The Day I Nearly QUIT The West Highland Way (WHW Ep6)
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- Опубліковано 6 лип 2024
- With over 35miles to go on The West Highland way I developed a massive blister that was threatening to ruin everything.
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You may be wondering, what caused the blister?
Well that’s complicated. I was wearing Altra Olympus shoes, really comfortable and had zero issues on my long distance test hike and camp.
But I think it was a combination of soaking wet feet for 2 days plus forgetting to add body glide to my left foot on the second morning, plus testing some new socks on the first day, plus not dealing with the developing blister early enough.
Waterproof shoes may have prevented it, but my right foot had zero blisters and not even any hot spots. I also haven’t had a blister like this in 10years and I’ve been wearing similar shoes for long distance mountain running and camping trips previously.
I might try a waterproof version of the shoe if doing a long multi-day trip like this again but I’ll never go back to proper boots for a hike like this.
You serious? Bro that's the smallest baby blister I've ever seen...you need molle skin and a new set of balls...I've marched until my boot can pour out blood ..
I feel your pain. I did the last 35 in one go with a very similar blister on the left but two under the big nails. I continued onto Fort William and paid the price now. 4 days after and steri-stripped . I had to put it down to sweat soaked socks not changing them and too thick as they just dont dry. Also used boots, so i was looking at Olympus 5 next time. Great video work though very funny👍 keep it up
@@StephenJReid Im very fortunate I don’t suffer from them, but many years ago I did have a couple and put it down to socks. I’m now somewhat fussy over the socks I choose atm darn tough 🧦🧦. I did both the WHW and EHW had the most perfect weather for both , just lucky I guess
You say you wouldn't go back to normal hiking boots but would your vivos have been a better ballance or would the distance be too far with out the cushioning?
@@ROL2023 "f@ck off...ive swam further that underwater"
(Jay, 'Inbetweeners')
Tough going, I feel your pain, now that's a proper blister. My mate and I done the way in 2022. We had a mixture of rain, heavy rain and torrential rain until we arrived at Fort William and woke up the next day to Glorious sunshine. Life is just not fair at times.🙃
Always the sunshine after you finish 😂 had that happen a few times
Blisters are horrible. You managed to stay much more positive than I think I would have in the same situation. Another great video.
Thanks! I did cut out about another 5minutes of me complaining though 😂
I finished the west highland way with all the skin off the bottom of both my feet & minus 2 toenails after walking in the most horrendous weather, the rain was torrential the whole time i was on it, paths were like rivers..the only reason i didn’t give up was because i done it for a cancer charity close to my heart..the whw is a fantastic walk if you get decent weather but never underestimate it
Brutal! That sounds much worse than my blister. When was that?
Fair play to ye sir!
These videos are excellent. Just binged the series. Looking forward to the rest.
I know you know this already…but apply Compeed the very moment you feel a hot spot. Applying it onto an already formed, loose blister can actually make the blister slide so much (the plaster sticks to it but not the good skin as you walk) that it rips off. I’ve seen it happen and it isn’t nice - just a fully open wound is left behind.
Another thing I’ve done when the blister is in an awkward spot is to tape it on with microporous tape - just gives it a helping hand to stay in place.
Well done for continuing on despite the misery!
Unfortunately due to the placement of the blister I couldn’t get blister plasters to stay attached for more than a couple of miles. Might try some KT tape next time.
@@StephenJReid it’s a challenge but can be done! I’ve taped across all pads and onto the top of the foot before, as well as looping through the gap between your big toe. Doesn’t look great though!
Stephen wow that's some blister and yes it's walking in that rain, just lucky you got it on one foot, if you can call that lucky, what a beautiful place with the clouds , and the special thing is you take us there, so I'm looking forward to the end of the walk and please have a big rest, ALAN.💯👍
the weird thing was my right foot was totally fine at the end. not a single blister and didn't even feel that sore.
Thanks for coming along 😊
I enjoy this so much! Amazing content, best wishes to you and your future projects! 🌻
Thank you!
Hi Stephen, if I may give you a golden tip for those blisters: BABY POWDER! Seriously mate, take some baby powder with you on your trips and put it on your feet every morning and every evening. It keeps the moist and friction to a minimum and I'm telling you, it really really works. Changed my hiking trips since I started using it, and I'll never leave without it again. You'll have a lot less chance for blisters if you keep them feet powdered up.
Interesting! I use body glide a lot but haven’t tried powder. Assumed if it’s really wet that it’ll just turn into slime
Just discovered your channel, loving it keep the excellent editing up. (slate quarry Wales so good.)
Great video, loving watching this, you could never tire of the scenery, I'm doing the whw april 2025 for a second time.. what a shame about your foot, hope its all better now 😊
took about a month for the blister skin to finally come off, I have a very soft foot now 🤣
really enjoying this series Stephen and hoping the blister was ok for next episode! :)
Thanks! I had a long script to get through the next day which helped distract but the final few miles were a struggle.
Oh man - rain on glasses - that’s worse than blisters and rainy days 🤣
Taping with zinc oxide at the first feel of a hot spot. A thin pair of liner merino toe socks underneath a pair of normal hiking socks. The twin skin reduces excess friction. Wool socks cope with moisture better than synthetic. You can buy gaiters for Altra, that might be an option next time. Sudocrem for healing. Well done for keeping going 👍🏼
now ordered some zinc oxide tape. I was using the Altra gaiters, great for keeping the stones out!
You certainly didn’t have to seek your problems on this hike Stephen. Such a shame as the WHW can be a beautiful and satisfying experience. You just got the timing wrong… 😊
Great video, fair play for braving up to your blister, I'd say it wasn't pleasant. Love watching. ❤❤
Thanks Alan 🙂 glad you’re enjoying the suffering 😂
Loving this adventure Stephen, looks like tough going but i'm sure you will make it!
Thanks! Deciding to do 25miles on the final day was tough!
What a big blister! The thoughts you have about shoes encourage me to take my Cascadia 17 with GTX with me. I bought hiking boots especially, but I can only run 8 km in them without pain. I hardly get any pain in the trail runners and if I lace them up high, I also have good support. There are so many theories about shoes, in the end everyone has to try it out. But that sometimes is painful and expensive 😉 Great video, looking forward to the next one👍
Trail runners are definitely the way to go for long distance hikes like this. Just maybe I should have got the GTX version.
I am with you on the specs; finally had the eye op the other week so looking forward to walking in the rain and being able to see!
Nice! Lasers?
@@StephenJReid Lens replacement.
class, I've watched a video of that being done, it's incredible
@@StephenJReid It was a surreal experience - all I could see were flashing lights. The sounds were strange - like a dentist drill - and I could feel water pouring down the side of my face but nothing in the eyeball.
I started the West Highland Way today. I'm doing it over 7 days. I brought 7 pairs of socks and coconut oil to message my feet each day. Hopefully, I avoid blisters.
I'm happy you were able to push on. I hope you make it, and I hope I also make it 😊
That sounds wiser than me! I think next time I’d bring 3/4 pairs of double layered socks.
Have a great time, you’ll love it. I think 7 days is probably the perfect way to do it.
Hi Jacqueline, good thinking it's good to go as light as possible but I will not skimp on socks and underwear, they don't weigh that much. You cannot hike long distances in wet socks it's asking for trouble (not a dig Stephen you are much more accomplished hiker than me) and I always tape my heels with Leukotape it's great stuff
I've gotten away with it in the past, previously done 25miles over 2 days in mountains in wet socks but that was more varied terrain and softer underfoot which helped.
It's easy to say in hindsight but when I suffered with the bad choice of Goretex boots, I would wrap my feet with medical tape every morning on a long distance walk, to prevent the friction of sweaty feet
Nine Inch Nails meets the West Highland Way. Love it. Pack size and weight put to one side for a brief moment, I'm giving consideration to taking more pairs of socks than I believe I'll need. Glen Coe hauntingly beautiful as always.
I was doing the Johnny Cash version 😃 I think in hindsight I should have brought more double layer socks and possibly gotten the waterproof version of my shoes. They are amazing in dry weather
There is a scene in starwars where Chewbacca is being seen to by a dr/nurse and she calls him brave , it flashed thou my memory for some reason.
😂 Had to be my own nurse here!
Omg I need to know about the little bird!
Can you please do a video planning for the WHW in particular what you learned for the future multiday hikes?
OUCH! Shame the blister spoilt your trip. 2 thin socks are better than 1 thicker sock. The socks rub together rather than: shoe - sock - skin, you have: shoe - sock/sock - skin. Disapates the friction 'just' that little bit more...Hope that makes sense, 'cos it looks odd when I typed it out. Well done on your adventure, shows the real ups and downs of dragging one's bottom off the sofa and going for a long walk. 🙏
I have loads of double layer socks but only brought one pair on this trip and they don’t work as well when wet. Should have brought more.
Hey pal! Ive had similar problems using Altra Olymp when I did my WHW and was going to continue doing GGW.
Long story short Ive got now Timp 4 and found them way better and even more comfy + Superfeet Green Insoles + Injinji toe socks.
Anyway, well done.
Weird thing was my right foot was totally fine. Not even any hotspots so not sure if blame the shoes.
simply inspirational.... 👍
Sounds like a rough day. But hey, at least you got a Snickers and a cool story about a grumpy hiker vs a herd of cows. hope you feel better now
Silver linings 😂
Hi Steve. I have really enjoyed your West Highland Way videos. The last one I watched was part 6 starting with 35 miles to go and your painful blister. At the end it mentions tomorrow’s video and shows a preview. I have been waiting to see how your last day went and I thought you might have posted it yesterday. Can you advise when it will be available to watch?
good going with massive blister lol loved the part when you yelled at the birds
Thanks! Think those birds were sent to cheer me up 😄
I think they were trying to tell you about the Snickers bar and the Fanta ahead! 😂
@@peterrobertson8141 😂😂
Loved the footage of the wide empty space you were hiking thru; not so much the footage of the blister surgery (ewww). But really can imagine how the going must have been (and felt) afterwards. And in the end it looked like the ducks came around and didn't mind a fellow moor dweller :-)
Was so much easier to walk on it afterwards, but it hurt all the way to the finish.
Don't quit any day just walk and walk and on ...........❤
I am Zulfiqar Ali Mughal a UA-camr watching from Hyderabad City Sindh Pakistan
Ouch, at least in a kayak I dont worry about sore feet, or needing a trowel to make a deposit.
Got jellyfish though!
Horrible weather, not pleasant when clothes are damp. Even though you were in pain you still managed to create great content.
Thanks! Creating content actually helped to distract me. Would have been worse I think otherwise.
I'm questioning my choice to bite into watermelon while watching the "poppage" of Bobby. 🤢 That was a lot of tents you spotted, tho maybe they were day hikers or similar because of the cars..Nice vid thanks 👍
enjoy that juicy melon. 🤣
Awwwww Kingshouse and Ranoch Moor , I so loved it. Do you suffer from blisters ? You did so well to carry on
Worst blister I’ve had in over 10years. Normally not an issue for me but having damp feet for 3days did not help
Oh jeez... The track over Rannoch Moor is unforgiving, I had painful feet and wasn't walking on Bobby Blister. 😮 Was that even type 2 fun?!?!
Just about type 2 😂
I feel like a compeed plaster over that would have sorted it right out, especially while it was forming. Those thing stick like s**t and become like a second skin
Tried that but didn’t help, I think because my feet were so damp and the top of the plaster wouldn’t stick down as it was nearly under my toes. It just didn’t stay on, they require your feet to be really dry.
Loved the. Videos that blister was so big it could have had its own UA-cam channel
😂 The Barry The Blister Show
best tape to put on it ( if u can find it ) wide ZINC OXIDE TAPE or lol gafa tape in a pinch, taping feet up with zink tape before a walk is great thing to do to parts which are hot spots. works for me
I’ve now bought some!
I used to use zinc oxide tape but always found it had come off by the end of the day, now I won't use anything other than Leukotape. Oh my days, you can swim in it and it's still on there 3 days later it's so much sticker than zinc oxide
You did well to keep going
Thanks. Bit stubborn
Just saying… the thumbnail flash I got of a blister? I can’t watch this incase I vom 🤣🤣🤣
Video hidden from feed now 🤣🤣🤣🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮
Skip to 2:30 and no more blister. But the first couple of mins are quite gross.
@@StephenJReid 🤣
Not sure if this is dedication to your craft or you’re a few sandwiches short of a picnic…still following along for the entertainment, sorry it’s so much at your expense!
Haha thanks! It definitely helps making a video. Provides a distraction.
Hi Stephen, love watching your hiking videos and gear reviews. Done the West Highland Way myself several times over the last few years but did I miss an episode? I've seen 1234 and now we are on 6 what happened to 5
5 is the Tent Review video: ua-cam.com/video/s6evuIVihFk/v-deo.htmlsi=EP1_SnlhjJn4bo7D The review is mixed in with the hiking 🙂
Love the Lord of the rings reference
😁😁😁
Even in medieval times roadworks caused traffic by the looks of it lol.
😂
After years of walking and trying basically everything (including two pair of socks) what in the end works the best FOR ME is Ortovox socks (different sock for left and right foot, merino blend) which needed to be washed twice before the trip - they shrink just a little bit and fit like a glove. If they are a bit larger I do get blisters. If they are not left/right I get blisters. If they are now wool blend... I get blisters.
... and now the important question - when should we expect the net video?
Next video in around a week. I’ve been on holiday the last 2 weeks. 🙂
@@StephenJReid Inconceivable! (Enjoy your holiday.)
That first two minutes, was worse than watching open heart surgery. Well done on powering on 😁
@@MarkFerguson1966 I had thought about censoring it, but decided I preferred making people’s toes curl 😂
As a Yorkshireman I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the moaning , keep it up cocka
Ha thanks, I cut out lots of extra morning 😂 what’s the top must visit location in Yorkshire?
@@StephenJReid Hillsborough 🙂, or messners local while he’s having a pint 🙂. Or ladybower while a lank is flying over it
It almost looks like you might be growing a third eye. Helpful for when you need to see things on the ground close up. 😊
Hate to see you hopping around on one foot for 10 miles, that would be some slow going.
Take care of those feet, you only have two.
Was slow going the rest of the trip, but not as bad once it was drained!
Hi! I love your videos. I'm looking to buy a running vest-style backpack. What are your overall thoughts on the alpi?
Simple version: I like it. Think it’s ideal for up to about 10KG of kit. Feels better when carrying a bit of weight in the front pockets.
The roll top dry bag section on the top can feel weird if there’s too much in it, throws the balance a bit. Best for lightweight items.
Some people might miss the lack of waist support. I missed it initially but got used to it and my shoulders never got sore with 9-11kg of kit.
@@StephenJReid Awesome, thanks. What is intregin me is the lack of waist support. Giving the waist room to breathe is a welcoming change.
One thing holding me back is that you showed in your first video that your tent bag was soaked even though it was stored in the roll-top "dry" bag.
Was the backpack, in general, letting water into the compartments-or was it just a one-off?
It’s not a fully waterproof bag. Only water resistant. Will be fine in a light shower but if it’s likely to rain a lot, you need to keep dry kit in separate dry bags inside.
Can you share what podcast did you recommend to the German charger? I have a couple of kiddos who are currently studying NI history and any knowledge I could gain would be great
Invoraron hotel,.. Hmm I always had great things to say about this hotel on previous hikes. Nadia the woman who runs the hotel was fantastic and her husband who was the chef did the most amazing food. But, something has changed this year. I wild camped the bridge on my WHW trip this year and despite the fact that she knows me and despite the fact that I had spent around £30 on food and drink in the bar the night before they did not want to let me use the toilet the next morning. I mean it's a pretty open area with not many places you can go but when you've gotta go you gotta go right. I will not be stopping their next time and spending my money in the bar if they refuse to let me use the toilet in the morning
Yeah they couldn't get me out fast enough. Maybe I smelt terrible 🤣 or maybe they've had a bad experience, don't want to be quick to judge. they told me all the toilets were out of order 🤷🏼♂️
Toilet facilities are a major issue these days - a major problem in busy areas like the WHW or North Coast 500. Even in the heart of Edinburgh all the (council run) public toilets are closed, so you have to go to a shopping centre or a few of the major stores to find one, or visit a pub or cafe. Even then some have a lock on the toilet door and only give you the keycode when you buy something. What is the world coming to!!! 😕
How did you find the bag stephen? Would the ultra -5 maybe be a better all rounder?
The sleeping bag? I think it was perfect for this. I had enough spare layers with me that any night which was potentially going to be colder I just slept in an extra layer. Most nights it was 8-10C. Any colder and I might have wanted a different bag.
The ultra -5 would definitely be a better all year round option but I have a different bag that covers those temps for me.
All these tips are great. , will help me a lot when I attempt this next year . The only problem is I am over 50 , 2 fat and somewhat unfit and you are an ultra marathon runner . What can go wrong 😂😂😂
We will find out! I met people in their 70s walking the entire thing so don’t write yourself off just yet 😂
@@StephenJReid 😂😂
In my experience once I see I have a blister that I can’t remove from contact and progression then deal with it early.
Also; I find that it’s better not to lance the blistered skin directly, rather to pass the pin through some (5mm or so) of good skin and through to the blister. This will then Reseal after it’s drained. Then with sufficient support the blistered skin will last for days before coming off - in which time the new skin will have matured somewhat and be ok for direct pressure.
Was very deep under the skin so I tried using blister plasters to start but they wouldn’t stay attached.
The skin was really thick on this one, I had to stab it a few more times than shown in the video. The skin actually reattached and it was nearly a month later before it all finally peeled off.
Is Stephen OK? It's been a couple of weeks now & still no video of the last leg. Hoping he & his loved ones are OK.
I’m all good! 🙂 Actually finished back in May, each video takes me about a week to edit. Been on holiday the last 2 weeks as well. Final WHW video will be out by next weekend. The last video is quite complicated so I’ve been taking my time with it.
Have another video coming tomorrow in the meantime, one that just took a day to edit
@@StephenJReid Hi. Thank you for the reply & delighted to hear, you & yours are OK. All the best.
Really appreciate you cared enough to ask! 🙂 Thank you
Thought you hiked in Vivo boots
I do but you have to work up to distance in them and the longest hike I’ve done in them is about 15-20miles. So I wasn’t sure how I would get on over nearly 100 and I also wanted to run significant parts of this and the impact forces from running are 4x higher so wore barefoot style trail runners with more padding.
why didnt you use the vivobearfoot?
4:00 I’m sure I’ve watched another WHW video with loads of people camped there.
Yeah it’s a very popular spot. Was the most tents I saw in the one area outside a campsite.
Do you not use dual socks?
Yes, normally helps. This time it didn’t.
thats a burney one. my la sporivas get me there in the wet
It’s a weird one as I’ve been using trail running shoes for 4+ years and first time getting a blister this bad. Think it was a combo of things caused it
@@StephenJReid have you ever tried goretex socks? they give you the option of dry feet in wet boots.
Wore waterproof socks the first day. I’ve tried various waterproof socks over the last 6 years but they are only good in really wet conditions for a few hours. The water eventually soaks in over the top or sweat builds up and can’t escape.
@@StephenJReid theres no escaping the wet in the west highlands. if its not raining its 90% humidity and you make your own wet. this summer has the added bonus of the risk of hypothermia every couple of days. first snow in July ive seen since the 70s
would it be possible to hike the WHW with a hammock?
@@JamesSmith-or2ut hmmmm possibly actually, there are fairly regular spruce plantations. Although you’d definitely want to plan in advance as there are some sections with no nearby trees for several miles. Google maps would show you were the trees are for planning.
Although there’s always the chance a section might be clear felled between the satellite imagery being updated
@@StephenJReid thanks! Makes sense. I just hiked Bohusleden. Great for hammock!
Would waterproof socks have been helpful?
Used them on the first day but the problem with waterproof socks is that they eventually get wet on the inside from water soaking in over the top. So they kept my feet dry for only half the day
@@StephenJReid What size were the socks, ankle or calf?
@@StephenJReid Would knee socks made any difference?
calf. It also could have just been sweat inside. Even though it was raining it was still a warm day and I do get sweaty feet. I have a pair of nearly knee length waterproof socks but in summer they are very sweaty for me
sealskinz?
Wore waterproof socks the first day but after hours and hours of wet and rain water will eventually seep in over the top so didn’t help
@@StephenJReid true
Should have bust in days ago
It was still mostly flat at the end of the previous day, risk of infection outweighed the benefits of draining it at that point.
Filled with fluid overnight to get this bad when I woke up. Didn’t help I ran about 1mile on it at the end of the previous day.
@@StephenJReid When you start to feel the blister its usually to late. I currently have one from new work shoes.😂