The West Highland Way: 2024 Adventure, Day 7 Kinlochleven to Fort William
As my 2024 journey along Scotland's iconic West Highland Way came to a disappointing end, I'm back in Kinlochleven, determined to wrap up this series of vlogs in a more captivating manner. With the sun peeking through the clouds, I set out from Kinlochleven, noticing new wild camping spots now that the burdened of my backpack is lifted.
Ascending from the valley floor, we traverse the winding road flanked by majestic Munros, stopping to admire the picturesque ruins of Tigh-na-sleubhaich and soak in the warmth of the sunshine. As glimpses of Ben Nevis, Scotland's highest peak, beckon us down Glen Nevis, the beauty of the Highlands surrounds us.
Choosing to veer off the conventional path, we opt for a more scenic route, winding through forest tracks before exploring the charming high street, which is bathed in the evening sun. Finally reaching the end of the West Highland Way, concluding this year's journey on a high note.
This alternative ending serves as a reminder that the trail can be experienced in a multitude of ways, and I'm grateful to have shared this adventure with you. Thank you for joining me, and I hope you've found inspiration in our exploration of Scotland's rugged beauty. Until next time, Go Create your own Adventures!
G❤️🏴
P.S. Good Luck to Andy @BackpackingUK who started his WHW adventure this morning!
Пікірлер: 60
Yeah! 🎉🎉🎉🎉 you made it in the end! Good for you!
@redmanwalking74
2 ай бұрын
Would've been a rotten way to end the vlog eh!? 😊 G ♥️ 🏴
🤗so pleased you went back to complete the WHW , i too would feel it was unfinished business well done on a lovely day . The last part of the walk missing out part of the road walk , I saw folk walking on it and wondered where it came out so thank you for showing. Look forward to seeing you take the Ballachulish path . Last September there was markers going that way though it might be a race or something, interesting!!! Thank you again for the most pleasurable video 🤗👏🏴
@redmanwalking74
2 ай бұрын
Yeah, I can't stand unfinished business. I need to do more research on the Ballachulish path as it appears to come over onto the wrong side of the water. 🤣🤷🏻♂️ G♥️🏴
Thanks for all your videos - I’m heading to walk the WHW for the first time later this week and your videos have been so helpful for just giving me an idea of what to expect. This last day looked gorgeous! Fingers crossed I get at least 1 day like this!
@redmanwalking74
2 ай бұрын
I'm excited for you. It's a fantastic trail. Enjoy your adventure and I'm glad you found the series useful. Thanks for watching. G ♥️ 🏴
We were staying in Glen Nevis last week, so on wed 17th April it was a beautiful day. We walked into Fort William and got the 10.30 N44 bus to Kinlochleven and walked the WHW back to Glen Nevis, it was a beautiful walk. We must have just missed you by a day or so. I’m starting my solo WHW walk on Wednesday 29th May 2024 in Milngavie. To complete the walk in 8 to 9 days. Now I have an idea what to expect. If I have any problems I have already completed the last section. Thank you for your films and information, much appreciated. I’m glad you got to complete the WHW again this year. All the best 🍻👍🍻👍🍻👍🍻👍
@redmanwalking74
2 ай бұрын
It really is a beautiful section of the West Highland Way. Enjoy your adventure and I hope the weather is kind to you. Thanks for watching and glad you found the vlogs useful. G❤️🏴
Thank you so much for your very helpful videos. They were a pleasure to watch. I picked up quite a few tips.
@redmanwalking74
12 күн бұрын
@@tammywright6636 Thanks for the very kind comments. I'm glad you found them useful and good luck with your own adventure. G ❤️ 🏴
@tammywright6636
12 күн бұрын
@@redmanwalking74 ❤️
I am so glad you showed this alternative route at the end. I ran the devil of the Highlands (Tyndrum to Fort bill) and it brings you out at the leisure centre. I forgot all about it when we walked whw. Thank you ❤
@redmanwalking74
2 ай бұрын
You're very welcome. Thanks for watching. G ♥️ 🏴
Brilliant series really enjoying your channel mate
@redmanwalking74
Ай бұрын
Thank you. I really appreciate your comments. Thanks for watching. G ♥️ 🏴
Iam glad you went back.. 👍. Catchup with video later , just wanted drop a message 👍
@redmanwalking74
2 ай бұрын
Quite the contrast in weather conditions from two weeks ago. 😊☀️G❤️🏴
I knew you would head back. Not a fan of the baggage services. Next April, you can whizz past me as I carry my gear😂 Touch wood, I'll be through the physio and on the way this time next year.
@redmanwalking74
2 ай бұрын
Each year I try to do something a bit different. I've carried my gear the last three years and I'm conscious that not everyone is capable or wish to carry all that weight for 96 miles. If nothing else it's another video for the WHW series. Fingers crossed for you and hope the physio lets you get on trail. Don't rule out baggage transfer if it allows you to get out and enjoy doing your thing. G♥️🏴
@BrokenBackMountains
2 ай бұрын
@@redmanwalking74 Yeah, I appreciate that and know why people use them but it isn't for me. I'm currently fettling it all to get it even lighter but still comfy. I'll be on the brink of 59 next year but will be doing a lot of wild camping so another reason not to use the service. My wife has pointed out that I'm a stubborn git and should keep baggage services in mind if the back is playing up but she is the sensible one in the family. So, maybe speedhike it next year??
Yep good to see you went back and finish it thank you 👍⛺️
@redmanwalking74
2 ай бұрын
Very welcome. Hope you have found the series informative and useful. Thanks for watching. G ♥️ 🏴
Glad you made back. Finished that section today in beautiful weather actually on bus back to Glasgow look forward to the GGW
@redmanwalking74
2 ай бұрын
Thanks Paul. It just felt like a rotten way to end the trip and the vlog series. Can't wait to do the GGW by I've got the Affric Kintail Way first at the end of June. Thanks for watching. G ♥️ 🏴
If you’re carrying 19kilos you could get that down substantially. I had 2 weeks wild camping in Sweden starting with 14kg which included snacks and meals for 10 days. West highland way has places to buy food (Milngavie, drymen, tyndrum, Kinlochleven) or meals from bars and restaurants.
@redmanwalking74
2 ай бұрын
It's the home comforts I'm carrying that are my issue. 😁 Didn't even have the Jetboil with me. G♥️🏴
Great end to a fantastic series of videos. I took the Cow Hill path into FW last August. The Lairig Mor pass was one of my favourite sections due to not seeing anyone from leaving Kinlochleven until arriving at Glen Nevis. Solitude at its best.
@redmanwalking74
2 ай бұрын
There's definitely something to be said for solitude. If that's your thing you'd certainly enjoy the Cateran Trail. Thanks for watching. G ♥️ 🏴
@stephenmiller251
2 ай бұрын
@@redmanwalking74 just watched your series on the Cateran trail, looks a good one. I’m from Aberdeen so fairly familiar with that area. On average how many people did you come across doing the trail?
@redmanwalking74
2 ай бұрын
@@stephenmiller251 Lucky if it was a couple each day. Very quiet. G♥️🏴
Nice sound. Absolutely amazing I recommended you visit the himalayan mountains k2 and Nangaparbat view point from one place moses peak. Add this sound in your bucket list.
@redmanwalking74
2 ай бұрын
I will do. Thanks G♥️🏴
Brilliant video mate. Im planning to do this route in the summer so really helpful
@redmanwalking74
2 ай бұрын
So glad you've found it useful. Thanks for watching. G ♥️ 🏴
Nice. Was in Fort William in 2006 😮
Great set of travel vlogs 🙂 I'm grateful you went back and completed the route. With the exception of the road section - stunning scenery from start to finish. Luggage transfer is the way to go. It's slightly lazier than wild camping, BUT IT'S EASIER ON THE BACK😅 What time of year would you recommend walking the WHW in terms of fewer people and not so aggressive midges? All the best.
@redmanwalking74
2 ай бұрын
Early April and early October to avoid the midges. It is cooler however. Glad you enjoyed the vlogs. Thanks for watching. G ♥️ 🏴
Glad you were able to go back and finish this years journey. The weather looked perfect for it. Some beautiful colours out there.
@redmanwalking74
2 ай бұрын
It was a perfect day for it. Thanks for watching. G ♥️ 🏴
Congrats! Talking of roads less travelled, how about the East Highland way? Really good helpful video! Thank you
@redmanwalking74
2 ай бұрын
Not this year but the EHW is definitely on my radar. Thanks for watching. G ♥️ 🏴
Pleased to see you went back to do the last leg, kund if unfinished without it even if done before. I am heading out in 2 days to donit in reverse from fort william to Milngavie. Little apprehensive as overnight temperature forcast for fort william weekend is -5 and thats in the town which is ridiculous for end of April but.. hey ho lets give it a go. I fear the pass between FW and kinlochleven may be close to -10 but im hoping next week will be better.. fingers crossed for me
@redmanwalking74
2 ай бұрын
Hopefully just the overnight temps. Get a good meal into you and you'll hopefully be cosy all night. Enjoy your reverse adventure. G ❤️ 🏴
No bears but you forgot to mention the deadly Wild Haggis. 😊
@redmanwalking74
2 ай бұрын
Even more deadly than bears and mountain lions. No known deterrent either! 😁 😜 G♥️🏴
@BTurner.
2 ай бұрын
@@redmanwalking74 Definitely, I worked all over Scotland and was always on guard for the vicious little buggers. 😂😂
@redmanwalking74
2 ай бұрын
@@BTurner. 🤣
Currently on day 6, going from Brisge of orchy to kingshouse if i can make it ha! (17kg) is no joke!
@redmanwalking74
2 ай бұрын
Pull your waistbelt in and take plenty of shoulder breaks. You're on a beautiful section of the trail. Pint in Inveroran too. 🍻G❤️🏴
@airlessmean
2 ай бұрын
@redmanwalking74 currently just leaving the Inveraray hotel after a nice vegetable soup and pint of coke, fingers crossed to get drone out 😍
April 2025 for me as well, 6 days and baggage transfer! I will be 62 so i think thats acceptable 😂
@redmanwalking74
18 күн бұрын
I'm excited for you. Enjoy the adventure. G ❤️ 🏴
@chrisarnold4709
18 күн бұрын
All the accommodation is booked now, start date 9 April. Just waiting on train fares and baggage transfers to be released! Longest day is D3 Rowardennan to Crianlarich 😮 Fingers crossed for at least some decent weather. Walking solo in memory of my best friend who was taken too early so hope he looks down and helps me along!! Thanks for your videos as they've been one of the best sources of inspiration and advice - high road for me I'm thinking 😂
@redmanwalking74
18 күн бұрын
The trail gives you time to reminisce, think, zone out. As well as the company you'll enjoy too. So many wonderful people from all over the world. I'll have my fingers crossed for you on day 3. ☀️🥾🥾 G♥️🏴
@chrisarnold4709
18 күн бұрын
Cheers!! Really looking forward to it now tbh and April seems a long way off but it won't be...😂
Don't go in to or round the back of the cottage as way too many people have used it as a poop stop😮😢 #honking
Have you ever done it in the opposite direction?
@redmanwalking74
2 ай бұрын
I haven't no. Would feel a bit odd I reckon. 😊G ❤️ 🏴
@nikwood750
2 ай бұрын
@redmanwalking74 I just wondered as I have walked the way the same as you. I have also walked the GGW 2 years ago and last year I biked it in thr opposite direction. It felt like a totally different route. Weird as it's obviously not. Thinking about doing the WHW opposite too 🤔 😅
@redmanwalking74
2 ай бұрын
@@nikwood750 As long as you don't mind people telling you that you are going the wrong way! 😁 😂 G♥️🏴