The West Highland Way Is DISGUSTING! (WHW EP2)

[@northwestwalking]

I must say, your production quality is amazing. I’ve been enjoying your videos for a couple years now and am always impressed by how you can turn a simple camp out into a beautiful and fun experience but this series you have truly outdone yourself!

[@StephenJReid]

Thank you 🙂 I really wanted to try and put as much production quality into this as possible. Downside was it meant my average speed on the trail was less than 2miles per hour for quite a lot of it😂

[@peakandpaddleuk]

It’s so sad seeing the shit and the rubbish. I spent a few days camping and kayaking around the islands in Loch Lomond in February this year, and the amount of rubbish strewn along the shorelines is genuinely depressing. I tried to clean up as much of it as I could, but I kept wondering: people come here because it’s beautiful, so why they do then spoil it? I’ll never understand.

[@haraldtheyounger5504]

Laziness, "someone else will clean it up". Too many are too thick to understand the effects of their actions.

[@lolcatz88]

I’ll never understand the mentality. I often wonder if their homes are filthy too

[@BTurner.]

It’s the same in the Lake District, I was up past Ullswater last weekend and loads of people camping along the lakeside leaving their crap despite having their car literally twenty feet away. These aren’t wild campers, just people buying cheap camping gear for a cheap weekend out who don’t have a clue.

[@StephenJReid]

I’ve heard the Lake District had problems. I try and educate when I can in my videos.

[@christopherwhittaker2620]

Is that the whole of the Lake District ? No. So be specific. To say “ it’s the same in the Lake District “ is a ridiculous understatement. It’s the same in an area on Ulswater is all you needed to say.

[@BTurner.]

@@christopherwhittaker2620 😂 Are you a teacher? I must be a bit thick. 😊

[@LouiseB-e3p]

Love your videos. It makes a day at work melt away when I watch your videos in beautiful places. Shame about the mess but that lake side pitch was amazing!

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks Louise! I was so pleased with that pitch, was the perfect end to two days of rain

[@grant666uk]

As someone who stays a hours drive from Loch Lomond and various other lochs, I just avoid them most of the year, There a magnet for Bucky drinking Neds, They just don't care. Even paying for a loch side pitch is no guarantee of a quiet shite and hassle free night, Bloody nightmare.

[@StephenJReid]

I’m the same with the more popular spots near me. Avoid at weekends and over the summer. Thing is, usually the nicer spots require a bit of effort anyway, half the fun

[@BrokenBackMountains]

Totally agree. I used to live in the Vale and worked Loch Lomond side. Once the summer starts it is a nightmare. Always has been.

[@TerryMcGearyScotland]

It’s certainly annoying and sad to see how some people treat, not just wild places, but even towns . It stems from upbringing and to some extent school. You’d think Curriculum For Excellence would have a fair thread of what’s acceptable and what isn’t running through it.Some unfortunate kids will get absolutely nothing from their parents so it’s down to teachers to instil some decent behaviour. Btw, offering camouflaged toilet paper along the WHW might be viable idea! The stuff exists for folk who can’t wait and don’t bring a trowel.

[@TerryMcGearyScotland]

@user-wt2rs2mm9n I guessed site, Miss.Moneypenny.😁

[@wullieg7269]

the tourists do most cos council aint paid to clean up....... tax em.

[@AndysResinWorks]

Another great vid. Did you know Conic Hill was used in the film Braveheart. Its the scene where WW is running along the mountain ridge. Beautiful view from there. Your vids are reminding me why i miss my homeland so much. I need to get out of England and go home 😊

[@davidhendrie9455]

Hi Stephen, stumbled upon your vids, been enjoying the West Highland Way 😂, looking forward to part 3, glad you’re enjoying the Scottish weather and our beautiful countryside.

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks David! The weather does improve. Slightly 😂

[@JudithMeester]

I walked the WHW just a few weeks ago, I didn’t notice the rubbish was that bad as you showed in this video! I’m really shocked about this! I do agree that there was much more rubbish at the Loch Lomond beach side tracks than other tracks further on. It’s a pity in such a beautiful part of Scotland!

[@StephenJReid]

I’d read some comments before I went about toilet roll and rubbish in places so maybe I was just more aware of it. Or could be was after a particularly busy weekend. Glad to hear it’s not always like that. That first half of Loch Lomond was the worst

[@colinp5248]

Absolutely loving this so far, my kind of adventure. Can't wait for the next installment. That rubish is shocking, people need to wise up.. I'm thinking of tackling the wicklow way, or at least some of it over a few days this summer, ever considered it? Anyway cheers, thanks for bringing us along on this.

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks Colin! Yeah I’ve looked at parts of the Wicklow way, not done any of it yet though.

[@Fellmandave1]

I advocate 'leave less trace', so as well as removing all of your own crap, you take a bit extra, have back at the buggers. In my packrafting loch lomond video, I was shocked at the crap left behind in pristine locations. I was with a local, Andrew Park, who was used to it. We removed a lot of rubbish.

[@StephenJReid]

Good policy, I’ve cleared out a lot of rubbish from some local places to me this year. But not always possible to do. I try and carry out at least one item of someone else’s rubbish if I csn

[@wullieg7269]

smart locals no where theres no garbage tourists dont go there

[@TerryMcGearyScotland]

With you there. Always taught our kids to try to leave a place better than e found it.👍👍

[@James-wz2cm]

did this walk couple years ago and your opening comments hit home. just down path from inversnaid hotel, the rocky beach, i had to do a full clean up from day trippers who had set fire to coverings, summer tents, bags full of single use bbqs, empty cans and the edges full of waste. those idiots can ruin our chances of keeping our right to roam. done this walk a few times and i aint had a first day like yours but had a few bad ones ha good to see you keep the spirit up

[@StephenJReid]

Beautiful place despite the mess in places. Good you were able to clear part of it though.

[@James-wz2cm]

@@StephenJReid aye the next morning the inversnaid gave me free coffee and couple rolls on sausage as a thank you for clearing it because normally they have members of staff do it

[@SheelaghDaly]

Ooof tough seeing waste left out in the beauty of nature like that. Thanks for sharing your experiences along the route - I mostly bikepack but am interested in hiking the WHW one day!

[@StephenJReid]

I’m heading bikepacking to Scotland next week for a quick 2 night trip 🙂

[@stephencampbell9384]

Jesus that's bad with the litter and shite. I don't even like to leave a blackened spot (although finding those doesn't bother me as it just says "man came this way", litter free of course). One of the small advantages in having an ileostomy is I can do my camp dumps in the middle of gorse patches or briars where none shall ever come upon them, except of course those critters that eat such things........and I can target a hole from 3 feet up LOL. I even smoke rollies with carboard roaches so if I forget myself and drop a butt, it's a goner in days.....not that I often forget myself. Went fishing the other night and spent half the time collecting and burning discarded line....FFS, it's RULE ONE, don't leave any line, particularly heavy mono because it takes years to mash up....I have 3 bags of the shit awaiting a flaming end (because sending it to landfill is still a bad idea). I wonder how far round the WHW I could get on my mobility scooter :D

[@iwasapirateonce1639]

I have loved watching your adventure so far, Warts and all. Lomond was probably my favourite part of the WHW, in Ireland we basically have no large natural woodland left, being able to walk through oak forests for 1.5? days is just an incredible feeling. It is so sad to see it trashed like that, I wonder was there a public holiday before you set out? When I was along that section last year (27th May) it was pretty clean, much better than the dumping ground that is the Mournes. Not really sure what the solution is, imo not camping management zones they don't work and just punish legitimate hikers, you can see clear evidence of it, they need to step up ranger patrols by boat and fine the ever loving s**t out of the fly campers. Honestly I find Scotland and England fairly clean in terms of litter compared to home; but I avoid the summer season so maybe that is why. Looking forward to the next episode it's a great series keep it up!

[@StephenJReid]

Yeah I really enjoyed that section too for the same reasons. Some people say it’s the worst, but nearly 2 days under woodland was really nice. I was on this section midweek before a public holiday. To be fair there were large sections of this bit with zero rubbish, but unfortunately lots of places with it. 100% huge fines for fly camping etc

[@markhawkins2723]

Great video look forward to watching more, would love to know what’s on you playlist to get you motivated or share the playlist

[@Sally4th_]

That licorice is Pontefract Cakes, an all-time favourite of my Dad's. It's concentrated and yes, licorice is a laxative in high doses ;)

[@ervinslens]

What a presentation my friend, this was brilliant episode!

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks! 🙂

[@suzesweetness]

@stephen - I'm so curious, when did you walk? I completed it last Wednesday and saw none of the rubbish you did along Loch Lomond. Were you there just after the bank holiday weekend? I did Drymen to Ardlui Friday 24th/Saturday 25th.

[@StephenJReid]

I was along this section 23rd & 24th May so just a day or two ahead of you. Maybe there was a bit of a clear up. Some of the worst rubbish was off the trail near the shore at the start of the wild camping area, did you see that area?

[@RS.Outdoors]

Have walked the WHW multiple times and never seen rubbish, etc to the level that you have found. Although did go through pretty quick and didn't go far off the beaten track. Sad state of affairs though for such a lovely area of Scotland.

[@StephenJReid]

The worst rubbish was off trail in near the loch shore. But there was a lot of wet wipes and toilet paper visible from the trail. Thankfully it was much better from here

[@lifesahobby]

Theres a beach in ireland where they put up portaloos . They are beautiful.. Well done highlighting it . Just remember, by motivating people to hike and camp the numbers will increase and infrastructure will be overloaded. It takes a while for it to catch up . The sierras in usa have this infrastructure. If you ever want to see it let me know . Some nice climbs to 14000 ft . I have a dream of ireland having that set up .

[@StephenJReid]

It’s a tricky one but the way I see it is that the benefits to society of more people getting outside outweighs the negative impacts. But also why I tend to focus on adventures rather than just photo opportunities. The longer videos provide a better way to give proper context

[@WanderFreeWithBarb]

Really sad seeing the trail a mess like that. Wasn't like that the two time I walked it thankfully. That honesty box has to be the best one on the whole way! Didn't notice the no paramedic sign before, wonder if it is new ..

[@StephenJReid]

Apparently it wasn’t as bad the week after either so maybe I was there right before there was a clean up

[@PotooBurd]

Binge watching your videos back to back- and adding comments for the algorithm~! 🌻👍 Keep up the great content!

[@StephenJReid]

wow thank you! which one has been your favourite so far?

[@SpectatorCentr]

Cheers me dear... very entertaining Stephen 🤓👌. So glad you enjoyed the 'nice' liquorice... personally I can't stand the stuff, but it wouldn't do for us all to be the same 😊. Kudos to the honesty box baker though 👍

[@StephenJReid]

If everyone like it, they wouldn’t have been giving any away for free! 😂

[@Wild.cat.adventures]

Looking forward to doing the whw, starting this weekend. Will report back on the rubbish situation hope it gets cleaned up, so sad to see!

[@StephenJReid]

Yeah let me know what it’s like! Thankfully it’s pretty good past Loch Lomond 🙂

[@Wild.cat.adventures]

@@StephenJReid @StephenJReid will do mate 👍 what did u think of the smoking midge? Got one but wasn't thinking to take it 🤔

[@StephenJReid]

I just took some of the cones and burned them in a used tea light holder. Great for clearing them out of the tent

[@Wild.cat.adventures]

@@StephenJReid good idea cheers dude 👍

[@Rationalskeptic49]

Living near the Peak District I avoid weekends in the summer. Luckily, I can go during the week when it's quieter. Also, just bought the Exmoor Jacket and love it. Your videos are costing me a fortune 😂

[@StephenJReid]

Yeah I'm the same with a lot of the popular areas I like to visit, jam packed at weekends. Benefits of self employment. Enjoy the Exmoor, wish I brought it on this trip, brought a much lighter one from Decathlon to try and save weight and it failed during the first rain shower

[@AjaySingh-228]

Good one sir...I completely agree! People need to be more responsible when camping. We all want to enjoy these natural places for years to come. authorities should put up more signs reminding people to leave no trace.I hope people who see this video will think twice before littering when they're camping..I love your place

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks Ajay. There are signs in various places but some people just don’t care unfortunately

[@AjaySingh-228]

@@StephenJReid oh no that's bad.. you are welcome sir

[@Anon90210]

Love your videos. They're always entertaining.

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks! 😁

[@alpinium6175]

When I hiked the WHW in 2018 the only area that had a bit garbage was the way down from Conic Hill into Balmaha. At what time of the year did you start your hike. I started on May 11th and I had no issues with midges. And almost no rain - yes, unbelievably but true.

[@StephenJReid]

Interestingly I saw zero rubbish on the Conic to Balmaha trail. Although work was being done so maybe they cleared it. This was the 3rd week in May, which in previous years has been fantastic weather in Scotland

[@alanslade2319]

Wow so much crap everywhere literally, still what a beautiful place, I'm going to have to push myself to do it. Thanks for making me laugh and making won't to get out. Can't wait till next time see you soon Alan from LUTON 💯👍

[@StephenJReid]

100% Worthwhile doing! Thankfully the mess was mostly in this one section

[@foodonthefire]

Having driven past you in Milngavie and only realising after it was you this has been a good watch!

[@foodonthefire]

And Loch Lomond is just a result of some utter morons who have no respect for the environment or themselves no real solution

[@StephenJReid]

Oh really! How did you know it was me?😂 Are you local?

[@foodonthefire]

@@StephenJReid Just live 5 mins away from the start of the WHW, yet never done it either. Just saw your soaking wet figure walking down the road and thought he looks familiar!

[@StephenJReid]

@@foodonthefire 😂 not many idiots out on it that day

[@VanLifeMum]

New subscriber, already watched lots of your vids, you're naturally funny 😂. Wison 😂

[@StephenJReid]

Welcome aboard ! 😄

[@helenreeves6978]

Sorry to see it’s deteriorated, spotless when I did it. It’s so very sad and very unfair on others ….. looking forward to the next episode, will you take the stony ankle breaking route or the forest one ???

[@StephenJReid]

When did you do it Helen and what time of year? I’d heard there have been problems along Loch Lomond since around 2019. Taking the ankle breaky route of course!

[@WildCampingWelshman]

Really enjoying these films Stephen, thank you. You have my 9 year old Son in stitches too! ATB Jiffy 👍🏻

[@StephenJReid]

😁 Thanks! 9yr olds are a tough audience!

[@affalaffaa]

I don't remember being shocked by any amount of rubbish, when I walked it two years ago. I do remember the amount of people I saw along the way and glad I ticked it off. Lovely, easily accessed, areas come with a heavy price, throughout Britain.

[@StephenJReid]

What time of the year did you do it? I’d image there’s less rubbish earlier in the year

[@affalaffaa]

@@StephenJReid Towards the end of May. I might just have been lucky, or not very observant!

[@fetus2280]

Here in Canada, well my part anyways, we have Wardens that cruise these camping spots and hand out Huge fines for refuse and w/e else they do thats illegal. They now have 4 wheeler rides and go everywhere. You can loose everything, all your gear, boat if you have one, car too if they want to be Richards about it. You need the same deal we have. Far easier for you lot there as youre area is so small, half dozen would probably cover most of the country. I absolutely cant stand litter, I have to clean it up, I carry garbage bags and recycle bags with me in my bike .. but I draw the line at human waste. Such a shame to see that beautiful area all fouled up in such a manner. Humans suck. Thanks for the tour though mate. Cheers.

[@StephenJReid]

Not a bad idea, I definitely think there should be serious fines for things like this. Parts of the loch are patrolled but it’s a small area. Also laughing at the idea that 6 wardens could cover all of Scotland.

[@fetus2280]

@@StephenJReid I was curious so I looked up and compared Scotland to my Province, we are 14x the size of Scotland lol. We have around 200 wardens and Im not sure How many Cameras they have setup now too along trails and poaching areas, they Will catch you. Seriously though. Something needs to be done, be it Paid work or get a volunteer group to do a clean up. Seeing that garbage angers me to no end. Cheers.

[@almost_obsolete]

We have them down in Maine too. There’s a house along one of my regular commutes that has a sign that says “Wardens are jerks!” on the front lawn, I always wonder when I drive by it what they got caught doing to inspire that sign. 🤣

[@fetus2280]

@@almost_obsolete They are Ruthless in Maine from what Ive seen/Heard. And youre prob correct, they got Caught doing Something.

[@Fellmandave1]

@@StephenJReid Take away their Corsas.

[@kevincorby435]

Yours is the third WHW video I have seen recently (Paul Mesner and Backpacking UK) really enjoying your trip totally different viewpoint.

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks Kevin! After I saw a lot of others had the same plan and were mostly going before me, I decided to try and come up with something different for my videos. I’ve tried to have a theme or topic for each video

[@biggyjaay]

Anyone know when the next part is, only just discovered this fantastic channel

[@StephenJReid]

Hey there. Hopefully in about a weeks time 🙂 I had another short trip landed in the middle of editing this so that will be out first and then back to the West Highland way 🙂

[@IvanDP1967]

Another great video Stephen. Shame your enjoyment was spoilt by the inconsiderate ones who can't be trusted (or be bothered) to respect such a beautiful place.

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks Ivan

[@mendyviola]

Love the Wilson reference. 😂

[@philwilson3251]

I did the WHW last winter. It was fantastic. Pretty much had it all to myself. No midges, no permits required, and no sh1t anywhere. You couldn't pay me to do it at this time of year.

[@StephenJReid]

Was grand apart from this bit. I considered winter but didn’t want to do it when everything was brown and dead and very short days.. Reckon autumn would be pretty special, maybe the sweet spot

[@MG-bs5mr]

I want to wild camp it but avoid the crowds and midges. I've only got 3 season gear, what do you reckon to September / October?

[@StephenJReid]

@@MG-bs5mr I’ve had days in February that were over 10C at night and totally dry and days in early May with frost. 3 season kit in September definitely possible, just keep an eye on the forecast

[@MG-bs5mr]

@@StephenJReid yeah I know what you mean, I did the Minigaig Pass recently and it was roasting at over 400m during the night 🤣 I'm definitely leaning towards September, thanks 👍

[@philwilson3251]

@@MG-bs5mr I’d say October would be best . Avoid the need for a permit at LL too.

[@richardanderson9340]

I found that zero drop shoes (or low drop) contributed to pain on my shins. I don’t wear Olympus shoes anymore. Wide fit Ultra Raptor 2s

[@StephenJReid]

Weirdly I never had this issue with my even more minimal vivobarefoot boots which have no cushioning. Thankfully that particular issue only seemed to last one afternoon

[@richardanderson9340]

@@StephenJReid I think the problem arises when you add the full pack and mixed terrain. I tried other shoes but the ultra raptors have the biggest drop.

[@Fellmandave1]

@@StephenJReid Speaking as a gait analysis person Stephen (its my day job) forefoot loading and an inflexible ankle is a contributor to shin stress. The forefoot blister is a bit of a match too. Perhaps not enough spring in your step on that afternoon, literally!

[@TheFremenChick]

Why didnt you wear your vivos? Just curious.

[@StephenJReid]

Couple of reasons. 1. I wanted to run some of this and running involves about 5x as much impact, especially with a backpack on. 2. I haven’t built up my distance in the vivos to over about 15miles yet, so there was a question mark over how I would feel doing 100miles. So decided to be cautious and wear barefoot style running shoes instead. Still wide toe box and zero drop, but with some cushioning. I’ll talk more about them in my kit video.

[@alistairthow1384]

The ball should be a local hero of yours, Joey 'Dunlop'

[@StephenJReid]

😂 I should have thought of that!

[@alexdachs9884]

Some of the paths leading to the munros from the Loch Lomond area are wild toilets, never seen anything like it.

[@StephenJReid]

Wasn’t as bad anywhere else but every obvious hidden spot off trail seemed to have wet wipes in it

[@SVFresh2Salty]

Great video as always , you are a great story teller. People just need to take there rubbish with them. There are a few state and federal parks here in US that what you bring in you take with you

[@StephenJReid]

Needs people to enforce it though. Once out of the permit zone there are no rangers here.

[@alanrobertson5497]

Shame about the rubbish, it's everywhere. Enjoyed your video.❤❤

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks Alan. Unfortunate side effect of more people enjoying the outdoors.

[@alanrobertson5497]

@@StephenJReid I wouldn't say enjoying more like abusing. Sad but it's true, picked up rubbish in a small town for over 6 months, 3 times a week and rubbish was never ending.

[@Johnburggy]

Those of us who live near the dreadful NC500 route have the same problems what is even worse some do this in full view of residents. We have Motor homes/ Camper vans who throw out rubbish, empty waste tanks & think they can park up anyware often on private property & block our entrances. We want to welcome visitors & there are many who come who are very respectful but these others we do not want who spoil it for the rest. Many rural homes have private water from mountain springs so we simply do not want our water poluted by the dirty inconsiderate tourists.

[@WanderFreeWithBarb]

Other ppl's behaviour and how busy it is, is what puts me off even attempting the NC500! Just don't want tarred with that same brush and locals resenting me camping and I'm not one to even light a fire as it still damages the ground. Hate that folk ruin it for others, so unfair to those that live there.

[@StephenJReid]

Sorry to hear that! The NC500 is on my list to visit in my van sometime.

[@davidpoots8362]

Im just home from a campervan trip to the islands, maybe im going soft but doesnt look like you are having fun yet.

[@StephenJReid]

😂 I’m having some fun. Just wait until you see the blister on Day 4/5

[@RedBranchBushcraft]

The video quality is great , what camera are you using

[@StephenJReid]

DJI Pocket 3, Action 4, Insta360 X4, DJI Mini 4 Pro and some with iPhone 15 pro. It’s my ultimate lightweight small camera combo for this kind of thing

[@RedBranchBushcraft]

@@StephenJReid nice

[@georgedawson235]

It saddens me to see all the mess 😢 Unfortunately wether the culrits are devoted outdoorsmen like ourselves or not, we will all get tarred with the same brush when the hammer comes down. We are all responsible for educating people and leaving areas better than we found them

[@mr.miniaturesmodels8465]

9:19 - What is that, Precious? In your previous video, you lamented one of those empty and I didn’t pay it much mind, but now that you’ve come across a stocked one, it’s piqued my curiosity.

[@BrokenBackMountains]

Dog poop bags or ziplocks for your paper and carry it out. The Cairngorm rangers had the poo project about 15 years ago where they provided containers. Might be an idea or composting toilets. Of course, there has to be the will on behalf of those having the dumps...If they dont care they wont bother.

[@StephenJReid]

Not a bad idea. Often tricky to bury everything and paper takes longer to decompose. It’s not something that’s really promoted much here though. General advice is to just bury it properly. Was it a problem in the Cairngorms 15years ago? That’s interesting as there’s an assumption this problem didn’t exist before Covid made these areas more popular

[@BrokenBackMountains]

I think the Rangers there were bringing in US practices as it is a fragile ecosystem in the Cairngorms. Places like Corrour bothy in the Lairig ghru were infamous. After the snow melted there would be tons of crap and paper. They put in composting toilets there. That was way before Covid. Burying TP and wet wipes often encourages the animals to dig it up anyway and, as you said, most wet wipes are plastic and don't degrade. ​@@StephenJReid

[@EmsWolf02]

Aw dude, that just looks grim! And trashing the countryside has become more of an issue since covid. I believe that more people are recreating in the countryside but don't know how to 'pack it in, pack it out' and 'Leave no Trace'. We see it with nicely bag wrapped dog poos hanging from trees or just left on the path. People are just becoming feral. Just discovered your videos and love your filming style and narrative. With that accent I could listen to you talking poop 💩.

[@StephenJReid]

thanks! I talk poop a lot, just check the intro on the latest video 😂

[@EmsWolf02]

@@StephenJReid I've just watched your latest video! More people should talk 💩. It's actually one of the main reasons why I'm not keen on wild camping. I would love to but toileting concerns me... Now to the blister lancing... 🤢

[@damedavidfrith55]

❤ its a shame people don’t look after these paths better

[@StephenJReid]

Thankfully it was just in this area that I saw lots of mess. But it was still beautiful

[@wullieg7269]

Geee wats the west side like?

[@MrScotia]

I live on the West side of the loch and it ain't any better. I often cycle up to Firkin point using the cycle path and the amount of human waste is shocking!! The small beach areas are littered with tampons, toilet paper with shit on it, beer cans, burnt out branches, you name it, it's there. Some Campervan owners are dire and the amount of trash they leave in the laybys is unavailable. People drive for miles and pitch a tent 2 feet from the car and call it wild camping. Proper outdoor people and those who respect the countryside don't act in disgusting and reckless ways.

[@sueKay]

The behaviour of a few ruins it for the rest of us. It's why the camping bylaws were introduced where they were, because before that it was much, much worse.

[@Kntybum]

I done the WHW in 1993 and it was quiet and clean the whole way, how times change.

[@WoodsideWalker]

I think all that poo dumping might have been a result of that free liquorice 😂

[@StephenJReid]

😂😂😂 that explains it!

[@stuartmacleod2177]

Such a shame that people can’t tidy up after themselves. Luckily most of the rest of Scotland isn’t as easily accessible from Glasgow as Loch Lomond, so hopefully the right to roam stays. Feel for the Park Rangers having to deal with that mess from an ignorant few!

[@StephenJReid]

Yeah I wouldn’t want to be a ranger along there

[@RedBranchBushcraft]

Great job

[@Ruckanonymous]

Hate seeing that. This is the first WHW vid I've ever seen that actually talked about that and exposed it. Damn shame.

[@StephenJReid]

Not the video I had planned to make about this section. Actually had a different topic about how people think the Loch Lomond section is hard. But when I kept seeing the mess I decided it was worth telling as it’s a huge shame. It didn’t ruin the experience but it certainly was an unpleasant surprise.

[@DanielSpiegel]

I'm amazed that chair was functional... all the chairs I've ever seen out on adventures were only left because they were trashed.

[@StephenJReid]

Two functional chairs! Guessing laziness made them leave them. It’s a long hike out

[@xti2020]

Hope you eventually get a nice day 😂

[@StephenJReid]

I eventually get a mostly nice day. But the trade off is a horrible blister

[@YvonneGeelan]

Scotland is a beautiful place it’s such a shame some people can’t respect this

[@StephenJReid]

Really is. But unfortunately it’s the same in popular places everywhere. Some people will always leave a mess

[@jonny1903]

great vids so far

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks Jonny

[@Fishy1764]

Your sweets are pontifract cakes Stephen and they are supposed to help you pooh lol!🤪👍

[@StephenJReid]

I realised this towards the end of the. Video 😂🙈

[@lanners86]

The council need to put trail cameras there to catch the people leaving there 💩 behind it’s absolutely disgusting How people can do that

[@JasonHollis-hg6vg]

I think I would be tempted. To take some bin line this with me and have a tidy up along the way. Not saying you should obviously. But I just can't stand seeing things like that and not doing something. I would obviously leave the poo alone 🤣

[@StephenJReid]

I’ve cleared a couple of campsites in the past. Endless task

[@alanbrown9178]

I walked the Great Glen Way a week ago. Someone had discarded a white tissue every mile or two.... the whole length of the walk. Unsightly........

[@lifesahobby]

Thanks for sharing

[@stevenconnor4221]

Drymen is pronounced Drimen. Its been a while since I done this (metal polled backpacks lol) I can only assume it has now attracted a lesser outdoorsy person, hence the mess.and hence the amount of tents that have just been found to be useless? Beggars belief. But nowadays you can walk it bag free and get bags dropped off at the next luxury b&b ... hardy folk lol 😂

[@StephenJReid]

I actually practiced saying it as Drimen and then when I actually said it, was completely wrong. Think it might have been because I was thinking about how it was ironic that somewhere with so much rain was called Dry Men 😂

[@StephenJReid]

I had considered running it and getting my bags sent ahead but decided I wanted to take my time, especially for a first time

[@stevenconnor4221]

@@StephenJReid haha 😄 Yip, Scottish Sarcasm there. My friend done the metal arc sign at milingavie pronunced mullguy (dont ask me lol) but you tended to miss out that part years ago, it looks as if they have moved up to drymen and Balmaha for the pub there at the end, I would probably skip that nowadays. Everyone has a car Scotland has the right to roam (within reason) with the Land reform act.... as Billy Connoly would say ..its no cold enough here further north, thats where I have got to go camping nowadays.

[@BeckyM87]

Thanks for yet another ear worm! 😂

[@StephenJReid]

Working on an album 😁

[@kathfern]

Gosh the 💩!! Not ideal at all. Loved this next instalment though.

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks Kath!

[@waxman4207]

No one talks about poop on hiking vids except what trowel they take. People don't realise what goes in must come out and usually at the most inappropriate moment.

[@StephenJReid]

Indeed! Gotta plan for these things

[@LoremIpsum1970]

They do. Just never seen it on UK based vids, mostly US... trowel for cat holes, some are posh enough to use a portable bidet to not leave loo roll. Matti & Stina - JOKKMOKKGUIDERNA just did a wild pooping video...

[@StephenJReid]

@@LoremIpsum1970 I talk about poop all the time in my camera videos. Even made a cinematic sequence out of it not so long ago 😂

[@LoremIpsum1970]

@@StephenJReid Lol. Other channels probably think it's taboo for the algorithm or viewers...as they 'leave no trace' what do they do with the poo?

[@richardconnelly7141]

so youre saying the experience was shite

[@thehikingbiker9254]

Don't you find it ironic being the only dry man in in Drymen? 😂

[@StephenJReid]

yes. yes I did 🤣

[@bcamping1]

Bins must be part of the trail. I can carry someones chair, if I know for a fact that the next bin is at certain interval away. It feels better to put your dirty napkins in a trail bin than at a restaurant.

[@StephenJReid]

There are some bins but you need roads to service bins and long parts of the trail have zero road access or even access that a quad could get into.

[@bcamping1]

@@StephenJReid I used to pick more up, but less lately. Got a bit tired of it.

[@paulj6637]

Worked my whole career in variations of Park Ranger roles. I can sadly conclude that people are even more disgusting than you could possibly ever imagine. It's a real shame. Great content though and always brings me a giggle. Thanks for your honesty though 👍👍

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks Paul.

[@lukedogwalker]

02:30 can anyone identify this song? Lyrics: I heard a ringing bell this morning and it woke me from a dream

[@sassyboofle6983]

Leave no trace , come on everybody .

[@StephenJReid]

Yup!

[@Neohurricane]

Unfortunately trash campers cause the setup of the nocamping zone and it's likely to just get extended until the whole area is included... we can't have nice things...😵‍💫

[@StephenJReid]

Huge shame!

[@andreasweber7828]

There are indeed biodegradable whetwipes available. But ofcourse it’s nicer to have them tucked away along with the #2‘s

[@BrokenBackMountains]

Just carry a ziplock and carry the paper out.

[@StephenJReid]

They still biodegrade a lot slower than toilet paper, but definitely a start and helps if they are buried. Can’t believe I was finding them in trees and on plants

[@StephenJReid]

Another option

[@SalmoTrutti]

Loch Lomond side has long been ruined by manky bar stewards.

[@StephenJReid]

For a few seconds I was wondering what the local bar staff had done wrong 🙈🙈 Unfortunately seems to be a similar story everywhere that’s near an urban area or easily accessible

[@SalmoTrutti]

It doesn't help the national park's ranger service is under-resourced for the number of visitors. The bar staff are generally impeccable.

[@EVLitterPicker]

The littering/ gear abandonment is just so moronic... why have they come to these idyllic places if not to get away from their grubby city life, then only to wreck them for everyone else :(

[@fetus2280]

Your experience was "Soiled" you could say.

[@StephenJReid]

Well as long as I didn’t soil myself 😂

[@richardconnelly7141]

why doesnt the gov put porta potties in certain areas

[@mreilly1325]

Have you forgot to upload part 3 ???

[@StephenJReid]

Nope. Actually another 5 episodes from this trip! 2 vlogs, 2 kit videos & one history walk n talk

[@StephenJReid]

Episode 3 coming subday

[@adventurousdavee]

You would think the people that throw rubbish everywhere are not hikers / wild campers . But you have seen signs of rubbish left behind by hikers / wild campers . The reason these people hike must be to enjoy nature so it amazes me when some of them litter . Maybe they are either thick or dgaf 😢. Great video as always Stephen , looking forward to the rest . Would be nice if there were a couple of hour long ones in there , 20 mins not long enough 😜

[@StephenJReid]

I think there is a difference between those who camp to enjoy being in nature and those who camp to enjoy not being somewhere else. It’s an escape from something. So respect for the location isn’t considered. I think

[@StephenJReid]

I’ve experimented with longer videos but the retention goes through the floor, my preference is for more people to have the full experience

[@adventurousdavee]

@@StephenJReid just more videos then 😎😜

[@almost_obsolete]

Unfortunately, selfish and inconsiderate people will be selfish and inconsiderate wherever they go.You probably still see fewer of these types out in nature, but it only takes a few to ruin it the for the rest.

[@tomfenn7149]

Fab!

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks Tom

[@delektrik1]

Just an FYI. Drymen is pronounced Drimmen. 🤣

[@StephenJReid]

I have a feeling I’m going to be getting a lot of this comment😂

[@delektrik1]

@@StephenJReid probably 🤣

[@barbarahouser2193]

be careful with eating too much licqrish, its not easy on the heart!

[@rudebhoy5992]

Mate your the spitting image of John Bartholomew the chess you tuber.

[@WildScotAurora]

Why can't people take their dirty roll in a zip lock bag until they get to a place to discard properly?! It's EASY to do!

[@StephenJReid]

Not a bad idea if they aren’t going to properly bury it

[@WildScotAurora]

@@StephenJReid I've had to do it places I couldn't manage to bury. It's my own dirt so it's not going to do me no harm until I get to somewhere to get rid of it.

[@jj2536]

Cant believe you didnt call the ball "Joey". And you from Ballymena?! youre certainly giving a different impression from the other WHW bloggers. Messner didnt mention pooh-mageddon once.

[@StephenJReid]

They all went end April or early March, seems the bad weather, rubbish and poo was saved for me 😂 Well grew up in Kells and went to school in Ballymena.

[@nickchurchman6815]

The most disgusting thing in this video is the licorice - horrible stuff🤣 (Really though - the real rubbish and crap is depressing)

[@StephenJReid]

😂 liquorice is delicious

[@nickchurchman6815]

@@StephenJReid 🤢You’re off my Christmas card list now - I might even unsubscribe 🤣

[@StephenJReid]

@@nickchurchman6815 I’ll be posting you a box of liquorice at Christmas 🤪

[@bluenosewrx]

It’s the same on most of the Munros closer to Glasgow, empty water bottles and chocolate wrappers from ned day walkers in their white trainers and t shirts, pure scum imo

[@StephenJReid]

Shame

[@Garrettthief]

Didn´t you use to hike in barefoot shoes?

[@StephenJReid]

I still hike in barefoot boots, but this was my first multi-day trip and I haven’t built up to that kind of distance with my vivobarefoot boots. Also I was running some parts which adds a LOT of impact. So decided to wear barefoot style running shoes for this with a bit of cushioning instead. In the end I got terrible blisters so possibly I would have been better sticking with my barefoot boots.

[@Garrettthief]

​@@StephenJReid Ah ok. Y blisters are somehow no problem with barefoot shoes. However there might be other trade offs so maybe your decision was a good thing. I went for a first 4-day trip (100km) with my vivos lately and now my Achilles tendon is pretty unhappy and recovering this is super annoying. I think that happened due to the low/no angle of heel pitch of the vivos.

[@Garrettthief]

And that was even after I did multiple 2 day hikes in the vivos in the weeks before...but tendons seem to need a lot of time to strengthen.

[@christopherwhittaker2620]

What a stupid title. The West Highland way is stunning. You pick out one section that when you went was not a nice experience. But to say the whole way is disgusting is just click bait nonsense. And it’s not the way or any small part that is disgusting. It’s the behaviour of a tiny minority of people that is disgusting.

[@StephenJReid]

Exactly. All points I make in the video.

[@christopherwhittaker2620]

@@StephenJReid no, your title says “ the west highland way is disgusting “ Pure click bait title It’s silly.

[@wullieg7269]

the Worst Highland Way..........its DRIMAN

[@StephenJReid]

Join the club 😂