Hi, i’m one of the two guys who helped you pack up. I can testify you looked rough and in hindsight we should have accompanied you back to the hotel. We alerted a few other walkers heading in your direction to look out for you. I hope you get a chance to do it again.
Hey, so glad you got in touch. I wanted to thank you both so much for helping me out, you were life savers. You did more than enough and I would never have let you walk me back to the hotel. Thanks also for alerting some of the other hikers. It set of a chain reaction of everyone passing stopping, checking on me and helping out in some way. It was a bit embarrassing putting the video together...I looked a state. 😂 I hope you both had a great time on the rest of the walk and thanks so much again.
@@trickofthetrail well I was also sick along the way, but mine was because I was greedy at co-op and had far too much sugar! Did worry me a bit, but you looked rough as a month of Sundays! Nice to hear others helped out getting you back. Good people on the trails
Great footage mate. I failed this in 2018 due to a partial tear to my achilles tendon alongside loch lomond. I returned the following year in 2019 and completed the hike. The West Highland way is by far the best multi day hike I've done. Its a shame you caught a bug whilst on the trail but these things happen from time to time. Looking forward to seeing you complete it at some point in the future. All the best mate and take care 👍
Thanks Lee, glad you managed to get back out there and complete the trail. I was loving it until I got struck down, so was totally gutted, but will defo get back out there next year and get it ticked off my list. Thanks so much for watching and commenting mate.
Good effort, it goes to show that you never know when life is going to throw a spanner in the works. Prior to that you looked as though you were struggling a tad, possibly because whatever you had was already at work. A few lessons from that which chimed from my failed attempt, one was about the amount of gear you were carrying. The WHW has a great deal more places to pick up essentials, and you can save a lot of weight by eating meals at pubs and cafes en-route, only carrying one day's food at a time. I made the mistake of carrying a horrendous amount of food, which added a considerable amount of unnecessary weight. Good luck on your next attempt.
Hey there. Yeah you are correct, I was struggling a bit before hand, but that was because I suffer with a small blood condition that can give me fatigue. Annoyingly it came on the day before I started, so I knew it was going to be a slog for me. Whilst not the cause, it certainly wouldn't have helped the issue. Sorry to hear you also didn't make it to the end. May I ask what happened? Funnily enough my pack wasn't actually that heavy. I have pretty lightweight gear and in fact, a few people on the trail couldn't believe how light the pack was. However you are absolutely right. I took far too much food. Next time I will carry much less for sure (I'm not compromising on the beer though 😁). Like you say, one days worth is enough. Thanks so much for watching and commenting mate.
@trickofthetrail I was camped at Inversnaid. In the morning I went down to the loch to fill my pot with water, slipped, and fell in the water. With my gear soaked, I chafed my inner thighs and by the time I got to Crianlarich I could barely walk... Because of the weight of my tent,sleeping bag, etc, I had cut down on spare layers. Had I had some, I could have got changed into dry gear, but that wasn't an option. Lesson painfully learned...
@@AirdrieRambler Crickey, that's not nice mate. So sorry that happened. That sort of thing is so easily done though. Hope you get back out there again soon and give it another go.
Really sorry you had to bail when you were obviously enjoying it, but you did the right thing. Still find it a crazy coincidence we got the same symptoms on two different trails hundreds of miles apart! Was not fun at all!
Thanks Paul. Yeah, crazy we both got ill and had to bail with something similar. Funnily enough The Lone Explorer also got ill at the same point as me on the trail, but a few days earlier. He said quite a few others came down with it also. So clearly something was doing the rounds.
A hard decision to make but health should always come first. It will make all the more special when you return. I’m hoping to introduce my daughter to long distance walking next year on the WHW or the Cumbria way. I will always love Scotland. All the best for future hikes 😊
Thanks very much Jes. You are so lucky to be able to do it with your daughter. I would love to get mine involved, but she just isn't interested. You'll both have a amazing adventure together. I can't wait to get back out there.
Thanks very much for the kind words and for watching and commenting. It did suck, but I think I made the right choice. I'll be back for sure. All the best.
Tough decision but it was definitely the right call. The trail won't be going anywhere. The video was class, some lovely footage, and it is nice to see the ups and the downs of backpacking even if it was a miserable experience for you near the end 😄 I hope all is well man 🙌
Thanks Jason, so glad you enjoyed the video. Was a bit painful putting the parts together where I was ill...although I couldn't help but chuckle a couple of times. What a mess I was. 😂 All good now and looking forward to getting back out there to complete it.
I'VE GOT A REAL PROBLEM! - Ahh mate, thats such a shame, your filming was really good too but fair play for posting anyways. I'll do it with you next time 🙂
I first attempted the WHW a couple of years ago with a friend and the exact same thing happened to me. I made it to Beinglas and had to bail. From inversnaid on I was horribly sick and totally wiped of energy. Couldn’t keep food or water down. I was, like you, absolutely gutted. I’m gearing up to do it again in a couple of months so here’s hoping it works out this time. Hope you recovered quickly.
So sorry you had the same issue Steve. It's a horrible thing to happen, especially when you're so far from home. Great to hear you're getting back out there in a couple of months. I'll keep my fingers crossed all goes smoothly for you mate. I was thinking about heading for another attempt in September, but think it'll have to wait until next year now.
Sorry it didn’t work out man but you did the right thing. I tried to push through pneumonia when I was in the field in the Army. Ended up leading to permanent injury and a discharge. Always take care of yourself first. The trail will still be there when you get back.
Thanks mate, so sorry to hear about you pneumonia, that's terrible. I have to say I did wonder if I was being a wimp by not carrying on, but I definitely made the right choice. Hope you're doing well and thanks so much for watching and taking the time to comment.
I feel for you. It's really not nice at all, especially when you're on your own. I was so amazed at all the kindness and help I received on the trail though. Did you manage to finish it or did you have to return home?
@@trickofthetrail I reached a campsite and even although early in the day, the kind manager gave me a hobbit cabin at half price. After sleeping for 18 hrs I managed to restart and complete the hike, albeit at a much slower pace. I am much more careful about food while hiking, so lesson learned.
No it wasn't much fun at all. It certainly taught me a lesson to carry Imodium with me too. I don't want to be in that kind of "mess" again. I can imagine it's even worse when doing something like the GR34. Thanks for watching and commenting mate.
Thanks so much. It wasn't the most pleasant experience of my life, that's for sure. Was planning to go again this year, but unfortunately it hasn't been possible. Maybe next year. Thanks for watching and commenting.
If I recall, had to return home at bridge of orchy when I did it and do the rest later, was feeling unwell, I probably ingested some deet to repel midges or it could have been water I drank from a stream which was discoloured.
Sorry to hear that. It sucks when you get ill on a hike. I'll be redoing it in April and will be very careful with what I eat and drink. Thanks for watching and commenting.
That's a real shame Mark, sure you'll get to do it again, definitely food poisoning, watched the other guy with the same issue as u at same time. Your content is good 👍looking forward to nxt.... I've posted again if u have any time ⌚👍
Cheers Twiggy. Yeah, I'm pretty sure we got food poisoning at the same place. He said a few others came down with it also. I've got your next vid lined up in my Watch Later playlist. Looking forward to watching.👍
Health and safety is priority mark, you made the right decision, you could of got worse without anyway of getting off trail in a hurry, there’s always other times to do it, it’s definitely guttering when you have put in all the planning etc, tbh you would not of enjoyed the hike if you struggled on, doing the hike is about enjoying it. hope you are better, and look forward to see where you get to next? , atb Mick 👍
Thanks mate. Yeah, I think I made the correct call. Like you said, I wouldn't have enjoyed it and is best to go back when I'm 100%. Thanks so much for watching and commenting.
The Lone Explorer did the west highland way roughly the same time as you I think and in his video he was complaining of food poisoning. Dunno if the two are linked. Canny coincidence though. Hope your all better now, really enjoying your content
Hey Gareth. Yeah, I actually contacted him when I saw the video. I don't want to point fingers without proof, but we did stop at the same place for food and he did mention others had become ill. Coincidence? Maybe. 🤔 All better though now thanks. Just gutted I couldn't carry on. The Lone Explorer is made of sterner stuff than me. 💪 Thanks so much for watching and commenting. Chuffed you are enjoying the content.
Thanks mate. Yeah these things happen and I think it's good to show that things don't always go to plan. Although next time hopefully things will be rather less eventful.
Just seen 'Hiking Viking' vid from his WHW 2019 and I can't believe my eyes, he got same sickness and had been to that hotel then camped by the loch and got sick that night. Coincidence?
Yeah, seems to be a lot of bugs on that trail. Could be the water, could be the hotel food. Who knows. Next time I'll only be eating prepackaged food and certainly won't be filtering anyway water.
Can't blame the Hotel when there are many who will use toilet, wipe their ass, not wash their hands and proceed to touch door handles and other surfaces. I got sick at the same point of the route, but I think I picked up a bug at Balloch after using portaloo toilets. Tried to carry on but severe dehydration and blood in my vomit put me in hospital instead.
@@dog6647 Flipping heck mate, that's awful. Makes me feel better about the decision to not try and carry on. Some people think I was being a right wimp. 🤷 Totally agree though, can't jump to conclusions and blame an establishment. Could have been anything from a bug, water, food, dirty non hand washing individuals. Just shows the importance of hygiene on these trails. Hope you're all okay now mate and sorry you had such a bad experience.
@@trickofthetrail Thankyou for your kind reply. I think you made the right choice, especially when hiking alone and where cell service is limited. Now I always carry anti sickness pills on multi day hikes and do use antibacterial cleanser before eating. So far so good, completed the trail twice since and enjoyed a brilliant experience..
@@trickofthetrailthere seem to be numerous possible vectors. I think hand hygiene is as important as foot care. I’ll be packing alcohol gel extra loo roll and some imodium after seeing your plight. Shame and must have cost you a packet.
Gutted for you mate but safety first and the route will always be there for take 2. You looked rough when the bug struck and its just bad luck. All happens for a reason though and you'll be back to smash it next time sir
Its hard to turn back on yourself i turned back too i also made a fail video but its made me want to come back and complete the challenge you'll do it to rest reset and restart you got this 💪
So sorry to hear you also had to turn back mate. I'm actually just watching your video now. It's gutting not completing it, but I'm sure we'll both head back and get it conquered. Thank so much for watching and commenting.
Hi Paul. It was quite a while back now, so I'm not 100% sure of the duty I paid. The best thing to do is look at www.simplyduty.com/import-calculator/ and pop the tent cost and selected postage into it. I've run some figures through it and it looks like it would be around 385.38 GBP in total. When you checkout with Kaviso, you will see there are postage options that include duty, so just weigh up what works best for you. Hope that helps. Mark
I hate the 'F' word...because it applies to me too. I completed 5 of 7 days but stopped due to a blister on the pad of my foot, plus my husband was coming from Canada to meet me in Glasgow for a holiday in Edinburgh and London, so I had to have healthy feet for that. I still hate the 'F' word though. You'll get back and do it - best of luck!
Sorry to hear you couldn't complete it due to blisters Jayne. I had some on the Cumbria Way and it's horrible. No, we haven't failed at all, things like this happen and we just need to enjoy the good times experienced. Using the 'F' word is just an attention grabbing headline...that's all it is. All the best.
Thanks so much Graeme. Yeah, it wasn't the happiest of endings. 😂 I was carrying about 14kg, which would have got lighter as I progressed on the trail. You can see my load out here lighterpack.com/r/nw93zq
Can I offer a bit of constructive criticism, you said you’d done a lot of planning but didn’t know your bail out points or methods of transport from those bail out points, next time work out your exit routes in case of emergency. One was the ferry across Loch Lomond to ardlui from where you could get the train or bus to Glasgow. When doing a long distance route especially in remote areas know how to get out if need be and that includes frequency of transport no good finding a bus stop on a Sunday and no bus until Wednesday. I know this sounds a bit harsh but could be the difference between a 24hr bug and a survival situation. Good video very honest 👍
Hey Steve. Absolutely, I'm still learning and always open to some constructive feedback and it's not harsh at all. I certainly didn't get everything right and I think it's good to show that not everything always goes to plan. There are always lessons to be learned. I did know my exit points at various stages along the way and was aware of the ferry that crosses Loch Lomond (although had forgotten whilst being sick), unfortunately it wasn't running at that point. Although I have to admit, there are points along the way where I didn't plan for the worst and next time I will absolutely mark down how I can get out of dodge at each and every stage. I do always carry my Garmin InReach Mini with me, so I do have communication if the worse comes to the worst. Obviously a last resort that is. I was also amazed at the kindness of all the fellow hikers along the route, who helped me get to safety. Thanks so much for watching and your feedback. Absolutely will take it on board. 👍
@@trickofthetrail glad you saw it that way, on all my hikes I know all my bail out points and I have them stored digitally and I also take them on paper folded in a tiny plastic bag because in an emergency you need clear concise accurate information fast to make the correct call, I copied this Approach from Andrew Skurka and use his planning sheets/tools for every trip it details everything and have it saved on my phone so I know who, where and when etc but anything I’d need in an emergency I take in paper form as well. The west highland way is a good training exercise due to that stretch along Loch Lomond having no obvious ways out, if your going to do say the cape wrath trail this type of preparation is essential. I’ll keep watching as I want to see how you get on with Dan’s tent before I plump for the dcf pro 👍
@@SteveSmith-67 Ah good tip, I've not looked at Andrew Skurka's content. I've just had a Google and it looks great, I will check that out. 👍 I would love to do the Cape Wraith trail one day, but I'm far from being ready for that one. I plan to get more well trodden long distance hikes under my belt before tackling that. I do plan on doing a little review on the X-Mid at some point, but I am loving it. It's my go to tent and you won't be disappointed in the purchase I'm sure.
really good advice - on day 4, when we wrongly calculated the extra hike time after staying at Ardlui, I was losing it as we reached Crianlarich with another 10 km to walk, and wanted a train or taxi or a stork to get me out of there...ended up making it to Tyndrum but day 4 was a brutal day!
Gutted for you mate, getting ill on a long planned hike cant be helped, but its extremely frustrating. I always take electrolite tabs like zero tablets to put in my water anyway, but it would help re hydrate you if you catch a bug or get food poisoning. Theres always next time.
Thanks mate. Yeah I always take Zero tabs too, the problem was I couldn't keep the water down. So was fighting a losing battle. Like you say...there's always next time. Thanks for watching and commenting mate.
@@trickofthetrail that definitely sounds like food poisoning if you couldn't keep water down, years ago, while on a camping trip with a school friend and his parents, I ended up in hospital on an IV drip because I got food poisoning and couldn't keep water down, I was in a bad way. It's lucky you didn't get any worse, though you did seem pretty bad, it's a horrible feeling isn't it 🤢
@@trooperwolfie Oooo blimey mate, that sounds like a horrible experience. I had Campylobacter when I was younger and that was far worse than what I had on the trail. Luckily I could start eating and drinking after a couple of days. I just didn't know how bad it was potentially going to get, so the best options was to bail.
Sorry you got ill, sounds like food poisoning, fair doos your still filmed looking like s#£t. Trail still will be there if you choose to return. Hope you made a speedy recovery. Many years ago I was very poorly and it was after I drank out of a can, all I can think something had leaked or pissed on the top. Could that have happened to you?
I was going to suggest that the hotel you returned to was the source of the food poisoning, but that's just pure speculation on my part with no evidence. Not sure I'd have been brave enough to return. Packing a trip in part way done is always hard but the WHW will still be there for next time.
Hey Phil, thanks for watching and commenting. I must admit, I think the very same thing. I have no proof, so can't say for sure, but it does seem like a coincidence. It was the only non pre packaged food I had that day. TBH I wouldn't have gone back, but it was the only hotel available in the area, so I didn't have much choice annoyingly. Anyway, I can guarantee that I won't be going back there when I reattempt it in April...that's for sure. 😆
Glad to see you got back OK. That trail isn't going anywhere, it was the right decision to be safe. I wanted to ask about your pack. I've also got the Lightning 45, which bottle pouch do you use on the shoulder strap? and why did you pick the Lightning over the Mo for this hike? Thanks for all the added info about the trail, I'll be hoping to do it one day so I'll take it all with me 👍
Thanks very much Joe, glad you found the video useful...whilst it lasted. Fingers crossed I'll do a full version next year. Re the water bottle holder. I've actually got two: 3F UL GEAR Water Bottle Storage Bag - www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004777968563.html Prickly Gorse Shoulder Strap Pockets - pricklygorsegear.com/backpack-accessories/ The one I had on the WHW was from 3F UL, but I think I actually prefer the Prickly Gorse one as it's longer and so the bottle sits lower on the shoulder strap. I found with the 3F UL one it was a bit high and occasionaly hit my face when I turned. I chose the Lightening, because I find it more comfortable at higher loads. I also find I can fit a little more in it, especially with the addition of the Flash pocket. For me personally I find the Mo is great for lighter loads, but the Lightening just handles those higher loads slightly better. Also the Lightening has more airflow on the back, so I find it is better at stopping my back from getting too sweaty. How are you getting on with the Lightening 45?
@@trickofthetrail Thanks for the details on the bottle holders. I have just came from an Osprey Atmos 50 before picking up the Lightning and I only have the two to compare: * Much better back ventilation. * Half the weight whilst having a frame in case of heavier amounts of water to carry. * Easier to rummage through as the pack materials are thin and light. * I like the way the adjustment straps allow you to set a maximum extension so you can make the range of loosening and tightening fairly precise. * The compression system has got me thinking about not compressing my sleeping bag, just stuffing it in a dry bag in the bottom and using the bag to compress (in theory the down would then only be as compressed as required? Rather than maximum, meaning it should loft quicker and less compression means it should preserve it?). It's a rare scenario where you feel like you've upgraded but the upgrade was £100 less 😆
No, unfortunately not. It was either a stomach bug or food poisoning, really hard to know. Either way, it wasn't pleasant. Thanks so much for watching and commenting.
Fair point mate. I didn't intend for it be misleading in any way. The point of putting the tent name in the title is for people searching for it and using it on the WHW. I've altered the title ever so slightly so hopefully it doesn't come across as misleading.
Hi, i’m one of the two guys who helped you pack up. I can testify you looked rough and in hindsight we should have accompanied you back to the hotel. We alerted a few other walkers heading in your direction to look out for you. I hope you get a chance to do it again.
Hey, so glad you got in touch. I wanted to thank you both so much for helping me out, you were life savers. You did more than enough and I would never have let you walk me back to the hotel. Thanks also for alerting some of the other hikers. It set of a chain reaction of everyone passing stopping, checking on me and helping out in some way. It was a bit embarrassing putting the video together...I looked a state. 😂
I hope you both had a great time on the rest of the walk and thanks so much again.
Unlucky with the sickness mate, always the best choice to get back, the trail will always be there. Glad it wasn't serious.
Thanks mate. Yeah, was just gutted. Will get back out there soon. Just watching your Coast to Coast video. 👍
@@trickofthetrail well I was also sick along the way, but mine was because I was greedy at co-op and had far too much sugar! Did worry me a bit, but you looked rough as a month of Sundays! Nice to hear others helped out getting you back. Good people on the trails
Great footage mate. I failed this in 2018 due to a partial tear to my achilles tendon alongside loch lomond. I returned the following year in 2019 and completed the hike. The West Highland way is by far the best multi day hike I've done. Its a shame you caught a bug whilst on the trail but these things happen from time to time. Looking forward to seeing you complete it at some point in the future. All the best mate and take care 👍
Thanks Lee, glad you managed to get back out there and complete the trail. I was loving it until I got struck down, so was totally gutted, but will defo get back out there next year and get it ticked off my list. Thanks so much for watching and commenting mate.
Good effort, it goes to show that you never know when life is going to throw a spanner in the works.
Prior to that you looked as though you were struggling a tad, possibly because whatever you had was already at work.
A few lessons from that which chimed from my failed attempt, one was about the amount of gear you were carrying.
The WHW has a great deal more places to pick up essentials, and you can save a lot of weight by eating meals at pubs and cafes en-route, only carrying one day's food at a time. I made the mistake of carrying a horrendous amount of food, which added a considerable amount of unnecessary weight.
Good luck on your next attempt.
Hey there. Yeah you are correct, I was struggling a bit before hand, but that was because I suffer with a small blood condition that can give me fatigue. Annoyingly it came on the day before I started, so I knew it was going to be a slog for me. Whilst not the cause, it certainly wouldn't have helped the issue.
Sorry to hear you also didn't make it to the end. May I ask what happened?
Funnily enough my pack wasn't actually that heavy. I have pretty lightweight gear and in fact, a few people on the trail couldn't believe how light the pack was. However you are absolutely right. I took far too much food. Next time I will carry much less for sure (I'm not compromising on the beer though 😁). Like you say, one days worth is enough.
Thanks so much for watching and commenting mate.
@trickofthetrail I was camped at Inversnaid. In the morning I went down to the loch to fill my pot with water, slipped, and fell in the water.
With my gear soaked, I chafed my inner thighs and by the time I got to Crianlarich I could barely walk...
Because of the weight of my tent,sleeping bag, etc, I had cut down on spare layers. Had I had some, I could have got changed into dry gear, but that wasn't an option. Lesson painfully learned...
@@AirdrieRambler Crickey, that's not nice mate. So sorry that happened. That sort of thing is so easily done though. Hope you get back out there again soon and give it another go.
Really sorry you had to bail when you were obviously enjoying it, but you did the right thing. Still find it a crazy coincidence we got the same symptoms on two different trails hundreds of miles apart! Was not fun at all!
Thanks Paul. Yeah, crazy we both got ill and had to bail with something similar. Funnily enough The Lone Explorer also got ill at the same point as me on the trail, but a few days earlier. He said quite a few others came down with it also. So clearly something was doing the rounds.
I really enjoyed this video and you have a lovely channel debs xx......
Ah, thanks so much Debs. That means a lot. Thanks so much for watching.
A hard decision to make but health should always come first. It will make all the more special when you return. I’m hoping to introduce my daughter to long distance walking next year on the WHW or the Cumbria way. I will always love Scotland. All the best for future hikes 😊
Thanks very much Jes. You are so lucky to be able to do it with your daughter. I would love to get mine involved, but she just isn't interested. You'll both have a amazing adventure together. I can't wait to get back out there.
So sorry you had to bail. You looked truly gutted but also very ill! You made the right decision. Keep heathy.
Thanks very much for the kind words and for watching and commenting. It did suck, but I think I made the right choice. I'll be back for sure. All the best.
Tough decision but it was definitely the right call. The trail won't be going anywhere. The video was class, some lovely footage, and it is nice to see the ups and the downs of backpacking even if it was a miserable experience for you near the end 😄 I hope all is well man 🙌
Thanks Jason, so glad you enjoyed the video. Was a bit painful putting the parts together where I was ill...although I couldn't help but chuckle a couple of times. What a mess I was. 😂 All good now and looking forward to getting back out there to complete it.
I'VE GOT A REAL PROBLEM! - Ahh mate, thats such a shame, your filming was really good too but fair play for posting anyways. I'll do it with you next time 🙂
Cheers mate. We can spew all over Scotland together then! 🤮💩
I first attempted the WHW a couple of years ago with a friend and the exact same thing happened to me. I made it to Beinglas and had to bail. From inversnaid on I was horribly sick and totally wiped of energy. Couldn’t keep food or water down. I was, like you, absolutely gutted. I’m gearing up to do it again in a couple of months so here’s hoping it works out this time. Hope you recovered quickly.
So sorry you had the same issue Steve. It's a horrible thing to happen, especially when you're so far from home. Great to hear you're getting back out there in a couple of months. I'll keep my fingers crossed all goes smoothly for you mate. I was thinking about heading for another attempt in September, but think it'll have to wait until next year now.
Sorry it didn’t work out man but you did the right thing. I tried to push through pneumonia when I was in the field in the Army. Ended up leading to permanent injury and a discharge. Always take care of yourself first. The trail will still be there when you get back.
Thanks mate, so sorry to hear about you pneumonia, that's terrible. I have to say I did wonder if I was being a wimp by not carrying on, but I definitely made the right choice.
Hope you're doing well and thanks so much for watching and taking the time to comment.
You made the right decision. The trail will be there next time.
Thanks Shan. Look forward to the videos of your UK adventures. 👍
I had food poisoning while doing the Pennine Way a few years ago, it was no fun.
I feel for you. It's really not nice at all, especially when you're on your own. I was so amazed at all the kindness and help I received on the trail though. Did you manage to finish it or did you have to return home?
@@trickofthetrail I reached a campsite and even although early in the day, the kind manager gave me a hobbit cabin at half price. After sleeping for 18 hrs I managed to restart and complete the hike, albeit at a much slower pace. I am much more careful about food while hiking, so lesson learned.
No fun that. I had a bad dose on the GR34 in St Malo. Since then I have always packed immodium.
Took a while to recover.
No it wasn't much fun at all. It certainly taught me a lesson to carry Imodium with me too. I don't want to be in that kind of "mess" again. I can imagine it's even worse when doing something like the GR34.
Thanks for watching and commenting mate.
Gutted for you. Hope you have plans to revisit if you haven't already
Thanks so much. It wasn't the most pleasant experience of my life, that's for sure. Was planning to go again this year, but unfortunately it hasn't been possible. Maybe next year. Thanks for watching and commenting.
If I recall, had to return home at bridge of orchy when I did it and do the rest later, was feeling unwell, I probably ingested some deet to repel midges or it could have been water I drank from a stream which was discoloured.
Sorry to hear that. It sucks when you get ill on a hike. I'll be redoing it in April and will be very careful with what I eat and drink. Thanks for watching and commenting.
That's a real shame Mark, sure you'll get to do it again, definitely food poisoning, watched the other guy with the same issue as u at same time.
Your content is good 👍looking forward to nxt.... I've posted again if u have any time ⌚👍
Cheers Twiggy. Yeah, I'm pretty sure we got food poisoning at the same place. He said a few others came down with it also. I've got your next vid lined up in my Watch Later playlist. Looking forward to watching.👍
What a shame. But the right decision was made. Great video though. I did it in 2021 and if id got sickness like that id have got out of there PDQ. 😊
Hey Emma, thanks so much, glad you enjoyed the video. I'll check out your WHW videos. I can't wait to go back and give it another crack.
Health and safety is priority mark, you made the right decision, you could of got worse without anyway of getting off trail in a hurry, there’s always other times to do it, it’s definitely guttering when you have put in all the planning etc, tbh you would not of enjoyed the hike if you struggled on, doing the hike is about enjoying it. hope you are better, and look forward to see where you get to next? , atb Mick 👍
Thanks mate. Yeah, I think I made the correct call. Like you said, I wouldn't have enjoyed it and is best to go back when I'm 100%. Thanks so much for watching and commenting.
The Lone Explorer did the west highland way roughly the same time as you I think and in his video he was complaining of food poisoning. Dunno if the two are linked. Canny coincidence though. Hope your all better now, really enjoying your content
Hey Gareth. Yeah, I actually contacted him when I saw the video. I don't want to point fingers without proof, but we did stop at the same place for food and he did mention others had become ill. Coincidence? Maybe. 🤔 All better though now thanks. Just gutted I couldn't carry on. The Lone Explorer is made of sterner stuff than me. 💪
Thanks so much for watching and commenting. Chuffed you are enjoying the content.
God to show the pitfalls sometimes of being away from the comfort zone. You live to fight another day.
Thanks mate. Yeah these things happen and I think it's good to show that things don't always go to plan. Although next time hopefully things will be rather less eventful.
Sorry, yet what should stay with you is the good experience. Get well soon,
Atb Tim
Absolutely. I loved the part that I completed and look forward to going back and completing it. Thanks so much for watching and commenting.
Just seen 'Hiking Viking' vid from his WHW 2019 and I can't believe my eyes, he got same sickness and had been to that hotel then camped by the loch and got sick that night. Coincidence?
Yeah, seems to be a lot of bugs on that trail. Could be the water, could be the hotel food. Who knows. Next time I'll only be eating prepackaged food and certainly won't be filtering anyway water.
Can't blame the Hotel when there are many who will use toilet, wipe their ass, not wash their hands and proceed to touch door handles and other surfaces. I got sick at the same point of the route, but I think I picked up a bug at Balloch after using portaloo toilets. Tried to carry on but severe dehydration and blood in my vomit put me in hospital instead.
@@dog6647 Flipping heck mate, that's awful. Makes me feel better about the decision to not try and carry on. Some people think I was being a right wimp. 🤷
Totally agree though, can't jump to conclusions and blame an establishment. Could have been anything from a bug, water, food, dirty non hand washing individuals. Just shows the importance of hygiene on these trails.
Hope you're all okay now mate and sorry you had such a bad experience.
@@trickofthetrail Thankyou for your kind reply. I think you made the right choice, especially when hiking alone and where cell service is limited. Now I always carry anti sickness pills on multi day hikes and do use antibacterial cleanser before eating. So far so good, completed the trail twice since and enjoyed a brilliant experience..
@@trickofthetrailthere seem
to be numerous possible vectors. I think hand hygiene is as important as foot care. I’ll be packing alcohol gel extra loo roll and some imodium after seeing your plight. Shame and must have cost you a packet.
Gutted for you mate but safety first and the route will always be there for take 2. You looked rough when the bug struck and its just bad luck. All happens for a reason though and you'll be back to smash it next time sir
Thanks matie. Yeah, at least I still have it to look forward too and it's nice having done a bit of it so I know what to expect next time.
People forget that there were over a thousand miles of pleasurable cruising before Titanic hit the iceberg. At least you can have another attempt!
Well, what a poetic comment Mr Taylor.
Its hard to turn back on yourself i turned back too i also made a fail video but its made me want to come back and complete the challenge you'll do it to rest reset and restart you got this 💪
So sorry to hear you also had to turn back mate. I'm actually just watching your video now. It's gutting not completing it, but I'm sure we'll both head back and get it conquered. Thank so much for watching and commenting.
Hi, if you don’t mind, how much was your tent with the duty? Cheers
Hi Paul. It was quite a while back now, so I'm not 100% sure of the duty I paid. The best thing to do is look at www.simplyduty.com/import-calculator/ and pop the tent cost and selected postage into it. I've run some figures through it and it looks like it would be around 385.38 GBP in total.
When you checkout with Kaviso, you will see there are postage options that include duty, so just weigh up what works best for you. Hope that helps. Mark
A bug is what did for the alien invasion in war of the worlds so you are in good company! Thee things happen, Best wishes on the next adventure.
🤣 I hadn't thought about it that way. Bloody pesky bugs!
I hate the 'F' word...because it applies to me too. I completed 5 of 7 days but stopped due to a blister on the pad of my foot, plus my husband was coming from Canada to meet me in Glasgow for a holiday in Edinburgh and London, so I had to have healthy feet for that. I still hate the 'F' word though. You'll get back and do it - best of luck!
Sorry to hear you couldn't complete it due to blisters Jayne. I had some on the Cumbria Way and it's horrible.
No, we haven't failed at all, things like this happen and we just need to enjoy the good times experienced. Using the 'F' word is just an attention grabbing headline...that's all it is. All the best.
Great video, so sorry for the ending.
How much weight were you carrying?
Thanks so much Graeme. Yeah, it wasn't the happiest of endings. 😂
I was carrying about 14kg, which would have got lighter as I progressed on the trail. You can see my load out here lighterpack.com/r/nw93zq
Can I offer a bit of constructive criticism, you said you’d done a lot of planning but didn’t know your bail out points or methods of transport from those bail out points, next time work out your exit routes in case of emergency. One was the ferry across Loch Lomond to ardlui from where you could get the train or bus to Glasgow. When doing a long distance route especially in remote areas know how to get out if need be and that includes frequency of transport no good finding a bus stop on a Sunday and no bus until Wednesday. I know this sounds a bit harsh but could be the difference between a 24hr bug and a survival situation. Good video very honest 👍
Hey Steve. Absolutely, I'm still learning and always open to some constructive feedback and it's not harsh at all. I certainly didn't get everything right and I think it's good to show that not everything always goes to plan. There are always lessons to be learned.
I did know my exit points at various stages along the way and was aware of the ferry that crosses Loch Lomond (although had forgotten whilst being sick), unfortunately it wasn't running at that point. Although I have to admit, there are points along the way where I didn't plan for the worst and next time I will absolutely mark down how I can get out of dodge at each and every stage. I do always carry my Garmin InReach Mini with me, so I do have communication if the worse comes to the worst. Obviously a last resort that is.
I was also amazed at the kindness of all the fellow hikers along the route, who helped me get to safety.
Thanks so much for watching and your feedback. Absolutely will take it on board. 👍
@@trickofthetrail glad you saw it that way, on all my hikes I know all my bail out points and I have them stored digitally and I also take them on paper folded in a tiny plastic bag because in an emergency you need clear concise accurate information fast to make the correct call, I copied this Approach from Andrew Skurka and use his planning sheets/tools for every trip it details everything and have it saved on my phone so I know who, where and when etc but anything I’d need in an emergency I take in paper form as well. The west highland way is a good training exercise due to that stretch along Loch Lomond having no obvious ways out, if your going to do say the cape wrath trail this type of preparation is essential. I’ll keep watching as I want to see how you get on with Dan’s tent before I plump for the dcf pro 👍
@@SteveSmith-67 Ah good tip, I've not looked at Andrew Skurka's content. I've just had a Google and it looks great, I will check that out. 👍
I would love to do the Cape Wraith trail one day, but I'm far from being ready for that one. I plan to get more well trodden long distance hikes under my belt before tackling that.
I do plan on doing a little review on the X-Mid at some point, but I am loving it. It's my go to tent and you won't be disappointed in the purchase I'm sure.
really good advice - on day 4, when we wrongly calculated the extra hike time after staying at Ardlui, I was losing it as we reached Crianlarich with another 10 km to walk, and wanted a train or taxi or a stork to get me out of there...ended up making it to Tyndrum but day 4 was a brutal day!
Gutted for you mate, getting ill on a long planned hike cant be helped, but its extremely frustrating. I always take electrolite tabs like zero tablets to put in my water anyway, but it would help re hydrate you if you catch a bug or get food poisoning. Theres always next time.
Thanks mate. Yeah I always take Zero tabs too, the problem was I couldn't keep the water down. So was fighting a losing battle. Like you say...there's always next time. Thanks for watching and commenting mate.
@@trickofthetrail that definitely sounds like food poisoning if you couldn't keep water down, years ago, while on a camping trip with a school friend and his parents, I ended up in hospital on an IV drip because I got food poisoning and couldn't keep water down, I was in a bad way. It's lucky you didn't get any worse, though you did seem pretty bad, it's a horrible feeling isn't it 🤢
@@trooperwolfie Oooo blimey mate, that sounds like a horrible experience. I had Campylobacter when I was younger and that was far worse than what I had on the trail. Luckily I could start eating and drinking after a couple of days. I just didn't know how bad it was potentially going to get, so the best options was to bail.
Sorry you got ill, sounds like food poisoning, fair doos your still filmed looking like s#£t. Trail still will be there if you choose to return. Hope you made a speedy recovery. Many years ago I was very poorly and it was after I drank out of a can, all I can think something had leaked or pissed on the top. Could that have happened to you?
I was going to suggest that the hotel you returned to was the source of the food poisoning, but that's just pure speculation on my part with no evidence. Not sure I'd have been brave enough to return. Packing a trip in part way done is always hard but the WHW will still be there for next time.
Hey Phil, thanks for watching and commenting.
I must admit, I think the very same thing. I have no proof, so can't say for sure, but it does seem like a coincidence. It was the only non pre packaged food I had that day. TBH I wouldn't have gone back, but it was the only hotel available in the area, so I didn't have much choice annoyingly. Anyway, I can guarantee that I won't be going back there when I reattempt it in April...that's for sure. 😆
Glad to see you got back OK. That trail isn't going anywhere, it was the right decision to be safe.
I wanted to ask about your pack. I've also got the Lightning 45, which bottle pouch do you use on the shoulder strap? and why did you pick the Lightning over the Mo for this hike?
Thanks for all the added info about the trail, I'll be hoping to do it one day so I'll take it all with me
👍
Thanks very much Joe, glad you found the video useful...whilst it lasted. Fingers crossed I'll do a full version next year.
Re the water bottle holder. I've actually got two:
3F UL GEAR Water Bottle Storage Bag - www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004777968563.html
Prickly Gorse Shoulder Strap Pockets - pricklygorsegear.com/backpack-accessories/
The one I had on the WHW was from 3F UL, but I think I actually prefer the Prickly Gorse one as it's longer and so the bottle sits lower on the shoulder strap. I found with the 3F UL one it was a bit high and occasionaly hit my face when I turned.
I chose the Lightening, because I find it more comfortable at higher loads. I also find I can fit a little more in it, especially with the addition of the Flash pocket. For me personally I find the Mo is great for lighter loads, but the Lightening just handles those higher loads slightly better. Also the Lightening has more airflow on the back, so I find it is better at stopping my back from getting too sweaty.
How are you getting on with the Lightening 45?
@@trickofthetrail Thanks for the details on the bottle holders.
I have just came from an Osprey Atmos 50 before picking up the Lightning and I only have the two to compare:
* Much better back ventilation.
* Half the weight whilst having a frame in case of heavier amounts of water to carry.
* Easier to rummage through as the pack materials are thin and light.
* I like the way the adjustment straps allow you to set a maximum extension so you can make the range of loosening and tightening fairly precise.
* The compression system has got me thinking about not compressing my sleeping bag, just stuffing it in a dry bag in the bottom and using the bag to compress (in theory the down would then only be as compressed as required? Rather than maximum, meaning it should loft quicker and less compression means it should preserve it?).
It's a rare scenario where you feel like you've upgraded but the upgrade was £100 less 😆
Everybody knows that beer weighs nothing lol, I can fit 15 cans in a rocket pouch :-D
That's what I keep telling myself! It's not the beer, it's that bloody water weighing me down! 🤣
@@trickofthetrail I blame straps and buckles :-D
do you know what it was?
No, unfortunately not. It was either a stomach bug or food poisoning, really hard to know. Either way, it wasn't pleasant. Thanks so much for watching and commenting.
The West Highland Ways isn't for everyone.
Indeed and clearly not for someone throwing up all over the place. 😂 Thanks for watching. 👍
I'm sorry you got sick, but this has nothing whatsoever to do with a Durston (or any) tent. Very misleading header.
Fair point mate. I didn't intend for it be misleading in any way. The point of putting the tent name in the title is for people searching for it and using it on the WHW. I've altered the title ever so slightly so hopefully it doesn't come across as misleading.