New hiking vlog uploaded now (Abel Tasman Coast Track)! I finally got around to editing one, I have a bunch more content waiting to be edited, so keep your eyes peeled and don't forget to subscribe :) Thanks for watching! ruclips.net/video/abL1PfIUBco/видео.html
I guess im asking randomly but does any of you know of a method to log back into an Instagram account..? I stupidly lost my password. I love any tricks you can give me!
@Bryce Devon thanks for your reply. I got to the site through google and Im trying it out atm. Takes a while so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.
Thanks for your wonderful smile Maddi. It's so great to see someone take all that nature has to throw at you and you come out smiling. That is the best attitude to tackle life. Best on all your travels.
Thank you so much for your kind words! The hike definitely gave me a whole new perspective and taught me how much I can handle. Just smile through it and you'll come out the other side better off!
My God Maddi! what an incredible achievement you made! I did part of the WHW (Ardlui to Fort William) in perfect summer weather back in 2019, I slept in B&bs, and still was quite nackered on arrival... a matter of age I guess... I could really feel the 'bad mojo' in your tent at Ba Cottage! Well done!
Hi Maddi, I didn't know what to expect when I came across your adventure but I found you very friendly and likable and hey tough to. I particularly enjoyed your acceptance of things as they are. It's the best way to enjoy a way. This was spectacular - loved every minute of the way and your company. All the best. Mark
Hi Mark! Thank you so much for your kind feedback. I'm not going to lie, it was tough at some points, but 100% worth it in the end. All the best, Maddi
Great video Maddi. Walked the whw in 2016 mostly on my own tho my son and wife did about 20 miles with me. You are right about Rannoch moor being thought provoking and awe inspiring. I'd love to go back and do it again some day. Thanks for bringing back lots of fantastic memories
Thanks for watching Mark! I'm glad you shared the same experience on Rannoch Moor. I was so tired that it was quite emotional really. All the best. Maddi
Wow well done. Seem like you had a rough tour. I walked it in '92, great to see it again. A lot has changed, it looks better maintained and catered but I had way better weather conditions back then. The people haven't changed i see, so friendly and helpful. Thumbs up, great job keeping you act together, must have been hard at some poins. Still its it's a wonderful walk in any weather.. cheers!
Be proud of yourself girl. It's not an easy walk when carrying your gear. You did well. The more weight you carry the more you enjoy your camping, the less weight you carry the more you enjoy your walking. Doing it for third time in April, can't wait.
You definitely should do more videos as you come across very well and your style and choice of music is great , it’s almost like we are there with you howling gales and rain 🌧 included well done 👍 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Thanks so much! I've got a couple more in editing phase, just a matter of getting the time to do it in between adventures 😁 Glad you enjoyed my vlog, thanks again. Maddi
Great video Maddi, and respect for doing the West Highland Way by yourself! I did the same as you, also in September.... And I can confirm the rain and wind was horrendous!
Thanks for sharing, Maddi. Your remarks and captions blend nicely to give one a useful summary of WHW. Including locations and distances seems obvious, but I`m finding most travel/hike VLOGGERS project scenic content only. Cheers to Maddi, All!
Hi Dave, Happy you found my vlog useful. I tried to include things I found difficult to get info on when I was preparing. I've put more detail on my blog too 🙂
Congrats for finishing the West Highland Way. I hope I do the same in september this year. It will be my first multi-day hike ever, I only know about day hikes.
That was fantastic, reminded me of my solo trip 3 years back on my mountain bike, hardest thing I've ever done. Well done you, it's so self satisfying isn't it.
Brilliant little video, we were there as a group of nine 4 weeks'ish before you. Nice to see see it all again although we were a bit luckier with the weather. Well done
Congratulations! I am planning a trip on the west highland way in the spring of 2019. This was a great help I am an American who has relocated to Scotland and I have done a lot of backpacking along the Appalachian trail. I am really looking forward to the west highland way. I was just getting settled into our new home in aberfoyle while you were on this hike.
Cheers Travis! Lucky you getting to live in Scotland, it's such a magical country!! I'm hoping to do some more hikes there. All the best for when you do the hike!
Thank you so much for posting this. I’ll be there along with my brother for just a couple of days walk starting at the Bridge of Orchy. Prior to that we’ll be walking along Hadrians Wall for a couple of days. You’ve really given me a feel of what to expect. God Bless and good luck with your next adventure.
What a fantastic WHW video! Absolutely brilliant presentation of your walk. I’ve done the way twice now and considering going solo for my third attempt, and your video is really inspiring to me. Well done on completing it in such tough conditions too!
Loved the video! We walked the WHW in early September and looks like we were really lucky with the weather, it only rained a couple of times. Well done on your achievement!
Congrats and thanks for the video! Your journey reminded me a lot of my own WHW experience in September 2017, so I could relive the happiest (and wettest) moments once again. The storm and the rain in Rannoch Moor seemed very unpleasant, but I'm sure you don't regret doing the hike. What you said about the path after Inversnaid being the hardest stretch of the walk reminded me of how I had to hobble/climb along it with a badly bruised knee and 15kg on my back. In the end, however, it was all worth it. It always is :)
Hi Maddi, about to attempt this in April 2022. I'm also doing it on my own. My biggest fear is being alone in the dark and your bravery has inspired me. Fingers crossed I can complete it too. Thanks ❤️ 🏴
Hey Maddi, I found your vlog while researching the WHW to complete myself in June 2019. You’ve documented it well and as a Scot I’m so happy you experienced our unique weather system. Well done for wild camping at the ruin and throughout the damp, dreich, nicht! (damp, wet, night). Thanks for sharing your story and your determination to keep going through the wet will be at the back of my mind when I go. Take care on your travels, all the best, Bryan @beholdscotland
Hi, Glad my vlog could help. Thanks very much for your lovely feedback! I'm in Scotland next week actually, and planning on checking out the Cairngorms. All the best for your hike! Maddi
Hey great video I’m aiming for this walk when my schedule allows it! You should do more your fantastic! I’ve not watched a video for five minutes yet I was here till the end. Well done! Thanks
Thank you very much for your kind words! I am hoping to do some more videos, just planning for the warmer months! Definitely do the walk when you find time, it's amazing. Thank you for taking the time to watch 😊
Thanks for your lovely feedback! I've got a few videos in the editing process, just haven't had time to finish them yet! A packing one is a good idea, thanks 😊 All the best for doing the walk, you'll love it!
Without a doubt that was my hardest day! When I slipped my pack sent me tumbling back down the hill in the mud. I discovered it was easier to slide down some muddy slopes on my bum then try and walk haha
@@madddi100 know that feeling did something similar on the Wainwright C2C and took the backside out of my trousers. Spent that night sowing them up with dental floss in my tent 🤣😂🤣 ATB Dave
Congratulations on your walk. Really enjoyed your video. I walked the whw earlier this year when most of the higher sections were covered in snow. Rannoch Moor is a beautiful, but desolate place. Wish I would have camped where you did on that night rather than in Kingshouse.
Thank you! Likewise, seeing the snow would have been beautiful. I found Kingshouse to be a bit over rated, but I'm sure it will be nice when the building is finished!
Well done, I don't the west highland way back in June 2015. Weather was much better than you had it tho. Felt your pain in that tent in the wind and rain. Good effort 👏
Haha i must of lost a pint of blood to them little buggers! It wasn't bad during the day, they seemed to come out at dusk. God help you if they got into your tent.
@@madddi100 Nice video. Done the WHW 5 times and once it rained and snowed the whole way and that was in May! But your weather followed the basic rule. Not bad to Tyndrum and then wet, windy and wild! The midgies aren't even that bad on the trail. If you walk more remote trails out into Rannoch Moor you get eaten alive every second of the way! Only a few humans go out there so its one big blood sucking party for the midgie community!
Thank you! 5 times is quite the achievement, well done! I was thankful for the wind keeping the midges at bay. I only encountered them once very briefly. Any other hikes you'd recommend?
@@madddi100 Depends on what you are comfortable with. I like to work out my own walks just looking at maps. Sometimes though there are paths on the maps that aren't actually there, that are very faint or are flooded or snowed over. So you need to be fine with navigating without trail posts. There are various walks you can do around Rannoch Moor. Dalwhinnie to Corrour via Ben Alder and then on to Glen Nevis and Fort William is a good one. Very remote though, didn't see a single other person until I got to Glen Nevis, and you want to do it in good weather as it's very exposed out there. I did it in three days but do it before the midgies arrive! You can also walk from Kinlochleven to Corrour via the Blackwater Dam and then from Corrour to various other places. For a day walk I'm thinking about walking from Kingshouse via Black Corries to Rannoch taking in the hill Stob na Cruaichie. The little remote lochs out there look lovely on a good day. Another good one was Blackmount to Taynuilt down Loch Etive. 2 days and take your time and have a nice wee wild camp. If you want something less remote the Arran costal footpath is a good walk, will take you about a week, similar to WHW. Knoydart needs to be explored. Also check out the Scottish National trail, especially the parts north of Fort Augusuts. That's serious trail walking!
Maddi's Mumblings This may also be so random, and not to get political or anything. But as you are, I would assume a Kiwi, I must say us Brits are so so jealous of your Prime Minister. Jacinda is great! Okay that’s all 😂
@@ConnorFrench Haha sure am! She's pretty epic, I'm not surprised you're jealous with the current goings on in the UK! Though if we're being honest she's only in power coz of a coalition, but hey minor details, she's doing amazing things for the women of the world.
Good job Maddi & good video. Apart from the physical there's also the underestimated mental toughness needed to complete this epic long distance trail going solo 👊
Greetings from Western Canada! Excellent presentation and vlogging style! Amazing scenery. Thanks for sharing your experience with us! I wish you health, joy and peace in 2019. Cheers, Lamplighter 2019 out! 😉👍
Thank you! I intended on it, unfortunately literally the day after I finished the hike a hurricane rolled in that was bad enough to cancel the trains, so it wasn't safe. I climbed Ben Macdui earlier this month though 🙂
Many thanks! It really is an incredible country, I simply can't get enough of it. Definitely make sure you do it, but to be honest you can't go wrong anywhere in Scotland, it's magical.
Well done you deserve a Big applause given the weather and carrying 18kg which I’m quite sure is more than the 20% of your recommended body weight? Hope you enjoyed your stay in Scotland and have fond memories of your trek?
Thank you very much! Haha yes you'd be correct about that. I have many fond memories of Scotland, it's one of my all time favorite places in the world, such a magical country.
Hi Scot, Sorry for the delay, I think I messaged you back on Instagram? The Bothys are mentioned on the WHW website, but the official bothy website has the most info.
Haha I was in blissful ignorance til the last day when I weighed my pack! I planned where to stay before I went, just based on distance to walk each day. But staying at Ba cottage was a last minute decision (and a good one too since everyone got flooded out).
Fantastic watch, much respect for doing that solo, an all round very likable woman, and an easy sub! I've only started day hikes recently whilst on furlough, and although I've known of the WHW for years, it's really piqued my interests recently, Don't have the correct bag or tent yet. Just wondering how you felt about how you'd packed your bag, obviously mentioning it was 18kilo! Sounds pretty heavy. Was there anything you could have cut out or not carried, or wished you'd taken instead when reflecting on the walk afterward?
Hi, I'd never done an overnight hike before, this was my first one. I was just determined haha. I think if I'd invested in better quality clothes, sleeping bag, mat etc that could have saved some weight. Camping naturally means a lot more weight because of your tent and sleeping equipment. Realistically it would have been good if my pack was around the 14kg mark haha.
Thanks for the video, very informative :-) Can you tell me if you think a complete novice (never even set a tent up) could solo complete the walk? Is the whole walk easy to follow as i have no map reading skills. What was your pack weight if you remember.
Sorry for the delayed reply. I think it depends on whether you are planning on camping the whole thing or staying in some huts / backpackers. Setting up a tent isn't too hard so long as it's a good enough one to stand up to the rain, buy one and practice it 😊 You're never too far away from other people on this trail, just don't go in winter and make sure you have enough warmth (my sleeping bag didn't keep me warm at night).
Thank you! I carried enough food for about 4 days. But it was very basic. I didn't need it all as almost every day there is somewhere you can stop and buy a meal at least once. There's only a couple of general stores (maybe 3-4) but a good one in Tyndrum, so it's certainly not too difficult to stay fed.
Hi there, I loved your video. I'm planning to do a solo hike from Tyndrum to Fort William, but I am afraid of heights. To be precise, I'm afraid when I'm walking on a hill with a big drop on either side of me, so going up in a proper path is fine. What do you think of the Devil's staircase? Do you think it's very technical in this sense? Thanks for your reply in advance :)
Hi there, I'd say you'll be fine for that stretch! The devils staircase isn't actually that difficult and it just zig zags the way up the hill. The track going down the other side is pretty wide. The only parts that have any major drop is going over Conic hill, and also walking alongside the loch at times, but that's all before Tyndrum. The path is well maintained and easy to follow 🙂 Enjoy!
Very good video, I'll be doing the hike and Ben nevis in May this year and I'm hoping the weather is good! Will be wild camping the whole way and im hoping to do a vid about it also, any tips? Got any more long distance hikes planned?
Hi, When in May are you going? I didn't manage Ben Nevis unfortunately since the cyclone rolled in! Good on you wild camping the whole way, fingers crossed for the weather for ya! I just use a regular camera for my videos, take lots of short shots and edit them with NCH software. None planned at the moment, heading to the Cairngorms next week, but will just be short hikes
@@madddi100 I am starting the 24th of may and doing the hike in 5 days and Ben nevis on the 6th weather permitted, thank you, I will be using my phone for the time being as I dont have any camera equipment and I want to see if filming my bikes work, quickly getting my last few bits before I finish packing my bag, good luck with the mountains and hope it goes well. Will you be posting a video about it?
Hi Maddie, great video, I'm heading up there to do the walk next month, would you be kind enough to confirm the dates in September you walked the route ? it will give me an idea about the daylight hours and the mileage calculations I will need to make, thanks once again.
how were you refilling your water bottle? were there campsites specifically for people on the west highland way? and were there any shops for like more water or food like a tesco?
Most places I stayed at (including campsites) had a place to refill water. I carried enough to get me through the day each day (but only drank about 2 litres a day). I had some water clarifying tablets as well in the case of wild camping or using a stream, but I only used them once. The campsites are for anyone to use, but mostly whw walkers that stay once you get away from the main roads.
Oh and not really, definitely no big shops like tesco til you reach Fort William. one or two towns or campsites have small convenience stores. There was a good one in Tyndrum.
That's a great video Maddi! Quite inspiring. I'm thinking of doing the WHW in the near future. When did you walk it, was it early or late September? I just wonder if you encountered any midges at all during your hike? Thanks :)
Sorry for the delayed reply. I started on 11 September, I didn't encounter midges thanks to the wind and rain haha. I was prepared with a face net just in case but didn't need to use it in the end.
Just found this vid. Taking it easy I see ! Day one and Knackered, need a bed. lolololol and no offence meant. Bothy's are built and maintained by the Mountain Bothy Association, Paid for by members, maintained by members.
Yes, since I left my planning so late I actually missed out on most accommodation, hence having to camp more often. I pre booked at each place I stayed, and Sallochy campsite. But some campsites you don't need to.
@@madddi100 That would have killed me, I reckon! Mind you, I'm a lot older and, although I can't carry that kind of load anymore (back injury), I used to carry that much 20 + years ago. These days I wouldn't (and couldn't) set foot on the WHW with any more than 5.5 kg including snacks and 1L of water (I've learned to make do with little which thankfully allows me to still complete long-distance hikes!)
I coped with a raincoat and pants. The walking days are a a bit long to hold an umbrella if it rained all day. Though it would be useful for popping to the bathroom if you're camping probably. Make sure your pack has a rain proof cover too 😊
I'm currently editing one from a recent winter trip to Austria, though it's not a hiking one. Hope to release it in the next week or so! After that I'll have one from Albania hopefully in late March / early April
Hi there, Yep, I wrote a blog about my journey and included some links I found useful too, you can read it here: maddison-brown.wixsite.com/mumblings/single-post/2018/11/28/My-West-Highland-Way-journey
Howdy! Quick question, how many women did you encounter hiking solo? More often than not, in my hikes, I never encounter any female solo hikers except for me :)
Hiya! I made friends with 1 other solo female - she's the only one I came across. There were plenty of girls doing it in duo though. I can't speak for other hikes, but I'd say the gender ratio was fairly even, maybe sliiiightly more men.
@@madddi100 interesting! I am planning on doing the hike next year, not backpacking with that crazy weather of yours though, just staying in rooms here and there, that's why I asked. Didn't want to be too too lonely 😁
@@cccastaneda5081 You definitely won't be lonely if you don't want to be. I met plenty of absolutely lovely people. But chose to be alone some of the time.
Touching the void. Utterly beautiful and brilliant video, Maddi. Thanks for sharing. Not in the same league as yours in terms of depth of feel and field, but here's one a made 6 years ago: a wild camping trip that picks up the trail from where you left off and heads north west to Dundee: ruclips.net/video/THYApuO1ACY/видео.html
Thank you for your kind words! Apologies for the delay, I've only just seen your comment. Thanks for sharing your video, looks like a remarkable journey!
Done the west highland way in 2019 and scattered my mums ashes into that waterfall from the bridge at inversnaid falls 6:00 and doing it again in a month
New hiking vlog uploaded now (Abel Tasman Coast Track)! I finally got around to editing one, I have a bunch more content waiting to be edited, so keep your eyes peeled and don't forget to subscribe :) Thanks for watching! ruclips.net/video/abL1PfIUBco/видео.html
I guess im asking randomly but does any of you know of a method to log back into an Instagram account..?
I stupidly lost my password. I love any tricks you can give me!
@Zayden Luciano instablaster =)
@Bryce Devon thanks for your reply. I got to the site through google and Im trying it out atm.
Takes a while so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.
@Bryce Devon It did the trick and I actually got access to my account again. Im so happy!
Thanks so much you saved my ass!
@Zayden Luciano You are welcome xD
Thx Maddi. Very nice movie. Respect for what you did.
Just watching this again 2 years after the first time. Still a great watch.
Congratulations. Reminded me of my solo WHW walk 35 years ago, especially carrying a heavy load and being soaked most days.
Great video and Beautiful nature. Very Nice.Enjoyed it Very Much. Great hike. 😊🤗😅
Thanks for your wonderful smile Maddi. It's so great to see someone take all that nature has to throw at you and you come out smiling. That is the best attitude to tackle life. Best on all your travels.
Thank you so much for your kind words! The hike definitely gave me a whole new perspective and taught me how much I can handle. Just smile through it and you'll come out the other side better off!
My God Maddi! what an incredible achievement you made! I did part of the WHW (Ardlui to Fort William) in perfect summer weather back in 2019, I slept in B&bs, and still was quite nackered on arrival... a matter of age I guess... I could really feel the 'bad mojo' in your tent at Ba Cottage! Well done!
Thank you Jef! B&Bs would have been lovely! I didn't have the choice to be honest, everything was booked out!
Hi Maddi, I didn't know what to expect when I came across your adventure but I found you very friendly and likable and hey tough to. I particularly enjoyed your acceptance of things as they are. It's the best way to enjoy a way. This was spectacular - loved every minute of the way and your company. All the best. Mark
Hi Mark!
Thank you so much for your kind feedback. I'm not going to lie, it was tough at some points, but 100% worth it in the end. All the best, Maddi
@@madddi100 I bet it was tough Maddi. It can't show it all. As you say 100% worthwhile. Peace!
I will never understand why people give thumbs down for vids such as these ,,,, well done maddie from a new subscriber 👍👍
Thanks Ed!
Great video Maddi. Walked the whw in 2016 mostly on my own tho my son and wife did about 20 miles with me. You are right about Rannoch moor being thought provoking and awe inspiring. I'd love to go back and do it again some day. Thanks for bringing back lots of fantastic memories
Thanks for watching Mark! I'm glad you shared the same experience on Rannoch Moor. I was so tired that it was quite emotional really.
All the best.
Maddi
Wow well done. Seem like you had a rough tour. I walked it in '92, great to see it again. A lot has changed, it looks better maintained and catered but I had way better weather conditions back then. The people haven't changed i see, so friendly and helpful. Thumbs up, great job keeping you act together, must have been hard at some poins. Still its it's a wonderful walk in any weather.. cheers!
Thank you for watching 😊 I think the Scottish weather is what adds half the charm anyway
Be proud of yourself girl. It's not an easy walk when carrying your gear. You did well. The more weight you carry the more you enjoy your camping, the less weight you carry the more you enjoy your walking. Doing it for third time in April, can't wait.
Thank you! Couldn't agree more, hope you have an amazing time and that the weather is kind to you!
Your one tough lady, terrible weather, heavy pack and all done with a smile on your face. Well done. Great vid. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you! Better to grin and bear it than the alternative! Thanks for watching :)
Wow, you didn't have it easy! Kudos for your perseverance Maddi 👏👏👏
You definitely should do more videos as you come across very well and your style and choice of music is great , it’s almost like we are there with you howling gales and rain 🌧 included well done 👍 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Thanks so much! I've got a couple more in editing phase, just a matter of getting the time to do it in between adventures 😁
Glad you enjoyed my vlog, thanks again.
Maddi
New vlog live now if you want to check it out :) ruclips.net/video/abL1PfIUBco/видео.html
Great video Maddi, and respect for doing the West Highland Way by yourself! I did the same as you, also in September.... And I can confirm the rain and wind was horrendous!
Thank you! Yes I was incredibly lucky to get to Fort William the day before the hurricane arrived!
Thanks for sharing, Maddi. Your remarks and captions blend nicely to give one a useful summary of WHW. Including locations and distances seems obvious, but I`m finding most travel/hike VLOGGERS project scenic content only. Cheers to Maddi, All!
Hi Dave,
Happy you found my vlog useful. I tried to include things I found difficult to get info on when I was preparing. I've put more detail on my blog too 🙂
Congrats for finishing the West Highland Way.
I hope I do the same in september this year. It will be my first multi-day hike ever, I only know about day hikes.
Thank you, and good luck. It was my first overnight hike too, so you'll be fine!
That was fantastic, reminded me of my solo trip 3 years back on my mountain bike, hardest thing I've ever done. Well done you, it's so self satisfying isn't it.
Thank you 😁
I bet it was difficult with a mountain bike! Kudos to you.
Thanks for watching.
Brilliant little video, we were there as a group of nine 4 weeks'ish before you. Nice to see see it all again although we were a bit luckier with the weather. Well done
The rain certainly added an extra element to the trip! Fortunately the forecast had prepared me for it. Thanks for your comment 😊
Congratulations! I am planning a trip on the west highland way in the spring of 2019. This was a great help I am an American who has relocated to Scotland and I have done a lot of backpacking along the Appalachian trail. I am really looking forward to the west highland way. I was just getting settled into our new home in aberfoyle while you were on this hike.
Cheers Travis! Lucky you getting to live in Scotland, it's such a magical country!! I'm hoping to do some more hikes there. All the best for when you do the hike!
Thank you so much for posting this. I’ll be there along with my brother for just a couple of days walk starting at the Bridge of Orchy.
Prior to that we’ll be walking along Hadrians Wall for a couple of days. You’ve really given me a feel of what to expect.
God Bless and good luck with your next adventure.
You're very welcome! All the best for your hikes, I wish I'd had the chance to do Hadrian's wall, it has great reviews.
Congratulations on completing the walk. Excellent video. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for watching 😊
What a fantastic WHW video! Absolutely brilliant presentation of your walk. I’ve done the way twice now and considering going solo for my third attempt, and your video is really inspiring to me. Well done on completing it in such tough conditions too!
I'm so glad my video has inspired you! Thank you for watching 😊 I had no problems doing it solo, it was great and I'd recommend it
Great video Maddi, thanks for sharing. We walked the way in early September last year. It was great and your video will keep the memory alive.
Thanks Markus! I'm glad I documented the journey, great to be able to relive the memories, both good and bad. Hope you enjoyed the hike too!
Lovely video Maddi actually felt part of your journey, thank you for sharing this, hope you do some more fantastic videos, Dan
Cheers Dan! So glad you enjoyed it 🙂
New video now live if you'd like to check it out :) ruclips.net/video/abL1PfIUBco/видео.html
Loved the video! We walked the WHW in early September and looks like we were really lucky with the weather, it only rained a couple of times. Well done on your achievement!
Thanks very much!
Congrats and thanks for the video! Your journey reminded me a lot of my own WHW experience in September 2017, so I could relive the happiest (and wettest) moments once again. The storm and the rain in Rannoch Moor seemed very unpleasant, but I'm sure you don't regret doing the hike. What you said about the path after Inversnaid being the hardest stretch of the walk reminded me of how I had to hobble/climb along it with a badly bruised knee and 15kg on my back. In the end, however, it was all worth it. It always is :)
Thank you! I definitely don't regret doing it and would 100% recommend the hike to anyone. It was a life changing and incredible experience.
Hi Maddi, about to attempt this in April 2022. I'm also doing it on my own. My biggest fear is being alone in the dark and your bravery has inspired me. Fingers crossed I can complete it too. Thanks ❤️ 🏴
Hi Gordon,
Thanks for your kind comment :). All the best for your trip in April - it will be great I am sure.
Maddi
Brings back all my terrible memories. Good video
I hope you had some good memories too! Thanks for watching
Great walking video. Well done. You should make more. I also found the blog really useful. Thank you.
Thanks very much! So glad you found both useful, all the best for the hike 😊
Hey Maddi, I found your vlog while researching the WHW to complete myself in June 2019. You’ve documented it well and as a Scot I’m so happy you experienced our unique weather system. Well done for wild camping at the ruin and throughout the damp, dreich, nicht! (damp, wet, night).
Thanks for sharing your story and your determination to keep going through the wet will be at the back of my mind when I go.
Take care on your travels, all the best,
Bryan
@beholdscotland
Hi,
Glad my vlog could help. Thanks very much for your lovely feedback! I'm in Scotland next week actually, and planning on checking out the Cairngorms.
All the best for your hike!
Maddi
Hey great video I’m aiming for this walk when my schedule allows it! You should do more your fantastic! I’ve not watched a video for five minutes yet I was here till the end. Well done! Thanks
Thank you very much for your kind words! I am hoping to do some more videos, just planning for the warmer months! Definitely do the walk when you find time, it's amazing. Thank you for taking the time to watch 😊
You should upload more! A video on what to pack for example :D I love your voice and positive vibe! Love from Belgium!
I will be doing the WHW in september 2020 btw :)
Thanks for your lovely feedback! I've got a few videos in the editing process, just haven't had time to finish them yet! A packing one is a good idea, thanks 😊
All the best for doing the walk, you'll love it!
Well done big thumbs up. Lovely walk but definitely no easy plod especially around Loc Lomond carrying your home on your back. Well done. Dave 😊
Without a doubt that was my hardest day! When I slipped my pack sent me tumbling back down the hill in the mud. I discovered it was easier to slide down some muddy slopes on my bum then try and walk haha
@@madddi100 know that feeling did something similar on the Wainwright C2C and took the backside out of my trousers. Spent that night sowing them up with dental floss in my tent 🤣😂🤣 ATB Dave
Very useful. I am researching the West Highland Trail as I want to use it as a "test run" for the Arctic Circle Trail!
Glad you found it useful :) all the best for your hiking adventures
Brilliant Maddi and well done 👍🏻
Thank you 😁
What a lovely video, Thank you for sharing I plan to do this hike in September this year.
Thanks for watching :) all the best for your hike - it's amazing!
Enjoyed that, I’m planning to do it in October 👍
Hope it went well 😊
Congratulations on your walk. Really enjoyed your video. I walked the whw earlier this year when most of the higher sections were covered in snow. Rannoch Moor is a beautiful, but desolate place. Wish I would have camped where you did on that night rather than in Kingshouse.
Thank you! Likewise, seeing the snow would have been beautiful. I found Kingshouse to be a bit over rated, but I'm sure it will be nice when the building is finished!
Well done, I don't the west highland way back in June 2015. Weather was much better than you had it tho. Felt your pain in that tent in the wind and rain. Good effort 👏
I bet! you'd have had midges though? It was probably the hardest night I've ever had. Good character building. Thanks for your comment 🙂
Haha i must of lost a pint of blood to them little buggers! It wasn't bad during the day, they seemed to come out at dusk. God help you if they got into your tent.
@@madddi100 Nice video. Done the WHW 5 times and once it rained and snowed the whole way and that was in May! But your weather followed the basic rule. Not bad to Tyndrum and then wet, windy and wild! The midgies aren't even that bad on the trail. If you walk more remote trails out into Rannoch Moor you get eaten alive every second of the way! Only a few humans go out there so its one big blood sucking party for the midgie community!
Thank you! 5 times is quite the achievement, well done! I was thankful for the wind keeping the midges at bay. I only encountered them once very briefly. Any other hikes you'd recommend?
@@madddi100 Depends on what you are comfortable with. I like to work out my own walks just looking at maps. Sometimes though there are paths on the maps that aren't actually there, that are very faint or are flooded or snowed over. So you need to be fine with navigating without trail posts. There are various walks you can do around Rannoch Moor. Dalwhinnie to Corrour via Ben Alder and then on to Glen Nevis and Fort William is a good one. Very remote though, didn't see a single other person until I got to Glen Nevis, and you want to do it in good weather as it's very exposed out there. I did it in three days but do it before the midgies arrive! You can also walk from Kinlochleven to Corrour via the Blackwater Dam and then from Corrour to various other places. For a day walk I'm thinking about walking from Kingshouse via Black Corries to Rannoch taking in the hill Stob na Cruaichie. The little remote lochs out there look lovely on a good day. Another good one was Blackmount to Taynuilt down Loch Etive. 2 days and take your time and have a nice wee wild camp. If you want something less remote the Arran costal footpath is a good walk, will take you about a week, similar to WHW. Knoydart needs to be explored. Also check out the Scottish National trail, especially the parts north of Fort Augusuts. That's serious trail walking!
Great vlog of your WHW adventure, I'm hoping to do it this year 👍🤞
Thank you! I highly recommend it, it's a truly amazing walk
Great video. Im hoping to do that hike after the lockdown. I cant imagine the weather being worse than what you had.
Hope you manage to get there! All the best 😊
Great video Maddi, thanks for sharing ;-)
Great video! Huge kudos for doing it solo.
Thanks very much!!
Maddi's Mumblings This may also be so random, and not to get political or anything. But as you are, I would assume a Kiwi, I must say us Brits are so so jealous of your Prime Minister. Jacinda is great! Okay that’s all 😂
@@ConnorFrench Haha sure am! She's pretty epic, I'm not surprised you're jealous with the current goings on in the UK! Though if we're being honest she's only in power coz of a coalition, but hey minor details, she's doing amazing things for the women of the world.
Good job Maddi & good video. Apart from the physical there's also the underestimated mental toughness needed to complete this epic long distance trail going solo 👊
Thank you! It certainly did come with it's challenges, but nothing ventured, nothing gained 🙂
Great video!
Cheers 🙂
7:36 20miles, Great vid , much respect. Thanks for the heads up:)
Cheers, most welcome 🙂
enjoy!
Hey great video. Doing this for the second time in April this year.
Thank you! I'd like to do it again, perhaps slower next time so I could really enjoy it. Have fun!
Maddi's Mumblings Yeah a bit of sun would make it more enjoyable. Check out my channel second week of April for the uploads😃
Greetings from Western Canada! Excellent presentation and vlogging style! Amazing scenery. Thanks for sharing your experience with us! I wish you health, joy and peace in 2019. Cheers, Lamplighter 2019 out! 😉👍
Thank you for your great feedback! and so glad you enjoyed my video. All the best to you as well 😊
great vid!!! Enjoyed your perseverence. I'll be going this april. you're gorgeous btw
Thank you Mart! Glad you enjoyed my video 😊
Great video. I hope you also climbed Ben Nevis!
Thank you! I intended on it, unfortunately literally the day after I finished the hike a hurricane rolled in that was bad enough to cancel the trains, so it wasn't safe.
I climbed Ben Macdui earlier this month though 🙂
Incredibly impressed. Doing the WHW is on my bucket list. Scotland really is the BEST.
Many thanks! It really is an incredible country, I simply can't get enough of it. Definitely make sure you do it, but to be honest you can't go wrong anywhere in Scotland, it's magical.
Huge well done 👍
Great video I enjoyed watching
Thank you 🙂
Well done you deserve a Big applause given the weather and carrying 18kg which I’m quite sure is more than the 20% of your recommended body weight?
Hope you enjoyed your stay in Scotland and have fond memories of your trek?
Thank you very much! Haha yes you'd be correct about that.
I have many fond memories of Scotland, it's one of my all time favorite places in the world, such a magical country.
I also stayed at Kinlochmore. The owners made me feel right at home.
They were so great! It was one of the best decisions I made after the hard 24 hours beforehand
nice to know I'm not the only one who goes on holiday on there own hah
Solo travel is great 😁
Well done Maddi. Where did you find out about the Bothys? A decent spot to have lunch. We are doing it in July.
Hi Scot,
Sorry for the delay, I think I messaged you back on Instagram? The Bothys are mentioned on the WHW website, but the official bothy website has the most info.
18kg pack! That’s epic. So impressed you didn’t complain, and just plodded along! Did you plan your stops before you left?
Haha I was in blissful ignorance til the last day when I weighed my pack! I planned where to stay before I went, just based on distance to walk each day. But staying at Ba cottage was a last minute decision (and a good one too since everyone got flooded out).
Congratulations on it 👏 its a great walk fabulous channel I have subscribed to you atb bryan 😀
Thanks very much for subscribing! Happy hiking 🙂
Fantastic watch, much respect for doing that solo, an all round very likable woman, and an easy sub!
I've only started day hikes recently whilst on furlough, and although I've known of the WHW for years, it's really piqued my interests recently, Don't have the correct bag or tent yet.
Just wondering how you felt about how you'd packed your bag, obviously mentioning it was 18kilo! Sounds pretty heavy. Was there anything you could have cut out or not carried, or wished you'd taken instead when reflecting on the walk afterward?
Hi,
I'd never done an overnight hike before, this was my first one. I was just determined haha.
I think if I'd invested in better quality clothes, sleeping bag, mat etc that could have saved some weight. Camping naturally means a lot more weight because of your tent and sleeping equipment. Realistically it would have been good if my pack was around the 14kg mark haha.
Congratulations
Cheers 😁
Thanks for the video, very informative :-) Can you tell me if you think a complete novice (never even set a tent up) could solo complete the walk? Is the whole walk easy to follow as i have no map reading skills. What was your pack weight if you remember.
Sorry for the delayed reply. I think it depends on whether you are planning on camping the whole thing or staying in some huts / backpackers. Setting up a tent isn't too hard so long as it's a good enough one to stand up to the rain, buy one and practice it 😊
You're never too far away from other people on this trail, just don't go in winter and make sure you have enough warmth (my sleeping bag didn't keep me warm at night).
Great vid. How many day of food supply did you carry with you? Are there many sundry shop or restaurants along the route? TQ.
Thank you! I carried enough food for about 4 days. But it was very basic. I didn't need it all as almost every day there is somewhere you can stop and buy a meal at least once. There's only a couple of general stores (maybe 3-4) but a good one in Tyndrum, so it's certainly not too difficult to stay fed.
@@madddi100 Thanks.
Massive Well Done
Thank you very much!
WELL DONE! YOU SHOULD FEEL REALLY PROUD OF YOUR ACHIEVEMENT AS YOU HAD TO ENDURE AWFUL WEATHER CONDITIONS AND ARDUOUS TERRAIN.
Hi there, I loved your video. I'm planning to do a solo hike from Tyndrum to Fort William, but I am afraid of heights. To be precise, I'm afraid when I'm walking on a hill with a big drop on either side of me, so going up in a proper path is fine. What do you think of the Devil's staircase? Do you think it's very technical in this sense? Thanks for your reply in advance :)
Hi there,
I'd say you'll be fine for that stretch! The devils staircase isn't actually that difficult and it just zig zags the way up the hill. The track going down the other side is pretty wide. The only parts that have any major drop is going over Conic hill, and also walking alongside the loch at times, but that's all before Tyndrum. The path is well maintained and easy to follow 🙂
Enjoy!
If there's any chance of meeting a girl like you on the West Highland Way.... I just booked the flights to Glasgow! :)
Hahaha! Thank you, and you never know there were a few solo females and friend groups.
Im your 500th sub. Hahahaha
Very good video, I'll be doing the hike and Ben nevis in May this year and I'm hoping the weather is good! Will be wild camping the whole way and im hoping to do a vid about it also, any tips? Got any more long distance hikes planned?
Hi,
When in May are you going?
I didn't manage Ben Nevis unfortunately since the cyclone rolled in! Good on you wild camping the whole way, fingers crossed for the weather for ya!
I just use a regular camera for my videos, take lots of short shots and edit them with NCH software.
None planned at the moment, heading to the Cairngorms next week, but will just be short hikes
@@madddi100 I am starting the 24th of may and doing the hike in 5 days and Ben nevis on the 6th weather permitted, thank you, I will be using my phone for the time being as I dont have any camera equipment and I want to see if filming my bikes work, quickly getting my last few bits before I finish packing my bag, good luck with the mountains and hope it goes well. Will you be posting a video about it?
Hi Maddie, great video, I'm heading up there to do the walk next month, would you be kind enough to confirm the dates in September you walked the route ? it will give me an idea about the daylight hours and the mileage calculations I will need to make, thanks once again.
Hi Steve,
Very sorry for the delayed reply on this, I hope you had a great hike. I completed it on 11-18th Sept.
Maddi
how were you refilling your water bottle? were there campsites specifically for people on the west highland way? and were there any shops for like more water or food like a tesco?
Most places I stayed at (including campsites) had a place to refill water. I carried enough to get me through the day each day (but only drank about 2 litres a day). I had some water clarifying tablets as well in the case of wild camping or using a stream, but I only used them once. The campsites are for anyone to use, but mostly whw walkers that stay once you get away from the main roads.
Oh and not really, definitely no big shops like tesco til you reach Fort William. one or two towns or campsites have small convenience stores. There was a good one in Tyndrum.
@@madddi100 thank you so much
That's a great video Maddi! Quite inspiring. I'm thinking of doing the WHW in the near future. When did you walk it, was it early or late September? I just wonder if you encountered any midges at all during your hike?
Thanks :)
Sorry for the delayed reply. I started on 11 September, I didn't encounter midges thanks to the wind and rain haha. I was prepared with a face net just in case but didn't need to use it in the end.
Just found this vid. Taking it easy I see ! Day one and Knackered, need a bed. lolololol and no offence meant. Bothy's are built and maintained by the Mountain Bothy Association, Paid for by members, maintained by members.
Did you have to pre book any of the places you stayed at?
Yes, since I left my planning so late I actually missed out on most accommodation, hence having to camp more often. I pre booked at each place I stayed, and Sallochy campsite. But some campsites you don't need to.
wow super impressed you had an 18kg pack
Haha unintentionally. I thought it was about 13kg, but didn't have the chance to weigh it til my last night where they had a scale.
@@madddi100 That would have killed me, I reckon! Mind you, I'm a lot older and, although I can't carry that kind of load anymore (back injury), I used to carry that much 20 + years ago. These days I wouldn't (and couldn't) set foot on the WHW with any more than 5.5 kg including snacks and 1L of water (I've learned to make do with little which thankfully allows me to still complete long-distance hikes!)
happy
Would you recommend an umbrella, or did you cope well with a rain jacket and pants?
I coped with a raincoat and pants. The walking days are a a bit long to hold an umbrella if it rained all day. Though it would be useful for popping to the bathroom if you're camping probably. Make sure your pack has a rain proof cover too 😊
@@madddi100 , Makes sense! Thanks so much.
when is your next video coming out?
I'm currently editing one from a recent winter trip to Austria, though it's not a hiking one. Hope to release it in the next week or so! After that I'll have one from Albania hopefully in late March / early April
@@madddi100 cool, i've subscribed
You got bols young lady
Gravo
Hi Maddi, do you have your itinerary for WHW online?
Hi there,
Yep, I wrote a blog about my journey and included some links I found useful too, you can read it here: maddison-brown.wixsite.com/mumblings/single-post/2018/11/28/My-West-Highland-Way-journey
Howdy!
Quick question, how many women did you encounter hiking solo? More often than not, in my hikes, I never encounter any female solo hikers except for me :)
Hiya!
I made friends with 1 other solo female - she's the only one I came across. There were plenty of girls doing it in duo though. I can't speak for other hikes, but I'd say the gender ratio was fairly even, maybe sliiiightly more men.
@@madddi100 interesting! I am planning on doing the hike next year, not backpacking with that crazy weather of yours though, just staying in rooms here and there, that's why I asked. Didn't want to be too too lonely 😁
@@cccastaneda5081 You definitely won't be lonely if you don't want to be. I met plenty of absolutely lovely people. But chose to be alone some of the time.
Eee lass, 18kg pack, you are a better man than me. ha, ha.
Hahaha I sure was determined
Admire your grit. Not fun camping in wet, windy and cold conditions. Cheers.
Thank you, it certainly was a mental and physical challenge, but no pain no gain!
Touching the void. Utterly beautiful and brilliant video, Maddi. Thanks for sharing. Not in the same league as yours in terms of depth of feel and field, but here's one a made 6 years ago: a wild camping trip that picks up the trail from where you left off and heads north west to Dundee: ruclips.net/video/THYApuO1ACY/видео.html
Thank you for your kind words! Apologies for the delay, I've only just seen your comment.
Thanks for sharing your video, looks like a remarkable journey!
Done the west highland way in 2019 and scattered my mums ashes into that waterfall from the bridge at inversnaid falls 6:00 and doing it again in a month