THE HARDEST SECTION OF THE WEST HIGHLAND WAY (not what we expected!)

[@iristerhaar2191]

Enjoy watching you two walking thus famous trek! I have done a lot of different trails over many years. Just completed a week walking in the Dordogne area in France: beautiful but warm and hilly. I will be 80 next year and have been wondering how to celebrate and I might just walk the west highland way. My parents lived 10 years on the west coast of Scotland and my ex partner was born near Glasgow so it may be to celebrate their lives as well as mine. I was born and grew up in the Netherlands ( flat as a pancake ) but moved to UK fifty years ago and have walked everywhere in this beautiful country. Living in the Cotswolds, hills are not much of a problem and I train in the gym regularly. So yes this trek might be the perfect way to celebrate becoming 80 in 2024! Enjoy Scotland!

[@ElizabethsManyAdventures]

That is so amazing what you've accomplished!!! Congratulations!!! ❤❤❤

[@CrovieStudio]

Oh Man I wish I'd stumbled across you earlier in the year ! I hike the WHW every year and have done for the past 12yrs, it's an annual pilgrimage with a very dear friend of mine & the only time we actually get together because we live so far apart, there's so much information you needed and didn't have that would have made this stage a lot more of a better experience for you, especially the information that if you call ahead to inversnaid hostel they will pick you up at the hotel (yes that walk up is evil 😒) and where the elusive fruit can be found !

[@vanhallaadventures]

Ha! Oh wow yeah that would have been very nice for a pick up! Oh well lol…😆

[@marvinsmith4]

Enjoying your recap, my wife and I did the WHW last year and loved it so much. You have so much footage that takes me right back, even really specific spots on trail where I had memories that stood out, good and bad haha. Cheers from TX

[@vanhallaadventures]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@wakingtheworld]

Having only done this solo, in July, over 8 days & filmed & photographed most of it, your footage brought it all back to me. I recognised every single part of your route incl all those dodgy bits along Loch Lomond. I did Rowardennan to Ardleish (opposite The Ardlui Hotel at the end of the Loch) - That was one helluva day esp around Rob Roy's cave... not yet reached by the end of this vid.... and being on my own meant I could not slip at all. Not even once! Well done you two; we've gotta experience it to know how challenging it is!

[@XOXOLOLA100]

Thank you for being such an inspiration 😊

[@vanhallaadventures]

Thank you ❤️

[@caoimhinuk]

I've done the WHW a few times now with different people who have never tried it, always warn them about the path that hugs the Loch Lomond shore. Also done it on a mountain bike (never again) lots of people will tell you about taking the high path but you've done the original route so kudos. Kinda blessed in Scotland for Hikes and Munro climbing. Really enjoyed watching your video and positive outlook you both have, looking forward to see what you guys get up to next.

[@steviec3657]

Really felt for you's walking up that hill, was along a couple of weeks before you's, hiked up that carrying full kit only to find out they have a bus that will come down and pick you up at the Hotel below :(

[@sueKay]

Wasn't expecting to see my home village in the video! It's a shame you couldn't see more of Balloch than Sports Direct!

[@scoobysienna]

nice video guys..i only ever wear soloman boots...for simple reason of not having to change all the time

[@vanhallaadventures]

Thanks for sharing!

[@PaulinePark-c5t]

Inversnaid Bunkhouse will pick you up from the hotel so you don’t have to walk that last mile. We stayed there in April this year and in September 2022. It’s a highlight on the route and the food is amazing.

[@vanhallaadventures]

Agreed the food was soooo good! I wish we knew about the ride up the hill….😂😂😂

[@CelticSeer]

Love the quips and the sense of humor you share as a couple. You are making me want to get out there and train for the Camino and the highlands. BTW, you mentioned Emily……found the video. Thank you for sharing, will try a couple of exercises and will check-in with Emily later. Looking forward to the next edition. Wishing you both excellent hiking weather and happy trails! ~Namaste

[@katrinberger1676]

Great video. Thanks for sharing. I just walked the Cotswold Way in England. A wonderful 102 Mile walk from Chipping Campden to Bath. Loved it. Just a tip. Look up how to use the trekking pole correctly. Especially the loop. The video by Chase Mountains 'How to use trekking poles' is short and good. Greetings from Berlin

[@vanhallaadventures]

Wow that sounds lovely! SO wonderful to hear of your experience. I will look it up. When we are in the middle of filming the poles aren't exactly helping as we have cameras in hand but I will check it out. Thank you.

[@mindihill6136]

You got it! Low top trail shoes are the best! Less friction area. Thank you for sharing your walk - it’s now on our list

[@vanhallaadventures]

I can't believe it's taken both of us so long to figure it out but lesson learned! So happy to hear it's on your list - Scotland is such a beautiful country :)

[@NadineWalks]

I can relate to this video SO MUCH. I'd meant to take the high route, but somehow didn't? The walking never seemed to end. I had to go back to my blog to read about my stage and I feel like my words match your video almost perfectly: “This is the loch that never ends, it just goes on and on my friends…” 17 miles into the day’s hike, I found myself repeatedly singing this line as I stepped up and down over large rocks, sloshed through mud, ducked under low-hanging tree branches. Every time the trail bent around a curve or the trees opened up I would look ahead anxiously, hoping to see something other than the gray, dim water of Loch Lomond. Instead, I saw the same views I had been seeing for the past 10 hours." Loving this series, it's so much fun to watch the two of you!

[@vanhallaadventures]

I wish we took the high route. Low route was brutal. Thanks for watching!

[@tommysoderberg1977]

I hiked west highland way in 2019. Brings back beautiful memories! We started out from the hostel on the water in Rowardennan. Stayed there the first and second night. First day we climbed Ben Lomond. Walked all the way up to Fort William. And I totally agree that the hardest part of the west highland way is along side of Loch Lomond. But also the most beautiful! Much love from Sweden!

[@vanhallaadventures]

Wow - that sounds incredible! Ben Lomond must have had a breathtaking view! Sweden is high on our list to visit. I (crystal) have Swedish ancestry and would love to walk in the mountains there. Any suggestions on places to visit?

[@yvonnebirch6026]

This is such beautiful country ! I love following you two on this trail. I rejoice with you when you arrive at a cosy Inn at the end of the day. Thank you for taking us along ! 🙏💕🌷

[@heathers_home_videos]

I found you guys from your van tour video. I’m loving these hiking videos too! Makes me want to go to that trail. 😊

[@vanhallaadventures]

Awesome! Thank you! :) The WHW is incredible! I hope you enjoy the series :)

[@1nikg]

Well done, looking forward to the rest. I wonder if you checked out Rob Roy's cave a short distance on the direction you're going 👍

[@LiquidShivaz]

My compliments to the both of you! It looks so beautiful yet very very (imho) treacherous as it comes to ankles and feet. Maybe one day ❤😊❤

[@jessicaadkins214]

Thanks for sharing - this is now on my bucket list! Do you think you’ll ever do any of the National Scenic Trails here in the States?

[@vanhallaadventures]

I think so, eventually. Right now I/we are enjoying different countries and cultures. Plus I know that the US long-distance trails do have crime whereas anywhere in the UK or EU I have yet to encounter or hear of any issues. Because I will most likely be trekking solo I want to ensure I feel safe and I want to get more experience before heading out on the PCT/AT/CT. Thank you for watching 🙂

[@Merbella]

Well done! After all that, I wanted a tour of the Inn you stayed at 😊

[@vanhallaadventures]

There will be an accommodations video following once this trek series is complete! Please stay tuned and thanks for watching!

[@Merbella]

@@vanhallaadventures great! I hope that particular Inn was comfortable considering the extra uphill hike 😉 you guys are troopers 🩷

[@TheConnor67]

Not much use now that it’s done but a wee tip would be about 2mls after Rowerdennan take the high path when it splits rather than the low one right along the loch side . Loving the content looking forward to the next video

[@vanhallaadventures]

Yes totally agree! Wish we chose the high route. ✌🏻

[@kalishallanvlog3586]

Wow!! Very nice trip..take care always to both of you.. watching here in Philippines..

[@georgehunter7099]

I live only about 20 mins from Loch Lomond. I ran WHW last May. Coming down Conic Hill was a bit of an ankle nightmare due to eroded path. Nice to see the repairs to path.

[@vanhallaadventures]

WOW! that is impressive! Yes, the path looked so much nicer this year. Hope your ankle recovered well :)

[@neilAneerGAmAI]

That path close to the Loch Lomond water edge was insane. I had to carry my bike and luggage and I was truly more exhausted than I have ever been in my life. Wouldn't skip it for a million dollars 😁

[@vanhallaadventures]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@clairu7096]

We hit those steps about 7.30pm and we're overtaken by 4 serious walker guys were had met right at the beginning. We were confused as to how we were ahead of them...they had done a 10mile detour! I was so pleased to arrive at the YH. It was a gorgeous stay and good veggie food. We thought we would have to wait ages for dinner but it turns out a coach party had put in the postcode and not checked the map so we're on the wrong side of the lake. We got to jump them and eat whilst they drove round the lake to get there. Glad you're enjoying it so far

[@LaurieHammond-cn9lk]

B-so true about 50. And at 60, calm and content overcomes you

[@vanhallaadventures]

That's something really nice to look forward to :) Cheers to aging well!

[@issaabulail8995]

really amazing hiking

[@lizwallace273]

Love it!! This makes me want to go back and do it again right now! The Loch Lomond section was definitely the hardest section. We did Drymen to Rowardennan in the rain and that part was really fun. Then we did Rowardennan to the Ardleish ferry on day three and it was TOUGH! 11 hours! I love that you and Brian have such a great attitude about the challenges. I was a zombie by the end of that day! I'm loving your videos. Such beautiful photography!

[@markwilliamson9140]

I love the way you film your videos, makes you feel like I'm right there with you. Beautiful scenery. How's the weather in Scotland? Has it been ok for you both? 😀

[@vanhallaadventures]

Thank you for this sweet compliment! It's been GREAT! Very little rain (just some mist), great clear skies most of the time, and everyone has been so nice. we are now planning to go back and do a tour of the isles at some point. Scotland really is magical :)

[@LeanneBarclay-Brennan]

I did the WHW in 5 days solo. Decided to walk the full lochside on day 2 from Balmaha to Inverarnan, took me 13hrs!!! Madness but great fun at the same time😂

[@curiouscassie]

Altras are great! TOPOs are excellent too...nice wide toe box. Awesome video.

[@FNDingMyWay]

Where is your hat from? I've been looking for one and yours seems to be holding up nicely!

[@CourtneyHind]

Love the hat

[@miltonofbuchanan]

From rowerdennan to inversnaid, take the high road every time, faster and easier trail. Sets you up for the tough section after inversnaid.

[@vanhallaadventures]

Agreed!

[@jameshepburn81]

Done this back in 2019 with my brother and nephew but we did it on mountain bike I hated this section done loch lomond along the banks never knew there was a road up from us we could have done.😅

[@vanhallaadventures]

Thanks for sharing!

[@Ciliaverheggen]

Love your video's. I Will walk the WHW in may.. what app are you using to navigate/ see at what point you are?

[@vanhallaadventures]

Thank you! We use All Trails App

[@chrishowie882]

Super Video thanks!! I did this way back in 1989 with my Uncle and have felt your pain!! What app were you using?

[@vanhallaadventures]

Thank you! We were using All Trails. It was pretty accurate for the most part. We felt the trail was very well marked. However it’s nice to have the app to give you that extra confidence.

[@Skyemansthoughts]

Two words for you.... devils staircase........keep on walking guys. ❤

[@lolavang9432]

how long was your day in the end? what time did you set off from to when you got into your accommodation? :) thanks

[@jenniferchipponeri2293]

Altra’s with their wide toe box are the best❣️ been using them for over 10 years and on all my pilgrimages. Enjoying your newly discovered passion for hiking and your honest reflections ‼️

[@vanhallaadventures]

You are way ahead of the game! I wish I had known about them sooner. I actually contacted them today and shared this video with them since we love them so much. We want to tell everyone about them. Thank you for the kind words :)

[@foreverirish132]

Great video 💚 thanks for sharing 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@vanhallaadventures]

Thanks for watching :)

[@beverlyaslett7871]

Iceland is expensive I know. You had a three day stopover. What was approximately the cost with hotel, car and food? Prepared for sticker shock here.

[@katehobbs9764]

Super random question...where did you find those Nalgene bottles?! They're so cute, found lots of others which are naturefied but yours are super awesome! Great video too :D

[@vanhallaadventures]

www.REI.com

[@katehobbs9764]

Thanks so much ❤

[@sherryduffenais4815]

What were the names of the low waterproof boots that you bought?

[@johnmys5am]

Altra Lone Peak are the BEST trail shoes. (plus Super Feet trail inserts)

[@connyvanacquoy7179]

The Bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond!!!😱🤪 It is not that Bonnie at that moment when I walked there….I know😂😂

[@lorrainesherred6458]

No such thing as waterproof shoes unless they are made of rubber. At best you have water resistant shoes Good luck . Wish I could be out there with you. Beautiful scenery

[@paulwatt5227]

That was the first half of the loch 😅 i found the second half of the loch the hardest😊

[@vanhallaadventures]

Agreed 👍🏼 Thanks for watching!

[@billyharden9316]

When you get there you will feel 💯trust me it’s a challenge your mind will feel good about.👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇺🇸

[@vanhallaadventures]

thanks Billy! :)

[@billyharden9316]

You just have to push your boundaries, it’s good for your self confidence 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇺🇸⛺️

[@ileanaendom]

Would love trainer info

[@ianpark1805]

Well, that’s the (surprisingly) toughest section of the WHW (almost) done. I was worried when you floated the idea of an Uber though. Couldn’t see that one flying! Fortunately you decided to walk, probably your only choice in reality! Looking forward to next week’s episode!

[@vanhallaadventures]

there isn'tt even uber in this area which made it even more ridiculous lol! We don't know what we are doing half the time haha. Thank you! See you on Saturday :)

[@leymealea]

Leymealea love you video

[@vanhallaadventures]

Thank you!

[@davidbyrne8801]

Laziest Indiana Jones ave ever saw

[@vanhallaadventures]

Thanks for comparing us to Indiana Jones. I’ll take the laziest version…🤪

[@DunkfaeOotnAbootWiUs]

Forget aboot all those fancy drinks and snacks things and get yersel some jelly babies and irn bru ...doing a great job guys 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@vanhallaadventures]

We are addicted to AG1 lol. Thank you!

[@shi1355]

you're so sweet trying to pronounce things properly, it must be frustrating being told the same 1 thing (even well meaningly) that is then multipled many times on here. Just do you and well done 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿💪🏻

[@vanhallaadventures]

Oh thank you!

[@summittaedae2323]

You maybe be picked the worst section of Scotland to break in new boots/lowtop’s 😂.

[@vanhallaadventures]

HAHA! The lowtops were OK but the Altra's win everytime. I just sent them media team a message because I had to show them my love lol. Hopefully they offer to sponsor a video or two because we legit want to tell everyone about them! Thank you for watching :)

[@summittaedae2323]

@@vanhallaadventures I use scarpa rebelle lite on the mountains and north face ultra fastpack trail boots for section hiking. I hope they show you some love for your advertisement but don’t give them to much praise by or it’ll be no worth to them cause your doing it for free 😂. Happy hiking 🥾

[@EldestPuck]

What a bullshit... You came to hike the WHW and than u take a water taxi... well done. I mean come one if u have destroyed feet or something I understand it...

[@vanhallaadventures]

If you watched the video we never actually took the water taxi. 🤷‍♂️

[@4potslite169]

Ummm, yeah….Conic Hill isn’t straight up….

[@jpj-rx1zu]

You pronounce like all Scottish people do loch lomond as lock as in lock and key as simple as that no silly gurrgitating

[@LaurieHammond-cn9lk]

Another 🤬🤬hill

[@vanhallaadventures]

Bwhahaha! #valisawesome

[@heywood554]

Is Brian pregnant?