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Very Inspiring, a video to also make me follow suit and change my lifestyle, Thanks for posting.

I am 68 and I have been backpacking for over 50 years. I am in only modest shape. I primarily hike in the Sierras in California. I hiked 40 miles on a trip last year (64 km), 8 days including a layover day, and around 9,000 total feet of elevation gain (2700 meters). Three pass of 13,000, 12,000 and 12,000 feet (3,000 meters, 2,700 meters). The pace was slow and each day modest. You need the right gear, which is not cheap per item. But you can do it.

I'm not a native speaker. I meant wool hat/beanie when I said bonnet, and cap/some kind of hat againt the sun when I said beanie. Sorry for the confusion and other minor typos in my longer message :)

Hi Alan, I live in the Alps where I hike every day. I hope you'll make it! For what it's worth here are my thoughts on the doubts you've expressed in your last 3 videos. Priorities: HIKING POLES, EXCELLENT HIKING SHOES AND EXCELLENT HIKING SOCKS 1) Hiking poles are a must and you'll need to use them properly on your hike, so the sooner, the better. Essential for balance, rythm, absorbing shocks, to protect your joints, knees and ankles, extra points of support, less fatigue. And, although they give you more support and tire you less, you burn more calories, so useful with weight loss. Go for models that adjust in length, to optimize up and downhill stretches. There are many excellent videos on yt on how to use them, different techniques, benefits and models. 2) Shoes or boots are a personal choice. But whatever you use, it MUST be excellent. Soles, water resistance, ankle support, frontal protection of your toes, comfort, stability, etc. Pick an EXCELLENT pair of hiking shoes/boots and train with them. Look up Salewa footwear. Expensive, but worth every penny in my opinion. And it's a one time buy, because they last for years. Top quality. 3) Socks need to be hiking socks (ideally merino wool, but other materials possible), with left/right foot markings and padded against blisters. Avoid cotton socks. They rub the skin, cause blisters and take forever to dry if wet. Get specific hiking socks. With poles, good footwear and good socks, you're ready to start training. Clothes: you may be able to start with what you have at home, even if not absolutely ideal. Again, AVOID COTTON (includes jeans): heavy, rigid, tight, uncomfortable, poor in thermoregulation, won't dry if wet. Check your wardrobe for synthetic materials before rushing to but anything: nylon, polyester, polyprylene, elastane, polyamede, that kind of thing. Whatever you have at home in those materials is fairly fit to start training in. Polyester is what most of the hiking gear is made of. If you have skiing gear, some may work too (bonnets, gloves, some jackets and trousers). At least, to start training. See what you already have. When you buy the rest, remember that you need LAYERING AND INSULATION. 1 LAYER = 1 TASK = 1 GARMENT = you won't end up with lots of useless items. *1st layer: tight against your body, polyester/elastene long tight pyjamas in winter (2 sets), to wear under your trousers and jacket in winter + 3-4 polyester T-shirts for the summer. End of 1st layer. *2nd layer: wind jacket. 1 (2 max). *3rd layer: down jacket. 1 *4th layer: rain jacket. 1 (downs aren't rain proof). You may not need all layers at all times and seasons, but you'll need all of these. Some garments exist for 2 tasks, but I find the 1 layer-1 task-1 garment rule better. Trousers: 1-2 pairs for winter(ski gear may work). 1-2 pairs for summer. Shorts: 2 pairs for summer. Everything in any of the materials I mentioned. You also need BREATHABILITY from your clothing. Or sweat won't evaporate and you'll be wet, uncomfortable and cold. If while you train you see someone with something you like or if someone seems friendly, don't hesitate to ask why they made that choice and if they think it's suitable for your project. Yt channels give you an idea, but if you're not familiar with the equipment, they can be overwhelming and confusing, particularly with clothing and sleeping gear. Only buy expensive gear if you don't find a satisfactory cheaper option, unless you deliberately want to buy expensive items. I buy Salewa shoes because they are the best for me, not because they are expensive. Beanie and sun glasses. Buffer. Removable spikes if you need them. And you're done with essentials (I don't climb). Backpack: For my day trips I use either a 24 or 30 lt pack with: the layers I'm not wearing, extra short/trouser just in case, extra pair of socks, food, first aid kit, head lamp, swiss knife, mobile phone, map, beverages. (I still haven't decided on a water filtering system and a navigation aid; I'm looking into those). My backpack has a whistle for emergencies (I've never needed it but it's there), but if it didn't I'd buy one for extra safety. Because in the UK days are short in autumn and winter, I suggest you buy a headlamp, that you'll also need when you camp on your multiday hikes. Food and beverages: Because I only day hike for the day, I don't use dehydrated food. On my hikes , I take nuts, chick peas, 2-3 squares of dark chocolate, salted pumpkin seeds, cooked ham, cheese, hard boiled eggs, dates, wholegrain crackers, cherry tomatoes for fresh vegetables, and fruit (apple, banana, usually). Not everything every day, but those are my staples. Inside ziploc bags or small plastic hermetic boxes. 2 lts water (1 bladder + 1 hiking bottle) + a thermos with 1 lt herbal or green tea even in the summer enriched with honey and ginger for an extra boost when needed. No comments on diet, since you have a dietician. To train, look at videos on walking poles, walking techniques AND breathing while hiking (nose breathing, in synch with your poles and stride, when to hold your breath and when not to, how to do it; lots of excellent info). Adequate breathing, correct stride (length of step with or without poles, position of the body, etc), right shoes and socks, and correctly used walking poles will immediately improve your performance. And while you train, take learn more about the rest of the gear including tent & camping items, and buy only when you're sure of your choice. Long, but I hope this helps. All the best!

Great project! Keep it up

Good luck with it. Essential for your health. I am 77 and still hiking. Just build up your distance each week and watch your diet

Great video 👍

My grandfather Richard Jones trained race horses at Ascot Cottage , Winkfield for Sir William Waldron . Horses would be brought in by train for the races and stabled at Ascot Cottage . My father told me many tales of the POW camp and the stationing of American troops on the racecourse prior to the invasion . The stables , gallops are now occupied by the Royal Berkshire Polo Club .

You need to set easy goals first, pick local circular walks far enough from your homebase to have to pack brew kit and food initially building up to overnight, this'll get you using your kit and finding out what works for you. Use decent hiking poles to ease tge pressure on your limbs, pick somewhere circular and locsl as your bench mark. Walk it as quick as you can timed then repeat once a month to guage how much fitter you are getting. Do not carry weight until your ready.

Well done on your weight loss! In my opinion.. there is no such thing as a good diet.. if you stop eating something you then start to crave it. Eat Everything in moderation. We know what’s good and bad for us! Best wishes. 🙏

Well done on finding what works for you. I'm enjoying following your journey.

Thanks for sharing and best wishes on your venture🙂! from fellow hiker in Surrey...

I'm 60 and going hot tenting in colder weather, I'm still recovering from a triple heart bypass lol I just don't stand still lol got to keep on moving 👍🙏🏻😃💪❤️

Congratulations on the latest weight loss... With so many diet plans, you can easily get lost in a minefield of diets. I'm sticking to the slimming world plan and mainly eating from their free food recipes as it works for me and that is the key, to finding something that works for you... Keep up the good work...

Bravo you Alan ! I wish you well with your goal. I'm sure you will achieve it , and documenting the journey is a wonderful idea. I am approaching my 65th birthday and discovered walking a few years ago, and am now walking my way to good health and longevity every day. I live in Australia but I love the hiking trails of the UK and keep coming over there to explore them. Walking holidays have become my preferred holiday. You are doing a great thing for your self. Keep it up .

History of Wisley airfield is interesting right up to VC 10 days.

Corrugated steel 'roof' is shuttering to support concrete until it sets and brick central pier to support everything.

Look out for the Adders in that bracken.

There were many Nissen huts in the vicinity of Pinewood and Easthampstead Park which after the war were used as temporary housing for local family's, including mine, prior to being re-housed in the then newly constructed Skimped Hill site, now a Retail Park, there was a 1950s film staring Jack Warner filmed in these Nissen huts and a scene in the now demolished 'who'd thought it' pub just up the road.

Start smart! A smart hiker walks with his mind not his feet

Look after your feet! 🙂 I'm around your weight, and around your age. I started hiking semi-regularly 3-4 years ago, and promptly did severe damage to my ankles and feet that took me 18 months to walk off! Now they're better and I try to get out most weeks. My weight has not changed, and while my general fitness level definitely improved it has now plateaued a little -- I guess I need to start pushing through my current limits a little. Anyway ... good luck! 🙂

You can do it! Cheering you on !! ⛰️ 💪

Good for you! I’m 60 now and also want to start backpacking…. You might be the needed inspiration!

Oh and stop or at least cut out processed food and sugar and watch the weight drop off.

For new walkers, the best advice is start off with small walks, then start doing shopping with a rucksack, then increase the distance to five miles, ten miles, fifteen miles, and up. Take a day sack, then use a larger pack, then place heavy items into a backpack to get used to carrying more weight. Finally when backpacking, start off going to a localish campsite and setting up and pulling down your tent and unpacking/packing your rucksack. Even better if you group walk and camp but sometimes people have the best intentions and still stop.

Just completed the WHW on my sixtieth birthday in June. 170cm, 105kg, blood pressure and cholesterol issues. No prior training, just regularly walk 8km on the flat in trainers without any weight. Completed it in eight days but was day packing. No injuries, just a single blister on day one. So with your planned program, you should blitz it next year.

You are old because you haven’t been backpacking. It is never too late. But it is harder the older you get.

Walking the same journey with you from the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, USA. I'm an old hiker / backpacker (65), overweight, and starting back. We can do this! I live about 30 minutes from the Appalachian trail and Grayson Highlands. Hiked the AT for years. Then work, kids and wife, (and a bit of laziness) all took me away from it. You're right! The weight has to go first. Hang in there!

Alan , good luck . I’ll be looking forward to see your progress . I enjoyed reading all the comments here and am Impressed with all the encouragement everyone gave you . I have subscribed as well .

Well a nice forest you have to walk in - and good luck with your plans!

As a retired Hiker of Long Distance routes, a few words of advice, start with short distances and over time build up your distances. Your Body will tell you if you are doing too much, so listen to your body. I started hiking as a way to get fit to join the UK Army in 1977 but I started way back in 1975. My first attempt was the Pennine Way, all the way from Edale in Derbyshire to Kirk Yetholme in Scotland a distance of 370 MILES, with no training BUT I was a life long cyclist. Fourteen days later carrying 25kg backpack I arrived at Kirk Yetholme. Yes I had a few blisters along the way, but nothing more serious. DRINK plenty of water during our Summer Months and yes MOST times the streams you cross or walk beside are SAFE to drink after filtration. Dried Ready Meals and a few chocolate bars provide me with enough energy to keep going with a short mid day stop and a nibble of something soon refreshed me. Now at the age of 68 I still get the urge to go out again but I know I am passed my best and leave it to others who are younger than myself. I went on to complete my Military Training being at least 10 yrs older than the next recruit an 18 yr old. I soon earned the nickname Grandad, but I was the one out in front when it came to route marches and map reading. Even some of the Instructors were surprised, it was only after the training had finshed that I admitted to my previous Hiking and Mapreading experienc as I hiked the Pennine Way Trail. Most of them has never heard of it so I explaing, imagine walking for 2 or 3 weeks cross country from Edale in Derbyshire to Kirk Yetholme in Scotland a distance of 270 miles carrying all you needed on your back. The look on the Instructors faces was worth all the ribbing the recruits and the Instructors gave me during the 18 weeks training was worth admitting the truth of my Past Experiences. Best wishes on your first hike reguardless of how long it is. Proper Planning prevent a Poor Performance. I have since I left the Military completed the reverse Pennine Way from Scotland to Edale and both a West to East and a East to West Coast to Coast Hikes (180 approx miles in one single direction in 10 days) the West to East route is easier as you get the Mountains of the Lake District out of the way while you are still fresh. I have also completed a John OGroats to Lands End and a Lands End to John OGroats hikes (no not one after the other but a years break between them) then it was a 2 yr rest before I was off again Up to John OGroats this time to do a Coastal Route ROUND THE UK, I estimate 5000+ miles on that hike with took me 3 yrs walking 6 days a week. Now you can see why I call myself a Retired HIker. Sadly the knees are beyond repair BUT I have my Memories and I encourage others to try something short to start with while you build up you stamina and map reading skills. Good Luck for you Future Hiking Adventures. Tony the Retired Hiker in Essex.

Your never too old for backpacking, I've been a camper since I was a teenager, im 54 now and doing the west highland way next week, as long as your legs can carry you then go for it 👍

Good on you. I did the WHW as my 1st long distance walk, 20-odd years ago. It's a perfect walk for your first. I was in my mid 50s, about 2 stone overweight, dead-end job, high blood pressure, etc. Simply *had* to do something to fix myself. A friend happened to send me the Harvey WHW map (complete coincidence!) so I packed far too much stuff into an entirely unsuitable back pack & got a train to Glasgow. Walked to Fort William & came home to the news I was being made redundant. Life changing in lots of ways, all of them good. Absolutely the most useful & intelligent thing I've ever done! So go for it... PS Join the Scottish YHA & book a couple of nights in the youth hostel at Rowardennan. Fabulous location, right on the lake & will give you a chance to recharge your batteries, your own & the one in your phone! PPS Take ear plugs, whether you're camping or hostelling.

Excellent video, good luck and following your story

Good luck Alanwith your training. I am just starting again after losing 4 stone and having a total hip replacement 9 weeks ago, and all is going well.

I use the Katadyn Befree filter and bottle, the Sawyer Mini is also great, and cheaper, alternative. The Sawyer is slower but I find it more reliable. As for food, you will find that you pass lots of cafes and pubs on the way. I only remember carrying snacks, porridge sachets, and probably only cooked once at the Rowardennan Youth Hostel on Loch Lomond. Once you do up your itinerary you will see where you will stopping to fuel up.

No dont include water weight. The Katydyn Bfree is a good water filter. It's flow rate is much better. There is water all over the place but possibly not between bridge of orchy and glencoe. Dill it up and camelbup on a litre and refill it to go. Progress isn't linear, having a bad day or two doesn't undo everything you did before it. The most important thing is to start again. Keep starting again. There is food everywhere on the whe, you won't need much. Take what you actually like to eat. Decant food into smaller lighter small sized zip locks. Eg, instant oats, I take a second collapsible mug and use it as a bowl. Consider if you want something warm. Instant canp meals are pretty good, but they vary in how good they are. I'd suggest you get some and try them before you go. Summit to eat taste the best and rehydrate well. You won't need many meals. Take some energy tablets as a back up.

buy the sawer mini water filter, carry what you need, then fill up when you camp. i recommend camping trips to the isle of arran before you tackle the whw. experiment with insoles, the heavier your bag the more cushion you will need. if youre feet are sore after a couple of hours, its not gonna be possible to walk 100 miles. buy some Darn Tough socks.... yes, give the man your money,

The more questions you ask, the better prepared you will be. Just remember what works for one person may not work for you. If you have someone who can support you in a car, driving ahead, then they can also carry spare kit or food, which you can get when you meet up at designated places along the route.

I take a filter and filter all of my water, I carry I litre of water which equals a kilo and just top up when I can... I have never done a trail like what you are planning, but I think when it comes to food I would grab it along the way and take only a few dehydrated food packs, and some protine bars, Summit to eat seems to be the best ones... So with that in mind I would just wing it as much as possible, otherwise your pack will be very heavy and you need to keep it down in weight doing such a long trail... I am on a weight loss program myself and have just started to video it on my channel, inspired by yourself... Light weight gear is expensive and I have been collecting mine for some time, to spread the cost out, as far as tents for your West Highland Way, I would be looking at tents that utilize walking poles as these are super light, weighing in most cases less than a kilo... Good luck with the diet, I eat a lot of Tescos 5% mince with carrots and onions and a can of Hienz 5 beans mixed in, Ham, chicken breasts, poached eggs, everything cooked with no oil of course... Tip, next time you do a kids thing, take your own food... ;)

If you're interested, the obesity walking plan I mentioned is here www.livestrong.com/article/459545-a-beginning-walking-program-for-obese-people/

GOOD LUCK ALAN 😊 YOUR GIVING INSPIRATION TO A LOT OF US ❤ Check for shops and food outlets on route so maybe only carry enough food for 1 or 2 days 👍

Base weight excludes food and water. Good thing about the WHW is that water is readily available so take a good filter and fill up as you need it. You can resupply food for wild camping along the way as well at Beinglas and Tyndrum and Kinlochleven. Remember you can't camp in the restriction zones on Loch Lomond side. I take either real turmat or Bla band meals. They have better quality and taste.

Hi Alan, as a general rule, assume pack weight excludes food and water unless they say otherwise. You can't know how much food you'll need to take until you've planned each leg of your trip and worked out where you can resupply and with what. You will also need to factor in your arrival times vs opening times and bank holidays etc. The golden rule is not to assume anything and plan accordingly. For water on the WHW one litre carried should be fine, however, if conditions have been dry for a sustained period (unlikely but possible) then plan for two litres (2kg). The lightest option for water purification is a katadyn befree and the one I would recommend for this. Not be too harsh but you need to avoid making excuses for eating habits, if you don't drop your weight you won't be hiking anywhere and the WHW and similar walks should not be underestimated if your coming from the place you are, you will need to work hard and show good levels of self discipline otherwise you will not achieve your aim. I would not get too hung up on base weights just yet, I would concentrate on getting where you need to be physically first, and planning how many legs you intend to do and researching resupply points etc. I hope that helps and wish you best going forward.

Alex McDonald ran 5 marathons over 5 days while fasted (only consumed water and salt). You are tapping into your body’s store of glycogen which is maxed out at about 2000 “calories” of energy for the human body. A marathon takes about 3000 calories which is why most (99.99%) of runner use gels etc during the race as 3000>2000. This person, a fairly lean person who has, say a 15% body fat level has about 100,000 “calories” of fat store. How many calories are you storing? How much “food” do you need to take with you? Food for thought 😮

Progress is going well for you…. Well done! Have a look at Army ration packs for food. ‘Simon a bloke in the woods’ is a good one to watch and good for that he uses them quite often plus they have food full and drinks full of nutrients. Another one is ‘east Anglian bushcraft’ he’s ex Army. Love the simplicity of Paul Messner’s kits.

Hi Alan, Good luck on your quest! When folk talk about backpack weight, it is usual to measure the weight WITHOUT food or water. This is called Base Weight, and includes the weight of the empty backpack itself. Target base weight for a comfortable hike should be around 10 kgs. Then when you add water and food you will be at the 14 kg mark. For the WHW, I reckon you only need to carry 1 litre of water (1kg) at any one time in general. You can probably resupply along the way from streams. As for food. If carrying a heavy backpack you will burn around 4000 cals per day. That equates to around 1 kg food per day. If you are trying to burn off bodyweight then obviously you can reduce this amount. Suggest you do not need to carry more than 3 day's supply of food at any time (that's true for the majority of places in Scotland). Resupply along the way. And / or supplement with a meal at a pub or cafe along the way. Bottom line: do NOT carry too much weight. Better to resupply. Wishing you all the best in your training schedule!

Losing weight is a mental game. Everybody is different, but I found slimming world worked really well for me, I lost about 4.5 stone with them. It was the whole reporting in every week when you had to weigh in every week, to other people, and then the leader would ask you what went on if you didn't. I didn't want to have to explain myself, plus the positive feedback you get from the group really helped me. It's kind of like using peer pressure in your favour! I kept it all off until Lockdown, but I think that got a lot of people! As for being out with the family, McDonalds is your friend, if you go for wrap of the day, remove all the sauces and replace the fries with a side salad its basically lean chicken breast in a wrap with salad and you can definitely lose weight on those. I did. Water, you don't normally include the weight of food or water in your 'base weight' for a pack. For dehydrated food, its worth looking at Huel hot and savoury meals, works out a lot cheaper than the individual silver foil packs. Make sure you have plenty of snacks too to keep you going, again it can be dried like tropical mix to keep the weight down, but don't worry too much about being on diet when out on the hills, you don't want to come over with low blood sugar when you are out in the middle of nowhere! little and often is good to keep your energy levels relatively constant.

You are certainly not too old. I spent a year in preparation and walked the WHW in 2023 at age 65. I was a regular walker, but had never hiked long distances. It was a great experience and we are training now to walk the Camino in Spain. Good luck in your journey!

You go for it! I am 71 and I backpack!