Thanks for all the comments - Part Two is here if of interest - kzread.info/dash/bejne/g5ibt7qOYMurmrg.htmlsi=Khh01i-R_YWcVEsU Gear List Video here - kzread.info/dash/bejne/mKOA0ap6nLG2krw.htmlsi=41garkUiHaTuiPyl Thanks all Murray

Fantastic effort in those conditions, and sound decision to call it when you did. I have been on much of the West Highland Way, over some years of visits from my home in tropical North Queensland, but most often in milder months! Your videos take me back to Munro bagging with my soulmate (who did them all, some two times and a few three times in fact). He lost a battle with Cancer 4 years ago, and died too soon too young, and I doubt I will ever be able bring myself to visit Scotland without him. Watching your channel reminds me of the best years of my life. We were in Wales with his family when he succumbed, but not before we stayed one last time at Hawthorn Cottage Glencoe, 3 weeks before the end. In so many of your videos that I have watched so far, you tread trails and stand in spots we stood, and it brings back how wonderful it felt to be there with him. It is bittersweet, but thank you.

@LilyGazou

Жыл бұрын

❤

Medieval self flagellation came to mind when I watched this video, sensible decision made and Gerry to the rescue 🙂

I guess one of the bright spots is…no midges! What a challenge you two put on yourselves. I’m just happy I’m watching it in my nice, warm living room in my comfy recliner! 😆. ATB

@ScotlandsMountains

Жыл бұрын

good point Erin - funnily enough no wee beasties were encountered on our trip!! lol Thanks for watching and ATB for 2023 Murray

Had the privilege of completing the West Highland Way a couple of times, but never in a million years would I try it in winter. One of those things at times you think to yourself why the Fk am I doing this?!?, but good company and the experiences it brings are unforgettable for sure. All the best for 2023.

Excellent video again! 100% agree with the decision! I really think recording such decisions is a fantastic way to teach safety on the trails. Especially with someone as experienced as yourself. It proves that safety always comes first and never regret turning back. Thank you

@ScotlandsMountains

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Caroline, absolutely agree - sometimes things that seem easier in summer condition take on a whole new perspective in a Scottish Winter (whether that be a hill walk or a trek through the Glens :)) Take care , thanks for watching and ATB for The New Year Murray

@carolinemason4210

Жыл бұрын

@@ScotlandsMountains Happy New Year to you and yours. Thank you for your inspiration and sharing the beauty we live in

@xvsupremacy7190

Жыл бұрын

Yes it isn’t just the weather that’s the problem, even driving can be gruelling , by the time you get to John O Groats , cars, caravans and motor bikes often end up suffering the worst for wear. The terrain is hard going.

@bigchapaxe8267

Жыл бұрын

🤣🤣

A for Effort Lads! Mon The Bothies!! All the best for 2023

Good effort in tough conditions boys ! Ma proudest accomplishment in life was finishing the west highland way solo in winter 2020 during the lockdown, no pubs or cafes no shops , jist me , ma bivvy and ma ruck, only food a ate was what a carried. Barely any people either given the time of year and the lockdown conditions, few ramblers , couple hill walkers , one Dutch farmer shouting at me from 20 yards away wearing a mask, "what are you doing here !? You've walked from a tier 4 area to a tier 2 area" dafty he was , told him let me eat ma soup n I'll be on ma way. Journey took 5 nights and 6 full days early starts before dawn and stopping around 4pm to get a quick lean too or A frame thrown up afore dark, was a whole load of pain and hardships, wet and cold constantly, and a fungi infection on ma nob cause a didn't even look at ma frozen wee pecker the whole time just about, but it was truly challenging and amazing and makes ye feel good to overcome them hard times and look back on em with a smile. Was right to call it though, ave had to walk away from a couple mountains in ma day too, better to come back and tackle it again another time than push on blindly if you know it's beyond you.

Brilliant...Good call on stopping...I never considered the WHW in winter but after watching this I may have a pop at it next winter. Thks for sharing .

It's gas I'm watching Ray ages, only started watching your videos.. & who should pop up in the first few minutes... Only the man himself 😂😂😂, great stuff & his good self has always been a kind fella anytime I asked for advice.. God bless yous & keep up the good life 🤝🤝🤝

You have to be smart, or you end up as a warning for others of what not to do. This is the example young men especially need to see. Took guts to get so far as you did in my book. Thanks

Looks like proper character building stuff, good decision to call it a day where you did. Hats off to Gerry for coming to get you.. That stretch along Loch Lomond is hard work in any weather neverminf the conditions you had.

Epic conditions! Good to see Ray again but you did the right thing to call it a day. No point in suffering and risking hypothermia. Hats off to you both for getting as far as you did and especially to your gallant rescuer!🥶🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🥾❄️

Another quality expedition. Where common sense showed that that no matter what experience you have to put common sense first for it to work well .

This was the first time I have seen someone on KZread try the WHW in winter....cool to watch your attempt.

Wisdom is knowing when to call it. Well done.

wow Hats off for getting that far they were some conditions.

Did the WHW in May 2017. Snow and freezing overnight temps. I did the way in 5 days. I did the lakeshore route along Lomond and boy was it energy sapping with a large pack. I was really struggling and stopped at the bothy. Stove and hot food and a sleeping bag nap. Returned to the path and it was a real stretch to beinglas. I agree with Ray that was a real hard stretch. Got to know your limits on this long distance walks. I had a short day at Tyndrum as snow was falling ~ in May. My goal was orchy but too cold. Pitched in Tyndrum. Next day set off early and saw too lads who had camped overnight with hypothermia. Had to get them to a farmers cottage. Plan for 5 days but expect 6 days.

I walked it Easter 1996 (stayed in Bothies). Incredible hike! Lovely to see it again from my couch. Congratulations on calling it. Hard to do but smart.

And the master said "fight on to glory" and the soldier cried "get safe and go back" and the soldier lived. PLEASE, on the hills, be sensible you are not the master, the hills, the conditions and the weather are. Well done Murray and hats off to Gerry for the rescue (a decent malt at least!)

Really respect you for teaching us all when to be safe and sane!

I have done this hike few years back.We were a group of South Africans.We did it early Summer. Was a lovely hike and could embrace the beauty all around.Had wet days too.But nothing heavy.Tried to climb Ben Nevis but had to turn around due to heavy rain and mist the day.Sad about that.Since it was our main aim on this trip.Our group having climbed Kilimanjaro together as well.Will have to go again.Just cannot see the fun in doing this hike in Winter and night.You are challenging the weather conditions very much.Love Scotland.

I live on the south coast of England and we have it easy compared to you guys, great video I wish I had been with you.

Greetings from expats in Australia feeling the heat in Summer!

this is just stunning .i want to buy a small bit of land back home in Scotland in the middle of nowhere. just so I can breath this air and see these beautiful sights

Epic Murray, just shows that even a recognised trail in Scottish winter conditions is no walk in the park. Respect to you for the effort and video, even more respect to the ability to call it quits. Well done

Incredible video ... loved the landscape

The part you were sitting at Bienglas trying to keep smiling. Brilliant, brought back memories of my first experience of WHW. March 1975, me and my two pals, the pocket money mountaineers. At 15 yrs old we earned £2.50 a week as milk boys. Our technical gear was a campari summit high pack, a bluet stove and my grandfathers cavalry twill hand me down trousers. One week of freezing horizontal sheets of water my wee thin peters stores cagoul gave up after 3 hours. But we laughed and laughed. Keep up the productions. I have had quadruple heart surgery, chronic back pain and a destroyed cruciate ligament (climbing accident) your videos give me inspiration to go through the pain barrier and get out on the hills, or at least tell my grandweans the tales.

Terrific effort Murray. Right from the start on soaking slippy ground with full pack on. The Inversnaid to Inveroran was torcherous never mind the snow. Love your footage. To the extent you have inspired me to get back on the hills and climbed Ben Vorlich last weekend, not bad for a 69 year old. Keep it up I look forward to your next adventure.

It's great to watch these feats of endurance from the comfort of your arm chair. Beware you don't end up with sciatica like me.

@philfletcher3434

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the HC.

What a trip, thank God for Gerry

my first view of your work, planned to do WHW as a sponsored walk in 2000 but foot and mouth stopped us. Sadly never got round to doing it. You are obviously a very experienced outdoor person which is a lesson to all of us when your experience says no. Not sure the excellent video really shows how tough those conditions were but it was a fascinating watch. I look fwd to watching more of your adventures. Thanks

What can I say about this. You should be very proud of what you and Ray done. To have got to the underpass on the A82 in those conditions is totally amazing given those conditions. Myself and my friend got to that exact spot in May last year where my mate called it a day and we pushed on into Tyndrum before he headed home. I went on solo and completed the 96 miles. Definitely you have made the right choice. What an achievement Murray, very well done.

Despite the conditions an excellent video. And showing the correct decision. I think it is important to show adventures that don't go to plan as well as those that do! Gerry, what a legend! I think you owe him more than a pint.

It’s truly stunning.

Good decision to bail when you did. And good on Gerry to leave his comfortable Prow to pick you both up.

Murray, excellent video. Safety is the most important thing to encompass our everyday adventures. The fact you and Ray made a very wise decision and included this on your video, shows the experience you have. The West Highland Way will be there for another day and i for one, look forward to that video. Clarity is our friend and the decision taken was clear. All the best in 2023

Did this back in late May, with pretty decent weather except the first and last day. Didn't do much research as I knew it was very popular and the first two days it was easily the busiest long walk I'd started. Quite annoying, if I'm being honest, in places and accepting that me being there was adding to the numbers. Day two I thought, looking at the map, would be a straight forward walk alongside Loch Lomond. Nope, the hardest day for me from memory. I seem to remember getting to where I'd roughly planned, at the end of the day, but was surprised as to how winding the path was by the Loch shore. Thanks for the vid and for bothering to attempt it in that weather, not for me for sure.

The only thing more exceptional than the weather was Gerry! That man is a legend and my better half and I love it when he is in your videos, clearly a skilled mountaineer and a great person to have in your life. 🏔️🏔️

Holy moly! I'm over by Gareloch and know exactly the day you called it! Can't believe that you were out on the WHW that day. Definitely the right call. It's a long time since I've formally done the WHW but I've stayed in Doune Bothy myself. North end of Loch Lomond before and after it is absolutely the most challenging. I was kinda open-mouthed when you were suggesting you were going to push to Bridge of Orchy. Amazing footage though. Thanks for sharing, glad you'e both safe.

@ScotlandsMountains

Жыл бұрын

twas a wild and wet Scottish winters day which beat us !!lol - next time I may wait until we can see the trail ;) lol Thanks for watching and ATB for 2023 Murray

Thanks for showing this type of hike when it is tough and difficult decisions need to be made. Keeping safe is always the correct course of action. My neighbour is a member of the Mountain Rescue and they have had so many callouts this year to help walkers who were ill equipped and having poor knowledge of where they were or what they were attempting to achieve. Your content is always compelling to watch. Thanks.

Great effort lads. Kudos for attempting the WHW in they conditions.

That’s some effort that mate , well done

Great video, guys. That bothy was in the right place at the right time, it looked lovely. Shame you couldn't continue but very much the correct decision made in the end. Cheers

Good grief, how gruelling was that??! I was willing you to give up earlier than you actually did, and when you finally made that decision I was relieved. I think Jerry deserves more than a pint, Murray!! Well done both of you, and well done for filming as much as you did. You deserve a medal. Happy New Year for 2023, Murray!

Visited Scotland and Skye last summer, 62 and first holiday in Scotland, it was fantastic, the scenery is like nothing else, very different from North and South Wales, cannot wait to return

Another great adventure Murray. As Kenny Rogers said "You've gotta know when to hold them and know when to fold them" Cheers mate.

Yesterday evening when I went to bed, I was thinking of a wintertrip along the WHW. And this morning your video was provided to me by youtube. Some kind of AI? This could be frightening. Thank you for sharing this adventure. This will have impact to my plans, no question. All the best for 2023.

This is such a good video, because it demonstrates so well how severe the weather can be and how it is necessary to have all the appropriate gear as well as several alternatives to your plan in mind, including bailing out, like you did! It was the right thing to do, with those burns all running so fast and furious, I'm certain!

A sound mountaineering decision Murray. The conditions looked sh*t so hats off for sticking with it that far. And well done to Gerry in Thunderbird 2 for picking you up. All the best to you, Ray and Gerry for next year 🍻

@ScotlandsMountains

Жыл бұрын

thanks Ian Thanks for watching and ATB for 2023 Murray

Can't wait to get into bed and watch this video ! I also can't wait until the weather is a little better and days are longer to get myself back out there and see more of the home country 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Absolutely right call guys. Completed the WHW 2021 in better weather and round the Loch is tough. Not sure we would have tackled it in winter conditions. Your video lets people see how bad it gets in Scotland. I was hoping you would call it earlier,could feel every step of your pain. Well done, glad you got back safe. What a great guy Gerry is.

Totally the right call there stopping when you did, I've seen another KZreadr push on and have to call for emergency assistance, which is putting someone else at risk as well. Glad you both got home safe and well!

absolute hats off fellas, bailing is never a good feeling at the time but living to fight another day is!

You tried you failed, you cant beat Scotlands weather, but thank you for the the adventure, 50 miles in those conditions well done.

@ScotlandsMountains

Жыл бұрын

It was tough going - not going to lie - those conditions were testing to say the least :) Thanks for watching ATB Murray

Brilliant advice, what we have come to expect from Murray and refreshing to see the respect you have for mother nature....Great seeing you and Ray out again !

Have nothing but respect and admiration for you for doing this in the poor weather conditions and also taking all your gear with you! I did this in Sept 2022,it was glorious sunshine the entire 10 days and I stayed at B&Bs and had my luggage transferred! I bet Conic Hill and Lochmond were the hardest. Stunning views though

You both made the right decision, safety first..

One of your best videos yet Murray, fully get the decision to bail too🥶

Glad you made it home, safe and sound.

Began watching then stopped after 5 minutes. Decided I’m saving for tomorrow and watching on the big TV.

Hi Murray. As a follower of your adventures and a resident of 'northish' Loch Lomond - at Arrochar, I can absolutely attest to the huge differences in snow depth (and thaw) during that three day period. I recorded 14" of snow during the Friday into Saturday and whilst the rainfall was biblical during the following days, very little moved or thawed here - it was as you said, very localised. Both you and Ray made the right call... But for me, the message is clear in having a friend/legend/someone to call on and the ability to call them. I'm with you all the way with enjoying a little solitude - but - to have someone, to be able to contact someone, even on the most innocuous routes - is paramount.. so important... No place for bravado.. Very well done both. A short hike with with a powerful message. Happy New Year pal. Jim.

@ScotlandsMountains

Жыл бұрын

Hi Jim, glad someone was able to clarify, the amount of snow between Inversnaid and even Doune Byre Bothy was ridiculous !! Same as I looked to the Glen Coe web cams and saw zero snow on the train back down! As you say it was very localised, maybe another year we will try again and perhaps get some nicer conditions :) Take care , thanks for watching and ATB for The New Year Murray P.S. keep up the good work on your vid sir

@BoredManOutdoors

Жыл бұрын

@@ScotlandsMountains thank you very much... 👍

Knowing when to quit and planning alternatives is so important. We all love to push ourselves in one way or another but accepting our limits is key. If it all goes wrong, it's not just our lives we risk but also those who come out to save us from peril. Yet another excellent video, thanks.

It's extremely useful for us less experienced to see that you professionals sometimes bail out for safety reasons. Tnx a million!

@ScotlandsMountains

Жыл бұрын

The Scottish weather can get you , no matter where you are!!lol - it was pretty brutal Thanks for watching and ATB for 2023 Murray

@kristaps2010

Жыл бұрын

Agree

This was the first video I came across of yours..I'm now hooked . Thank you for such luvly little programmes, I don't bother with tv now..I just watch these .x

@ScotlandsMountains

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Vanessa and welcome to the channel - hope you enjoy some of the videos and adventures we have over here :) Thanks for watching ATB Murray

My knees were aching just watching you on this feat!

@ScotlandsMountains

Жыл бұрын

It was a worry for me after last years injury , however my physio work seems to be helping and my knees were well strapped up for this adventure with the big pack on !! The physio training has been intense this year but it is working so I am keen to keep going with it into 2023 :) Thanks for watching and ATB for 2023 Murray

Valiant effort Murray and Ray, you called it right as you said and got home safe

Here re waterproofing my coat just as this video popped up, rain sure does get in , called it right for so many reason as you said ,time restrictions etc still a great watch

I am so thanksful for CC ..beautiful landscapes

Your health and safety is far more important than finishing the Way. Thank you so much for sharing your adventure.

The weather changes like crazy in the west Highlands! Do it in the summertime!!

As always your photography and narration is exceptional. It's wonderful seeing a route I've walked several times look so very different.

@ScotlandsMountains

Жыл бұрын

thank you - hope you enjoyed the video Thanks for watching ATB Murray

Glad u turn around together , ur right when the guys get together ego can push people to do some things they normally what not do alone I'm glad y'all turned back cheers from NC USA home of a section of the Appalachian trail

Those conditions looked atrocious! No explanation needed - one look at those rivers, spectacular if you're sitting at home in an armchair, but the thought of picking your way through the snow and ice in the dark with that raging torrent just a slip away - calling it was definitely the right decision! It did have its rewards though, seeing that badger!

@ScotlandsMountains

Жыл бұрын

not sure if the badger was more surprised at our encounter - or if we were more surprised !! It certainly didn't notice us until we were right next to it on the path! Thanks for watching and ATB for 2023 Murray

Yep, safety first and you can rightly be proud of yourselves!

Thanks 👍 Well done for getting that far.

A friend you can trust to come and bail you out of a tight spot like that is worth his/her weight in gold!

Good drills Murray! A real adventure. 👍

Men, with Scotch accents, willing to test themselves in miserable cold weather; God Love ‘em. ❤️🇨🇦

Brilliant Video with some great advice within. And when I saw the title I thought this could be an interesting and tough challenge, Having completed the WHW on 2 occasions recently with a 3rd later this year. But i doubt if i would try it in such conditions, And i have spent 3 years of my life in the Arctic. Unlucky with the weather, Great video, All the best Andy

What a mission you both endured well done for filming in those conditions thank for a great video

Awesome stuff ..excellent video thank for posting.

Thankyou Murray for another fantastic adventure. Down here in Devon a centimetre of snow/ice is enough to bring things to a halt, so you did fantastically to get so far. Look forward to your next installment.

hi Murray and Ray i did the w.h.w in may 2010 it was sunny from start to Finnish in fact the last day from Kinlochleven to ft Willliam the weather forecast was very hot so with my heavy pack i set of earl before it got to warm and it paid off the other thing like you said going up the side of loch Lomond i found that bloody hard like you say up and down and from the Inversnaid hotel there were a few times when just by luck with carrying a large pack i did not fall into the loch the second time i did it was 2015 and from Beinglas farm in july the heavens opened (HORIZONTAL RAIN) so got to Crianlarich rain bridge of orchy rain all the way to kings house camp at the back of k/h it rain alnight so in the morning because i was on my own and raining still i was on the bus back to Glasgow so what i am trying to say when you are not enjoying it thats the time to pack up and go home when i was on the train back to Manchester i was i bit down but i had run out of dry clothes and as my wife say it will still be there when i go back so well done to you both and happy hogmanay will watching you in 2023

Good ole Jerry to the rescue! 🙌 Thanks for sharing this vid, it's important to show people that it doesn't always go to plan and you sometimes have to make a judgement call. Good shout on bailing too! I did the WHW in August 2020 and that section between Beinglas and Tyndrum was torrential. The paths were burns, the burns were raging rapids and the rivers were downright scary and bursting their banks. If we hadn't planned ahead hadn't booked a room in the Tyndrum bunkhouse we would have almost certainly headed back to Glasgow on the train. That section after Inversnaid is definitely the trickiest/most challenging of the WHW (I ended up falling on the steep section going down toward Rob Roy's Cave, flat on ma back wi one arm trapped under me, flapping about like a turtle lol). Anyway, the day we did Beinglas to Tyndrum, in the torrential rain, there were people doing that awful Inversnaid to Beinglas section in the same horrible weather... only to arrive at Beinglas and the Campsite was 2 feet under water! I remember seeing 3 lassies post on insta that they arrived late at night having battled that section in the rain to find the Campsite under water. Thankfully the Drovers let them camp in their grounds. Anyway, moral of that story is that we can't get complacent, even on the WHW which many consider a dawdle. When the weather is against ye and its miserable, there's no shame in bailing. It is, after all, meant to be enjoyable! 😊 Bliadhna mhath ùr! 🥃🔥

I think this is one of your best and most interesting videos. Felt like I could feel every step through that sludgy snow and the cold wetness as it seeped through. Glad you bailed and lived to tell the tail.

Brillant, love that you embrace the difficult decisions that needed to be made. Better that, than mountain rescue coming to your aid or worse becoming a statistic! Well done lads, maybe next year

Great effort Murray by both you & Ray. The conditions looked dreadful at times for you. The two days up to Beinglas Farm campsite are quite a challenge even in summer, the rocky, tree rooted Eastern side of Loch Lomond was difficult when we walked the WHW in July 2006. A great video once again & I'd like to wish you both a Happy New Year. 🎉🥃🥳💙 It took us (my son Daniel, friends Phill, Peter & myself), a total of seven days to complete the West Highland way. We raised over £3500 for our local hospital & bowel cancer UK after having lost my wonderful Dad, Ralph to the disease in November 2005. A truly memorable adventure. ✅⭐👏💙🥃

Great to see the two of my hiking Scottish adventureres together, challenging the elements and keeping it wise! May the New Year bring you more of adventures!

Done in 2015 . Poncho is the life saver . No jacket alone will save you . 🥶🥶🥶☂️☂️☂️☂️

Good effort✊️ it's a different ball game walking in the snow, you did it in the snow and dark! Respect to you and friend 👏👏

You will meet the banshee up in this mountains /old house ! That old cottage house you guys stayed in looks super old ...very cool!

Excellent video as always Murray, good call! The WHW will be there for another day! Very best to you and yours for 2023.

The Three Amigos! Brilliant video. No frills, no glamour, just dealing with difficult conditions until common sense dictates enough is enough and discretion is the better part of valour. That's what it's all about.

Tough gig Murray,but nothing ventured nothing gained.

Well done Murray & Ray! You both absolutely called it right. Also, what a top notch friend you have in Gerry, to come and rescue you both. On a plus note, you & Ray have inspired me to have a go at the West Highland Way but not in the winter. I've been building up my light-weight camping set-up recently, including a Durston X Mid Solid 1P tent plus I've built myself up a light-weight cooking set-up including a Trangia spirit stove, a Trangia triangular stand and a Toaks 750ml pot. I shall for ever be grateful to you and Ray for inspiring me to get exploring outdoors. May I wish you both a Happy & successful New Year. Kindest regards, Chris Harris

@natalieminnis

Жыл бұрын

I did the first half of the West Highland Way during a mild spell in March 2018 with a tent (Vango Nevis), carrying all my food. Absolutely loved it. I camped on Conic Hill the first night, near Rowchoish Bothy the second night and in Bogle Wood near Crianlarich the third night.

@EpicTheUnicorn

Жыл бұрын

Went on the WHW in March 2022 with me lady had a great time bar one -5°c night with non appropriate gear is heaven there

@ScotlandsMountains

Жыл бұрын

good luck Chris - hope you have a blast when you do the west highland way - Thanks for watching and ATB for 2023 Murray

@dwaynechalmers9478

Жыл бұрын

You seriously do not need any cooking gear ,, plenty of places to eat and folks leave stuff out in the way ,,, uneccesary weigh,,

My toes feels numb watching this !! Big hello from Ireland 🇮🇪❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 No way badgers...so lovely to see them! I've only ever seen dead badgers on the road side 😭😭

Great video Murray, and great call. Knowing when to make a considered decision to retreat is more important than doggedly pushing on. Thanks and hope you had a great Christmas.

Some of the best view's in the world not just UK

Wow, that was tough going. If anyone is going to know its not safe to carry on its you two. Thank heavens for Gerry, he's a star.👍