I applaud you for your openness and honesty about your emotions on the trail! Solo trekking ( or solo anything) is a time for self-examination and renewal ,and what I enjoy most.

Thank you so much, this was so helpful. I am doing the WHW in 3 weeks, I am 63 and have never wild camped, but I've been really looking forward to doing this iconic hike. I hope it goes as smoothly as yours did.

Those are some stunning pictures, you've inspired me to plan a wild camp when it warms up a bit again.

Thank you for sharing your experience! I'm looking forward for more hikes 😍

You are so easy to understand and it is enjoyable to listen to you. I love sharing your footage with my international students/friends to inspire heading out into the country.

I love hearing other people's take on the WHW as it is still to this day one of my favourite trails and each time I have hiked it I still discover new things or alter a small route. I have to agree about the times, I've usually done it September / October myself as most of the midges are gone by then and the trail is a little quieter although the first couple of times I hiked the trail it was in the May / June time and some sections were quite busy, most notably around Loch Lomond as you have a lot of day hikers out exploring too. It has been 3 years since I last hiked it, maybe I am due another wander...

This has really inspired me - I've never solo wildcamped before but this hike is definitely on the bucket list now!

A great informative video Athena, and those pics are all BEAUTIFUL!

Thank you Athena so much for uploading this video, I was actually thinking of doing this for my next solo trip. This was really helpful and insightful, sounds like an amazing journey you went on. ☺️

Great video! Thanks so much for sharing this! 😊 I'm so excited to hike the trail when I get the chance

Great insightful account especially how your mood can swing over the course of a multi-day trip - some won't realise this. It mirrors the journey itself - up & down but perfectly normal & this knowledge may help to prevent you quitting after a 'down' day. Haven't done the WHW but have done slightly shorter walks like the Minigaig (Blair Athol to Kingussie); the Thieves Road (Dalwhinnie to Fort William); Blair Atholl to Kingussie via Glens Tilt, Geldie & Feshie & a few multi-day walks around the Cairngorms. Camaraderie with other walkers/bothy campers always a highlight. Great comprehensive video Athena, see you next time xx

great reminder of one of the best weeks of my life , I should have been doing it again this week with my Australian friend 😢😢 it's videos like these that help us through these difficult times, excellent work please keep them coming 👍👍👍😉

Thank you for this inspiration! West highland way is on my dream hike list :) 🥾 also so happy to have discovered your ramble guide website! Beautiful layout and so helpful. Have a great weekend Athena :) x

@RambleFamily

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you Natalie 🙂🙂

Thank you for this. Once I can get to Scotland, I’ll definitely be doing this.

The Bonny Bonny banks of Loch Lomond. I love your videos! And this one is so helpful!

Wouw, this takes me back! I did this trail that same year as well, also being our first long distance trail ever. I would definately do it all again! Loved to hear you experience, see all the images and recognize the different spots.

Helpful, inspiring and compelling listening is exactly how I would describe this video. The West Highland Way was my first long distance hike, which I did when I was about your age. The week unleashed a lifetime passion for Scottish mountains. Not that everything went smoothly. I started the Way as part of an organised group. The self-styled Walks Leader boasted every ten minutes about having learnt his trade with the Ramblers Association and various other kindred outfits. I have never come across somebody with such a passion for micromanagement and interfering. Yet he had managed to muster a motley crew which were in general pretty badly equipped and grossly overloaded with stuff they didn't really need. 3 or 4 were nowhere near the level of fitness needed for the walk. The end came quite quickly, at 6 o'clock on Sunday morning on the campsite at Balmaha. Nearly everybody else on the campsite had gone to the pub the night before, including myself. The whole campsite was rudely awakened at cock crow by a loud and authoritarian voice from the English Home Counties, issuing commands to all and sundry and banging pots and pans to make everyone get a move on. I watched the baleful glares from between the tent flies of everyone else on the site and enough was enough. I quickly packed my tent and gear, then announced to Colonel Square or whatever his name was that I was leaving them. I didn't waste any energy on arguing with him. Just try and stop me! There were no mobiles in those days, unless you wanted to carry something the size of a house brick! Otherwise I would probably have had calls requesting a report on progress two or three times a day, as I steadily put more and more miles between myself and my ill-sorted erstwhile companions. They never made it, dropping out somewhere between Crianlarich and the Green Welly, and did the rest of the journey on the bus. Anyone still on this, don't let a bad first experience put you off. The rest of the week was life-changing. The walk changed Athena's life and it changed mine. Only one other thing, there are four home nations in the UK and not one. But I do like your home furnishings. Everything different to mine but in the same comfortable rustic style as my own 250 year old stone cottage. I have casement windows in the local style and not stone mullions. I bet you haven't got a taxidermy fox and pine marten!

Very informative video. Your cheery personality is always a highlight of your videos. 👍

Thanks great pointers ! Lockdown has given me the space and motivation to renew my relationship with multi day hiking and wild camping xx

Definitely agree the West Highland Way is a great trail and I met two of my best friends the first time I did it 12 years ago. Great vlog! 🙂❤

Thanks for sharing your inspirational experience of wild camping and hiking to Fort William with a nice ending❤. Amazing photography too!

Thanks for this! Assuming Scotland opens up a bit as planned I’m hoping to do this in August and then continuing on with the Great Glenn Way! Always nice to hear some ideas for where to stay

I did this trail last June. It was my first long distance hike and loved it. Since it was my first long distance trial, I stayed in hotels along the way but really wanted to wild hike and loved seeing the tents set up along the path. Thanks for the video!

A great account of your first solo wild camp all of the ups and downs! At some point I am aiming to do the West Highland way as well!

Ive been watching a few videos on the W.H.W over the last few weeks. Good to watch your thoughts and experiences on it too Athena Definitely on my to do list!!! Thanks

Loved that ! Thank you so much for sharing all your advice :D

I enjoyed hearing about your experiences along this trail, Athena. One I'd like to walk myself one day. Thanks for sharing and all the best.

@RambleFamily

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Olly! It’s a great trail if you ever get the chance to do it 😀

Thank you so much for answering my questions! As soon as you mentioned the coop I actually remembered it haha. I'm super excited to hike it either in October or next April/May (depending on how the covid situation pans out). Loved the video, so nice to see some of those views again!

@RambleFamily

4 жыл бұрын

Aw so great!! You will have the best time 😄 I was so excited about the co-op 😂😊

So lovely personality. I like your videos, trying to look for inspirations where to visit, because I also like to walk a lot and hike :)

That was great. Beautifully presented. 🙂👍

I discovered your channel whilst searching for videos on the WHW. I am now booked in to do in October and can't wait! Thanks for the tips!

@RambleFamily

3 жыл бұрын

Aw that’s brilliant! I hope you enjoy it 😊

Thanks for this, what a great idea. I've done EBC but no long camps in the UK. Love Scotland but only ever been in the Winter. Will put this on my to do list for this year. . Stay safe x

Please do more of these type of videos. Your recollections and explanations were fascinating.

Thanks for sharing and being inspiring! Really interesting and honest. I'm about to move to Scotland and keen to try a hike + wild camp

Great summary of the WHW. This will be useful for many people who plan the trip as well. The WHW was my first introduction to Scotland. Because it is so well signposted and has a lot of accommodation, it is ideal for beginners. I did the WHW twice. The 2nd time I tied it to the Great Glen Way. Since then I return to Scotland almost every year. Next year it will be the Cape Wrath Trail.

Great experience the West Highland Way, good advice on doing it Spring or Autumn, Summer can be a Midgie fest 👍🏃

Did the WHW last Sept/Oct really enjoyed it. Doing the length of Loch Lomond in a day way the hardest and longest day. Can't wait to get back to Scotland but all in hold for the foreseeable future.

Wow... I now need to do the Highland way.. you have inspired me. Last time I was in Scotland was taking part in the program S.A.S Are You Tough Enough that was around Loch Lomond and the Trusscochs.

Beautiful and inspiring!

Great honest and inspiring video. Thanks for sharing

@RambleFamily

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you 😀

Loved this video very informative,,I was due to start the WHW this weekend ,unfortunately due to currant situation I’ve had to put on hold until next year

So glad you enjoyed the WHW. And you're with your partner.. Who knows what gifts a trail can bring! Similar happened to me on a long hike in Europe a few years back.. Met my sweetheart that I want to grow old with. The WHW was my 2nd LDW many years ago,, and your advice on when to do it is spot on, as I did it in August & was savaged by midges!

I completed the Great glen way last fall and my plan is to complete the West highland way next spring. Solo ofc ^_^ Thanks for the video!

Great video. Always good to hear of solo women getting out in nature hiking etc by themselves. Great content. Thank you very much.

Hi Athena, first ever Athena I've ever met... I've planned my first WHW for this August. Can't wait... :)

You're a brave young lady doing that on your own ❤

Inspiring. Thank you 😊

Did it a few years ago although I would have to say the GGW is probably a gentler introduction to long distance walking. Another great vid, thanks once again for sharing your experiences. Rob

@RambleFamily

4 жыл бұрын

Ah good to know! I haven't done that trail :)

So stunning! Hope to some day explore those parts of the world but for now thanks for the inspiration just to get out more! Great vid! Love from South Africa! 🇿🇦 😊👌🌄

@RambleFamily

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much! 😀

So inspiring Athena.

Nice account of your trip Athena. It is a great walk and ideal for somebody young or old wanting to dip there feet into hiking trails and wild camping. When I done it with my partner a good few years ago we met a lot of young women doing it solo which was nice to see. Must add that the most of them where from the likes of Germany and I think they worry less about the camping alone. Atb

You deserve to have a lot more subscribers, I love every video you upload.

@RambleFamily

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you 😊

@eriklewis133

3 жыл бұрын

Totally agree! Every video is beautiful, uplifting, beautifully shot & edited, & inspirational ! The score / sourced music is also excellent.

Great video Athena, i'm a fellow video maker/hiker and i've been looking to walk and film a long distance hike and wild camp, was thinking of Pennine Way however the West Highland way may be a great way to train for it! Thanks for the video, it was presented in a lovely way!

@RambleFamily

4 жыл бұрын

The Pennine Way would be amazing! I think the WHW would definitely be a good way to practise/train for it :)

Another great video Athena great work good photography very well presented keep up this good work that you're doing.......😎😎😎.....stewie

Very informative. that would be a very nice trail to hike.

I think you’ve given a really good overview of the WHW and if your partner is Scottish, hopefully he can teach you the Scottish twang that is used in the pronunciation of the different areas 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Informative, interesting with glorious ohotography.

thanks for sharing !!!

Thanks, very informative. Going to try the trail when lock down restrictions over.

You are incredibly inspirational😊

Such a good video 👍

Stag encounter exciting, a late evening Sika stag call is a blood curdling experience, certainly time for a stiff whisky!

Very helpful video! Would be interested in similar info on the Great Glen Way if you have hiked that. Thank you!

I did the WHW in 2000 and would love to do it again but I had to give up hiking after ending up in cardiac care :( thanks for bringing back memories

Well done on the pronunciation of the villages and areas .

I've walked four of our national trails and The West Highland Way is the best of them. I found the section along the banks of Loch Lomond to be the most demanding because it was so rough underfoot. The other sections were comparatively straight forward for me. Oddly enough I found the final day, (the approach to Fort William) an anti-climax, possibly because I realised that the big adventure was coming to an end.

Today is literally the day we were supposed to start the WHW before everything got disrupted by Covid-19! Hopefully we get to do it later this year when everything’s calmed down. Thanks so much for the video - really helpful information and lovely photos! 😊

@RambleFamily

4 жыл бұрын

Ah such a shame but glad you found this useful :)

It was my first long distance hike last August. I remember walking from bridge of Orchy to Kinlochleven in heavy rain and strong winds, great experience. I hope to do it again soon. Think you mentioned the boulders along Loch Lomond northern edge, by far the toughest section of the walk.

@RambleFamily

4 жыл бұрын

Yes so tough!

I planned to do this back in the 90's with a friend, but circumstances got in the way..... you may have chucked a spark on my kindling of a plan...

Thank you Athena,saudações de Portugal!!

Good inspirations Athena (PS what a pretty name!). I am always interested in easy, light, healthy hiking/camping meals. Maybe a video idea? :)

Very inspiring thank you for posting it was really informative. It's clear you put a lot of effort into your videos, they're always perfect ☺️ I'm hoping to do this trail either this year or next when I eventually pluck up the courage! I've made a solo trip abroad for university to a tiny island in the Pacific Ocean but for some reason I'm more nervous to do this (but excited nevertheless)😂.

@RambleFamily

4 жыл бұрын

Ah you should definitely give it a go :) I'm going to make another video soon on what it's like to camp/hike solo as a woman which you may find helpful :)

@inmyownwords9313

4 жыл бұрын

@@RambleFamily That sounds fab really helpful, I'll keep an eye out for it ☺️

I once did it as a first solo holiday too. Not in 5-6 days though, probably more like 7-8? I recently revisited with a friend 14 years later and we were a lot slower, being middle aged, lol. First time camping below zero celsius. It was cold and great. My friend had to duct tape her boot because the sole was coming off and I’ll never leave home again without it. Ooh and I remember at day 1 meeting a couple who had walked it more often and them wishing me a great experience. They were thought it might be their last time now that they were in their 70s. So cool.

I hiked the west highland way also in 2017, but in may. Was great. But had much people on the way. I was solo hiking. But actually the half of the time I had conversations with other people. Was a surprise for me and a great experience. I can just recommend it. Was. Also my first long distance hike 👍

@RambleFamily

4 жыл бұрын

Sounds great!!

Loved this! Would you consider doing a similar video about your experience trekking the Annapurna circuit? I was supposed to be going to Nepal this year but obviously now on hold for the foreseeable future, I’ve read your blog posts but would be great to hear more about your experience!

@RambleFamily

4 жыл бұрын

Yes I could do! It might take a little while to put together but I will start planning something 😀

Thank you for the informative vlog. think I will do this. My visit to Scotland/Glen Coe/Loch Lomond on 17 June for 10 days, of course is cancelled. I had booked into hostels. I will start researching this trail for September, but staying in b&b, rather than carry equipment 😁

@RambleFamily

4 жыл бұрын

Ah such a shame but I hope you can do plan another trip soon :)

Hi athena lovely. Interesting video I bought the book a few years ago Good book. Never got around to doing it Family got in the way (young children) To old now (63) but still widcamp with the sons In the lake's. Old dave

The WHW has been on my dad and I's bucket list for awhile now. Sadly we are over the in US so it takes alot more planning, time, and money to make it happen so we are saving it until he retires in a few years. Can't wait to one day do it.

Thanks for this video Athena! I'm so glad I found your KZread channel. I'm in love with the UK landscapes and hope to go hiking there one day (I'm in Sweden). I'm really enjoying your hiking related videos, they are like soul candy for me 🌿💜✨ Also I'm in love with your bee t-shirt, may I ask where you got it? Much love! 🌌

@RambleFamily

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much! Ah I would love to visit Sweden and do some walking there 😍 actually my uk bought me the tshirt and she said she just bought it from one of those random Instagram adverts and doesn’t know where it’s from 🙈 sorry I can’t be of help! xx

@juniperparla3584

4 жыл бұрын

@@RambleFamily you are so welcome to Sweden 🌸 No worries about the t-shirt. Thank you for replying 🍀💗✨

I'd like to do the Rob Roy but it seems quite poorly marked based on what I've seen whereas the WHW is clearly posted so I think I'd do that one. Day hikes for now but working towards it. Thanks for the info here.

Here's a top-tip from "a regular"... do not start in Milngavie!! Start at Portavadie on the Cowal peninsular... do the Cowal Way trail (now known as the Loch Lomond & Cowal Way) and, as the new name suggests, you walk to Loch Lomond (took me 2 nights) and you arrive at Arrochar / Succoth / Inveruglas. From there you can have a cheeky wee nip up The Cobbler if you like; now either continue either on the west side of Loch Lomond (less scenic) to Inverarnan and continue up the route, or take the ferry (water bus) over from Inveruglas to Inversnaid and continue up the east Loch Lomond shore.

I like your videos. Regarding what you said about Spring and Autumn being preferable for walking the WHW, you might also have added that these times avoid the midge (and also the horseflies which can be terrible), which of course can ruin an outing.

@RambleFamily

4 жыл бұрын

Yes totally forgot to mention the midgies in the video as I didn't have any issues in October!

What bag did you use, I did buy an Osprey Exos 58 for this and will use my Nordisk Telemark 2 LW tent

Great video! Just wondering what the midge situation was like during the hike?

Thanks for the video, working on planning out this hike for myself. What time of year did you pick to do this? It seemed very wet but also sunny, looks perfect! Also, did you end up using a water filter much or did you only find yourself filling up in villages?

Oh my goodness I love this! Once travel is OK'd I want to visit Scotland and do a hike like this! Meanwhile in Colorado I'm preparing to hike the Collegiate loop on the Colorado Trail, about 160 miles.

@Hannah-nh5qj

4 жыл бұрын

I’m in Colorado too, but I’ve never backpacked or camped alone! Do you know any good hiking/camping spots for beginners? I’ve been to Rainbow Lakes a few times with family, but would like to hike to a spot to camp alone.

@hilaryyoung5290

4 жыл бұрын

@@Hannah-nh5qj How far would you be willing to hike? There are some great spots in RMNP! I can definitely recommend a few.

@hilaryyoung5290

4 жыл бұрын

@@Hannah-nh5qj Great for one or two nights of fun! www.outtherecolorado.com/destination/over-the-hill-campsite/

@Hannah-nh5qj

4 жыл бұрын

@Hilary Young I would be able to make it a three day weekend trip!

@hilaryyoung5290

4 жыл бұрын

@@Hannah-nh5qj One of the prettiest spots in the National Park! www.trailforks.com/trails/peregrine-campsite-access/

Hi athena, could you please provide a link for the guidebook? struggling to find it online

Coo, I bought a big colourful mug with scarabs around it a few days ago (mail order): thought I was seeing double here for a moment! - Football being played in the background it seems. Loads of rain & wind in the W. Highlands these last couple of days. Lightening up soon, thankfully.

@RambleFamily

4 жыл бұрын

Harvey was doing gardening!

@iainsanders4775

4 жыл бұрын

@@RambleFamily Ah, good lad...

love you & uk !!!!!!

Thanks Athena! Great to watch... I've been planning the WHW for this summer. What hiking equipment did you take with you?

@RambleFamily

4 жыл бұрын

Hey! If you check out my Wildcamping Essentials video I basically took all of that plus extra food, extra clothes (I think I had two sets of hiking clothes that I alternated) and camera gear 😀

You must wonders for the British Outdoor Clubs and Sport industry!

Thanks for sharing. I did the West Highland Way 16 years ago and the experiences you share are so familiar. First wild camp also just before conic hill. Full day of rain along Loch Lomond. Meeting and remeeting others from all over the world. Having dinner together. Keep up the great work. I need to revisit Scotland and Lake district for some amateur radio hikes (See my channel). Maybe next year. Keep up the great work Athena. All the best, Joe

Maybe because I'm the wrong side of 50, but prefer without backing music.Otherwise a great informative video.

@RambleFamily

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the feedback and I'll definitely lower the music or go without next time :)

Really interesting guide thanks. Can you remember roughly what pack weight you walked with?

@RambleFamily

4 жыл бұрын

I'm not sure but I'd say 10-15kg? :)

Excellent info, but found background noise/muzak very irritating.

@RambleFamily

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the feedback :) I'll make sure the music is quieter next time!

this is such an interesting video - loved it! Just wondering (as I live in the US) where did you go cycling in the US?

@RambleFamily

4 жыл бұрын

I cycled in Utah and Arizona (Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon and Zion) and then from San Francisco to LA on highway one 😊

I love your videos! You’ve inspired me to make my own channel and get back to hiking again, not sure why but I’ve been putting off doing it for a long time. What computer system do you use for Adobe Premiere Pro? Think my computer system might be a bit old!🙈

@RambleFamily

4 жыл бұрын

Hey! Aw amazing I will definitely check out your channel 😊 I have a MacBook Pro though it’s fairly old and I can’t deny I have a lot of issues with Premiere Pro sometimes!! Seems it needs a really fast and new system. It requires a lot of patience 😬😊

@megonthemap2021

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you Steven! Athena, I ended up having to use adobe premiere rush on my phone in the end, I gave up with it haha! Loving your channel though, gonna try out some of your adventures

Lovely vlog. You walked right past my house on the outskirts of Drymen. Next time you must stop for a coffee (and a scone!)

How many days of food did you carry with you?

Great video! I would love to do a trekking some day in Scotland or Scandinavia. What kind of footwear is appropriate for a long distance trail? I hear more and more that trail running shoes are quite a good option as they're not too heavy. Another question: what camera did you bring on the trail? Those are amazing photos! Early autumn is a great time to avoid the crows anywhere in the hills or mountains. Plus, the landscapes are breathtaking that time of the year.

@RambleFamily

4 жыл бұрын

I used normal walking boots when I did the trail which I think was a good idea as the ground was wet and boggy sometimes! I use a Canon 6D for photography and I think at this time took just one lens (24-70mm) and a couple of batteries, so a fairly lightweight set-up :)

@Autumn1988

4 жыл бұрын

Boots in the U.K.- lots of hillocks etc to trip over