Hi, just trying to plan our first walk. We are currently thinking
Day 1 milngavie - cashel
Day 2 cashel - beinglas
Day 3 beinglas - by the way
Day 4 By the way - wild camp
Day 5 wild camp - black water
Day 6 black water - fort William.
Is this a decent enough way to go about it? Appreciate any advice!
Thanks!
When my friend and I were booking our accommodations, we saw there was a “haunted” room available at the Drovers Inn. (That’s how it’s listed on their website!) We booked two separate rooms, and I took the haunted one. I figured if shit got rowdy, I’d just go climb in with her.
Well, she had to cancel due to health issues, and now I’m on my own with a nonrefundable haunted room. Can anyone tell me what I’ve gotten myself into?
https://lighterpack.com/r/7a5sal
I've just finished weighing all my gear I intend on taking for the WHW from 11/07-18/07 and intend to wild camp as much of it as possible (preferably all (have permits for zones in Loch Lomond area)) - note weights are from either specs found online or from electronic kitchen scales
The list also takes into account items I'll actually be wearing/have on person i.e. shoes, phone etc
I'm conscious its quite heavy as I've bought all breakfast and dinners ahead of time to save on costs but also taking extra set of clothes for evenings, and my most guilty offense is taking a "lightweight" camping chair for evenings.
I'm going solo and because my phones quite old the battery Isn't great but has all my alltrails routes I'm taking two powerbanks.
I have experience doing long treks before with heavy loads, doing the O-trek in November last year and have kept up on fitness since but I just wanted to hear from the community and make sure I'm not doing anything too silly before I go.
Appreciate any feedback
I'm a female solo traveler, planning my first longer hike in WHW for beginning of September
I have some experience with solo day-hikes, and some multi-day hikes though not by myself.
I'm planning on inn-to-inn (no wild camping) with bag transfer
I was pretty sure I'm going for 8 days, but got concerned about some of the longer/more challenging days
I will say I'm on the slower side, and as this is my first time solo I'd rather leave enough time for breaks, and avoid rushing or worrying about getting there in time every day (as much as possible)
Would 9 days be excessively long?
in case of 8 days, should I break up Tyndrum to Kingshouse, or rather drymen to rowardennan?
| Day | 8 days (Balmaha) | 8 days (Bridge of Orchy) | 9 days |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Drymen | Drymen | Drymen |
| 2 | Balmaha | Rowardennan | Balmaha |
| 3 | Rowardennan | Inverarnan | Rowardennan |
| 4 | Inverarnan | Tyndrum | Inverarnan |
| 5 | Tyndrum | Bridge of Orchy / Inveroran | Tyndrum |
| 6 | Kingshouse | Kingshouse | Bridge of Orchy / Inveroran |
| 7 | Kinlochleven | Kinlochleven | Kingshouse |
| 8 | Fort William | Fort William | Kinlochleven |
| 9 | — | — | Fort William |
Thank you! any help is appreciated
PS - I know I some accommodations might have limited availability but I have hope it can be figured out :)
Just wondered what people's thoughts would be on some potential plans to do trail magic on the WHW in a few weeks.
For background, I was introduced to the concept of 'trail magic' whilst on a thru hike of the Appalachian Trail in 2024. For people who may be unaware, its essentially people (usually former hikers or locals) helping out hikers for free, whether that's with food, drinks, rides into town etc. It's very much a part of the long distance hiking culture in the US. I've done a few few long trails in the UK (including the WHW) and obviously we don't have anything of that same scale but I've still been met with people offering water or snacks here and there.
I have some time off in a few weeks and was thinking of doing some trail magic of my own along the WHW for a day or two.
Essentially just parking up somewhere along the trail with free cold drinks, snacks, water refills, camp chairs and somewhere to just have a break and a chat.
My questions for the community are as follows:
Do you think the average WHW Hiker would take to this? If they saw someone parked up saying "Hey do you want a drink?" Would you immediately think "What's the catch, or what's his deal?". It's not really a part of UK hiking culture so I wouldn't blame people for being hesitant.
Where would you have appreciated something like this on your WHW hike? I was thinking maybe pulling over in the A82 lay-by just before Kingshouse after Rannoch Moor. I know I would have appreciated a rest after that stretch before maybe going on to camp in the woods at Kingshouse. I'm trying to think of other spots that wouldn't also interfere with smaller businesses or existing honesty boxes. If I was giving away snacks and drinks for free, I wouldn't want to step on their turf as it were.
I'd welcome any opinions on this, happy trails!
I’m not sure how I’ve hiked for 30 years without knowing about hiker’s wool but I’ve become a believer on my time on the WHW. I had blisters forming by Rowardennan so decided to try the hiker’s wool a neighbor who’d done the Camino gave me for the trip. It worked like a charm, integrating with my Merino socks and providing a soft cushion for the sore spots. I’m currently at Bridge of Orchy with happy feet and want to spread the word. Happy trails!
I know it sounds really dumb, but I have never gone to Scotland, so idk how reliable the weather forecast is. I'm leaving tomorrow and it shouldn't get under 10° at night for the whole week, so I guess I'm fine with a 10° sleeping bag ? Seems like rain will be more challenging than the cold.
I have only two nights under the tent, the rest is in hostels.
Me and two of my friends will soon begin our journey hiking the West Highland Way but instead of doing the common way (starting in Glasgow then going north), we’re doing the opposite and start our hike in Fort Williams. We’re not doing the entire trail - just until Invernoran.
I was wondering if anyone has hiked this trail the opposite way - I’ve heard it can be done but I was curious to know what me and my friends should look out for and if there’s any tips to keep in mind?
We're finishing one of our days in Bridge of Orchy but need to get back to Tyndrum where our accommodation is booked - I have just realised the trains are only 4 per day! And not at times that suit. Can anyone help with other options? Buses / local taxis? Thanks!
My spouse and I are walking the WHW next month and would like to take along a Leatherman multitool which includes a small (3.5 inch) locking blade. Though we will be hiking inn to inn, we'd like to have the multitool on hand for our hike. Will this be allowed in Scotland? We won't be brandishing it about or anything, and it will stay out of sight unless being used. We'll put it in our checked luggage with our trekking poles (coming from the U.S.). Please advise! We don't want to break the law or get it confiscated.
First time doing a walk 30km+ and it was probably the hardest day of my life.
Actually on 1hp right now
We are looking to hike the WHW (starting in Drymen) the last week of Sept. I know most people tackle it in Summer but iI’m interested in any feedback or advice from anyone that has done the hike this time of year. We plan on staying at Inns and B&Bs.
Are we setting ourselves up for a miserably wet time?
Thanks for any feedback you care to share.
Hi! I’m so excited to be doing part of the WHW (from Bridge of Orchy to Ft William) over 3 days starting this Friday and I’m having a moment of uncertainty as I’m packing. I’m staying at inns the whole way, so I don’t have to carry my luggage or sleep in the elements. My coworker just told me it was cold when she did it a couple of weeks ago.
How drastically does the weather change and will it realistically be cold? I’m trying to decide if I should bring my slightly thicker rain jacket or if it would be better to bring a more breathable one and just layer up.
I’m also solo hiking as a woman and really don’t know what to expect (although I have learned quite a bit from this sub!)- so any and all tips are welcome!