The WORST Part Of The West Highland Way (WHW Ep3)

[@AllyRdr1]

Loch Lomond section is great, though can be treacherous underfoot when wet. Totally agree about Rannoch Moor section. Very open and bleak.

[@StephenJReid]

Yeah I’m glad it was mostly dry when I was on the trickiest parts. Guessing a lot of lower leg injuries on that part.

[@mah3223alia]

Rannoch moor at 2am New Years Day in a total white out. 40 years ago but I'll never forget it🤣

[@davidmoore2699]

As a Seattlite I am in awe of your Scottish rain powers. I was unaware that a person could stop the rain by resolving to stay in until the rain stops. In fact I wasn't sure rain could stop. I just assumed rain starts sometime in October and goes until all water is used up.

[@philipoakley5498]

(stopping raining for 3 minutes is sufficient ;-)

[@davidhepworth519]

There's an old Scottish saying - If you don't like the weather just swear at it for a while.

[@pimpbuster7865]

Ha! I just cycled/carried that bit from Rowardennan to Inversnaid and back the other day.😅 Blooddy exhausting🥴, but what better to be doing in the new year!😊 And btw this bit and the following part to the top of the Loch are IMHO the best parts.

[@denfath5010]

I feel your pain ! I also have cycled it ... On an ebike over 4 days with my son on a conventional hard tail. My bike with a few bags on weighed 30 kg plus 7kg back pack. Navigating the bridges and rocky ascents and descents was interesting !! And just for the hell of it we did the whole of the loch side path. It took us 8 hours. Our most enjoyable bit was probably the descent into Kingshouse for an overnight stay.

[@loveexploringscotland]

7:26 is my favourite scene 😂 the rocks, moss and fern are so beautiful 😍

[@StephenJReid]

Yeah I think that was one of the best bits

[@mournemountainadventures4041]

Great series Stephen, all of effort put in thx for sharing.

[@alexander6906]

Love your videos man. Top production and humor is on point.

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks! 🙂

[@moneymayhem2000]

I love this series lol. And also bringing back good memories from walking in Summer 2021, although conditions were slightly better then.

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks! Nice to here you had better weather than me 😂🙈

[@Rationalskeptic49]

Really enjoying your videos. I've started the couch to 5k because of your infectious enthusiasm and really enjoying it. I used to run when I was younger but gave it up 10 years ago. Aiming to do some trail running and at 63 I realise I need to do strength training as well. Ho-hum.

[@StephenJReid]

Glad you've been enjoying the videos! and really glad to hear you've started the couch to 5k!🙂 My Advice, start slow, run how you feel and make sure you can keep enjoying it. Strength training definitely a good idea for runners. Sorted out a lot of my back issues

[@Rationalskeptic49]

⁠@@StephenJReidthanks Stephen yes I realised I’m not 33 when I felt a twinge in a hamstring and I’ve been more careful since then. Not sure which trail shoes to buy, but I do have a local running shop which I’m hoping will be able to advise me. But it is for me really about enjoyment and not competition

[@hnahler]

I think the problem with the Loch Lomond section is expectation. Up to Rowardennan walking is very easy, literally a walk in the park. So everybody makes good progress and thinks it will go on like this. I fell into that trap when I hiked the WHW for the first time. I absolutely hated the Loch Lomond section as I tried to push on to reach my unrealistic destination for the day - in line with the progress I made before. When I hiked it the second and third time, I knew what to expect and had my expectations adjusted. And indeed, I enjoyed it much more. See, I disagree with you on the Bridge of Orchy and beyond section. Yes, the newly felled section from Bridge of Orchy to Iveroran is not great other than the view from the high point. I love the solitude and expanse of Rannoch Moor. I think, this indeed comes down to personal preference and we can probably agree that the WHW provides lots of variety, hopefully something for everybody.

[@StephenJReid]

yeah definitely, progress is very smooth up until then so it's quite jarring to have to slow down as much.

[@dmytrochan7402]

00:50 I love that sound . 😍 Sit in the tent, look around and listen. Peace and harmony.

[@StephenJReid]

I love it when it haven't been listening to it for 3 days solid and it's going to stop before I have to get up 🤣

[@MrShooter72]

I remember walking this section years ago. We did the entire trail, but the section north of Inversnaid was definitely the least developed. I remember how our guide book noted that this part of the trail was greatly improved in recent years. At one point, I turned to my wife and noted, "If this is the greatly improved version, I'd hate to see how it used to be...." Beinglas and their restaurant/pub, along with the Drover's Inn, were a welcome site at the end of the day. That being said, climbing the farmer's fence through the pastureland where the mud and cow manure were deep enough to try to suck off our boots was also bad, but that only lasted a few minutes.

[@Duotimer]

The Drover’s Inn is lovely! I’m staying there tonight after walking from Balmaha to Inverarnan 👍

[@MrShooter72]

@@DuotimerEnjoy!

[@georgehunter7099]

I ran WHW a couple of years ago. Rowardennan to Inverarnan took me 4 hours, but loved it.

[@StephenJReid]

Some going. Did you carry all your kit?

[@georgehunter7099]

@@StephenJReid Hi Stephen, No, I only live 20 mins from Loch Lomond, so just carried hydration pack and some goodies.

[@davidgibson4840]

I cycled to that part 30 miles on a racing bike on a rare hot summer day, the bit from rowandennan to inversnaid hotel basically carrying the bike was horrible , a few pints at the hotel and a wee swim set me up for the big hill and home via Aberfoyle to Alloa

[@pimpbuster7865]

A racing bike?😮 Well done. I just done that section on an ebike, and both it and I were in need of a bit of tlc after it.

[@robj1366]

Love watching your videos great stuff. Having suffered from ticks on the Cornwall coastal path recently I wondered if you had any preventative tips that you follow?

[@StephenJReid]

I hate them! Picked up loads last year on Jura. Avoid long grass, vegetation near sheep or in areas with deer, long trousers or repellent on legs if wearing shorts, treat footwear and socks with permethrin. Have a check each night and carry tweezers or a tick card. I didn’t get a single one on this trip although they will feature in a later video

[@Helga-fe5xl]

I get covered and apparently they prefer people with B vitamin deficiencies, high blood sugar and stronger smelling body odour 👀

[@catmandubh]

I disagree with your evaluation of the worst part to me it was the best!

[@georgeburton820]

I agree love Loch Lomond side on the WHW 😎

[@s4nd_ie42]

Bizarrely, i hated that section when i did it 3 years ago. However, i am planning on doing again this year and am actually looking forward to this section the most ​@georgeburton820

[@vickym5064]

Thanks as always for the great videos. I thoroughly enjoy them. Can’t wait for the next one.

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks Vicky!

[@jsimes1]

The Loch Lomond stretch reminded me of the terrain in the mountains of New Hampshire ... although not as long unless you were to hike up and down every mountain in the White Mountain Range! 😆

[@CRyan71]

Lovely. First time to see a video of yours. I plan to do the WHW. If only we could get good weather. I wouldn't go in mid summer with the ticks and flies. Not sure when you did it though I think I saw bluebells there. With the tent you had the option of reducing that days walking right?

[@StephenJReid]

@@CRyan71 I did it in May and the midges were already out in force but the route looked beautiful as all the leaves and flowers were out. A lot of people do it in spring or autumn to avoid the worst of the midges. Yeah the tent gave me the option to walk as much as I wanted each day. Although the first 2/3 of Loch Lomond you can only camp in certain areas.

[@jgalloway2407]

Never heard this called the worst part before - always thought of it as the most interesting bit of the walk myself 🤪

[@StephenJReid]

@@jgalloway2407 yeah it was one of the most interesting parts. I noticed in loads of Facebook groups, forums and some articles that it was frequently referred to as being the worst part. So decided it was a good topic that that day

[@AlkyCeej]

I think people mix up "hardest" and "worst" sometimes.

[@alanslade2319]

Great stuff again STEVEN, thanks for all your work love it all and your humour , it's puts a great big smile on my face, so can't wait to see the next installment, take care of yourself and see you soon.ps still saving my pennies for an E BIKE, Alan.⛺💯👍

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks Alan! The next two videos are gear videos made while walking the trail. bit of variety.

[@michelleharnett1351]

The lakeside footage reminds me of hiking in New Zealand - ie, so much fun!

[@StephenJReid]

I'd love to visit New Zealand some day

[@damedavidfrith55]

Beautiful and well edited thanks ❤🎉😊

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks!

[@totomesch1940]

I live on Jersey, that terrain is exactly like our coastal cliff path that circles the island. How'd ya fancy 48.9 miles of that terrain, with a LOT more rock, elevation and abasement......... My daughter and I completed it last week in 12hrs 49mins on a sponsored walk. IT WAS BRUTAL...... I'm still suffering 8 days later, she's fine! Looking forward to doing the WHW in Sept with my daughter. Great channel. ATB

[@StephenJReid]

Sounds like brutal fun!

[@jakeva9802]

I’ve been thinking about doing this trail from the US. Thank you for some of the background.

[@StephenJReid]

Heard quite a few US accents along the way, a real mix of nationalities walking it

[@AjaySingh-228]

Wow, beautiful place❤This video is like a rollercoaster ride of emotions. One minute Stephen sir is loving the challenge, the next he’s running away from a horsefly. 😂

[@StephenJReid]

😁 I'm just glad horseflies are not as large as a horse!

[@AjaySingh-228]

@@StephenJReid 😂

[@northwestwalking]

I’ve often heard how aggressive the haggis can be along the trail. I’m glad you were able to remain safe

[@StephenJReid]

Gotta be careful !😂

[@greyhikes5236]

Would love to see you on the CWT it will change your life! 😂 I'm 4 days from finishing my 3rd time on the trail it's the Loch lomond section on steroids 😅 great stuff as always, shame about the rubbish 😕

[@StephenJReid]

Might be one I’ll try sometime although tricky for me to go away for more than a week so maybe one I could do in sections

[@Victoriaghh]

My bad knee would hate this, but my heart yearns for these kinds of hiking trips! ❤ I've hiked a lot in Temagami ontario canada, and the trails are similar!

[@StephenJReid]

Yeah a nasty bit on your knees! I'd love to go hike in Canada sometime

[@brunoyvres4939]

Mine is arriving In milngavie. U just can’t get a flat white. And there are no cafes in that temple train station

[@krisoutdoors]

I done the top of Conic Hill to the Falls of Falloch on day 2 of the WHW. There was some mental diversion on at Loch Lomond that had me going up and down up and down all day. Was sure some arse was playing silly buggers with the diversion signs! Had good weather though but glad I wasn't stopping to camp as it is minging at any good camp spot. Having a pint at the Inversnaid Hotel was about the longest I stood still that day. I enjoyed it though, found the first day a wee bit dull but really enjoyed the rest.

[@bendenisereedy7865]

Reminds me of the West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island, wet, ferny, hard work and uppy-downy. But why did you bother with the water filter? There's no giardia (beaver fever) in Scotland.

[@StephenJReid]

People have gotten Norovirus on that very section of the trail from people going to the toilet too close to water sources. And in other areas there are a lot of sheep and deer. Risk is probably minimal, but why take it

[@bbwoolfy]

Good vid 👍🏼 Interesting that your metric for 'worst section' of the WHW was aesthetic. Even more interesting that it was the Rannoch Moor section, revered by landscape photographers! 😆 Granted it looked a bit dreich when you did it but the vast expanse of Rannoch Moor is something people *usually* cherish as one of Europe's last true wilderness areas. It has a real forlorn haunting quality at dawn. Plus, before Rannoch Moor (after Bridge of Orchy) you have Loch Tulla (with a VERY photogenic lonely tree overlooking it, the Inveroran Hotel (best food and craic on the WHW IMO) and the old Drover's Road. I can only conclude that ye must have suffered a bump on yer heid at some point along that section! 😉 It's only really the last section of LL from Inversnaid that people consider the worst (as in most difficult) section of WHW. It's enjoyable before that and a relief when the trail opens out just before Doune Bothy! Glad the rain subsided for you anyway!

[@StephenJReid]

As an occasional landscape photographer I found it really bland 🤣 But that was probably because the weather was really dull with mostly flat lighting. It had its moments but was the least visually interesting part of the trail for me apart from the first few miles. Doesn't feel like a remote wilderness though due to the busy road going through the middle and the sounds of traffic drifting through the air. Lough Tulla was nice though and I camped up on Mam Carraigh not far from that tree. I was past the Hotel too early in the morning to benefit from it and breakfast was guests only. Timing definitely makes a difference to the experience. Might have been grumpy because I didn't get breakfast 🤣

[@toocleanpappas5397]

Haha two years ago I hiked from Oban to St Andrews, and that May it rained 27 out of 30 days! I feel ya with the rain.

[@callumbucknall]

Another cracking video, a few years ago I attempted to bikepack the WHW with my mountain bike. And i mistakenly took this section with a fully loaded bike, it was horrendous, I ended up getting my wife to pick me up at beinglas owing to a broken bike! I stay in beinglas fairly often though, its within driving distance to my house and I love the campsite and the pub that goes with it! :).

[@StephenJReid]

That sounds like a mistake you only make once 😂

[@WillisWanders]

Another cracking video - thank you! Talk about polar opposites - I completed the WHW last month and on the Loch Lomond day I got completely roasted by the sun! I had watched way too many videos beforehand, full of people saying how hellish this full section was, but I absolutely loved it…not sure if that makes me a complete psycho or not 😂😂

[@StephenJReid]

You psycho! 😂😂 It is a fun section. Mostly.

[@cuprajake1]

Loving the series and been considering the water filter you use as it does viruses but it says it has a 2month life?? Can you elaborate

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks. The lifespan is 200litres. So if you dry it out in between it’ll last years. The 2 months is based on continuous usage. It’s confusing and I’ve told them they should change the wording.

[@johnrodgers2018]

That was the best part! But yeah it's a bit of a scramble. Love the video

[@PotooBurd]

Boosting for the algorithm 🙌 Love your work, keep it up! 🌻🐝

[@StephenJReid]

😁 Thank!

[@WanderFreeWithBarb]

I LOVE that section. I enjoy all the clambering up and over the rocks . However I have only done it in good weather.

[@StephenJReid]

I'd imagine it's brutal in really wet weather

[@georgeblackley6028]

It's my favourite bit of the way. It is truly stunning.

[@paolomrossi]

3:04 hi. Does this Sunto watch work with AllTrails? What map is being displayed here? Thanks

[@RobboOutdoors]

New subscriber from Australia. Love the Glencoe video. Cheers for sharing

[@KhurshidsChannel]

Very nice video, I really enjoyed it, thanks for sharing. 👍

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks for watching! 🙂

[@LoremIpsum1970]

Yes! Loving these videos, thank you 👍 So, would you recommend the ALPI 40L? If so, what's best price you found?

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks! I think the ALPI 40 was good for my my needs, but maybe not for everyone. It’s designed that you can run in it, which makes it a bit complex I haven’t tested many similar category bags to say if I think it’s the best choice for others but it worked great for me. It is very expensive though, I paid about £250 but can’t remember exactly where. I’ll prob be testing some other bags in future.

[@LoremIpsum1970]

@@StephenJReid Thanks for getting back. I'm looking to try something different, without a waist belt, and between 30-40l for mixed fast hiking and running. It's the same price range as an Atom+ EP40, so mid-range for an Alpine pack. At that volume, I don't think you're spoilt for choice! I've only found: the ADVENTURE 40-45L (£140 and not sure it's meant for running); the Epic XT 3.0 (£230 which does look interesting); and Trailblazer XT35 (£140) all rely on the waist belt, and I'm not sure about the Fastpack 40 (£150) which is very similar to the ALPI 40.

[@jujujay]

looks like fun to run an ultra trail there... ps welcome to the suunto team so!! i've got sooooo much kit caps, buffs, tee;s, pens, key rings etc etc etc...and a few watches best kit ever!!! PS maybe make a short film on the battery packs if you've not already??

[@StephenJReid]

thanks! Enjoying the Suunto so far although it's a bit too easy to accidentally activate the main button with my wrist.

[@jujujay]

@@StephenJReid you can lock 🔒 it when it’s active?! I’ll what’s app you with how to! When I climb or kayak I lock mine! The lock 🔒 lets you still see other details on the watch but won’t turn off or reset anything in action!

[@JohnC2009Edin]

I did this bit on the fling, it was tought, but a good challange, never hate a section! Just makes it a drag

[@alanmansfield664]

On my bucket list.

[@kathfern]

Loved it thank you! Aussie here so this is going to be a silly question, but are there such things as Haggis animals?

[@StephenJReid]

They are as real as Australian Drop Bears 😛

[@kathfern]

@@StephenJReid 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@evachjourney]

I enjoyed the path as that’s sort of terrain I’m used to from back home…same me I get bored, but it was veeeery long 🙈 with big backpack I found some sections a bit difficult.

[@AlysonHale-du2hf]

I loved the loch Lomond part of the walk.Beautiful,interesting and a bit more challenging. We all enjoy different stuff.Yes, the amount of rubbish was atrocious -not sure what the answer is .

[@StephenJReid]

yeah it had a lot of variety

[@johnventers3145]

Just finished WHW yesterday the weather for the last 50 miles was horrendous.. Loch Lomond was brutal but beautiful, we walked from Balmaha to Crainlarich 29 miles. But the descent after the Devil's staircase into Kinlochleven was a slog to say the least. An incredible experience though my feet are suffering big time.

[@StephenJReid]

the last 50miles would be tough in bad weather, it's so exposed

[@Velobetty]

It'd be great to have a volunteer group of people to collect the rubbish on the trails and then take it to a boat at the waterside to take it away. I'd love to volunteer for something like that. Breaks my heart seeing all of that mess. Also do you have a high power plug for your power bank? Something like an Anker 100w plug will charge a power bank much quicker than a smaller wattage.

[@MrsStevenBrown]

My man, the West Coast Trail in BC Canada is 75 km of this kinda trail, with mud bogs, ladders, tidal crossings and rivers…It’s awesome! This looks like a tame version of it lol! 😂 I can’t wait to someday do this Scottish trail!

[@AlkyCeej]

Loch Lomond section is so much of the personality of the trail; it may be the hardest, but not the worst. The worst is probably Rannoch Moor, such a desolate, seemingly endless wasteland and people think it's beautiful. It's not natural, it's devastated landscape. Glad you agree at least it's the worst part.

[@Puffball-ll1ly]

I did it in May I'd say the Lochside stretch is the most Magical but I got lucky the weather was perfect no rain nice temperature and no midge 😂

[@StephenJReid]

Definitely magical, I loved being in under the trees. Would be incredible in Autumn with the leaves. And also no midges

[@markbailey15]

Love it Stephen, looking forward to the rest 😁

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks Mark!

[@alanrobertson5497]

Great video, love watching ❤❤.

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks Alan! 🙂

[@davidpoots8362]

Lovely, a special video just for us, thanks

[@StephenJReid]

Well early release for members, everyone gets to see it tomorrow afternoon 🙂 For once I had a video ready before publish day 🤣

[@shazie131]

Great video, I know it might sound silly but I had to look up the bit about the Haggis story as I didn't understand it I was shocked as I didn't even know there was a animal haggis lol Only thing I knew was a Scottish food. Loving these series of videos

[@StephenJReid]

I wouldn’t take everything I say 100% seriously 😜

[@n1nj4l1nk]

😂 Did you know, if you spell cheese backwards it says gullible.

[@shazie131]

@@n1nj4l1nk Lol sorry I dont normally fall for stull like that but I blame my 62 year old brain 😂 😂

[@ElizabethKC1994]

@@shazie131don’t worry, I just fell down a haggis hole trying to figure this out as well 😂

[@BrokenBackMountains]

Yup. I hate that bit. Seems to go on forever. Every time you think you are at the end of the Loch you realise you arent.Getting to Beinglas campsite is a relief. As for the Rrannoch moor section. It has its charms.

[@StephenJReid]

Yeah there was a couple of times I thought I was done and still miles more of it

[@wiggy5209]

Ah ..been to loch Lomond before ...near faslane

[@michelahofmann5572]

Can someone explain what is haggis? I thought that is a dish?! I am a bit confused about that. Love the series!!

[@MorewithMat]

id be the same I'd enjoy the more difficult terrain around Loch Lomond compared to the open/straight slog sections! Also loving the edit on this one! 👏🏼

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks Matt. Yeah nothing worse than being able to see how far you have to go 🤣

[@MorewithMat]

@@StephenJReid haha 100% 😂

[@Wild.cat.adventures]

I'm with you Stephen I really enjoyed the technical terrain it was a nice relief from those flat gravel paths which completely did my feet and knee in hence I only made it to inversnaid. If ur interested to see my opinion, the mistakes and the lessons I learnt, my vid is up now - be great to catch you in the comments 😁 See u on the next vid! ATB Cat

[@StephenJReid]

Sorry to hear that! But failure and training are how we improve so I'm sure you'll get back and smash it next time! 🙂 Definitely helps being able to go at your own pace, I've found I'm more likely to have a miserable time if Im trying to keep up with someone else.

[@TessCSWU]

That's so interesting, as for me the section after Bridge of Orchy was one of the best... because of the space and openness, so exactly the reason why you disliked it. It just seemed so... timeless and peaceful. The least favourite part.. hard to think about one. The Loch Lomond part is tiring, basically starting Balmaha, but I found it more psychologically than physically tiring. I think the worst was in the end the last bit - between the old and the new end of the Way, as It Didn't Seem To End!!! Concrete!!! How Evil! Binge watching different WHW videos, as I plan on going back this October and yours are so far one of the most interesting. Subscribed, watched other outdoor videos, want more.

[@StephenJReid]

The day I did that Rannoch moor section I had 4 hours sleep and the weather was grey and drizzly all day so I don't think that helped. Yeah the end sucks, bit of an anti-climax having to walk through an empty town centre at the end of the day

[@TessCSWU]

@@StephenJReid I think you should go back there some day, just to see if it still feels the same. I know you have a lot of projects, but maybe you could go the other way... or take a bike (Loch Lomond section FTW :D )

[@mickhorsley3169]

I'm watching a LOT of long distance walks on YT at the moment, gearing my fat 50+ self up to go do something, anything. Yours is one of my favourites so far, I enjoy the humour of it over the more " and now I'm walking here, and now here" of some of the other s. I'm intrigued that one thing most have in common is that no-one really seems to book ahead for either campsites or B&Bs. I'd have thought that would be essential on these routes? Anyway, more please and thankyou!

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks! Glad you’re enjoying it 🙂 a lot of people do book ahead. I didn’t because I wasn’t sure how long it would take me, plus being able to wild camp made things flexible. I did book the campsite for the first night and I booked the campsite for this one, when I was having lunch at the hotel. The following 2 nights I just wild camped

[@callie1603]

What did you light at the beginning….mosquito repellent? Which ones were they?

[@evachjourney]

We were once picked up while hitchhiking by Loch Lomond ranger and she explained us the situation…you’re not wrong there basically the reason they did permit only is exactly the rubbish as they just had no resources to clean the amount of things left there, but I will never forget her attitude, when she was explaining us…I come from a country where is a lot of national parks and you often can’t even pick a flower or a mushroom in some areas, if you leave a rubbish and you are caught you get a huge penalty, you can’t get off the the trail and you definitely cannot wild camp there…it’s very very strict, so I was really surprised when she was telling us about the time they had to put the permit zones in a way as they really would love to let people enjoy the outdoors and they wish they didn’t have to do it, it just was not bearable to clean as people would come with cars and would leave everything there and I just did not have resources to clean…but there was no judgment, no being p*issed off with these a*holes destroying such an iconic place Loch Lomond is…she just wanted people to be able go outdoors….i actually admired that as back where I come from you’re constantly told what you cannot do and sometimes going on a hike is a real anxiety provoking thing…it’s not right people leave rubbish and there sure should be an education around that but making people being scared to go to nature is not an answer either…

[@ScotChef]

'technical'? we call that a lovely wee walk 😂✊🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@StephenJReid]

And that’s why tourists looking for an easy dander keep breaking their ankles on it! 😂

[@lolavang9432]

i loved this section! but had gorgeous weather...

[@techtonictim]

Another cracking video matey 💪👌

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks Tim!

[@jimihendrix4947]

You are a lovely part off the world its all your stat off mind enjoy the walk but it's hard going 😊

[@ClemThomas-on4db]

Great video was looking forward to seeing it

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks! 🙂

[@mikelivesey5044]

I've done the WHW twice, once in each direction. The bit where you said "I could fall down there and instantly die", I did fall -- I didn't go far but for a moment I thought I was heading into the loch. I think that, in good weather, the Rannoch Moor section is the most atmospheric. But generally the route is overrated.

[@Airlessmean]

i think all of us that did it at the start of may had a good luck charm cause it was beautiful weather but this section did kill me off and the footwear is the other key! them wooden steps were steeper than i 1st thought, ha! i was so happyt to see beinglass in the heat and having ice cold pint of coke. devils staircase to kinlockleaven and the outer section too was a struggle! it is a beautiful walk to do though people should try it out! :)

[@StephenJReid]

I had originally planned to do it at the start of May but had to delay it, which made this more painful 🤣 I quite enjoyed the devils staircase, wasn't anywhere near as bad as I thought it would be. There's a route in the Mourne Mountains near me called "The Devils Coachroad" and it's a grade 1 scramble so I was expecting the worst

[@ruthmclennan1914]

You can always take the forestry road above as an alternative. I liked the loch path it was a n enjoyable challenge

[@PsilocinThistle]

😂😂😂 this is the best section of the way💙🙏

[@egertcaka]

You’re seriously good 👍

[@stevencannon4760]

The very steep walk from Devil's Staircase down to Kinlochleven is worst - when you're trying not to break into an involuntary run. And then there's the very steep walk out of Kinlochleven when your feet are done in...and you have a stinking hangover...!

[@leerichardson7630]

I thought the views from devil's staircase to Kinlochleven were breathtaking. But the whole experience was fantastic, but we had decent weather.

[@jazzman1626]

I couldn’t walk that section even though it looks fantastic in terms of scenery. My balance is not good, and at 68 years old, it could be treacherous for me. If I were in my 30s, I wouldn’t hesitate.

[@ifell3]

It's lovely to see somewhere other than the pct or appalachian 😅

[@StephenJReid]

I was researching the AT after finishing this 😂 but think I’d rather stick to shorter more easy to get to trails for now!

[@ifell3]

@@StephenJReid might be a bit dryer 😆

[@euanbalmer]

Awesome vid! 😊

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks! 🙂

[@TheChrisallman]

Are we just going to ignore how lucky you were with that tent? 😂

[@StephenJReid]

Good job I heard it falling! Was right near the start of the day too 🙈think I might store it on the inside from now on 😂

[@TheChrisallman]

@@StephenJReid my friend lost a Nordisk tent on the hike back after it's first outing. A £500 mistake he won't be making again after having it strapped to the outside 🙈

[@miltonofbuchanan]

Agree , I hate the section from Br of Orchy to Glencoe.

[@squidwurf]

Is it bikeable?

[@StephenJReid]

There’s a 4mile part where you’d be pushing/carrying/dragging etc the entire way. Some people have brought bikes along it but they all say it’s awful. Personally if I was going to bikepack it I would see if I could bypass the second half somehow. Maybe via ferry

[@Pisunisse]

No offense to anyone but those comments are mainly from people who don't hike very much or are just used to "walks" camino style from bed to bed. I wild camped whole Way over 6 days then continued straight away to Great Glen Way spontaniously and it took 3.5 days. Trails here in Finland aren't built up like WHW and such. Loch Lomond was just another trail. Personally I quite enjoyed the lush surroundings and little bit of rocks and roots. Also great for swimming! Noice pollution not so much! Great videos so far 👍!

[@StephenJReid]

You get from a place what you bring with you

[@gregoryoutdoors]

Agree, it mostly grumpy or not very experienced and weak people. Its nothing comparing to Southern Upland Way and being chased (or blocked) by angry cows thru the fields lol

[@rosserobertolli]

I guess the title is partly clickbait since it is almost impossible to hate this section. I did this part with my girlfriend some years ago. I have hiked a couple times in Norway but she didn't have much experience. We loved it, it was absolutely absolutely beautiful. Yes, she had some trouble with the more technical stuff, but there were no real 'climbs', river crossings or swamps as I was used to in Norway. There were a lot of 'tourists' though, not really dressed for the occasion and some of them on a group tour. I guess these had a hard time? But anyone into hiking/trail running should love this part. We did have better weather though

[@StephenJReid]

Going by messages I received and posts on Facebook groups it really does get mentioned as the most disliked part of the trail. I think it’s exactly as you say that people are expecting a casual walk

[@neilanderson841]

​@@StephenJReid If you had reservations about the WHW, why do it & then complain??.

[@StephenJReid]

@@neilanderson841 If you watch the video you'll see this is not the case.

[@Treefrogging]

Good video of technical section, not many people film it, 😂

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks! Yeah I'd noticed there wasn't a lot of footage properly showing this section off.

[@Treefrogging]

@@StephenJReid yeh really good in the rain well done

[@derreckdeckerson9917]

Done this in a few week ago. Nothing to hate walking by a beautiful lake

[@StephenJReid]

Did you split it up or try it in one go?

[@derreckdeckerson9917]

@StephenJReid I walked from Rowardennan to Beinglas. It was definitely tough and very long but hates a strong word to describe it. The hoards of people also walking the trail was what I hated 😄

[@Rob-lw8to]

It’s a tough spot, but it has great views. We were blessed with good weather, but it was a serious challenge and dangerous at parts.

[@aragorn1780]

I'm already planning to go there next spring you don't have to sell it to me! 😂

[@alanmansfield664]

Every walking track in my part of Australia, NSW, at least.

[@sf808yt]

Just back from completing my second WHW trip. Disliked the Loch Lomond section the first time round, HATED it the second. Will still do it again though.

[@johnmccluskey7584]

The loch lomond part is not the worst it's the hardest. The whole walk is amazing

[@deannnerem6589]

Imagine being on the Appalachian trail in the US that goes on for 2,196 miles of that kind of terrain through 14 states. 😮

[@paulannable3734]

And a good chance of getting murdered along the way

[@helenreeves6978]

I walked it in 2015, a poor American lady broke her ankle on that stretch. I wouldn’t say I hated it but it wasn’t my favourite bit 😂

[@StephenJReid]

I'd say it's responsible for a few broken ankles!

[@Buszkraftowski]

Am I an exception? Did not hate it. Yes, it was extrimly challanging to me as I wanted to finish it from Rowardennan to the Bothy, but still, one of the most beautiful parts of the WHW. If I would have known in advance, I just would have stopped in Inversnaid to finish the rest the next day.

[@StephenJReid]

Yeah I think in hindsight it's a section to be savoured but lots approach it as a section to just tick off quickly.

[@Buszkraftowski]

@@StephenJReid Yes. Just by it*s number in miles / kilometers it seems short, but the single trail is often more challenging as es the rest of the WHW. Therefore by wrong estimation, some can start to "hate" this section. But I clearly see the mistake was on myside and it is not the fault of the trail...

[@Seeking_Gnosis]

Argh my TENT I need that!! 😅

[@StephenJReid]

🏃‍♂️ ⛺️ 😱🤪

[@Fercough]

If you've cycled in the Cambridgeshire tend you'll get that same feeling of no features, endless miles all looking and feeling the same!

[@anthonyhearn1853]

I did the WHW on a mountain bike and the most challenging part was the Loch Lomond section. You could ride some of it, but you had to keep getting off and carrying your bike, sometimes scrambling with you bike on your shoulder. Soul destroying. Incidentally I loved the section you hated. That part between The Bridge of Orchy and Glencoe over Rannoch Moor was amazing on the bikes. My favourite part was between The Devils Staircase and Kinlochleven, great MTB trail. Love the vids, great stuff. You rock.

[@StephenJReid]

I met a very unhappy mountain biker on the Loch Lomond section 😂 Funny I thought the Rannoch Moor section would be great on a bike! Think I might go back and bikepack some of some time

[@StephenJReid]

Glad you’re enjoying the videos!

[@Crand0m]

Rannoch moor was pure torture on the bike for me. But mainly because the headwind was so strong we barely managed to go forward. Probably would have been nice with good weather.