Scotland, UKWestHighlandWayMay 7th - 12th, 2022

A good thru-hike always begins with the familiar mix of anticipation and nerves, full backpack, fresh clothes, and the uneasy excitement of walking toward the starting point. I left my hotel in Glasgow at 7 a.m., stomach empty and mind buzzing with questions about what the day would bring. First priority: breakfast. Luckily, a familiar fast-food spot came to the rescue. I grabbed a quick meal and hurried to the train station, determined not to be late on day one...read more.

The day began under a bright, cloudy sky. A promising start after a night of restless sleep. I packed up my tent and gear, then cooked a quick breakfast of oatmeal with dehydrated bananas on my compact stove, carefully balancing it on a rock to avoid the damp grass. My hiking companion from yesterday decided to take it slow, so I set off alone, ready to tackle the day's route with energy and anticipation...read more.

Gray clouds greeted me as I emerged from my tent, and a quick check on my phone confirmed what I suspected: rain was on the way. Breakfast was skipped in favor of a few protein bars, and I packed up quickly, donning my rain jacket and polyester joggers for what promised to be a wet day. By 8 a.m., the first raindrops began to fall, soaking the trail but doing little to dampen my spirits. My waterproof backpack and Altra trail runners gave me confidence as I set off along the coastline of Loch Lomond, weaving through green woods and open vistas with the water always in sight...read more.

The morning greeted me with a much drier outlook than the previous day. While dark gray clouds still lingered, patches of blue were beginning to peek through the sky. After a hearty traditional English breakfast, I shouldered my backpack and set off a bit later than usual at 8:30 a.m., ready to take advantage of the improving weather...read more.

Today promised a mix of sun and rain as I ventured deeper into the Scottish Highlands. I had a cabin reserved in Kinlochleven for the night; a welcome prospect after anticipating another rain-soaked day on the trail. After a simple breakfast of granola and dried banana slices, I packed up and set off at 8 a.m., ready for whatever the Highlands would throw at me...read more.

The last day on the West Highland Way brought a mix of rain, gray skies, and the lonely solitude that had marked much of this trek. I was heading for Fort William, my final destination, and though I couldn't say I was sad the hike was ending, I knew today would be a test of endurance. After some searching, I finally found the trail leaving town, beginning with a steep ascent into the hills and mountains before settling into a mostly flat route toward Fort William...read more.