Solo Camping Along The West Highland Way | Learning To Thrive
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- Опубліковано 25 лип 2024
- The West Highland Way (WHW) runs for 96 miles from Milngavie to Fort William, travelling through some of the most stunning landscapes in Scotland. It passes alongside lochs and rivers, travels through forest and moorlands, explores countless historical sites, and encompasses mountains of all scales, including Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK.
Abbie set out to walk and camp along the trail in May 2018, retracing their route taken in 2012 when they walked the trail as their first long-distance route at the age of 16. Through this film, they reveal the realities of life on the trail, from dealing with swarms of midges to avoiding large groups of sightseers, but along the way rediscovers what it means to thrive. They stay at campsites along the way and in 2022 went back to wild camp the trail.
00:00 - Intro
01:59 - Day One, Travel to Milngavie, Walk to Drymen
18:17 - Day Two, Drymen to Rowchoish Bothy
37:38 - Day Three, Rowchoish Bothy to Inverarnan
52:25 - Day Four, Inverarnan to Bridge Of Orchy
1:15:20 - Day Five, Bridge Of Orchy to Kinlochleven
1:33:47 - Day Six, Kinlochleven to Fort William
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-- Camera Kit --
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Stay WILD!
I'm 56 years old, 18 stone and almost certainly going to be made redundant in the next 3 to 6 months. I can comfortably walk ten miles even at my size and these videos have inspired me to take on some trails when I am out of work. I know it'll be hard but you're never too old to give it a go. Thanks Abbie
Great attitude dude. Good luck.
Did you get to do some walks yet?
@@diedertspijkerboer was just about to ask the same thing
You'll be surprised how many good ideas you get when you're out on the trails. Hopefully you ll figure out something work wise when you're out there. I lost my job at the beginning of the pandemic and it forced me to get creative and look at stuff out of my comfort zone. I feel much better for it. Enjoy some glorious nature and you ll figure out something work wise. Good luck. 🤞
Fifty-six is young. Happy hiking.
Old grandad who used to love the outdoors ,now with a dicky heart and a collapsed lung , but watching your vids whilst shielding during covid kept my spirits up. Thank you Abbie.
You know, when you walk, you walk for so many people that unable to walk like you . Thank you for taking us to the beautiful places that we cannot go to by ourselves. 😊😊😊😊😊😊
you walk for so many people..? do you want me too see for you too? no because you just sit and munch on some more food ya phat crumpt
@@dannyplimsoul bit harsh, ever considered that said person you replied to may be unable to walk a long way due to health issues? Learn a wee bit of empathy 🤨
How perfectly delightful. Your permanent-grin is pure sunshine.
“When you know what to look for there’s so much to see” .. beautiful.
“...and this is where I can be the best that I can be, I’m not in competition with anybody, just myself” spot on Abbie, superbly put, you’re awesome.
shame we don't see production of this quality on tv these days, and certainly not with anyone as likable as this lady , you can feel the warmth coming through the screen, what a lovely person
Best hour and 45 minutes I've spent in a long long time. I salute You Ma'am.
Solo walkabouts are the best! Every thing is enhanced! Every where is undiscovered until we see it for ourselves!
I couldn't think of a better person to narrate this beautiful hike. Thank you from New York.
New York in the house! And yes, it is a wonderful video.
Possibly Tom Weir, if he was still alive😉
agree from Argyle, New York, "Home of the Scots" , here on the US side of the pond.
I absolutely agree- she has a wonderful energy! I've just packed up the car and I'm heading to Scotland off of the back of this video!! Can't wait x
@@BellaDiary Shout out from Scotland,bring jerky and high life....
My wife and I thoroughly enjoy watching your adventures. We want to give you a hug when you are down. We think your'e great as do 7.2k subscribers. A BIG THANKS from us.
This is still the 'go to' video for the West Highland Way. It genuinely covers everything anyone could possibly need to know about it. Thank you so much for taking the time, not only to walk the 96 miles, but to document it in such an upbeat, spirited and informative way. I'm a huge fan of all your videos Abbie and this one in particular really benefited me when I planned my first WHW hike. (Sadly I didn't manage to finish it due to injury but come spring 2020 I'll be heading back out again).
All the best, Ewan
Walked this route back in July with my two dogs and 20kg of gear, wild camping the whole way in 6.5 days. This brings back good memories and makes me want to do it again this year.
Hi there. I am a complete novice who has never set a tent up in his life, i have never owned walking boots or walked any further than a to a bus or taxi rank (im sure you get the point lol) do you think i could do this walk if i had the right equipment? i also want to walk it solo. Thanks.
Tommy Taggart
I’ve never walked it either, but this video has encouraged me to give it a go. I say go for it!
Tommy Taggart: as Abbie says, it’s a perfect first long-distance trail but it’s worth doing a little conditioning training first at walking with a loaded pack and also getting your feet used to whichever boots you plan to wear. Also practice pitching your shelter, cooking on your stove etc in case you need to do it in challenging conditions. But there are so many places to divert off the trail, really you’d have to be pretty unlucky to come to serious grief unless the weather really goes wild. I remember when I solo-hiked the WHW some years back - my feet were cut to ribbons by my boots and I had to take a day’s recovery midway at the YHA in Crianlarich to let them recover. But there are very few truly remote parts of the trail and plenty of inns/hotels/campsites/villages/stations etc where you can divert if it proves too much. But go for it, I say - nothing ventured, and all that!
I struggle with a 30lb pack 🤔unless you used the dog as pack mules 😁 well done !
Well Abbie....I have watched many many videos and even series of videos of peoples adventures on the WHW.....and none of them can come up to your level of plain enjoyment that you showed all through your walk....even with sore feet!!..... Thank you so much for bringing us with you it was a lovely treat💞🎇
You shine Abbie. Some people do. I usually hike alone but I'd love to hike with you. You appreciate and are interested in everything....and always bursting with gratitude for the experience. The perfect trail company. Keep doing what you do.
When I got aware of the WHW approx. 5 years ago, this was the first video about this trail I watched and my fascination started. It helped me to prepare my own WHW-Adventure and finally do it. Thank you for inspiration and motivation.
Found this on UA-cam by accident, and have to say, it’s rather inspiring. For many reasons - the host, the attitude, the enthusiasm and passion, the content, and the production value.
It’s also on one of my all time favourite locations.
Yeah! I have done it! 3 days ago I completed WHW. I walked 96 miles from exicting through sweat, pain and tiredness to happiness. Thanks Abbie and other hikers for inspiring me. It was my first hiking with a tent and I enjoyed it a lot. Can`t wait for another adventure. Stay wild!
I'm in the video at the start of the trail! Absolutely gorgeous walk and this is a perfect documentation of it!
Your enthusiasm and knowledge of Natural History are inspirational. I walked the Way last year and you gave me even more insight than I had. Thank-you!
Hi Abbie, I watched your West Highland Way video - Fantastic - Your personality and enthusiasm is infectious and your narration is very professional. Your very upbeat which translates to the viewer. Keep up the good work.
Your smiling face and positivity is awesome! The commentary is perfect! Thank you for bringing back memories of my walk on The Way. Can’t wait to do it again!
I first watched this video during Covid 2020. I had it all booked to be doing the trail. Then Covid came. Each day I watched where I should have been walking. I rebooked my walk for May 2021 and again I had to cancel it. I eventually did the walk in 2022. Each year I was getting older I was 67 when I did it . What a great time I had - I did it solo staying in BandBs and pods (plus 1 luxury night at the Kingshouse hotel ) over 7 days. Thank you, it my go to video when I want to relive the expereince.
Well done for persevering! That's admirable and I'm so glad you completed your dream 🤙
This is extremely inspirational for me. I have decided to take up hiking after my wife told me she had loved another man for several months. She left me cocooned in memories. On the coronation of King Charlie.
I want to climb a mountain! but little steps first
Thoroughly enjoyed watching this, my new favourite youtuber, it really helped calm my anxiety and distracted me from my other mental health issues. I definitely need to do this walk it looks amazing. I'm a big believer that nature is the best cure for poor mental health. Take care, have fun and I can't wait to watch the rest of your videos and watch new ones as you make them 😊
Great Film Abbie, I'm feeling inspired. Off to book my train to Scotland now.
Your Enthusiasm not matter what the weather condition, is wonderfully infectious. Well Done
The joy on your face is contagious, thank you
Brings it all back ,done it with my daughter (aged 11 )many years ago .Thanks for the memories.
Absolutely love your videos, you have such a nice and honest way with words Abbie, an inspiration for me.
I walked the WHW in 1982, from Fort William to Drymen. Last year I walked the last bit from Milngavie to Drymen. The start is a bit changed. The white wall on the right is now covered by 96 vertical beams, 1 for each mile, with places of interest put on them.
Stunning Scotland 🏴 Proud Celt🌺🍀🥰 Abbie, you are so amazing! Thank you so much for sharing your travels with us! 🥰❤️🌺🍀
I just discovered your channel this weekend. I have watched lots of other hiking/camping youtube videos but yours are the best I have found. I particularly enjoy the quick factual information parts about the local area. And your happy un-ego personality
Lots of happy memories of my first long distance walk which I did in 1993. The previous year I did a conservation working holiday working on the Way in the Bridge of Orchy to Tyndrum section. Seeing all the walkers going by made me determined to undertake it. Thank you!
Hi Abbie, its been 3 years since this, and love the fact its gained so many views, your a champ lass, and have inspired hundreds of thousands of people to face thier fears, you showed a lot of courage, and determination, I hope, 3 years later, your doing great, keep inspiring, your simply awesome.
Abbie thank you so much for your films. As a direct result of this film you made about the WHW I copied you and spent a few hours on my WHW walk in September 2021 at Glencoe Ski resort. I went up the ski lift had some lunch in the cafe and used the showers. I also met and chatted with some interesting people. Amazing sights and fantastic facilities. Without this video I wouldn’t have experienced that. Keep up the good work.
Loved this! Thanks Abbie! Planning out my post-quarantine adventures!
Thank you so much. I have memories of the Doune Bothy from 1984 and how my group sheltered from a monster storm. Always wanted to see it again. Also great to see memories 're ignited. I'm sure you met the midges (darn things) their ancestors dined out on me for 10 days.
I have lived my entire life on the doorstep of the West Highland Way but sadly never did the walk and I am to old to attempt it now. I really enjoyed watching this video. When I saw the King's house Hotel it brought back happy memories, I worked there for a week 40 years while refitting the carpets
What a fab video. Abbie is a natural in front of the camera and she should be on mainstream tv! Right I now have to get me and some mates on to the WHW! Thanks Abbie 😀
I was already in love with Scotland herself but, during this this video journal, I also fell in love with you, Abbie! Thank you. I feel so honoured that you let us in on your travels, both inner and outer.
Really inspiring and it felt like I was really with you on your walk . Well done 👍 and very inspiring 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Great video, thanks for sharing. Enjoyed your Iceland video as well. Canoed loch lomond in the 90’s. Keep the videos coming. And again and again find something to be great full for. Greetings from The Netherlands 🇳🇱
As an avid hiker myself, I have really enjoyed watching your long distance hiking videos and day hikes around the UK. They confirm my belief that hiking is far more about the adventure and exploration of new places than the workout which seems to be an obsession with so many people. Your connection to the landscape, and focus on outstanding scenery, wildlife, plants and historical landmarks encountered on your hikes provide the viewer with a unique experience and appreciation of the British countryside! Thanks!
What a fantastic production, so much character and enthusiasm of my homeland, made me smile the entire way, really felt I was there with you Abbie. You deserve much more respect and recognition for your production quality but in all fairness your character and charisma have kept me watching your videos. Thanks. 😉
What a lovely lass you are and the 2 dislikes need to get a grip. ATB Coops x
To be fair I just bumped it up to 43
Mega4Fun ruthless lol
Hi Abbie. This was such a great watch. I moved to Canada in 85 from Scotland. I used to spend a lot of time in Ardliu as a young lad. I used to look over the loch and wonder what it would be like on the other side. The part in your video where you were directly across from Ardlui answered my question. One day I will make it back home, and you have inspired me to get the hiking boots ready. Thank you!
absolutely awesome. Brilliant presentation. I am 83 years and have been to Scotland some 55 times. I call it 'magic Land' as the beauty can turn you to tears with happiness. I have not walked but have been peddle cycling, by car and by luxury rail travel and I understand the way you feel. I have been on the Glen Coe ski lift and did walk across the tops to stand in awe looking down into the glen. Your video is long but I was with you all the way. Thank you for your company.
You are now my favorite UA-cam channel. I enjoyed every minute of this video. Love your personality, and how you really enjoyed everything of this trip. The great outdoor is something I immensely love and I can understand so well why you loved it so much. The scenery looks stunning and now I really want to visit Scotland. I've always traveled to Ireland, a country very dear to me, but Scotland looks just incredibly gorgeous. Thanks for sharing this experience with us, you now have another subscriber!
Edit: just to add: I LOVED it when you decided to go on the ski lift. That could have been me. That feeling of pure excitement and joy, that's what life is all about, and that's when you feel most alive. Again, thank you so much for this video. I'll check all the others out now as well!
Superb post Abbie, I enjoyed every second of it, you never cease to amaze me with your spirit of adventure, ability, enthusiasm and determination.....truly awe inspiring!
That is the longest i have sat for years and watched anything, just like you not wanting your walk to end i found myself not wanting my viewing to end. Thank you so very much for posting this, it was honestly top notch viewing.
My sister and I hiked the WHW in 2019. I have enjoyed watching this and reliving that experience. Thank you!
Just about to go to bed and this pops up and of course I have to watch it! I do love the west of Scotland from Loch Lomond all the way up to Skye. I stayed in Kinlochleven for a couple of weeks with work once and it is a nice place to stay but live...I don't know. It does suffer from the dreaded midge and one of the few things that I would say that I hate is the Scottish Midge. I always try to visit Scotland out of midge season. Epic trek Abbie and it looks like you really enjoyed so thanks for taking us along. Looking forward to to your Great Glen trek.
Abbie wow wow wow absolutely stunning inspirational video I’ve always wanted to do this walk myself but routine life has always got in the way and I’m now determined to make the time for myself to do it.
brilliant work look forward to watching the rest of your work thank you
You are amazing it’s like listening to a commentary from countryfile I could listen to you for hours about your adventures
In America we like our brew cold another great journey beautiful landscape.....
This is one to watch. Just starting to get interested in backpacking (as opposed to long distance walks with B&Bs). I'll take notes on your vlog, especially re water & provisions.
"It's not terribly challenging in terms of terrain." Tell that to my knee that went out on me after day 3. The section between Rowardennan and Inverarnan was rough.
we’ve all got different tolerances and challenges, terribly sorry about your knee :( hope you’re doing better now!
I know how disappointing it can be to have serious knee pain when the rest of you is full speed ahead.
Thank you, I really enjoy being able to see what is off the beaten path. Since I am now a Senior Citizen it is nice to enjoy your trip. You walks remind me of my youth when I was an avid cyclist and did a lot of bike touring. You are correct being outdoors put you more in tune with nature and just the activity alone shifts your mind. When I left work and rode my bike home by the time I got home not a single thought of work was with me. I loved the weather changes, smelling the earth and getting away from traffic. Your wonderful.
Just finished the Turkish Lycian Way and are hungry for more. This looks like a great one to do. Thanks!
As some one who has travelled the same path. I am really enloying the journey.
ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!! I always love your videos. Can I put in a request for you to do a video on travelling as a lone woman? tips and advice on walk planning is always welcome. Looking forward to more to come :)
Noted :)
hope you dont mind me jumping on the comment.. but i thought this link may interest you .. ://travellinglines.com/100-women-walk-run-solo/?fbclid=IwAR2GoTbhgWeByysZo-9Q4WaHaEY366Hho4iFFo1JcVeQy1DlliaAPALYoCQ
Wow love the bit at the end where you talk about “thriving as me” that’s a great saying
A sheer delight Abbie, nothing less.
The fresh air , scenery and glorious mountain views is why we do this with huge smiles on our faces.
You're only here once.... appreciate it !
Thank you Abbie for releasing this documentary I have been waiting for it since you released the 3 min short. Super awesome trail! Any plans to hike in the States? The Appalachian Trail is calling your name!
wow! you should work on the BBC, you've got a great personality, totally inspiring. Thanks.
In all honesty i thought it was a BBC production for the first few minutes.
Yes, very professionally done.
Dont work for the BBC they are evil . Stay independent. Great work.
@@stewartaird3242 exactly, far too good and unique for that horrible broadcaster. Her editing, camera quality and narration are brilliant.
Thanks for making this video. I've just come back from a road trip in Scotland, and I spent some of the drive with my head pressed to the window watching hikers going along the Glencoe paths at the foot of the mountains with a mixture of awe and envy. One day maybe I will do it! I was so glad when I got back and found you'd made this video. I love the wild and unpredictable weather up there. It makes me feel more comfortable in my own skin somehow.
Very peaceful, easy viewing for a weekend afternoon. Thanks, Abbie.
Okay, long term goal: once I've go a couple of overnight hikes under my belt here in the Netherlands, I'm crossing the channel. This is so insanely beautiful :O
Do it. Did it last year. One of the best trips in my life. In june resuming the route with the Great Glen Way. Cheers from a fellow Dutchy
Yehh planning on doing this next year (greetings from Amsterdam😃)
Beautifully done as always. I am very proud of you for surviving EasyJet. No mean feat 😆
What a ridiculous thing to say.
Max Flight Not as ridiculous as you are dickhead. Ive seen your channel. 😂 Now go away and shout out of a window to make yourself feel better. Arsehole.
Englishman Abroad .... Fuck you !
Anti-EasyJet ? How pitiful ? I guess you are too good to fly? Tell us more ...
Yikes, this convo went south quite quickly.
This is the best hiking video of The West Highland Way on You Tube .
Abbie, my greatest Inspiration 👍👍👍👍💯
All I can say is "wow!" Abbie, this film production is world class, and your narration is beyond being "professional" ha! Your wisdom at the 1:12:20 mark is just what I needed to hear as I am in my final preparation of getting ready to set out on my thru-hike attempt of the Appalachian Trail starting on March 26th, 2019! All the best to you with cheers from Western Canada! Hike on! Lamplighter 2019 out! 😎👍
Lamp Lighter Saw your comment; TWO days from your AT start!! Best of luck and have a great time! Hike on!! 😁
@@seakayaker1470 Thank you very much for the best wishes regarding my A.T. thru-hike. Due to some family health issues with one of our daughters, I have decided to reatempt my thru-hike in 2020. I did manage to tackle the approach trail and made it up to Springer Mountain before deciding to return home. Your encouragement is very much appreciated! Cheers, Lamplighter 2020 out! 👍😎
First time I’ve watched one of your videos Abbie and really enjoyed it 👍🏻
Thank you for sharing your journey with us Abbie, you are a natural beauty and a wonderful orator.
Keep on fighting your fight.
You so deserve your own TV channel xx beautiful positivety
It's a great feeling when others acknowledge the beauty of the country I'm lucky to call my own.
Abbie, we could put you in the most boring desolate place on Earth and you would still find something fascinating to tell us about the area around you. Thank you for being so awesome & sharing all your journeys with us ❤️
Abbie, simple Thank you for being you.
Loving your enthusiasm and optimism Abbie. Also like all the little botanical insights you provide.
Thank you for sharing your walks, you’ve inspired me to get outside and enjoy nature again, thank you so much 😊 I am going to be walking the west highland way in April 2024.
Brilliant video! Fine, always cheerful filly.
You won't get brown from the sun. Just from the rain. Then called "rust"! Anyway, your spirit is already sunny so, I enjoyed your way narrating with that BIG smile, thanks for sharing, Jan (Holland)
Loved your vid ,I’m looking to do this in July 2023 ,used to do a lot of walking in my teens ,61 now,I’m going to walk this for Birmingham kids hospital raise bit of monies for them as they saved my grandson’s life ,he as a heart condition,18 months old ,walked up snowdon at night to see the sun rise,god that was hard having not done anything like that for over 40 years ,so this will be really tuff on me knees ,but looks fantastic 😊
Just finished the way, 6 days. Amazing place. We caught the weather just right as far as sun and visability are concerned with very little rain on days 5 and 6. The nights howerver were a bit colder than expected, -1C on the first night with ice on the tents and frozen zips! It didn't get alot warmer, maybe 3 or 4C at night! The scenery is just stunning, you can't explain how good it is. Everyone you meet are super friendly. Going again next year if I can just a little lighter and a little warmer if possible. Lessons learned! I can't wait!
Hi Abbie, ashamed to say I have only recently discovered you and your channel and so glad I have. Just watched this and absolutely loved it. Your enthusiasm and love of the outdoors is wonderful, great filming and commentary with lots of great info. We don’t get out much as my wife is chronically I’ll and films like yours are a breath of fresh air. Looking forward to watching all of your other films seas the nights are drawing in. We wish you all the best for any future walks/adventures you have planned. Cheers Glyn
.
Every thing is enhanced! Every where is undiscovered until we see it for ourselves!😁
Abbie this must be the longest and most enjoyable UA-cam video I have ever watched I have always thought about doing the west highland way but alas I’ve never got round to it :( I have done some travelling throughout Scotland and seen some beautiful places and fort William is one of them, have been at the top of Ben Nevis three times,but following you on your journey was a pleasure and brought back to me just how beautiful a place Scotland is. Thankyou for letting us viewers accompany you on your journey it was a pleasure to watch
William
Hi Abbie, great production highly illuminating even your spirits were not diminished given the weather.
Thank you so much for taking us along on the West Highland Way!
My second time watching this video. Just love the scenery. I walked the WHW with my niece last September and your video was helpful and inspirational.
Thanks, Abbie! 💚🙂🦋🌻
Excellent and another fantastic program you are very lovely lady and you can see you really love your walking. Thank you Abbie 👏👏👏👏
Thank you so very very much Abby! Have walked twice (B&B-style), first time in 2016 with a very good friend in a group and a year later with my girlfriend together. I had to take her there!!! It was marvelous indeed! And she enjoyed it also I’m happy to say. Wanted to go this year again but Covid got in the way allas. Your video has helped me to accept that a bit and is so inspiring!!! Your way of presenting and sharing your joy is awsome!!! Thank you very much!!! 👍🙏
Apart of your broad, inftecious smile and such an sweet joy you show when meeting mundane yet welcome things (like blueberries, red squirrel, etc), regardless of the breathtaking views and impeccable filming/montage skills, the thing that stands out to me are these little interjections when you explain the things less known or completely unknown [to me] in such a succint, concise yet accessible way.
Thank you Abbie, been following you for a while and hope to bump at you at some point (I did see see you in places I visited! Joy :) ). Healthy feet!
The best one and a half hours I've spent in a long time. Thank you.
Fabulous as always, thank you for all you do to take us along with you.
Abbie l have done a lot of travelling but l still find your vids very inspiring ! And as for mental health l cannot recommend it enough ! Health body , health mind ! Do it friends , it works !
Wow, what a great video presented by a beautiful lady with an even greater beautiful smile. No hard sells or anything like that. Just a very good show. Thank you Abbie.
Thank you so much!
This video should be up there with the best of the best guides to the WHW I did the way back in 2009 and like you I am looking forward to retracing my steps in in May 2021. Great video 😊👏👏👏