the beauty of your adventure. Technically everything was put together magnificently and I was able to almost feel present in the moment. Bravo!

[@JonathanLundmark]

Wow, thank you very! I was aiming for immersion with this format so I'm very happy to read this! My initial concern with this new shooting style was that it would feel less engaging and dragged out without any talking.

[@debbieaschenbach5635]

@@JonathanLundmark being from Wisconsin, USA I love nature and really appreciated being able to just take in the beauty of this wonderful adventure through your "eyes". As much as I would love to travel and experience such majestic sights I may never get the chance, so I truly thank you!

[@JonathanLundmark]

Glad to hear you enjoyed the format, I might stick with it going forward! Thank you for this valuable feedback and hope you get to enjoy the hike yourself one day!

[@kimberlym4289]

Beautiful video. I'm so impressed that on top of hiking/camping for 7 days, you filmed all of the "passing by" shots- all of those extra steps to give us this incredible video! Much love

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thank you very much! It’s a bit back and forth and a few extra kilos but I enjoyed the hike!

[@peterriley6232]

great quality, brings back memories

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thank you!

[@larsadriaanse7914]

Amazing video! such high quality, truely amazing!

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thank you for your comment! Glad you liked it.

[@verahowland3577]

Just beautiful. Getting to see scenery I usually only see from the road. What a special treat.

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thanks! Yes the drone does enable some unique perspectives 🤖

[@user-on9rl7rz1l]

When i watching this beauty nature i feel so relief and relax. How beautiful our wild nature could be))

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thank you! Indeed very beautiful.

[@peterrutherford4230]

Absolutely loved the video. Thank you so much for the care and attention taken. It basically summed up my own experience but much better than my efforts at capturing it. I never got to see Loch Lomond from Conic hill as it was a white out. Now I know what I missed.

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thank you too! Glad you enjoyed it, the views from Conic hill were great. I got lucky with the weather!

[@Kaplanlit]

I love the Kraig Adams style. I did the WHW in 2015, in six days, and this video has reminded me of the whole rute. Thank you.

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thank you! Glad you liked it - did it change any since 2015?

[@Kaplanlit]

@@JonathanLundmark Mainly, it was raining more than in your video, you were lucky, jajaja. The route was somewhat different. Milngavie-Drymen-Rowardennan-Crianlarich-Inveroran-Kinlochleven-Fort William. Like you, I couldn't do Ben Nevis either because of the fog.

[@JonathanLundmark]

I got lucky indeed :)

[@ruthlane6829]

I’ve wondered if the WHW was a doable hike for me. This (beautiful) video is giving me a lot of helpful information about what it is like and it is now going on the top of my list! Thank you, Jonathan Lundmark!

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thank you very much and glad it was helpful! The days stretched from 20-33km so quite long stretches, but most often the terrain was quite flat and roads easy to walk. The route towards Beinglass farm from Sallochy was the toughest part. You can split the hike into more days than I did it in to make the hike a bit more easier, I think the standard itinerary suggests 8 or 9 days.

[@SueLearnedSpittle]

My husband and I watched your video last night. Excellent job! It brought back memories of our 2014 West Highland Way walk. Thanks for sharing!

[@JonathanLundmark]

Glad to hear! I’m curious to know if the trail seemed any different from 2014?

[@SueLearnedSpittle]

@@JonathanLundmark The trail looked pretty much the same. The biggest difference was the remodeled Kings House Hotel. It was much more rustic (old) when we stayed there. Our last day walking into Fort William was so rainy that we had no views of much at all.

[@JonathanLundmark]

I see, thanks for sharing. I got about 1.5 rainy days myself which I think is lucky considering the scottish weather being unpredictable!

[@SueLearnedSpittle]

@@JonathanLundmark Yes, you had excellent weather for Scotland. I’ll look forward to you next adventure!

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thank you! Will upload a failed attempt on Ben Nevis via the ridge in a few weeks :)

[@kananvickroy9917]

Hiking this in a month with a group. Your video really helped show the path - how difficult or not difficult it is in places. Thank you!

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thank you very much! Glad it was helpful :)

[@SimaJovanovic]

Love the cinematics!

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thank you!

[@ratb9362]

what an AMAZING video !! that is some work you have put in to it ! thank you for a great, detailed video of the WHW !!!

[@JonathanLundmark]

Wow, thank you! Glad you liked it :)

[@carrieb6688]

This is fantastic! I completed my solo backpacking of the WHW in September. I’m pretty sure we had the same site at Sallochy. 🙂 Thank you for capturing the experience so perfectly. It was so nice to relive it all while watching. Subscribed & excited to watch more of your adventures.

[@JonathanLundmark]

Glad to hear that you liked it, thank you for watching and subscribing 🙏

[@vincentdemilo2171]

Lovely video, a quiet, relaxing documentary of your trek which was probably harder than it looks. Nice work.

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thank you! A bit of back and forth and long distances for the sections but easy paths!

[@SJG23]

Wonderful video and very well put together, I liked the style. It was good to see you on the way during this! Look forward to more videos

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thank you, glad you liked it!

[@colinb007]

Jonathan Lundmark really well done pal 👍 full respect , that took a lot of effort especially when you are filming walking away and then you need to return to retrieve your camera . You really show the full details of your walk which was excellent , I’m always interested in other peoples techniques with walking and wild camping , from that aspect the viewer feels as if they are on the journey with you . Excellent work 👍👍

[@JonathanLundmark]

Very happy to read this, I was going for exactly this - more immersion by not vlogging and capturing more sounds from nature instead. Thank you!

[@amputeeoutdoors]

Great video. I recommend watching it.

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thank you kindly!

[@tomcoleman6440]

Best video of the West Highland way I've seen!

[@JonathanLundmark]

Wow, what a compliment! Thank you very much Tom.

[@user-kx2bc1mg4v]

非常美丽的自然风景，能在这种环境下长途步行是一件非常棒的体验。感谢您的分享！

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thank you! Indeed it was a great experience!

[@sallyhuang7703]

Very nice landscape. Also, you're profassional in photograph. Thank you for sharing.

[@JonathanLundmark]

As an amateur I take this as a huge compliment, thank you!

[@LEN-km6mq]

good one. Your video makes me miss Scotland even more

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thank you! Hope you get to enjoy the hike as well some day!

[@filipgaliza8477]

Wonderful video! I totally miss Scotland and this brought back loads of great memories. Happy Trails!

[@JonathanLundmark]

Happy to hear, thank you!

[@NickGoesHiking]

Excellent video, thanks for sharing Hoping to do the whw later this year, most likely solo

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thank you! Nice, will you upload your trek as well?

[@NickGoesHiking]

@JonathanLundmark Absolutely 😁 I love documenting my hikes, I recently started my channel as a sort of diary to my older self but soon realised there are others who enjoy watching them too which is nice

[@JonathanLundmark]

Glad to hear it! And agree its nice others are watching :)

[@greyhikes5236]

That passage way before Tyndrum I remember it well! Greta video well shot!👍

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thanks you!

[@hikesome]

So beautiful Jonathan! Thats the top quality solo hikes I am looking for. Peacful, relaxing and incredible scenery. I enjoyed following you out there and looking forward to your next adventures. Happy trails, Mario

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thank you very much 🙌 Glad you liked it and more to come!

[@WestCoastKilties]

Walking meditation at its best 👌

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thanks!

[@peterriley6232]

Just figured out that if you click on chapters you can go to diiferent sections of the walk, nice touch

[@JonathanLundmark]

Indeed! I was thinking about adding location texts in the video but went with this solution instead to keep the image clean

[@fishingscotland3068]

Doing this on the 24th.of July nervous but really excited to do it

[@JonathanLundmark]

I’m sure it will go great! Add a buffer day or two to account for a slower pace than expected 👌

[@aleqtu]

Well done Jonathan, enjoyed every second of this. Keep gooing. 👊

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thank you very much! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@harryrussell2412]

Outstanding. I enjoyed every second of it.

[@JonathanLundmark]

Glad to hear it! Thanks.

[@sonnybroderman8713]

Sjukt imponerad av din storytelling utan ett enda ord. Riktigt bra!

[@JonathanLundmark]

Tack! 🙏

[@SilentCamper]

Simply Excellent! I'm doing the WHW in a few weeks and if my footage is half as good as yours I'll be pleased. I would have liked a little commentary about the the journey, but the video does not suffer from not having it. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thank you! I'm sure your footage will be great. Regarding no commentary I'm testing this new format out and I do think it is both more relaxing and immersive, but also less informative and engaging so there's 2 sides to the coin. Given that rationale, which format would you prefer?

[@SilentCamper]

@Jonathan Lundmark I agree I think there is an arguement for both styles, but I would have liked just a little commentary here and there to serve both as information, and more importantly to show us a little bit of your personality.

[@JonathanLundmark]

That is useful information, ahead I’m planning to do 2 videos per hike. 1 silent-hikealong and 1 guide/itinerary to cover all needs!

[@paulevans1139]

Great video, you must have done twice the distance, with all the walking back to pick up the camera 👏👏👌👍😁

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thank you! Haha yes things did get a little bit tougher with the camera, mostly taking it up and down and shifting lenses though.

[@Amatoren]

Looks stunning! Very impressed and amazing shots.

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thanks Karl! 😘

[@francessummers3539]

I really enjoyed your video. Thank you for posting.

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed it!

[@Ericidryfly]

I thought it was a beautiful video. Just subscribed to your channel

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@alconlan1754]

Great job on the hike and on the video Jonathan! The scenery is so beautiful and you really did a great job of capturing the peace and allure of your surroundings. I have subscribed and look forward to your upcoming adventures!

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thank you for your feedback, glad to hear!

[@moshikohadad]

Amazing video and so beautiful place thanks for the adventure

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thank you!

[@martinsherry]

great video, one of the best of whw i have seen, and i have watched a fair few. :) kudos for putting in so much effort. and respect for carrying all your own food (that is a heavy pack to be carrying!).

[@JonathanLundmark]

Wow what a compliment! Thank you for those kind words. Yes I most certainly did feel the around 18kg on the back but it was worth it! There were more food options than I first thought along the way so I had quite a lot of food left when finishing the trek (hamburgers along the way were just too tempting after a long days hiking)

[@martinsherry]

@@JonathanLundmark hahaha yea i was glad to see you had some real food on the trip, the idea of eating nothing but packets of reconstituted dried food for a week is not a happy one. ;) If i had to give any other feedback on the video i would perhaps suggest splitting them into chunks. i think 15-20,mins is more than enough and yt will normally serve up the next item for viewers automatically if it has the same title 1/2…2/2 etc…and it means that you would have more content on your channel so more likely to be picked up by the algorithm i guess, and your viewer retention rate would be higher as i suspect that perhaps some people drop out before watching the full 40,mins. i’m sure there are others who prefer to see the whole video in one sitting, so please don’t take the suggestion as a criticism, it’s only my own personal thought, and i thought the video was great.

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thanks for this! I haven’t thought about doing it that way. In my earlier uploads I used to put an itinerary guide and review of the hike at the end of the video. But it felt in this case the video would become too long. What I am considering to do for this one is a standalone guide to complement. How to plan, where to stay, where to eat and section difficulties etc.

[@grant666uk]

Never thought about adding a narrative track over it. Pity you cant have multiple tracks like on a Blu-ray. Would love a com track. lol Oh and almost 19kg on your back. Insane !!!!!

[@JonathanLundmark]

Yep i'm a bit torn on that part myself. In my other hiking videos I typically vlog throughout the hike talking about the experience as i go, which to me makes it slightly more engaging and entertaining. However not saying a single word (like in this video) I think makes the hiking experience more immersive and relaxing. Having a togglable track is a great idea, hope it's implemented!

[@JimBobele]

Absolutely gorgeous video! Love this style. And man you put a lot of effort into this video. All this back and forth running to pick up the camera again. Well done. I just came back from scotland. I finished the WHW last tuesday. I had a lot of rain so it's such a pleasure to see some of the places during sunshine. Fortunately I wasn't camping. It's an awesome hike. I had so much fun despite the rain. I'll definitely will be back sometimes. Happy hiking

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thank you very much! Happy to hear you liked the format which for me was attempting a new way of creating hiking videos (without any talking). Yes I did get quite lucky with the weather I suppose! ☀️Might be back one day too!

[@y2kbug58]

Enjoyed your video and also checked out your other vids. Great work!

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thank you 🙇

[@lukeclayton-holland1564]

Great video

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thank you!

[@alainducobu6547]

Nice trip good work.

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thanks for taking the time to say so! I enjoyed the trip although not as ”wild” as hikes can get

[@alainducobu6547]

@@JonathanLundmark Next year going to the whw with my wife en children.

[@JonathanLundmark]

@@alainducobu6547 best of luck! Good choice of trail to bring the family along!

[@jackmccann7147]

Amazing quality mate. Some of the shots were just awesome. Great to see some old familiar landmarks from a different perspective. I'm heading there in 8 days. Not my first trip and probably not my last although I always say it is. I really need to get my drone skills sorted out. 😂 Many thanks...

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thank you very much, appreciate it! Will you make a hiking video yourself? 😊

[@jackmccann7147]

I have all the gear but haven't had time to suss out my drone fully. I'll be relying on my GoPro so you never know. Praying to the weather gods. 🙏

[@JonathanLundmark]

@@jackmccann7147 Best of luck to you, happy hiking!

[@lhommeetsonchientreketrando]

Good style !!

[@JonathanLundmark]

Well thank you!

[@faithgonehumanity5722]

The garden with the chickens is my garden.

[@JonathanLundmark]

Oh really?! 😃 They were so nice!

[@faithgonehumanity5722]

@@JonathanLundmark yup, I can see Noodle , Nugget and Dodo at the fence. Next time if you repeat the WHW . Knock on the door. I will put the kettle on. Enjoy life and all your adventures

[@JonathanLundmark]

Sorry for the very late reply, I most definitively will if I go back at a later stage in life! Thanks for the hospitality, much appreciated ❤️

[@eliasfriman9445]

Beautiful video!

[@henningskauli4376]

Jeg liker ditt blikk for motiver og detaljer i både lyd og bilde. Mange av scenene er meditative og gode å oppleve med både øyne og ører. For meg fungerte det fint uten kommentarer i selve videoen, men jeg liker dine kommentarer avslutningsvis. Du kunne gjerne hatt flere klipp uten deg i bildet; vi vet jo at du går der. Blanding av drone og andre klipp fungerer fint, synes jeg. Bra at du ikke fristes til hurtigere veksling mellom scener. Jeg skal følge deg videre. Du inspirerer til både friluftsliv og bruk av video. Takk.

[@Fed-np9ez]

Hey amazing video! Tx for sharing ❤️ was thinking of doing the West highland way this year, was wondering, you seem to catch a lot of daylight and sun, which month did you go in? Also how was the temperature on average? Tx so much!! Keep making vids we're supporting you!

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thank you very much! Glad you liked it. I went late april to early may, don’t remember the temperature but on sunny days t-shirt worked! However it does get cold during night and important to bring many layers and warm as well as rainproof clothing. Hope you do the trek and best of luck!

[@ttttttorgau429]

You've put SO much work into this - you make the video work look easy. All that extra walking to include yourself. Well done. And all without words!. planning the trip in June next year. Did you encounter midges? Are gaiters necessary? Were 'wild camping' places easy to find? How did you charge the drone? Thanks.

[@JonathanLundmark]

Hi! Some work was put in but I enjoyed it, thanks! Gaiters are not neccessary and I did not encounter any midges but others often do. Wild camping places are not always easy to find, because there are areas where its not allowed such as next to Loch Lomond. I brought a lot of batteries and was able to charge them in Tyndrum where I booked a hotel. You can also charge electronics all arranged campsites you encounter! When are you hiking? :)

[@colacadm]

@@JonathanLundmark Thanks for the information. I asked about battery charging before I had watched all of the video. I’m planning the walk in late June 2023. Because I am travelling light I may need to use the hostel accommodation instead of camping even though I prefer the flexibility (and low cost) of camping. I had thought about doing longer days and finishing in 5 or 6 days but may need to re think that in case of poor weather or beautiful scenery to ponder/ photograph.

[@JonathanLundmark]

How did it go, you end up hiking WHW? :)

[@colacadm]

@@JonathanLundmark Yes. Did 7 days in late June. Bought a small Vango Soul 200 tent in Glasgow and also took a lightweight golf umbrella which was brilliant. Saved having to onandoff wet weather gear in the variable weather. Could have sold the umbrella a dozen times for a lot 😀. Agree that wild camps are not exactly easy to find nor good quality nor protected from weather but managed OK. Had good company (strangers who became friends) along the trail. Ate out most nights so no need for stove (weight). Great fun and lovely to be home on Scotland.

[@JonathanLundmark]

Lovely to hear it went well! Seems like you had a good time 🙌

[@pauliepeanut]

Riktigt fin film! När under året spelades detta in?

[@JonathanLundmark]

Hi! This hike took place during late april to early may!

[@peachkling9613]

Just beautiful. What time of the year did you go? I will be walking Aug/Sept 2024

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thank you! I went from late april to early may

[@dvf0815]

Great video, thank you 😊 I would be interested to know how much the trip cost you, without a flight, just for the food and where you slept in a guesthouse?

[@JonathanLundmark]

Hi! Unfortunately I don’t recall the amounts, standard UK pricing from what I recall though in terms of food and accomodation, not cheap not expensive

[@1CelloOne]

What month did you walk The West Highland Trail? Loved the video 😊

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thank you! I started the hike in late April and arrived in Fort William early March. Are you planning to go this year yourself? If so - best of luck!

[@1CelloOne]

Thank you. No, I won't be hiking that trail anytime soon but I enjoy watching the videos of people that do.@@JonathanLundmark

[@amputeeoutdoors]

High quality video and great scenery. What's the highest elevation on the West Highland Way?

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thanks for saying so and the landscape was indeed beautiful! The highest elevation point is just 548m above sea level. Total elevation for the trail is around 3000m. Are you planning to hike the west highland way yourself?

[@amputeeoutdoors]

@@JonathanLundmark One day perhaps. My plan is that when I retire, I'll return to England and from the southernmost tip to the northernmost. Until then, it's hiking in the Cascades of Washington state. Check out my KZbin channel.

[@JonathanLundmark]

Congrats on 1K subs amigo!

[@debbiebutterworth8937]

Can i ask what months you did this walk please? Great vid!

[@JonathanLundmark]

Of course! I went during late april to early may. Thank you!

[@Metrojakk]

Hi, nice Video wich week have you been there or month?

[@JonathanLundmark]

Hi! Thank you - I went there from end of April to early May.

[@ulrichschulze7026]

Great filming, but some commenting would have been nice imo.

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thank you, glad you liked the filming. A bit of a water divider on the commentary, I wanted to try 100% no talking and some seemed to prefer it. I personally think it becomes more immersive and relaxing without, but of course less informative and a bit less entertaining. Thinking about doing a separate upload to complement - more like a guide.

[@kimpriessloft371]

Hej Jonathan. Virkelig fin video, du har lavet - tak for det! 🙌Hvilken tid på året, var du afsted? Bedste hilsner. Kim/DK😊

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thanks! I went late april - early may. Cheers!

[@Alloramadai]

Sign us up - NOW!

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thanks!

[@akshayjabi3090]

Which month did you do this?

[@JonathanLundmark]

Hi! I hiked the WHW during late april until early may. Are you planning to go yourself? Best of luck!

[@akshayjabi3090]

@@JonathanLundmark Thank you for replying. Yes, I am planning to go. Do you suggest early May would be better?

[@JonathanLundmark]

@@akshayjabi3090 I’m happy with my trip so I’d advice going the same time which was starting late april and then ending it in fort william start of may. Don’t have the exakt dates but something along those lines! May is considered a popular month but also means less people in April. Also less risk of midges the sooner you go!

[@Darkened_Sol]

Please could you tell us what you guys packed and what the weight was?

[@JonathanLundmark]

Hi! Yes there is a link in the description for my full detailed packing list

[@Darkened_Sol]

@@JonathanLundmark great stuff! We are looking to do this in September, but we are worried about overpacking. We are looking to train up to walking with our full packs on for each day. What was the most difficult part of the journey for you?

[@Darkened_Sol]

@@JonathanLundmark also, what kind of tape do you use on your feet to help prevent blisters?

[@JonathanLundmark]

The most difficult part was between Sallochy Campsite to Beinglass Farm. I highly recommend camping at Sallochy though, the best spot on the entire trek!

[@JonathanLundmark]

Standard ”surgeon tape” found at the pharmacy, it’s a great way to prevent bilisters entirely on multi day hikes!