In late May/early June, my friend and I embarked on a 6-day journey that would become one of the greatest experiences of our lives; we walked the West Highland Way. As I was doing my research prior to our departure, I found myself lacking tips from people who'd actually done the WHW. Here is what I would of liked to know before stepping onto a trail that I'd remember for the rest of my life:
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| Day 2: Balmaha to Ardlui. |
1- PLAN AHEAD OF TIME. This goes for food, distance walked per day and available transportation. Always have snacks and water on you. Never leave a village without food because truth is, you will not cross many of them in a day. We learned this on the first day; nowhere to buy food between Milngavie and Balmaha. My friend and I were starving and hadn't packed anything. Talk about unprepared... Also, I'd recommend having a map of the WHW, just so you have a better idea of where you are and how long you have to walk. Look up information for available transportation beforehand as well, so you're aware of what's around if you can't walk anymore.
2- DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE DISTANCES. I can laugh about this now, but when we had originally looked that our itinerary, we thought to ourselves; "We are young, in pretty good shape, sure, we can walk 20-ish miles per day". The answer to that is, yes we could, but our feet, knees and backs killed us. The thing is, we hadn't realized just how long miles actually are, we hadn't anticipated doing 12-hour days and doing so for a couple of days straight. Therefore I strongly suggest planning shorter walking days, that way, you can pace yourself and not be in such pain.
3- TAKE YOUR TIME. This goes in the same category as #2. We did it in 6 days, which was very ambitious. I do need to say that this was our first long-distance walk, so we were not very experienced. For some of you, doing the West Highland Way in 6 days is very feasible, depending on how much experience you have. Still, I think it is much more enjoyable when you don't have to rush to your next destination, you can stop and take in the sights. Hence, doing the whole thing in 7 or 8 days is probably more pleasant.
3- USE THE BAG CARRYING SERVICE. This is another one that we can laugh at now. The first morning that we stepped onto the WHW, there were these men handing out flyers promoting the bag carrying service. We had decided early on that we did not want to use it, mostly because we thought: "No, no, no, no no. We are strong, young women, we don't need anyone carrying our bags for us, pffffff". There's another rookie mistake. Along with taking your time, not having to carry 25 lbs on your back will make the whole experience so much better. Our ego got in the way, but if I were to do it again, I'd definitely use the service because all you really need in a day is extra layers, socks, a first aid kit, food and of course, water. Thus, a small backpack is much more appropriate than a huge rucksack.
| This is what we saw on our first day. Incredibly appropriate. |
4- BE PREPARED FOR MIDGES. June is usually when the small bugs come out to play. By some sheer luck, we did not experience these horrendous insects while on the walk. But, we did meet some other walkers who said that they can make or break your experience. My friend and I later had an encounter with midges, and let me tell you, we are both scarred for life. The best spray is Avon "Skin So Soft". It is not intended for midges but that is hands down what works best, anything else is honestly useless. I strongly recommend carrying a bottle with you during the walk. Also, make sure to buy it in a store beforehand, because they are outrageously priced in the shops along the way.
5- EXPECT BLISTERS. I went on this adventure not knowing what was ahead of me. If I had known that my feet would get blisters the size of golf balls, I would of packed more supplies. Learn from my mistakes and please, wear "second skin" and good socks to prevent them. I got my blisters on the first day and they kept growing day after day. Therefore change your socks at least once a day and bring appropriate bandages.
6- STAY IN HOSTELS. We strongly considered camping along the way, but as we realized that are strict laws about where you can and can't camp. And trust me, you will be so exhausted that you will be craving a nice warm comfortable bed. The best hostels we stayed at were the By The Way Hostel in Tyndrym (the free jelly beans were greatly appreciated) and the Blackwater Hostel in Kinlochleven (don't stay in the West Highland Lodge, which is overpriced and dirty). On our first night, we skipped the camping (because it was freezing and there were guards patrolling the area, looking for illegal campers) we allowed ourselves to have a little luxury and stayed at the Oak Tree Inn in Balmaha, which turned out to be great!! Great beds, free breakfast, quiet and free WIFI!
7- ENJOY. This 6-day journey was one of the, if not the, most challenging experiences of my life. I would nevertheless go back to the moments I spend on the WHW any day. The sights are absolutely stupendous and you will meet such amazing people along the way. You will most probably walk in pain, but remember that this is such a unique way to see the Highlands. You will see things that people travelling thru the country in coach buses will never dream of witnessing; remote unexploited areas. Take pictures, live in the moment and enjoy it.
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| Day 3: Tyndrum to Kinghouse. |
Take it all in, it's an amazing experience.
xo
Isabel
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