The West Highland Way - 10 Mistakes I Made

[@EwanGoesHiking]

Are you thinking about doing the West Highland way? Perhaps you're already planning your hike. Hopefully this video will be of some help to you. If you've watched my videos you will already know that I was unable to complete the hike this year - having to call it quits 3 days in due to injury. Here are 10 mistakes I made which ruined my hike. DON'T MAKE THESE MISTAKES!

[@AmarSingh-ew3nc]

17kg for a bag still seems much 😅 I've been training with a 10kg bag but the other day, I found myself having to carry bottles of water in a bag which weighed 20kg for about 4 miles - and it was dier! Haha I'm preparing for WHW and am assuming I'll do no more than 15 miles a day. Asides from Loch lomond (as im aware that there's restrictions) is it okay to camp wherever you so desire?

[@BHamishB]

Hi Generally Scotland has the right to roam, so wild camping is OK with certain exceptions like Loch Lomond and the Trossachs Management Zones between March and September. There also may be certain restrictions in times of deer stalking, but that is later in the year and would apply to walking, not just wild camping, but unlikely on the WHW. However, I think some limited camping in these management areas is allowed if you pre-purchase a permit. But there are always commercial campsites along the way. Commercial campsites, now and again, will be good to get a shower, wash and dry your clothing and other gear. With the heavy foot traffic the WHW sees, there should be no problem finding open commercial campsites between March and say October. Outside these times, the weather can be horrendously wet and unpleasant, 4 seasons weather in a typical Scottish day. Being able to dry your wet clothing out at overnight stops is a real bonus, which you should think about when not wild camping. Putting on cold wet clothing in the morning is not something to look forward to! BHamishB @@AmarSingh-ew3nc

[@CellarWolf]

I usually do the WHW every year for the past 6 years, I often combine it with the Great Glen to make a longer adventure. I always carry my own pack at around 12kg and wild camp unless camping restrictions are in affect. Usually is is just me and the dog but one year I took my mum, while she does want to try again she experienced a lot of similar set backs. The biggest hurdle for her was they way other hikers talk about mileage. While I know I can do a comfortable 30 miles I would never expect someone with limited/no hiking experience to keep to that. I suggested we do 5 - 7 miles per day and just have a longer adventure. However because of the way other hikers talked she quickly became self-conscious and pushed herself far to hard doing 12 miles on her very first day and getting blisters. then when day two progressed slowly she felt bad. There is nothing wrong in taking your time, the best piece of advice I can offer is ignore when other people talk about there amazing mileage just be proud your out and about. Its far harder and braver to do these things if you are a little unfit or inexperienced, don't worry what you think other people may say or do, just do you. For all the experienced hikers out there remember its not about how fast you can do it, but how much we all enjoy it.

[@EwanGoesHiking]

Great advice Natasha. Thank you 😊👍

[@tonycampbell1178]

Natasha Hazle Well said!

[@chrissaltmarsh6777]

I used to do the 40km; no longer. Too creaky. It is the joy of being there. Especially with everything on your back. I'm 10km, 10kg now. Maybe less. Even when the rain is coming horizontal off the atlantic, but you are ready for it. Ah, back to basics... And the phone is charged, you have a signal, kindle is there, water and Merlot is to hand and all the bivvy kit there. A brew and some dreadful package food that tastes like Michelin 3*

[@hristogavrilov]

Exactly. That's what I've been saying. I can do it in 3 days by myself. I did it with my girlfriend in 7 days. Stopping as often as we like to enjoy different parts of the trail. The whole purpose of something like this should always be the enjoyment and tranquility of nature. If people are so obsseeed with numbers maybe they should look into an endurance race, not a long distance hike.

[@utaschmitz3991]

Natasha, thanks for your encouraging comment. I'm planning to walk the WHW next April/May. Being 60 years of age and only used to dayhikes, I decided to take all the time I need. I'm planning on spending two weeks on the WHW. I'm even planning two days of rest. Just in case. Both, the days of rest as well as shorter stages will allow me to see a little bit if what's left an right of the path. Your comment is encouraging me to proceed as planned. Thank you.

[@Thehipsterplantman]

I admire your honesty here mate - good on you!!

[@EwanGoesHiking]

I appreciate that Neil. Cheers 😊👍

[@robmurray1990]

Good list.... Many years since I completed it, I remember the last time (1994) I attempted it with my non-hillwalking mate. I had it planned to a T. Not too far, me carrying the most (18 stone second row forward playing first team rugby!) leaving him with only essentials to carry. He appeared at the train station with a MASSIVE rucksack. Told me he had packed a leather jacket and good jeans for going out at night! Honestly! Day 1, we barely made it to Drymen and got a B&B. Day 2 - Conic Hill nearly killed him. Stopped at Balmaha for a quick bite to eat and a quick pint (would be rude not too!) Was served "proper scrumpy" from a barrel underneath the bar. After 3 or 5 of them we decided to start walking again. Leaving the pub I threw my rucksack over my shoulder, heard a crack and realised my index finger had been caught in the strap and had broken/rotated through 90 degrees. Woops. Ended up getting the ferry from Rowardennan to Tarbet and hitching a lift to Fort William to get my hand sorted (interestingly enough, straightened my finger without anaesthetic as I had been drinking!). At least my mate got to wear his bloody jacket. Definitely want to do the WHW again though!

[@EwanGoesHiking]

I hope your next attempt goes a bit smoother (and your pal leaves the leather jacket at home). 😂 Thanks for the comment Rob. Gave me a giggle. 😊

[@wildcampinginscotland6060]

Mate I literally pished myself laughing at this, leather jacket 😂😂😂

[@christophernewman5027]

Thanks for your honesty. "Let the shipwrecks of others be your seamarks" as they say. 😊

[@EwanGoesHiking]

Love that saying. So true. 😊

[@williamlewis2378]

Good on you Ewan for being so honest. To be fair to you, anyone of us could have made those mistakes. Keep up the videos 👍

[@EwanGoesHiking]

Thanks William. I appreciate that. All the best, Ewan

[@mikeday8295]

Totally agree.

[@vvvvvv2086]

To avoid blisters, I wear two pairs of socks. A thin pair next to the skin and hiking socks on top. The socks rub together instead of rubbing against your skin. Walked the WHW twice and never had any blisters.

[@EwanGoesHiking]

Good piece of advice. Thank you. I always walk distance walks with 1000 mile socks now. Pretty much the same thing. Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment. 🙂

[@chrisyoung9653]

dont wear two pairs of socks.causes more heat so more blisters.one thick pair of socks is the way foward rhe less friction the better

[@gerryjtierney]

@@chrisyoung9653 wrong

[@123HIP]

What about using talcum powder on your'e feet would that stop blisters.

[@paulspence3601]

Me too. I also refresh feet by taking off boots at midday - and if water is available may even wash feet en-route.

[@aileanbreac5584]

Thanks Ewan, you nailed it. Boy, this brought back memories- some good, some not so good. I did it twice ('02 & '04) and dropped out halfway through due to overweight pack, serious blisters, dehydration, and being the "hard man" instead of the "smart man". I was embarrassed and humbled. Stages: Milngavie to Drymen, Drymen to Rowardennan (Hostel), Row to Crianlarich, Crian to Bridge of Orchy, BoO to Kinlochleven, Kinl to FW. My Dad tagged along and he stayed at B&B's while I camped. We'd meet for lunch and at days end. Similar to your experience, Ewan, my mistakes: 1. Heavy backpack- too much spare clothing, camping gear, luxury crap. Much lighter 2nd time. Was too proud to ask my Dad put some non-essential items in the car! 2. Boots/Socks: I wore an old pair of 70s style leather hiking boots I bought in Canada and 1 pair of cotton socks. This was my biggest mistake. My feet were soaking wet, badly blistered and swollen so much it was agony squeezing on my boots next morning. My toenails fell out later. My 2nd time, I invested in good hiking boots, and 2 x 2 pairs of socks (1 thin, 1 slightly thicker). I also taped up my heels and between toes each morning with a bit of surgical tape (unnecessary at start but glad later) 3. Hydration: Same, I'd fill my Nalgene bottle and think I'd wait till next big stop to refill. I collapsed and was dry-heaving at Crianlarich. 4. Route Planning: By far the hardest part was Rowardennan to Crianlarich. The route was long, 80% along Lomond, and was hard on quads and knees with that ridiculous pack. On 2nd time, I prepared the hard stages and where I'd be sore and managed it (ie. avoid Devil's Staircase at end of a long day). 5. Training: I'd done a few marathons and tri's and was generally fit, but throw a heavy pack on, walk all day up and down with wet, blistered feet, and camp rough took its toll on my quads, knees, ITB. I trained (including good stretching) for the second one and was glad. 6. Hiking Pole: none the first attempt, glad I had it on the second time. 7. Fast Walking: I had a race mentality and tried to power each stage. My 2nd time, I left early, paced myself, took time to enjoy the scenery, stopped more to have a flask of tea, pint at BoO. I even went for a quick (cold) swim near Ardlui and loved it. Know your limits and embrace why you're there. I learned from my mistakes on the second attempt (same schedule and route) and it was way more enjoyable. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Thanks again and good luck!

[@EwanGoesHiking]

Really appreciate you taking the time to write that. I think a lot of people will find it helpful. Sounds like you definitely learned from your initial mistakes and had a great WHW second time round. All the best 👍

[@charlykatbat4468]

I did the WHW back in 2018 and I had done some pretty good research beforehand. I had watched some people on KZbin talking about the WHW, read some blogs and also basically learned the guide book by heart, so when I started hiking I knew roughly what I was doing. Not to mention that I've been working as an outdoor/hiking guide since 2015, so I knew my gear pretty well and also my overall streght. My goal was to hike about 22 km per day on average, but also listen to my body, just in case I need more time or a longer rest. On day 1 I sticked to my planned route to the meter, as I had pre-booked a spot to camp and obviously made use of that. After that first night I had nothing pre-booked anymore, just in case the distance I chose was to big for me to handle and I needed to stop somewhere else. Day 2 came around and the weather was perfect. Sunshine with mild wind, not to warm or to cold. So I hiked and hiked and pushed myself further than what I had planned, but I really wanted to make use of the nice weather, just in case the other days would be just rain. So on Day 2 I covered 36 km, bringing me a lot further on my track, than what I had planned. Day 3 was the same, weather again amazing for hiking and I pushed myself a lot further than the planned 22'ish km, so by the time Day 3 was over I had hiked close to 100 km, out of the planned 66. I basically was a whole day and a bit ahead of schedule and I could feel it in my legs, not going to lie. When I woke up on Day 4 I looked at the map and decided to force myself in doing a shorter hike today, just to allow my legs and feet to get some more rest, and just have more time in Camp. Maybe even dip myself into some body of water and go for a swim, or at least cool my feet down in a stream. While I was hiking (again, weather was nice, a bit more windy and cloudy than before, but still dry) I ran into some other hikers and we started chatting. Accodring to them the weather was supposed to change the next day to strong winds and rain, so I made the decission to push myself one more day, just so on (what would probably be my last hiking day) the next day I only had to cover a short distance and hopefully not end up feeling to miserable and soaked by the time I walk into Fort Williams. Well I underestimated how much I can push myself and by the time I whipped out my map in the afternoon to check for a good spot to camp, I noticed that I was less than 10km away from Fort Williams already and made the (stupid) decission to just finish the WHW that day and sleep in a proper bed. Not going to lie, the idea of having a shower and a cosy bed gave me some fresh motivation and I just kept on walking, but by the time I arrived in a BnB that had room for me, I was so tired that I nearly fell asleep under the shower, didn't even have dinner and went straight to bed. My legs and back where sore the next day and I was sort of disapointed, that the WHW was already over. So now for 2020 I wanted to go back and do it again, but being more strickt on the distances set, to sort of "force" myself to take more breaks and just enjoy it more, instead of just keep pushing myself to the limits. But then the whole Plague happened so for now this is postponed to 2021. Not going to lie, I'm acutally happy that I postponed it now, as it gives me more time to hike with my dog and get him used to sleeping in a camp, before we head out on the WHW (he's never seen a tree in his life, so it'll be exciting for him). Hiking 50 km in a day is no fun, not even with a rather light pack (mine weight about 12 kg with water and food) and your legs are going to hate you for pushing the limits. It's especially hard, if you've hiked 40'ish km the days before, I know that some thru hikers do that a lot, but for me it was quite a push. The hills and rocky path where rather nice tho, as where I usually hike our hills are just piles of loose rocks with no path what so ever, so this was rather easy in comparison. But I definetly say, do your homework before going on a longer track, read/watch what other people have to say about the track, give your gear a good test beforehand and listen to your body. Don't push yourself for no good reason and enjoy being outside. It's supposed to be fun, not a race.

[@EwanGoesHiking]

Some great advice there. Really enjoyed reading about your WHW trip. Thank you 😊👍

[@kenpage3321]

Great video. Full of helpful precautions. You asked for advice. I did full length of West highland way 16 years ago and my advice is. Relax, take an extra day, speak to the people you meet and learn their stories. Worked for me and I met my wife. Enjoy this beautiful walk.

[@EwanGoesHiking]

You gained a wife and all I got was a busted knee! haha Some good advice there Ken. Much appreciated. 👍

[@dustymillar7026]

Water! The WHW was my first walk, aged 60. I prepared well, main pack went via carrier, first section was as yours, to conic hill. I got to the pub at the car park at balmaha but couldn't eat a thing, l was ill! Three pints of cider later I was fine. Moral? Drink something!!! From then on I was fine. Took me 7 days. 3 or 4 years later I did it again over 5 days. Still drinking! Now I always carry a daily supply of strongbow when I'm walking. Enjoy the fresh air while you can, now my health has gone of all the many and varied things I used to enjoy hiking is the one I've missed the most. Cheers, Dusty.

[@EwanGoesHiking]

Cheers Dusty. So sorry to hear you can't get out hiking anymore. Wishing you all the best and thanks for watching and commenting.

[@jolandavoets-gubbels2667]

Thank you for your honest story! It helps me a lot. I'm walking it first week May 2024. I hope you can do it again and then enjoy of a lot!!! 🙋🏼‍♀️

[@HungLoh]

Made everyone of these mistakes mate, you are not alone 😂 and put my knee out on the first day just after Balmaha after a 22 mile day. Battled ex hurricane Callum from day 2, left my water proof trousers in Inversnaid day 3. Stuck hip deep in a bog at the start of day 4 after finally drying out my boots the night before... Pro Plus and pain killers (and thank God for the walking poles that made good crutches) got me through and managed Ben Nevis at the end, but I was broken 😂

[@EwanGoesHiking]

Ben Nevis at the end too? Glutton for punishment. 😂 Sounds like you had an eventful hike for sure.

[@WanderingJay]

being able to indentify mistakes and learn from them goes a long way ! Ive done a WHW , A TGO and numerous dartmoor hikes, and have made every one of these! but the key is dial in yr gear b4 a big hike, practicing on overnighters, figure out wot works, wot doesnt, also, cheap gear is a false economy, doesnt mean good gear is expensive, but researching gear is always good, a good idea is to search on youtube ppl doing the same hike, I always check out their review of the hike, see their gear and any issues they had on route, on the WHW i saw ppl saying the top loch lomond section was hard going so adjusted my campsites accordingly. I always pace my hikes round 15 miles per day, stopping regularly , i take my boots off, check and air feet, whilst resting, this helps loads. i could go on, but any questions always happy to help out a fellow hiker! ATB WJ

[@EwanGoesHiking]

Some cracking advice there mate. Really appreciate it.

[@FACup-eu2dt]

Excellent, a vlog to keep. Should be shown to all beginners. If I was going to attempt the West Highland Way alone, I would do it with somebody first.

[@RossTallo]

Fair play to you for sharing Ewan, not easy to talk openly like you have... I'm sure that this will help many many others 👍🏻

[@EwanGoesHiking]

Appreciate that Ross. Here's hoping someone benefits from it. All the best. 👍

[@MrFrogmorton]

Have done it thrice with friends over the years. Carried all our gear as well. Not easy but we completed it every time with the rough planning we made for the first time. Great walk that I hope to do again one day.

[@frosty_soda]

I am 47. I have started getting into rucking. 10% of our body, then up the % after you get used to. Do it 5x a week and walk for an 1hr or 1.5hr. Good preparation and does exactly what you mention. Strengthens your body!

[@einbisschenmehroderweniger]

I finished the WHW in September and I was incredibly lucky. It was my first hike ever (not even long distance, hike in general) and you might call that insane. We took 7 1/2 days and it took all I had. But it was an experience I’d Never want to live without. My tip: no matter how rainproof your gear is, waterproof it extra with a plastic lining. And really get yourself some rainpants. I didn’t have any and ended up buying them in tyndrum and it was so much more pleasant from there on out. And really don’t pack as much stuff, the first few days killed me!

[@EwanGoesHiking]

Some good advice there....particularly the waterproofing. Thanks for watching and commenting. Much appreciated. 😊👍

[@alexandercarder2281]

I used to live in Lochgoilhead Argyll and me and my pal decided to do The Cobbler. It was a lovely day and thought it would be a doddle. We started off in Arrochar and walked around loch long until we came to the entrance just off the road. Once we got to the main prominence we decided to not stick to the path but turn off to the left and ascend up the middle of the mountain, between the two towers. I’ll never forget the fear I felt once we were forced onto our hands and knees and clinging to the grass and heather. I was frightfully aware of my slippery nylon trousers and one slip I would have slidden down and into the jagged rocks below at 100 mph 😱 I am still alive so I didn’t fall. But once we got to the top the weather suddenly changed and became like a hurricane with freezing wind. It literally made my face muscles seize up. We lost complete visibility and we found the nearest cave and hid inside. I actually started crying because I felt we weren’t gonna make it. But we decided to brave the storm and and see if we could see anyone. I remember suddenly seeing a red colour and knew it was the people who were in front of us at the start. That was my most scariest moment. I’ve done a lot of silly other things when I was 19. I wanted to climb all of the Arrochar alps and I did them all on my own without any planning and in winter snow. But I must have been charmed because I never fell foul of anything thank the Lord. And one more thing, my most beloved Mountain is beinn bheula for spiritual reasons. And she is gorgeous

[@EwanGoesHiking]

Scary stuff. Sounds like you've been a lucky lad. Beinn Bheula definitely is gorgeous. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@WillN2Go1]

Good video Thanks. I've found that if I have layers of merino wool, which doesn't stink (synthetics are the worst) I take fewer clothes. I'll have one extra t-shirt, 1 extra underpants and the rest is just 2-3 layers then a jacket and scarf. I could do 30C or 0C. I think we take more clothes to feel more comfortable, which means we don't smell like a dumpster. Ditching the synthetics seems to mean you can wear the exact same things day after day. (My wool will get salt stains from my sweat, but a rinse and wearing it - if it's not too cold - will quickly dry it out. (I'm surprised no one in the UK with all those sheep around has ever noticed how comfortable they seem in all conditions.) Hotspots. Leukotape, or some equivalent. Yep, I've done what you did. Now at the sign of anything I slap on some tape, maybe it was a hotspot maybe it wasn't -- no matter it's taken care of. I think I've learned to wear oversized boots (but this is hardly expert advice. For years I was size 8.5 (US) then I was 9- 9.5, when I started wearing 10.5s I was in heaven. I'm 64 I've learned that our feet, noses, and ears keep growing, I just don't know when our feet start doing this and I don't know if anyone else should be wearing larger boots). And of course a pair of socks and maybe a t-shirt kept aside just for the sleeping bag. What's better under the fly than fresh socks and a sleeping bag? I'm allergic to down so I have to carry a heavier synthetic bag, but I also carry a Thermorest Liner. It's like having a thermostat in my sleep gear. If it's hot I'll sleep on top of my bag in the liner, a bit cooler, just the bag... I've also got a cheap heavy fleece liner that could be a sleeping bag all by itself. It had a zipper which just got in the way. I sewed it up and after a test night I used a stitch-ripper to remove the zipper. Charging block. I was in Japan with my iPhone 6s, summer of 2016. It had a problem where the phone's battery would just die. I had an Anker 20800 block. Always got me through. (I've got the bigger one now, but it's overkill. The 20800 size will get your 4-5 good days using GPS) What happened to your knee? When I hiked up Ben Nevis as the first of many planned hikes in the Highlands, my knee started hurting something awful. I did two more hikes before I taped it up and turned Scotland into a road trip with limping. On my last day before taking the ferry to Belfast, I was camping in a town with good WiFi, so I set out to google my symptoms. Because I'd done this before I had one operating premise: What ever I would find would invariably turn out to be wrong! (So why do it?) An hour an a half later I figured out I needed one of two major surgeries with months of PT. But then I said, "But I know that I'm wrong!" So I kept digging. Also the two conditions were caused by sudden accidents, like basketball and the footie, my condition just got worse the more I walked. I changed walking to running and came upon Illial Tibial Band Syndrom ITBS. WIthin 30 minutes I'd watched a few KZbin videos and then spent ten (ridiculous) minutes rolling my butt on my coffee mug. Then I peeled off the tape and...went for a walk! A woman who had jogged by me that morning jogged by again, "You're doing better!" So I started to tell her... "Oh, yeah, ITB syndrome. All us runners know..." I'd been a runner before-- I never knew. I'd even met a doctor on Hadrian's Wall who chatted me up about my limp and knee. The buckle on your backpack. Would it have been better if it had broken on the hike and you'd jury rigged it with string? I've been in that situation where fewer options would've been better options. Of course how do you know? Also Sealskinz waterproof socks. Amazing. I get chilblains, but not with these socks. I turn them inside out at night to air them out, wear them every day for days and days. They aren't cozy, but they are never chilly. Okay, enough of my nonsense. If I've got time to yammer on with all this nonsense it's clear I haven't been on a hike in a month.

[@EwanGoesHiking]

Thanks for the awesome reply. Some great info in there. Yeah I swear by merino wool. It can be pricey but you definitely get your moneys worth. My knee issue was a strained IT band (syndrome). I had torn my meniscus the previous year which didn't help and I think the extra weight and miles were just too much. Thanks again for the reply. I enjoyed reading it. 😊

[@WillN2Go1]

@@EwanGoesHiking Your welcome Ewan. ouch! So same condition. IT band (syndrome). I feel for you. *Be a good topic for a video, especially how to check if you're beginning to get it, how to avoid it....* I was in Kirkcudbright, high on a hill searching the internet for information. After I was pretty sure what was wrong, (after I was pretty sure I was wrong and keep searching) I came across this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXqUfnVoms6cY5o I didn't want to be a typical male pig and watch it because it had an attractive woman... I finally relented. Best video on how to treat it. I wrapped my stainless steel Klean Kanteen thermos in my 2'x2' 1/2" yoga (butt) pad, and started rolling out my thigh and butt on the picnic table bench. The Scottish must depths of tolerance because no one called the police. Within ten minutes I knew it was working. And the brilliant thing about fixing a knee by rolling out your butt and thigh is that if you are entirely wrong about your diagnosis -- you are never doing anything to your knee - so you can't make it worse. And (as I am sure you know) the inflammation, and pain, are still present, but I could begin to walk without the knee brace and tape. I only wished I'd been able to figure this out before Ben Nevis. A major symptom I'll bet even your physical therapist isn't aware of: I started slowing down long before I was aware of the pain. In 2009 I was the fastest hiker in China, in 2016 the Japanese left me in the dust and I began to notice I had to take it easy on big drops (I was also 60 years old, so I assumed weaker ligaments cartilage). I was in Scotland in 2018. So fellow hikers might notice when a buddy is slowing down, or having problems on big down steps. The weeks before Ben Nevis I'd walked all over London and did about 40 miles of the Wessex Ridgeway over 5 days (60 lb backpack - stupid) I don't remember any problems (until I realized my water filter hadn't been working....) I think it was the climbing on Ben (I took the tourist path up and down), and especially coming down where my knee started screaming. I rested a few days and then hiked Torredon, made it to the loch, limped back. Suilven, I got to where you turn off the loch to reach the approach and had to turn back. After that just driving for two weeks. Two days after I fixed it at Kirkcudbright I was walking all over Belfast, a few days later I did over ten miles to and around the Giant's Causeway. A few other similar hikes around Ireland. The 180 meter climb to St. Fionan’s Monastery on Skellig Michael? No problem. What surprised me was how it seemed runners know all about ITBand and hikers seem to not know, and how I lived 60+ years, as a nerd, runner, hiker with occasional knee twinges but never learning about it. Ewan I think you are the man to launch the SNITBSC, the Scottish National Illial-tibial Band Syndrome Campaign. Or maybe make a video. Interview your physical therapist, doctor, hiking buddies, "We didn't want to say anything. Ewan's our mate....We were afraid we might have to put him down...." I intended this to be short, but I think I'm just procrastinating going for a walk or a peddling my bike...

[@Philliben1991]

Every time I get a foot/knee/hip injury there has always been one common factor - I walked more than 15 miles in a day. So I conclude that when you walk over that distance you are going to pick up injuries. They might not be serious ones but when you are walking long distances day after day even minor injuries (blisters, slight sprains) can make it a much less enjoyable experience. Walking too far in a day especially at the beginning of the trail when you're body hasn't adjusted to the physical challenge is, for me, one of the worst decisions you can make. Usually by about day 3 you notice a big change in your ability to sustain the physical challenge of it but don't get carried away, take it easy and take one or two extra days to complete the trail - you are supposed to be enjoying yourself, it's not a race, try and keep your distances around or less than 15 miles. Also the other thing I would mention is pack weight. Don't take ANYTHING you don't REALLY need. You need basics - you need to stay warm, dry, hydrated, and you need to take care of your feet. You don't need a book, a laptop or a fresh t-shirt for every day on the trail! If you are camping invest in light weight gear. It is worth it a thousand times over.

[@EwanGoesHiking]

Great advice. Thank you 😊👍

[@AnthonyJohnson1]

Philliben1991 that’s great advice. I’ve just failed in my attempt to walk the Cleveland Way as I developed shin splints and had to quit after 90 miles. Despite all the training I did for it, walking 22 miles and 23 miles on the first 2 days was the main cause.

[@fallinbing7291]

Good advice!

[@davidalexander287]

Already done the WHW but an excellent video. Yep, also ended up tight with water at Conic Hill. The stream and sheep as you cross the bridge to conic did not look inviting As for blisters none as I tool proactive route and leuko taped possible blisters points before hiking.

[@MrPoupard]

"A fool learns from his own mistakes; a wise person learns from his own mistakes and other people's". Good on you for taking the time to share your analysis of what went wrong with your walk and why. Am looking forward to walking it for the first time in July (Covid permitting) so this was very useful - cross referencing your experience with other people's has allowed me to see some issues arising again and again so your vid's been doubly useful! I hope your injuries weren't serious and have recovered by now - the knee one especially!

[@EwanGoesHiking]

Thank you. Hopefully the video has prevented people from making the same mistakes I did. All healed up now thankfully (Severe IT band syndrome - had plenty of time to rest) Good luck with July. Let me know how you get on. All the best, Ewan

[@charlottehodgson5093]

Thank you for that really useful info. I am 73 and planning to walk the WHW in the next year or two. Not going to knock myself out with ridiculous distances as I really want to enjoy the hike and take in the amazing scenery and history. So my distances will be less but I will enjoy each step! Going to travel light with a day pack and get a company to take my heavy bag for me too.... :)

[@PavlosPapageorgiou]

I did the southern part, Crianlarich to Drymen, in one 16-hour walk. 12 noon to 4am the next morning. I had two cameras, a laptop with 3G, a wrap from Pret-a-Manger, and two bottles of water which I refilled. Not sure it was the wisest plan, but I did it. Eating the wrap at night on the shores of Loch Lomond was heavenly. I'm a city person ;)

[@EwanGoesHiking]

Sounds like a good way to spend 16 hours. Thanks for watching and commenting Pavlos.

[@lindyloo7177]

Kudos for your humility 😌 If only there was more outreach and honesty like yours Ewan ✨ I want to journey as I am so disconnected.

[@smcqueen123]

Excellent advice I have been there myself both on long-distance walks and cycles. My number one learning is to do 30-40% of your daily average on the first day then build up. Like in the gym, your body has to warm up. So take it easier on the first few days out.

[@jimbobh1965]

Did it in 1991 and got to Inversnaid totaly knackered, had a couple of pints and a game of pool before setting off again for Ardlui, 2 hours kater i realised i had left my walet in the hotel bar, had to borrow from friends i was with until got home. Lesson learned, check everything up before you leave.

[@EwanGoesHiking]

Aww man. Did you ever get the wallet back? Good bit of advice there.

[@jimbobh1965]

@@EwanGoesHiking Got to my campsite and had a very kind offer by a guy in a boat willing to take me back down the Loch to get it it, but i rang first to see if it had been handedin but no such luck.

[@francesstroscio8027]

Hi Ewan. Thanks for this advice. My husband and I are using Macs Tours to hike for 3 days in May 2023. At ages 66 and 72 by then, we know we absolutely must do training hikes. We have hiked at 9000-11000 feet for 11 miles (8hours) in the Rockies, but that was 16 years ago. We figured that we could do a long hike at much lower altitude with a few steep climbs . Our hikes are 12, 9, and 15 miles in that order, between Bridge of Orchy and Fort William. Our accommodation is booked already with the Macs outfit. We plan to do a few two days in a row practice hikes of reasonably long distances with packs and water and equivalent weight of what we will carry- in addition to water- small first aid kit, very lightweight waterproof small “sheet” to sit on and for privacy in case of needing bathroom facilities in open territory where there won’t be any hope of that(!), lunch, phone charger , very compact foldable umbrella, and anything else we read that we ought to take. Our real concerns are if it will be terrible violent stormy or pelting rain all day and also how hard the hikes are. The Rockies hikes were very very grueling. We need to know how to gauge if we ought to skip a stage and just get a bus or taxi to our next B&B if bad weather is coming. Do people just tough it out and go ahead .“Caution is the better part of valor” so I really don’t know. Hiking at high altitude was a big test and we were fine. But never in pouring rain. We have very good boots and know about layering with wool sweaters etc . Thanks again for the video and would appreciate any additional thoughts!

[@EwanGoesHiking]

Hi Frances. Sounds to me like you're already preparing better than most. You mentioned Bridge of Orchy to Fort William...the two hardest parts between there (in my opinion) would be the Devils Staircase and the route out of Kinlochleven. That's mainly due to the uphill nature of both parts. Again though, it sounds like you're preparing well. Best of luck for May when it comes.

[@mcyoon77]

Good video. I did it a few years back and saw lots of the same people during my walk. Apart from the guy who I walked Conic hill with. He was loaded like a pack horse with stuff dangling off his pack. Didn’t see him after balmaha. My advice - use a courier service. I did from Tyndrum to fort William. It made such a difference to the enjoyment of the walk.

[@EwanGoesHiking]

Using a courier service would definitely have helped me. Its something I am considering the next time I do the WHW...though I have lightened my pack considerably since then. Thanks for watching and commenting. 👍

[@barrypanaretou9124]

Brilliant informative video. Sorry you had to endure such hardships along your way but at least your experience will make people like me more savvy! Thank you!

[@ratb9362]

It’s on my bucket list 🙏your video was. Good help. Thanks for being so honest. And well done for getting some of it done. It was still a good distance

[@EwanGoesHiking]

I appreciate that. Thank you.

[@ac4486]

My own tips: 1. Build up some hard skin on your feet before doing it, using the footwear you intend to use. Add any blister protection when your feet are dry, before you set off. 2. Travel LIGHT. And then LIGHTER! Don't pack much food. 3. Under estimate your abilities. E.g. I thought I could manage ~15 mile days which is usually very easy. But with a pack, I was struggling to hit 10 mile days. Subsequently I only managed 55 of the 96 miles. 4. Don't wrap up TOO warm at night. One night was -1 so I wore extra layers and a fleece sleeping bag liner. I actually ended up drenched in sweat in the middle of the night. 5. Travel outside of midgie season.

[@EwanGoesHiking]

Some good advice there, particularly number 5. People really do underestimate the wee blighters if they've never experienced them before. Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment.

[@raycarlson1342]

My advice is to listen to every word Ewan has said in the video. I've backpacked many miles, including the wonderful West Highland Way, and these words are gems. The WHW is a dream of a hike. Ray

[@EwanGoesHiking]

Thank you for the kind words Ray 👍

[@stevedaly1440]

Thanks for that frank and honest video. They say you learn more from your mistakes than your successes. Thanks to you I now have a better understanding of what it take to do a long trek.

[@EwanGoesHiking]

Glad to have been of some help. Thanks for watching and commenting Steve. :)

[@mikebreen2890]

I have seen people set off on a hike with a heavy pack that were unable to walk on day three. Yup, unable to walk. All of what you say here seems obvious to me, but then I've been doing it for forty years! All your advice is great, particularly, do not take more weight than you absolutely need and for the love of god (any, I'm not fussy) do your training for that hike! Your pack and and your body will hurt, get the hurting done before you go on your hike. At least most of the hurting, then you'll enjoy the hike. :-)

[@Itsthejourneynotthedestination]

Excellent vid, many have no idea how tough it is, did it on my mountain bike a few years back, toughest thing I've ever done. My one piece of advice for anyone thinking of doing it on an mtb is, be prepared to lift, drag, haul and carry your bike cause you're going to be doing a lot of it. Hope you eventually got ir get it done fella, it really is a great personal piece of self satisfaction.

[@EwanGoesHiking]

Jeez mate. That stretch along Loch Lomond mustve been a nightmare with a bike. Well done you. Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment Stuart. Much appreciated.

[@cathiepixie]

Brilliant, thanks so much for your candid share, this is what we all need :-)

[@EwanGoesHiking]

Thank you Cathie. I really appreciate the kind words.

[@BHamishB]

Great useful video Ewan. I actually walked the West Highland Way, way back in October 1983. Took me 5 nights starting and finishing at lunchtime. I made several of these mistakes, which I will try not to repeat again. The time was quite late in the year, but at least midges were not a problem. However, it started to rain (as I set up a wild camp in the Garadhban Forest), about four hours after starting out from Milngavie and the rain didn't stop until the last morning. My first mistake was carrying far too much weight. My pack weight peaked at 56lb/25.5kg but reduced to about 48lb/21.8kg towards the end (food). I did carry dehydrated food (disgusting stuff - hopefully the freeze dried modern meal packs are better). But I also carried too much salt, pepper, a toilet bag and even an electric shaver! What was I thinking about? I cooked with a Primus Stove and paraffin. I didn't carry too much fuel but the Primus stove was quite heavy, so in future I would use an Iso-Butane gas light weight stove. I had been doing quite a lot of serious mountain hill walking the previous year in Torridon, Knoydart, etc. So should have been relatively fit. I carried a 2 man Winter Gear Sapphire tent, which was very good but weighed 3.31kg, so heavy by today's standards. My sleeping bag was a Blacks Mummy sleeping bag I think (1.99kg, plus 0.386kg cotton liner). There are much lighter options available now). It was warm enough, except on my last night in a bothy (Tigh-na-sleubhaich) between Kinlochleven and Fort William. But Tents tend to be warmer than bothies unless you have a roaring fire to warm the place. That bothy may no longer be there as people may have vandalised it for firewood!! I saw some evidence of this a few years later when I cycled a route there from Fort William, but the track was surfaced with large broken stones so was almost impossible to cycle. I had just purchased a brand new expensive Gore-Tex heavy weight summer jacket and had obviously not tested it in heavy rain (if at all). The jacket was a disaster and leaked like a sieve/wetted out. Gore exchanged it for a Winter Thinsulate/Gore-Tex jacket, which was very warm, but of course I still had to buy a light weight summer Gore-Tex rain jacket. The Gore-Tex stuff was very new on the market and presumably Gore had some manufacturing issues initially. My feet gave me problems also. Naturally everything was wet (except for a set of dry clothes I reserved for the tent). The boots were a little too stiff, small and my feet became bruised by the time I approached Kinlochleven. I removed a pair of thick socks and probably a Sorbothane cushion insole. But the boots, which were OK for a day's hill walking, proved uncomfortable for long distance track/road walking. Apart from these clothing Faux Pas, I was wearing climbing britches, probably of moleskin. That was a serious mistake as it was impossible to get these dry overnight. Modern synthetics are the way to go and even Fjällräven Barents trousers dry pretty fast. My absolutely worst day was the trek from Tyndrum across Rannoch Moor to the Kingshouse Hotel. Rannoch Moor was desolate and I was walking into horizontal rain and gale force winds. I was at a very low ebb in physical and mental strength. I literally had to force myself to walk just the next hundred meters, then the next 100m, etc. until I finally reached the Kingshouse House. I enquired the price of bed and breakfast there (no bunk houses in these days) and was scared off by their prices. So I attempted to pitch my tent in the rain near the Kingshouse. However, the weather had other plans and ripped the tent out of my hands and I nearly lost the tent in the River Etive. Fortunately I retrieved the tent and erected it, but then found my sleeping bag was wet. That was the last straw on a bad day, so I checked into the Kingshouse Hotel for the night. In retrospect, that was the best thing I could have done, as I managed to dry almost all of my gear out in their drying rooms. Naturally, there were no KZbin or other social media platforms in these days and I met very few people on the route. I did not have a smart phone, nor even a GPS device in these days. No downloadable OS Maps for the phone, etc. All Map and Compass, but even then, navigation was very straight forward. The whole route was not developed/commercialised then, no honesty boxes, Green Welly and very few shops and cafes en-route. I did however, restock the food in Kinlochleven. I met a group of Royal Marines from Arbroath and they were from the catering Corps on a Jolly. First bumped into four of them in the pub at lunchtime at Rowerdennan. Then I caught up with the full group of them at the Inversnaid Hotel (closed for the rest of the off season). They had intended to camp at the campsite there but it had been destroyed by storms and trees had flattened the site. They had managed to get permission to sleep in the servant's quarters and I slept on the floor there. They even fed me dinner and breakfast, which was a bonus. I met them yet again in the Hotel in Tyndrum where we had all decided to have a few jars of beer. Lots of stories of the Argentinian war a few years before. I had camped at the Pine Trees Campsite in Tyndrum. The marines were not carrying heavy packs as their Landrover handled the transport of the heavy packs. Despite frequent offers from them to do the same for me, I declined as I wanted to do the walk unassisted. I did have one accident when I fell thigh deep in a peat bog and hurt my leg, but fortunately not enough to stop me carrying on. I didn't get much sympathy from my local doc who replied that if I had just walked 95 miles, then there was nothing wrong with my leg. Next patient please!! I was very happy to have completed the route, even under these difficult conditions. I no longer live in Scotland but would like to walk the Cape Wrath Trail in 2023, assuming I can recover from a major cardio operation in time. That looks like a very challenging route. The West Highland Way is a pleasant route to walk with superb scenery and a test for your own strengths. Go for it.

[@cathafloat1195]

I would advise learning to use walking poles beforehand for walking the WHW. We walked without poles and I nearly came a cropper coming down Conic Hill, also nearly taking someone else with me. Walking poles can be used as brakes when coming down and they spread the load throughout the walk, saving you knees. I joined a Nordic Walking group to learn how to use poles effectively and efficiently before our next through hike and they made all the difference. I admire your honesty Ewan. Do you plan to try again? We had a day off in Fort William and walked the Great Glen to Inverness. If you ever do this, stop at the first lock office on the Caledonian Canal and buy a “facilities key” (£5). Most of the locks along the Caledonian Canal have loos and hot showers; some evening have laundry facilities. There is good wild camping at the locks. One even has a floating pub. Good luck for next time.

[@EwanGoesHiking]

Thanks Cath. Great info on the walking poles. Yeah I'll be heading out on the WHW early next year hopefully. Would've done it this summer if it hadn't been for the lockdown.

[@oldsambo]

Common mistakes which most of us doing any long distance walk have made especially overpacking and over estimating our ability. Good honest video

[@EwanGoesHiking]

Thank you Sam. Much appreciated. 😊

[@thehoodoogirl]

Fantastic video! I plan on hiking the WHW in the next year. As for advice ... while hiking the Camino de Santiago in Spain, I learned: 1.) Never EVER hike in flip flops with a full pack to "give your feet a break." The shin splints will be torture. 2.) Look at the dosage of your local ibuprofen. Spain's Advil was 4x more powerful than the US equivalent - something I didn't think to look at until AFTER my 12 hour shin splint death nap. :)

[@chrissaltmarsh6777]

That's good, thanks. I walked from Edin to Ulva last year; that was to help their buyout; but being 69 I cheated and did it in bursts, getting the train back home after two or three days and restarting after a couple of days r&r. I had checked my kit. Two things I remember learning- don't put you Kindle in the cargo pocket. It rubs raw on your knee. Do put your flat cap on backwards when it is raining or snowing. Oh, and get the route sorted. I was doing around 12-15 miles a day with 10-11 kg on board. Just knowing how far you have to go is a big incentive. You might have time for a brew.

[@EwanGoesHiking]

Thanks Chris. Doesn't sound like cheating to me. 😂 That sounds like a good walk though. Thanks for watching and commenting. Much appreciated.

[@chrissaltmarsh6777]

@@EwanGoesHiking It was a wonderful trip. Some of it urban or main roads, because I was going from A to B (E to U, in fact) so not all the grand outdoors. But lots of good people met, some lovely country and the Western Isles. I wait to get there the next time.

[@DaveMJohns]

Enjoyed the video. I love the West Highland Way and have completed it 10 times with no major problems, your advice is very sensible. I have walked carrying all my gear to camp and have also used a carrying service as getting older have also used B and B, one thing I can say is that I have loved every minute.

[@EwanGoesHiking]

Really appreciate that David. 10 times is awesome. Your experiences also go to show that there is no one specific 'correct way' to hike the West Highland Way. Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment. All the best, Ewan

[@AlanMETALMAN]

This was always one long distance walk I always wanted to do and got very close 3 years ago but two of the 3 couples we were going to do it with dropped out, so it got scrapped, which was a shame. I retire next year and am seriously considering doing the Way by myself but using a company that will transport all my gear to a B&B on the night, as at 16.25 stone, I do not fancy carrying too much. This was a superb video as, so many people only talk of their successes, so it was refreshing to have someone tell of all the mistakes they made. I think this is essential viewing for anyone considering hiking the WHW, I have certainly learned a few things from it, cheers Alan

[@EwanGoesHiking]

Really appreciate that Alan. If I could go back in time and watch my own video my walk would have went very differently. 😂 I hope you do get to do the West Highland Way. You manage to capture great scenery in your videos and there's plenty of it out there. All the best. 👍

[@charliekingpine3893]

Good peperation prevents pool pafermance but having said that it's all in the doing and getting out there and you did, so hats off to you

[@EwanGoesHiking]

Thanks Charlie. 😊

[@hristogavrilov]

I made a few of those mistakes as well. I weigh 64kg and my backpack was 26kg. I was doing the whw with my girlfriend and wanted to take some of her stuff to make it easier for her. Original plan was to do it in 4-5 days. Luckily we both took 9 days off work for unpredicted circumstances. After day 3 I had inflammation on the ligaments around my knees. I pushed on. In the end we managed to walk it all in 7 days.

[@EwanGoesHiking]

26kg? Ouch! I'm really impressed you finished it. Congratulations. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@andreasweber7828]

We’ve all been there. Lessons learned and you’ll become more and more an experienced and sufficient hiker. Just don’t give up yet

[@KristaHolle]

It’s hard to regret mistakes when you learn so much from them. Looking forward to my WHW hike this summer.

[@EwanGoesHiking]

I agree. Always got to see the silver lining. I feel much more prepared for the next time. Good luck for the summer. 😊

[@andrewbates1695]

A very honest video, after completing a few long distance trails, even the WHW when I broke a toe and was hit by the worst weather for years and it was still snowing by the time I reached King's House, this is a great learning video for those thinking of walking a trail and not just the WHW. The more you walk the more you learn, as they say every day on the trail is a school day and do your research and listen to others. One bit of advice for the WHW, keep a sense of humour, especially at the north end of Loch Lomond, where climbing over those rocks can sap your strength and make you swear.

[@EwanGoesHiking]

Really appreciate that Andrew. Thank you.

[@yankeyuan8838]

It's such an honour to get to know you today!! Great video. Really helped me to prepare for the hike.

[@highlandtransfers9516]

Great watch Ewan and hopefully you managed to attempt the WHW again. Happy to help you next time you attempt it. 🤙🏼

[@reginaradtke3708]

This was really a very useful video... allthough, I did the West Highland Way (South Section only) about one month before you did, in August last year. My biggest mistake was that I organized it for a group of six people who couldn't be any different from each other. My brother is extremely high trained with hiking and other sports and my sister not at all. I was calmed when she told me a year before we went, she had hired a personal trainer... on the trip in Scotland, she admited, it was just for one day and she didn't do anything since. She just retired at that time, either. So I didn't want to leave her alone on the trip, I had to miss Conic Hill and went the low road with her. My brother went the High road with my friend. That was sad for me, but necessary. At least on day 2 we could convince her to get walking sticks. There were parts were it was extremely dificult to get her going, and on some days we called her a taxi at a prominent place or took her to the bus. But after all, we did all enjoy the trip, and I hope to go again for the North Section, but maybe all by myself or just one more person... never again with so many different people...

[@EwanGoesHiking]

Poor sister. Doesn't sound like she had a great time. It's definitely a learning experience. :)

[@reginaradtke3708]

@@EwanGoesHiking yes, I was very concerned about her, but she assured me, she still enjoyed it, because of the great landscape and we had booked a Cabin in Glen Coe for a couple of days afterwards, where she could treat. her tormented feet.. after all, I had warned them all not to take it too easy. If she and I would go again I would definitly plan it easier with more overnightstops in between and maybe even resting days...

[@ronaldrae4647]

Hi Ewan, just watched your 10 things not to do on the WHW. I made all the mistakes you made the first time I did it. I did finish it but wasn't in good shape at the end.. I have done it a few times since and the last time I did it I walked the Speyside way, the East Highland way, and the west Highland way one after the other. Covering 238 miles in just 7 days and even wrote a book about it called the 238 mile buble. The moral of me writing this is that if I had not made the mistakes the first time I did the WHW and learn from them I would not have been able to do the 238 miles in 7 days.

[@EwanGoesHiking]

238 miles in 7 days? That's super impressive! You make a very good point in your comment too about learning from mistakes. I appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment Ronald. Cheers 👍

[@AyahuascaCeremony]

Uncanny. A mate and I had exactly the same kind of experience a few years back. One day I'll return to conquer it. It's such a beautiful place to walk, if you don't prepare then it really spoils it.

[@EwanGoesHiking]

I hope you get another chance. I'll be getting back out on the WHW soon hopefully 😊

[@JoesBikesUK]

Great video with great advice, I will recommend it. I've cycled it both ways and wish I had the knowledge before I did it, cheers Joe.

[@EwanGoesHiking]

I appreciate that Joe. I'm always impressed when I see folk cycling the WHW. (Especially all the stopping and starting you guys have to do on the Loch Lomond stretch). What way did you find easier? All the best, Ewan

[@d2reflex100]

Definitely pack at least one pair of spare boot laces. I have in the past had boot laces snap on me and if you can’t lace up your boots fully it’s a real problem.

[@EwanGoesHiking]

I'd never have even considered that. Cheers for the advice Steven. 👍

[@marckirk2345]

This was an awesome listen. Hard lessons learned are the best ones.

[@EwanGoesHiking]

Aren't they just. Thanks for the kind words Marc 👍

[@gordonmculloch4904]

Great advice. Thanks for taking the time to upload. Cheers. 👍

[@EwanGoesHiking]

I appreciate that. Thanks Gordon. 👍

[@orangew3988]

I walked the WHW last year in May. I went with three friends and we had a fabulous time. We were a really inexperienced group, one friend had never camped, we had borrowed gear, only I had ever walked more that 2 days before. With that in mind, and due to having weekend plans, we did the route in two four day parts, going home to Glasgow for the weekend, to sleep and rest and buy more food. I'm sure lots of people would have been able to walk to Fort William and back again in that time. But for us, it was perfect. Leave the competitiveness behind, make it a challenge for yourself, but know your limits. Walking 13 miles average per day, with out heavy heavy bags (on persons was 24kgs, because she thought bringing tinned food would be a great idea for every meal) was a challenge for us, but it was achievable and enjoyable, and it felt like a 96 mile mosey on North with incredible scenary. And let's be honest, who prefers a 5 day holiday over an 8 day holiday?

[@EwanGoesHiking]

That's a very good point. I think I'd prefer an 8 day one. 😂 Can't believe your friend wanted to take tinned food. I guess we're all prone to making bad choices when it comes to the planning. 😊

[@orangew3988]

@@EwanGoesHiking hahaha that is only one of the many many mistakes we all made whilst learning how this walking/camping thing worked. But we were a good team, and we pushed our limits to do something new and exciting. I honestly can't wait to get back out there. Best of luck with your next adventure.

[@paulspence3601]

A preparatory shakedown hike is essential to making those hard decisions about what is or isn't essential to pack; really focuses the mind.

[@stephen.t.slater]

Good advice in your video. Answering your question on one piece of advice from my WHW, first through for me was check what else worth visiting is near the route. I do walks staying in pre-booked B&Bs with luggage transfer. Spring 2018 I walked Great Glen Way. Arriving at Fort William to start I realised I was right next to Ben Nevis which I'd never been up but had no time to do it because I had to be one stop along the booked route by the end of the first day. Spring 2019 I walked West Highland Way and put that right by booking an extra night in Fort William at the end. Then once I was booked I looked at the rest of the route and saw several other great peaks I could have gone up along the way if only I'd checked before booking and added in two night stays at the closest stops. Basically the same mistake again. (Spring 2020 I did my homework and booked extra nights at all the right places, then the world was infected with a deadly virus and my extra excursions became my once a week trip leaving lockdown to go to the supermarket.)

[@EwanGoesHiking]

Good advice there Stephen. Yeah the lockdown kinda screwed us all over. Hopefully things will be back to normal sooner rather than later. Thanks for watching and commenting. 👍

[@wildcampinginscotland6060]

Hi Ewan, great video pal. I’ve done the Way a few times but never camped, it’s always been B&B’s. I doing it again this year with my mate. He’s an experienced wild camper, I need to get some miles under my belt with the rucksack on with some weight in it. Just to prepare. Tips I’d give for someone doing this, 1. Do not think this is an easy thing, there are bits of this that are really testing. 2. Always remember the “mountain code” the weather in isolation can change at any second, Rannoch Moor in particular. 3. The blisters, you’re right, tend to them immediately, I suffered badly with ill fitting boots first time. I couldn’t walk, l literally couldn’t walk when I finished. 4. Midges, be prepared. Be really prepared. 5. Drinking and walking, we stopped at every watering hole on the way and drinking a few bevvies is great but the second you get the rucksack back on the feeling of dread hits you, 4 pints in and 8 miles to walk? Horrendous. 5. Use the backpacking service when you can, if you’re B&B ing it, it’s great, allows you to take a lightweight day sack. 6. Drink plenty of water. 7. The distance is tough but the ground you’re walking on is difficult, underfoot some bits are so challenging you can’t keep your eyes off the ground. 8. Suntan lotion, just in case. 9. Eat well, put the right fuel in, remember snacks, chocolate in particular with nuts. Avoid fizzy juice at all costs. 10. Have good boots, I remember telling a guy in a pub one night about it and he said a good pair of Timbies would do the job. He never ever done the WHW after him saying it’d be a dawdle. Make sure you get proper 3 season boots as a minimum, get out in them and get at least 200 miles walked before the WHW. You’ll need them. 👍🇬🇧

[@EwanGoesHiking]

Some amazing tips there. Thanks for taking the time to write it (and for watching the video obviously). Good luck with your hike. When are you guys setting off? Let me know how you get on.

[@wildcampinginscotland6060]

@@EwanGoesHiking hiya, Ewan, we’re off the first week in June just before the midges arrive. I’ll have a video of the walk done when we get back. I’ll keep you posted.

[@pmkeith]

I did the WHW just under 25 years ago. I made most of the mistakes you mentioned. I went with my brother and three other experienced hikers. By the last day we we down to three - one gave up after day 1, the other went home with blister shredded feet on day four. Just under Ben Nevis, I was absolutely “out of it”. At that time out most experienced hiker came up to me and said - “Ok, you fucked, you may as well give up and walk down to Fort William. He was partially joking - but at that stage you have no choice but to finish. And I remember more than 4 miles of downhill walking with cramped leg pain the whole way. But a couple of pints of McKewan’s extra saw that off!! I am sure that many people have similar “stories of heroism”. I thought I was so clever having walked 100 miles in only five days. But nowadays my son runs 100 km around the Peak District in under 12 hours - and refers to the WHW as being only 4 points on the ultramarathon circuit. Rather puts me in my place!!

[@EwanGoesHiking]

Sounds like your son puts us all to shame Paul. That's amazing. Thanks for watching and commenting. Much appreciated.

[@DillonThomson01]

Definitely a good walk. Me my dad and my mate done it in one go for charity and took us about 36hrs, was my first time doing it would love to do it again over the space of a week or something to truly enjoy it.

[@EwanGoesHiking]

That's a hell of an accomplishment. Congratulations to you and your Dad. Thanks for watching and commenting Dillon. Much appreciated.

[@Zubin10101]

I done the west highland way when I was around ten and I was gonna do it again over the summer until we went on lock down absolutely loved it

[@EwanGoesHiking]

Hopefully you get another chance to do it soon.

[@alanwatson4999]

Good on you. First time I did it in 1982 I had sugar in my tea. Took a kilo bag of caster sugar. Never even used it 😀. More importantly I used a pair of Dachstein mountain boots. Fair enough at the time because the path was non existent in many places. But a size too wee. Feet were in shreds. Ended up binning them and donning suede shoes I had packed for the evenings. Completed it though. 😬

[@EwanGoesHiking]

Congrats on completing it. Did the sugar make it all the way to the end? 😂

[@alanwatson4999]

Ewan Goes Hiking It actually did! 😀

[@leepugh8186]

Thanks for a honest heads up on this hike. I will use your advice

[@EwanGoesHiking]

No problem Lee. Glad it's been of use. All the best, Ewan 👍

[@tomasjencik5415]

Hi, it is amazing, i will do almost all your failures next week… knee is in pain already. Bought new boots…bag is ultralight as much as possible, but a lot of food packed… will be fun as usual…

[@mazmataz1009]

Great video - I'm planning on doing the WHW with a friend soon. He is hoping for a five day mission, I might try and talk him down to six days after watching this!

[@juliettehoward7319]

Thank you for such great insight! I am heading over from Texas in June 2020. I appreciate your honesty and advice!!

[@EwanGoesHiking]

Thank you. Hopefully it is of some use to you. Good luck with your West Highland Way hike in June. 😊

[@johnshares]

Thanks for the good advice, simple points when you explain them like this. But easily overlooked !!

[@EwanGoesHiking]

Thank you John 😊

[@ksamulis4705]

Great video! Thanks for taking the time to share your experiences, couldn’t have been easy.

[@TheRamblingHiker]

I'm about to do the WHW for the first time later in the week. Something I've learned from doing other long distance hikes is that it's easy to underestimate mileage. For instance, I did an 11.5 mile walk on Saturday. However my fitness watch said I did 13 miles. Why is this? Elevation & steps. When you've got a heavy pack, and you're doing more steps, that 11.5 mile walk definitely feels like the 13 miles or more. Great video though - thank you for sharing your mistakes - you've gotten a lot out of the trip from what you've learned and been able to teach us too!

[@YnseSchaap]

I made all these mistakes on my first hike (25 years ago) it was the Cambrian Way across Wales. I made it 100 kilometers and then my leg stopped working (because my pack was 23 kilo's) Had to be brought down in the back of a landrover with two dogs and a sheep 😁 still an epic experience

[@stevenkohut6395]

thanks for the great advise i am going to attempt it for my 60 th i have got arthritis in both knees so will be using a bag carrier over 7 days and glamping all the way i will be doing it with a work mate in june 23 along way off but have started planning it already lol hope i make it cheers again for the info

[@MrMisaKulicka]

Thanks for your honesty, some really good reminders. Hope you recovered and gave it another bash!

[@EwanGoesHiking]

You're welcome mate. The covid lockdown scuppered my WHW return. Probably be hitting it again in the spring. Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment Gareth. Much appreciated.

[@glennvanluchene4865]

As a more general guideline for pack weight: 15kg will do fine for about anyone. A lot of the weight is in water (and food) which you can save a lot on by instead taking measures for water purification and/or dried food or if you can rely on resupplies along the way (As is the case for the WHW which basically allows resupplying every 2 days at minimum).Purification based on silver and/or chlorine are pretty good especially combined with a filter For the planning I usually do a rough planning which consists of knowing the route and the alternatives IF wildcamping is an option. This allows to adjust daily distance to physical ability. The problem with the WHW is that this is made particularly difficult by the restriction on wildcamping between (roughly) Drymen and Sallochy. You basically need to end the day at Drymen OR you need to continue all the way to Sallochy which indeed is a long extra bit to tack on. For the rest Hiking is a learning experience. Something goes wrong every hike (no doubt about it) and while preparation helps you deal with it sometimes you need to accept defeat and come back later. It's not always in your hands but knowing your limits at least gives you the opportunity to try again. The things I learned from my two expeditions on the WHW was mostly how to deal with bad weather and wet gear (first run) and that you're not faster on a MTB when tackling the Loch Lomond bits but actually slower (second time).

[@EwanGoesHiking]

Awesome advice Glenn. Really appreciate it. Even the thought of carrying a mountain bike across the Loch Lomond stretch gives me the fear. Good on you. 👍

[@GG-im1cb]

I done the WHW in 2003, and attempted it again in 2015 but had to quit at Tyndrum due to a knee injury. My number 1 tip is don’t over do it on day one, especially if your camping as there is often a determination to push beyond Balmaha as there isn’t (or wasn’t) many good camp sites before Balmaha, and as you said Conic hill can be a ball buster after having already walked 20 miles. I had intended on camping on Conic hill, however it was crawling with ticks and blowing a gale on the day so I pushed on to Milarrochy bay, and was completely exhausted and it was difficult mentally and physically to get going on day 2. Also Irrespective if your camping, glamping, or B&B’ing, always get a carrier to take your bag and take a day pack, it really does make it a far more enjoyable experience. It isn’t expensive, and they are very flexible if your itinerary changes mid walk. I will do it again, but next time it will be in May with less midges, and next time it’s bunkhouses and glamping all the way as I’m too old to camp every night now 😀

[@EwanGoesHiking]

Lots of good advice there. Thanks for watching and commenting. 😊

[@beasleycourt8873]

Well done Ewan. Your honesty is what helps other people. So instant sub from me. I am planing to do this hike next year.

[@EwanGoesHiking]

Really appreciate that. Thank you 😊

[@djbreakfast]

I ended up hurting both of my knees and calling it quits at Crianlarich on the morning of day four. I put in too many miles per day and didn’t know how to walk properly, which sounds funny, but I didn’t realize I was putting a ton of direct pressure down through my knees and slamming my heel into the ground with each step. Now I know to bend the knees more, shorten my stride, and not land all my body weight directly into my heels. I wished I had watched some videos about proper hiking form!! I also woke up aching each day because I didn’t know how to stretch properly before bed. Was so thankful for all the Advil I brought. My second biggest regret was not taking contact info for all the cool people I kept running into along the route. I wish we had exchanged instagrams or something!

[@twiglet2214]

Very honest and really useful Ewan.Well done for sharing it.If only the best birds sang the woods would be very silent !

[@EwanGoesHiking]

Really appreciate the kind words. Thank you very much. All the best, Ewan.

[@clewerhillroad]

Great vid, thanks for sharing, did the WHW many years ago and got v lucky with the weather no rain until 1mile from Fort William! (...Now, about using a solar powered charger in Scotland :) :)

[@EwanGoesHiking]

...some would call me an optimist... 😂

[@clauskonrad3785]

Packing List = ? Learning what NOT to do by watching your good video material; do you happen to have an updated packing list of what one SHOULD bring to the WHW?

[@EwanGoesHiking]

Hey Claus. Thanks for watching and commenting. I actually completed the WHW quite recently. May need to make a loadout video soon. All the best, Ewan

[@childofthesun32]

Guy sounds like he's not a very skilled hiker, yet his video is probably the most informative and important video I've seen on KZbin in days on the topic. Thanks for learning the hard way, Ewan. Hopefully all your viewers won't have to.

[@EwanGoesHiking]

Thank you. That's the reason why I posted it. I'm glad to say it definitely was a learning experience and I've progressed a lot since then. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@tommymiller5922]

Definitely made most of these mistakes on our attempts, it wasn't until the 3rd attempt we finally completed it, you live & learn haha. Thanks for the video :)

[@EwanGoesHiking]

Thanks Tommy. Glad you guys got it done. 👍

[@betterdays3249]

Thanks for making this video, its very useful and imformative

[@ronat502002]

I completed the walk a few years ago when I was fortunate enough to get brilliant weather and was staying in bed and breakfast. Totally different the second time when I was forced to give up on day 3. My mistakes. Assuming it would be good weather. Despite the favourable weather forecast It was torrential rain. My waterproofs and gaiters directed all the water into my boots which became saturated. So were my feet and walking in that caused horrendous blisters. I was camping. Everything was wet. During the short time it was 'dry' the midgies were horrendous. My advice. Chose your time of the year carefully. A fresh pair of socks for every day and good waterproofs.

[@EwanGoesHiking]

Some good advice there. Thank you 👍

[@RobertJohnKerrUK]

👍👍👍Brilliant..... Just the sort of thing i need to be hearing.... Me and my lass are in training for the WHW.... and this video and the comments added to it are a great help.... Thanks for this Ewan....👍👍👍

[@EwanGoesHiking]

Not a problem Robert. Tha ks for watching and commenting. Good luck with your WHW trip. I actually subscribed to you a while back as your Hero 8 review helped convince me to buy one. 👍

[@northernenglander1916]

Great video buddy. Good advice shared here. I am planning to do the West Highland Way next April so glad I saw your channel. Thank you for posting it. 👍

[@EwanGoesHiking]

No problem. Let me know how you get on. Good luck with your hike. 👍

[@alyosha22]

I appreciate your honest assessment of things that didn't work out well on your trek. You have helped me prep for my trip. Thank you!

[@EwanGoesHiking]

No probs. Glad it helped you. 😊👍

[@iristerhaar2191]

I loved your honesty!

[@delboyg2690]

All relevant comments Ewan and good to see you created a video to help others plan better. I just completed 2 weeks ago and planned everything meticulously. It’s harder than what people think with the mental tiredness being difficult on long (20 mile plus) days as you said. Going to bike it next year as I now know what to expect. Keep up the cracking posts 👍🏻

[@EwanGoesHiking]

Congratulations on finishing it. I agree, it is a lot harder than some people make it out to be. Preparation is definitely key. Good luck with biking it. Let me know how you get on.

[@mel-sp5nh]

Done ghis many time the now , love it , dont underestimate conic hill , i carry aboot 25-kg but is my preffered pack weight , but this is for s comfort sleep system its down to the individual to know what he/she is comfortable carrying especially if its for wild camping only pkenty good video bud , plenty of burns to get water from

[@UltramarineAfterglow]

Good advice. I made most of those mistakes ha ha. Being on the top of a mountain in the alps and developing a knee injury. Longest Descent Ever.

[@JAMIE.B.1970]

will be doing my 4th WHW in April 23 always plaster my feet with VASELINE in the morning of each stage to avoid BLISTERS works an absolute treat👌

[@eddierae8945]

Did WHW back in 1990, traveled light, 35L rucksack, no tent food, stayed in bunkhouses, simple enough.

[@danielkitts9685]

Massively appreciate this advice, I'm going to be walking the WHW in around June

[@EwanGoesHiking]

Sorry for the late reply Daniel. How did you get on with the WHW?

[@somehappenings246]

Respect. Excellent points. I hope you get out again and do it.