It'd be great to have a volunteer group of people to collect the rubbish on the trails and then take it to a boat at the waterside to take it away. I'd love to volunteer for something like that. Breaks my heart seeing all of that mess. Also do you have a high power plug for your power bank? Something like an Anker 100w plug will charge a power bank much quicker than a smaller wattage.
Would love to see you on the CWT it will change your life! 😂 I'm 4 days from finishing my 3rd time on the trail it's the Loch lomond section on steroids 😅 great stuff as always, shame about the rubbish 😕
I think the problem with the Loch Lomond section is expectation. Up to Rowardennan walking is very easy, literally a walk in the park. So everybody makes good progress and thinks it will go on like this. I fell into that trap when I hiked the WHW for the first time. I absolutely hated the Loch Lomond section as I tried to push on to reach my unrealistic destination for the day - in line with the progress I made before. When I hiked it the second and third time, I knew what to expect and had my expectations adjusted. And indeed, I enjoyed it much more. See, I disagree with you on the Bridge of Orchy and beyond section. Yes, the newly felled section from Bridge of Orchy to Iveroran is not great other than the view from the high point. I love the solitude and expanse of Rannoch Moor. I think, this indeed comes down to personal preference and we can probably agree that the WHW provides lots of variety, hopefully something for everybody.
Love watching your videos great stuff. Having suffered from ticks on the Cornwall coastal path recently I wondered if you had any preventative tips that you follow?
I hate them! Picked up loads last year on Jura. Avoid long grass, vegetation near sheep or in areas with deer, long trousers or repellent on legs if wearing shorts, treat footwear and socks with permethrin. Have a check each night and carry tweezers or a tick card. I didn’t get a single one on this trip although they will feature in a later video
Am I an exception? Did not hate it. Yes, it was extrimly challanging to me as I wanted to finish it from Rowardennan to the Bothy, but still, one of the most beautiful parts of the WHW. If I would have known in advance, I just would have stopped in Inversnaid to finish the rest the next day.
@@StephenJReid Yes. Just by it*s number in miles / kilometers it seems short, but the single trail is often more challenging as es the rest of the WHW. Therefore by wrong estimation, some can start to "hate" this section. But I clearly see the mistake was on myside and it is not the fault of the trail...
Thanks. The lifespan is 200litres. So if you dry it out in between it’ll last years. The 2 months is based on continuous usage. It’s confusing and I’ve told them they should change the wording.
That's so interesting, as for me the section after Bridge of Orchy was one of the best... because of the space and openness, so exactly the reason why you disliked it. It just seemed so... timeless and peaceful. The least favourite part.. hard to think about one. The Loch Lomond part is tiring, basically starting Balmaha, but I found it more psychologically than physically tiring. I think the worst was in the end the last bit - between the old and the new end of the Way, as It Didn't Seem To End!!! Concrete!!! How Evil! Binge watching different WHW videos, as I plan on going back this October and yours are so far one of the most interesting. Subscribed, watched other outdoor videos, want more.
The day I did that Rannoch moor section I had 4 hours sleep and the weather was grey and drizzly all day so I don't think that helped. Yeah the end sucks, bit of an anti-climax having to walk through an empty town centre at the end of the day
@@StephenJReid I think you should go back there some day, just to see if it still feels the same. I know you have a lot of projects, but maybe you could go the other way... or take a bike (Loch Lomond section FTW :D )
@@StephenJReid my friend lost a Nordisk tent on the hike back after it's first outing. A £500 mistake he won't be making again after having it strapped to the outside 🙈
I enjoyed the path as that’s sort of terrain I’m used to from back home…same me I get bored, but it was veeeery long 🙈 with big backpack I found some sections a bit difficult.
Just back from completing my second WHW trip. Disliked the Loch Lomond section the first time round, HATED it the second. Will still do it again though.
We were once picked up while hitchhiking by Loch Lomond ranger and she explained us the situation…you’re not wrong there basically the reason they did permit only is exactly the rubbish as they just had no resources to clean the amount of things left there, but I will never forget her attitude, when she was explaining us…I come from a country where is a lot of national parks and you often can’t even pick a flower or a mushroom in some areas, if you leave a rubbish and you are caught you get a huge penalty, you can’t get off the the trail and you definitely cannot wild camp there…it’s very very strict, so I was really surprised when she was telling us about the time they had to put the permit zones in a way as they really would love to let people enjoy the outdoors and they wish they didn’t have to do it, it just was not bearable to clean as people would come with cars and would leave everything there and I just did not have resources to clean…but there was no judgment, no being p*issed off with these a*holes destroying such an iconic place Loch Lomond is…she just wanted people to be able go outdoors….i actually admired that as back where I come from you’re constantly told what you cannot do and sometimes going on a hike is a real anxiety provoking thing…it’s not right people leave rubbish and there sure should be an education around that but making people being scared to go to nature is not an answer either…
It's so funny to me that everyone calls this part "very technical" and sloggy etc. Like I understand that's a valid thing to say, but as someone who grew up on hikes in the alps, this is all you do. I would love to do the WHW some day, but for me I think the challenge is definitly the mileage and not the technical parts..
Great stuff again STEVEN, thanks for all your work love it all and your humour , it's puts a great big smile on my face, so can't wait to see the next installment, take care of yourself and see you soon.ps still saving my pennies for an E BIKE, Alan.⛺💯👍
It was my favourite part in April. I got bored with some of the later parts on the long tracks with unchanging scenery rah. Beautiful as it was it wasn’t as much fun as the ups and downs along the loch
Really enjoying your videos. I've started the couch to 5k because of your infectious enthusiasm and really enjoying it. I used to run when I was younger but gave it up 10 years ago. Aiming to do some trail running and at 63 I realise I need to do strength training as well. Ho-hum.
Glad you've been enjoying the videos! and really glad to hear you've started the couch to 5k!🙂 My Advice, start slow, run how you feel and make sure you can keep enjoying it. Strength training definitely a good idea for runners. Sorted out a lot of my back issues
@@StephenJReidthanks Stephen yes I realised I’m not 33 when I felt a twinge in a hamstring and I’ve been more careful since then. Not sure which trail shoes to buy, but I do have a local running shop which I’m hoping will be able to advise me. But it is for me really about enjoyment and not competition
Love your vids, one of my fav on youtube but bear in mind WHW is one of the easiest trails in Scotland, that part is a bit challenging but nothing crazy. Ive done way worse, boggy, steep, uphills or terryfied by stupid cows trying to get thru their field😅😂
Think my most miserable long distance hike was about 25miles over boggy hills on a dull day on my own. Pure misery for the half of it and near lost my boots in a bog.
The Loch Lomond stretch reminded me of the terrain in the mountains of New Hampshire ... although not as long unless you were to hike up and down every mountain in the White Mountain Range! 😆
id be the same I'd enjoy the more difficult terrain around Loch Lomond compared to the open/straight slog sections! Also loving the edit on this one! 👏🏼
I think it is definitely weather dependent. Also if you're having to keep going because everyone else has grabbed the good spots it can be a long day. In all honesty I'd say the Arran Coastal Way is FAR more gruelling.
Roads all the way around and a couple of good inclines to get you sweating. Impossible to do the actual Arran Way on bike. There are a couple of road sections but mostly it's boggy and VERY rocky. Especially towards the south end. It was a toughie. @StephenJReid
I loved walking the Arran Coastal Way in 2017, but yes the boulder sections were definitely challenging! Fun at the same time though when I think back. At least I survived to tell the tale 😂 Stunning coastline!
Just finished WHW yesterday the weather for the last 50 miles was horrendous.. Loch Lomond was brutal but beautiful, we walked from Balmaha to Crainlarich 29 miles. But the descent after the Devil's staircase into Kinlochleven was a slog to say the least. An incredible experience though my feet are suffering big time.
I'm with you Stephen I really enjoyed the technical terrain it was a nice relief from those flat gravel paths which completely did my feet and knee in hence I only made it to inversnaid. If ur interested to see my opinion, the mistakes and the lessons I learnt, my vid is up now - be great to catch you in the comments 😁 See u on the next vid! ATB Cat
Sorry to hear that! But failure and training are how we improve so I'm sure you'll get back and smash it next time! 🙂 Definitely helps being able to go at your own pace, I've found I'm more likely to have a miserable time if Im trying to keep up with someone else.
Good vid 👍🏼 Interesting that your metric for 'worst section' of the WHW was aesthetic. Even more interesting that it was the Rannoch Moor section, revered by landscape photographers! 😆 Granted it looked a bit dreich when you did it but the vast expanse of Rannoch Moor is something people *usually* cherish as one of Europe's last true wilderness areas. It has a real forlorn haunting quality at dawn. Plus, before Rannoch Moor (after Bridge of Orchy) you have Loch Tulla (with a VERY photogenic lonely tree overlooking it, the Inveroran Hotel (best food and craic on the WHW IMO) and the old Drover's Road. I can only conclude that ye must have suffered a bump on yer heid at some point along that section! 😉 It's only really the last section of LL from Inversnaid that people consider the worst (as in most difficult) section of WHW. It's enjoyable before that and a relief when the trail opens out just before Doune Bothy! Glad the rain subsided for you anyway!
As an occasional landscape photographer I found it really bland 🤣 But that was probably because the weather was really dull with mostly flat lighting. It had its moments but was the least visually interesting part of the trail for me apart from the first few miles. Doesn't feel like a remote wilderness though due to the busy road going through the middle and the sounds of traffic drifting through the air. Lough Tulla was nice though and I camped up on Mam Carraigh not far from that tree. I was past the Hotel too early in the morning to benefit from it and breakfast was guests only. Timing definitely makes a difference to the experience. Might have been grumpy because I didn't get breakfast 🤣
Well, I can not agree that the way along Loch Lomond is the worst part. Actually I liked it. Its alpine character with the view onto the Loch, maybe it's I used to more alpine terrain. Later it is getting boring (Glen Coe) sometimes when you hike through the marshy parts. Loch Lomond is a bit like hiking the Great Glen Way. But I agree hiking this part in rain is a total mess. I've had about 18 hours of rain (mostly night time) during my 9 day hike of the WHW.
So technical 😅 Nah I get why this isn’t for everyone but I similarly get bored on flat walks. I came an across a site reviewing walking routes round snowdonia a few years ago and pissed myself laughing at some of the reviews. There was a tirade about how it was supposed to be a well maintained and an easy 20min ascent up to Llyn Idwal, it was “disgusting, a shame on the country, impassable death trap” 😂 it’s a busy route so I’m trying to imagine this alongside all the families with their 4yo managing fine! It’s genuinely one of the best maintained routes excluding 4x4 accessible areas in snowdonia 😂 You need crampons in the winter but that’s mostly due to how many people tramp the snow into ice 😅 I’ve been thinking about doing the highland route next spring so this has been very helpful! 👌
Try a 12 hr shift in a factory packing boxes. Try laying 30kg pavers in 35 degree heat. For a week. ‘The worst day walking is better than the best day working’
I live on Jersey, that terrain is exactly like our coastal cliff path that circles the island. How'd ya fancy 48.9 miles of that terrain, with a LOT more rock, elevation and abasement......... My daughter and I completed it last week in 12hrs 49mins on a sponsored walk. IT WAS BRUTAL...... I'm still suffering 8 days later, she's fine! Looking forward to doing the WHW in Sept with my daughter. Great channel. ATB
Great video, I know it might sound silly but I had to look up the bit about the Haggis story as I didn't understand it I was shocked as I didn't even know there was a animal haggis lol Only thing I knew was a Scottish food. Loving these series of videos
I loved the loch Lomond part of the walk.Beautiful,interesting and a bit more challenging. We all enjoy different stuff.Yes, the amount of rubbish was atrocious -not sure what the answer is .
Another cracking video - thank you! Talk about polar opposites - I completed the WHW last month and on the Loch Lomond day I got completely roasted by the sun! I had watched way too many videos beforehand, full of people saying how hellish this full section was, but I absolutely loved it…not sure if that makes me a complete psycho or not 😂😂
Another cracking video, a few years ago I attempted to bikepack the WHW with my mountain bike. And i mistakenly took this section with a fully loaded bike, it was horrendous, I ended up getting my wife to pick me up at beinglas owing to a broken bike! I stay in beinglas fairly often though, its within driving distance to my house and I love the campsite and the pub that goes with it! :).
I'm watching a LOT of long distance walks on YT at the moment, gearing my fat 50+ self up to go do something, anything. Yours is one of my favourites so far, I enjoy the humour of it over the more " and now I'm walking here, and now here" of some of the other s. I'm intrigued that one thing most have in common is that no-one really seems to book ahead for either campsites or B&Bs. I'd have thought that would be essential on these routes? Anyway, more please and thankyou!
Thanks! Glad you’re enjoying it 🙂 a lot of people do book ahead. I didn’t because I wasn’t sure how long it would take me, plus being able to wild camp made things flexible. I did book the campsite for the first night and I booked the campsite for this one, when I was having lunch at the hotel. The following 2 nights I just wild camped
i think all of us that did it at the start of may had a good luck charm cause it was beautiful weather but this section did kill me off and the footwear is the other key! them wooden steps were steeper than i 1st thought, ha! i was so happyt to see beinglass in the heat and having ice cold pint of coke. devils staircase to kinlockleaven and the outer section too was a struggle! it is a beautiful walk to do though people should try it out! :)
I had originally planned to do it at the start of May but had to delay it, which made this more painful 🤣 I quite enjoyed the devils staircase, wasn't anywhere near as bad as I thought it would be. There's a route in the Mourne Mountains near me called "The Devils Coachroad" and it's a grade 1 scramble so I was expecting the worst
My bad knee would hate this, but my heart yearns for these kinds of hiking trips! ❤ I've hiked a lot in Temagami ontario canada, and the trails are similar!
I guess the title is partly clickbait since it is almost impossible to hate this section. I did this part with my girlfriend some years ago. I have hiked a couple times in Norway but she didn't have much experience. We loved it, it was absolutely absolutely beautiful. Yes, she had some trouble with the more technical stuff, but there were no real 'climbs', river crossings or swamps as I was used to in Norway. There were a lot of 'tourists' though, not really dressed for the occasion and some of them on a group tour. I guess these had a hard time? But anyone into hiking/trail running should love this part. We did have better weather though
Going by messages I received and posts on Facebook groups it really does get mentioned as the most disliked part of the trail. I think it’s exactly as you say that people are expecting a casual walk
Yup. I hate that bit. Seems to go on forever. Every time you think you are at the end of the Loch you realise you arent.Getting to Beinglas campsite is a relief. As for the Rrannoch moor section. It has its charms.
looks like fun to run an ultra trail there... ps welcome to the suunto team so!! i've got sooooo much kit caps, buffs, tee;s, pens, key rings etc etc etc...and a few watches best kit ever!!! PS maybe make a short film on the battery packs if you've not already??
@@StephenJReid you can lock 🔒 it when it’s active?! I’ll what’s app you with how to! When I climb or kayak I lock mine! The lock 🔒 lets you still see other details on the watch but won’t turn off or reset anything in action!
There’s a 4mile part where you’d be pushing/carrying/dragging etc the entire way. Some people have brought bikes along it but they all say it’s awful. Personally if I was going to bikepack it I would see if I could bypass the second half somehow. Maybe via ferry
Thanks! I think the ALPI 40 was good for my my needs, but maybe not for everyone. It’s designed that you can run in it, which makes it a bit complex I haven’t tested many similar category bags to say if I think it’s the best choice for others but it worked great for me. It is very expensive though, I paid about £250 but can’t remember exactly where. I’ll prob be testing some other bags in future.
@@StephenJReid Thanks for getting back. I'm looking to try something different, without a waist belt, and between 30-40l for mixed fast hiking and running. It's the same price range as an Atom+ EP40, so mid-range for an Alpine pack. At that volume, I don't think you're spoilt for choice! I've only found: the ADVENTURE 40-45L (£140 and not sure it's meant for running); the Epic XT 3.0 (£230 which does look interesting); and Trailblazer XT35 (£140) all rely on the waist belt, and I'm not sure about the Fastpack 40 (£150) which is very similar to the ALPI 40.
My man, the West Coast Trail in BC Canada is 75 km of this kinda trail, with mud bogs, ladders, tidal crossings and rivers…It’s awesome! This looks like a tame version of it lol! 😂 I can’t wait to someday do this Scottish trail!
No offense to anyone but those comments are mainly from people who don't hike very much or are just used to "walks" camino style from bed to bed. I wild camped whole Way over 6 days then continued straight away to Great Glen Way spontaniously and it took 3.5 days. Trails here in Finland aren't built up like WHW and such. Loch Lomond was just another trail. Personally I quite enjoyed the lush surroundings and little bit of rocks and roots. Also great for swimming! Noice pollution not so much! Great videos so far 👍!
Agree, it mostly grumpy or not very experienced and weak people. Its nothing comparing to Southern Upland Way and being chased (or blocked) by angry cows thru the fields lol
Wow, beautiful place❤This video is like a rollercoaster ride of emotions. One minute Stephen sir is loving the challenge, the next he’s running away from a horsefly. 😂
I did the WHW on a mountain bike and the most challenging part was the Loch Lomond section. You could ride some of it, but you had to keep getting off and carrying your bike, sometimes scrambling with you bike on your shoulder. Soul destroying. Incidentally I loved the section you hated. That part between The Bridge of Orchy and Glencoe over Rannoch Moor was amazing on the bikes. My favourite part was between The Devils Staircase and Kinlochleven, great MTB trail. Love the vids, great stuff. You rock.
I met a very unhappy mountain biker on the Loch Lomond section 😂 Funny I thought the Rannoch Moor section would be great on a bike! Think I might go back and bikepack some of some time
Rannoch moor was pure torture on the bike for me. But mainly because the headwind was so strong we barely managed to go forward. Probably would have been nice with good weather.
@StephenJReid I walked from Rowardennan to Beinglas. It was definitely tough and very long but hates a strong word to describe it. The hoards of people also walking the trail was what I hated 😄
Most HATED section? Seriously? Gawd, you should try the Matane Reserve in Quebec, Canada. Did it last year. One day had no less than 4 hills of 1,000 metres. In between peaks, the moose had churned the lower sections into knee deep mud. Last day had me making like a monkey down a series of belay ropes. And me over 60.
I disagree with your evaluation of the worst part to me it was the best!
Loch Lomond section is great, though can be treacherous underfoot when wet. Totally agree about Rannoch Moor section. Very open and bleak.
Yeah I’m glad it was mostly dry when I was on the trickiest parts. Guessing a lot of lower leg injuries on that part.
It'd be great to have a volunteer group of people to collect the rubbish on the trails and then take it to a boat at the waterside to take it away. I'd love to volunteer for something like that. Breaks my heart seeing all of that mess.
Also do you have a high power plug for your power bank? Something like an Anker 100w plug will charge a power bank much quicker than a smaller wattage.
Would love to see you on the CWT it will change your life! 😂 I'm 4 days from finishing my 3rd time on the trail it's the Loch lomond section on steroids 😅 great stuff as always, shame about the rubbish 😕
Might be one I’ll try sometime although tricky for me to go away for more than a week so maybe one I could do in sections
I think the problem with the Loch Lomond section is expectation. Up to Rowardennan walking is very easy, literally a walk in the park. So everybody makes good progress and thinks it will go on like this. I fell into that trap when I hiked the WHW for the first time. I absolutely hated the Loch Lomond section as I tried to push on to reach my unrealistic destination for the day - in line with the progress I made before. When I hiked it the second and third time, I knew what to expect and had my expectations adjusted. And indeed, I enjoyed it much more. See, I disagree with you on the Bridge of Orchy and beyond section. Yes, the newly felled section from Bridge of Orchy to Iveroran is not great other than the view from the high point. I love the solitude and expanse of Rannoch Moor. I think, this indeed comes down to personal preference and we can probably agree that the WHW provides lots of variety, hopefully something for everybody.
yeah definitely, progress is very smooth up until then so it's quite jarring to have to slow down as much.
Love watching your videos great stuff. Having suffered from ticks on the Cornwall coastal path recently I wondered if you had any preventative tips that you follow?
I hate them! Picked up loads last year on Jura.
Avoid long grass, vegetation near sheep or in areas with deer, long trousers or repellent on legs if wearing shorts, treat footwear and socks with permethrin. Have a check each night and carry tweezers or a tick card. I didn’t get a single one on this trip although they will feature in a later video
I get covered and apparently they prefer people with B vitamin deficiencies, high blood sugar and stronger smelling body odour 👀
Am I an exception? Did not hate it. Yes, it was extrimly challanging to me as I wanted to finish it from Rowardennan to the Bothy, but still, one of the most beautiful parts of the WHW. If I would have known in advance, I just would have stopped in Inversnaid to finish the rest the next day.
Yeah I think in hindsight it's a section to be savoured but lots approach it as a section to just tick off quickly.
@@StephenJReid Yes. Just by it*s number in miles / kilometers it seems short, but the single trail is often more challenging as es the rest of the WHW. Therefore by wrong estimation, some can start to "hate" this section. But I clearly see the mistake was on myside and it is not the fault of the trail...
Loving the series and been considering the water filter you use as it does viruses but it says it has a 2month life?? Can you elaborate
Thanks. The lifespan is 200litres. So if you dry it out in between it’ll last years. The 2 months is based on continuous usage. It’s confusing and I’ve told them they should change the wording.
That's so interesting, as for me the section after Bridge of Orchy was one of the best... because of the space and openness, so exactly the reason why you disliked it. It just seemed so... timeless and peaceful. The least favourite part.. hard to think about one. The Loch Lomond part is tiring, basically starting Balmaha, but I found it more psychologically than physically tiring. I think the worst was in the end the last bit - between the old and the new end of the Way, as It Didn't Seem To End!!! Concrete!!! How Evil!
Binge watching different WHW videos, as I plan on going back this October and yours are so far one of the most interesting. Subscribed, watched other outdoor videos, want more.
The day I did that Rannoch moor section I had 4 hours sleep and the weather was grey and drizzly all day so I don't think that helped. Yeah the end sucks, bit of an anti-climax having to walk through an empty town centre at the end of the day
@@StephenJReid I think you should go back there some day, just to see if it still feels the same. I know you have a lot of projects, but maybe you could go the other way... or take a bike (Loch Lomond section FTW :D )
Mine is arriving In milngavie. U just can’t get a flat white. And there are no cafes in that temple train station
'technical'? we call that a lovely wee walk 😂✊🏻🏴
And that’s why tourists looking for an easy dander keep breaking their ankles on it! 😂
I was so looking forward to my weekly fix of the hottest Irish man around 🎉
🙈 mustn’t be looking around much 😂
Are we just going to ignore how lucky you were with that tent? 😂
Good job I heard it falling! Was right near the start of the day too 🙈think I might store it on the inside from now on 😂
@@StephenJReid my friend lost a Nordisk tent on the hike back after it's first outing. A £500 mistake he won't be making again after having it strapped to the outside 🙈
I enjoyed the path as that’s sort of terrain I’m used to from back home…same me I get bored, but it was veeeery long 🙈 with big backpack I found some sections a bit difficult.
Just back from completing my second WHW trip. Disliked the Loch Lomond section the first time round, HATED it the second. Will still do it again though.
What did you light at the beginning….mosquito repellent? Which ones were they?
We were once picked up while hitchhiking by Loch Lomond ranger and she explained us the situation…you’re not wrong there basically the reason they did permit only is exactly the rubbish as they just had no resources to clean the amount of things left there, but I will never forget her attitude, when she was explaining us…I come from a country where is a lot of national parks and you often can’t even pick a flower or a mushroom in some areas, if you leave a rubbish and you are caught you get a huge penalty, you can’t get off the the trail and you definitely cannot wild camp there…it’s very very strict, so I was really surprised when she was telling us about the time they had to put the permit zones in a way as they really would love to let people enjoy the outdoors and they wish they didn’t have to do it, it just was not bearable to clean as people would come with cars and would leave everything there and I just did not have resources to clean…but there was no judgment, no being p*issed off with these a*holes destroying such an iconic place Loch Lomond is…she just wanted people to be able go outdoors….i actually admired that as back where I come from you’re constantly told what you cannot do and sometimes going on a hike is a real anxiety provoking thing…it’s not right people leave rubbish and there sure should be an education around that but making people being scared to go to nature is not an answer either…
'people won't get out your way...'
Yea, just say, excuse me mate... I find they often excuse you and let you past.
It's so funny to me that everyone calls this part "very technical" and sloggy etc. Like I understand that's a valid thing to say, but as someone who grew up on hikes in the alps, this is all you do.
I would love to do the WHW some day, but for me I think the challenge is definitly the mileage and not the technical parts..
I love this series lol. And also bringing back good memories from walking in Summer 2021, although conditions were slightly better then.
Thanks! Nice to here you had better weather than me 😂🙈
Great stuff again STEVEN, thanks for all your work love it all and your humour , it's puts a great big smile on my face, so can't wait to see the next installment, take care of yourself and see you soon.ps still saving my pennies for an E BIKE, Alan.⛺💯👍
Thanks Alan! The next two videos are gear videos made while walking the trail. bit of variety.
Every walking track in my part of Australia, NSW, at least.
If you've cycled in the Cambridgeshire tend you'll get that same feeling of no features, endless miles all looking and feeling the same!
It was my favourite part in April. I got bored with some of the later parts on the long tracks with unchanging scenery rah. Beautiful as it was it wasn’t as much fun as the ups and downs along the loch
Really enjoying your videos. I've started the couch to 5k because of your infectious enthusiasm and really enjoying it. I used to run when I was younger but gave it up 10 years ago. Aiming to do some trail running and at 63 I realise I need to do strength training as well. Ho-hum.
Glad you've been enjoying the videos! and really glad to hear you've started the couch to 5k!🙂 My Advice, start slow, run how you feel and make sure you can keep enjoying it. Strength training definitely a good idea for runners. Sorted out a lot of my back issues
@@StephenJReidthanks Stephen yes I realised I’m not 33 when I felt a twinge in a hamstring and I’ve been more careful since then. Not sure which trail shoes to buy, but I do have a local running shop which I’m hoping will be able to advise me. But it is for me really about enjoyment and not competition
Love your vids, one of my fav on youtube but bear in mind WHW is one of the easiest trails in Scotland, that part is a bit challenging but nothing crazy. Ive done way worse, boggy, steep, uphills or terryfied by stupid cows trying to get thru their field😅😂
Think my most miserable long distance hike was about 25miles over boggy hills on a dull day on my own. Pure misery for the half of it and near lost my boots in a bog.
@@StephenJReid lol thats really terrible, I never lost a shoe in that tho haha I guess my Montane gaiter help with that on my Altras.
The Loch Lomond stretch reminded me of the terrain in the mountains of New Hampshire ... although not as long unless you were to hike up and down every mountain in the White Mountain Range! 😆
Loch Lomond, my ancestral homeland (Colquhoun)
7:26 is my favourite scene 😂 the rocks, moss and fern are so beautiful 😍
Yeah I think that was one of the best bits
I did it in May I'd say the Lochside stretch is the most Magical but I got lucky the weather was perfect no rain nice temperature and no midge 😂
Definitely magical, I loved being in under the trees. Would be incredible in Autumn with the leaves. And also no midges
id be the same I'd enjoy the more difficult terrain around Loch Lomond compared to the open/straight slog sections! Also loving the edit on this one! 👏🏼
Thanks Matt. Yeah nothing worse than being able to see how far you have to go 🤣
@@StephenJReid haha 100% 😂
This rubbish dumping is an absolute no go. Shame on you!
I think it is definitely weather dependent. Also if you're having to keep going because everyone else has grabbed the good spots it can be a long day. In all honesty I'd say the Arran Coastal Way is FAR more gruelling.
What’s the Aaran coast like? I’ve been wondering about trying to get there via bike
Roads all the way around and a couple of good inclines to get you sweating. Impossible to do the actual Arran Way on bike. There are a couple of road sections but mostly it's boggy and VERY rocky. Especially towards the south end. It was a toughie. @StephenJReid
I loved walking the Arran Coastal Way in 2017, but yes the boulder sections were definitely challenging! Fun at the same time though when I think back. At least I survived to tell the tale 😂 Stunning coastline!
On my bucket list.
Good video of technical section, not many people film it, 😂
Thanks! Yeah I'd noticed there wasn't a lot of footage properly showing this section off.
@@StephenJReid yeh really good in the rain well done
Just finished WHW yesterday the weather for the last 50 miles was horrendous.. Loch Lomond was brutal but beautiful, we walked from Balmaha to Crainlarich 29 miles. But the descent after the Devil's staircase into Kinlochleven was a slog to say the least. An incredible experience though my feet are suffering big time.
the last 50miles would be tough in bad weather, it's so exposed
I'm with you Stephen I really enjoyed the technical terrain it was a nice relief from those flat gravel paths which completely did my feet and knee in hence I only made it to inversnaid. If ur interested to see my opinion, the mistakes and the lessons I learnt, my vid is up now - be great to catch you in the comments 😁
See u on the next vid! ATB Cat
Sorry to hear that! But failure and training are how we improve so I'm sure you'll get back and smash it next time! 🙂 Definitely helps being able to go at your own pace, I've found I'm more likely to have a miserable time if Im trying to keep up with someone else.
Good vid 👍🏼
Interesting that your metric for 'worst section' of the WHW was aesthetic. Even more interesting that it was the Rannoch Moor section, revered by landscape photographers! 😆
Granted it looked a bit dreich when you did it but the vast expanse of Rannoch Moor is something people *usually* cherish as one of Europe's last true wilderness areas. It has a real forlorn haunting quality at dawn.
Plus, before Rannoch Moor (after Bridge of Orchy) you have Loch Tulla (with a VERY photogenic lonely tree overlooking it, the Inveroran Hotel (best food and craic on the WHW IMO) and the old Drover's Road. I can only conclude that ye must have suffered a bump on yer heid at some point along that section! 😉
It's only really the last section of LL from Inversnaid that people consider the worst (as in most difficult) section of WHW. It's enjoyable before that and a relief when the trail opens out just before Doune Bothy!
Glad the rain subsided for you anyway!
As an occasional landscape photographer I found it really bland 🤣 But that was probably because the weather was really dull with mostly flat lighting. It had its moments but was the least visually interesting part of the trail for me apart from the first few miles.
Doesn't feel like a remote wilderness though due to the busy road going through the middle and the sounds of traffic drifting through the air.
Lough Tulla was nice though and I camped up on Mam Carraigh not far from that tree.
I was past the Hotel too early in the morning to benefit from it and breakfast was guests only. Timing definitely makes a difference to the experience.
Might have been grumpy because I didn't get breakfast 🤣
Well, I can not agree that the way along Loch Lomond is the worst part. Actually I liked it. Its alpine character with the view onto the Loch, maybe it's I used to more alpine terrain. Later it is getting boring (Glen Coe) sometimes when you hike through the marshy parts. Loch Lomond is a bit like hiking the Great Glen Way. But I agree hiking this part in rain is a total mess. I've had about 18 hours of rain (mostly night time) during my 9 day hike of the WHW.
Yeah it was a beautiful section. A few people have mentioned The Glen Way, might have to research for future! 🙂
I walked it in 2015, a poor American lady broke her ankle on that stretch. I wouldn’t say I hated it but it wasn’t my favourite bit 😂
I'd say it's responsible for a few broken ankles!
So technical 😅
Nah I get why this isn’t for everyone but I similarly get bored on flat walks.
I came an across a site reviewing walking routes round snowdonia a few years ago and pissed myself laughing at some of the reviews.
There was a tirade about how it was supposed to be a well maintained and an easy 20min ascent up to Llyn Idwal, it was “disgusting, a shame on the country, impassable death trap” 😂 it’s a busy route so I’m trying to imagine this alongside all the families with their 4yo managing fine!
It’s genuinely one of the best maintained routes excluding 4x4 accessible areas in snowdonia 😂
You need crampons in the winter but that’s mostly due to how many people tramp the snow into ice 😅
I’ve been thinking about doing the highland route next spring so this has been very helpful! 👌
I’ve seen a few of those reviews 😂 Can’t believe they are all real.
Try a 12 hr shift in a factory packing boxes.
Try laying 30kg pavers in 35 degree heat. For a week.
‘The worst day walking is better than the best day working’
How is that relevant exactly?
I live on Jersey, that terrain is exactly like our coastal cliff path that circles the island. How'd ya fancy 48.9 miles of that terrain, with a LOT more rock, elevation and abasement......... My daughter and I completed it last week in 12hrs 49mins on a sponsored walk. IT WAS BRUTAL...... I'm still suffering 8 days later, she's fine! Looking forward to doing the WHW in Sept with my daughter. Great channel. ATB
Sounds like brutal fun!
Great video, I know it might sound silly but I had to look up the bit about the Haggis story as I didn't understand it I was shocked as I didn't even know there was a animal haggis lol Only thing I knew was a Scottish food. Loving these series of videos
I wouldn’t take everything I say 100% seriously 😜
😂
Did you know, if you spell cheese backwards it says gullible.
@@n1nj4l1nk Lol sorry I dont normally fall for stull like that but I blame my 62 year old brain 😂 😂
@@shazie131don’t worry, I just fell down a haggis hole trying to figure this out as well 😂
I loved the loch Lomond part of the walk.Beautiful,interesting and a bit more challenging. We all enjoy different stuff.Yes, the amount of rubbish was atrocious -not sure what the answer is .
yeah it had a lot of variety
I liked the look of the technical stretch, but it was a s-t-r-e-t-c-h ! Not so sure about the thumbnail tho'. I expected something more artistic. 😉🤭😄
ha! Currently testing both!
Another cracking video - thank you!
Talk about polar opposites - I completed the WHW last month and on the Loch Lomond day I got completely roasted by the sun!
I had watched way too many videos beforehand, full of people saying how hellish this full section was, but I absolutely loved it…not sure if that makes me a complete psycho or not 😂😂
You psycho! 😂😂 It is a fun section. Mostly.
Another cracking video, a few years ago I attempted to bikepack the WHW with my mountain bike. And i mistakenly took this section with a fully loaded bike, it was horrendous, I ended up getting my wife to pick me up at beinglas owing to a broken bike! I stay in beinglas fairly often though, its within driving distance to my house and I love the campsite and the pub that goes with it! :).
That sounds like a mistake you only make once 😂
I'm watching a LOT of long distance walks on YT at the moment, gearing my fat 50+ self up to go do something, anything.
Yours is one of my favourites so far, I enjoy the humour of it over the more " and now I'm walking here, and now here" of some of the other s.
I'm intrigued that one thing most have in common is that no-one really seems to book ahead for either campsites or B&Bs. I'd have thought that would be essential on these routes?
Anyway, more please and thankyou!
Thanks! Glad you’re enjoying it 🙂 a lot of people do book ahead. I didn’t because I wasn’t sure how long it would take me, plus being able to wild camp made things flexible.
I did book the campsite for the first night and I booked the campsite for this one, when I was having lunch at the hotel.
The following 2 nights I just wild camped
I ran WHW a couple of years ago. Rowardennan to Inverarnan took me 4 hours, but loved it.
Some going. Did you carry all your kit?
@@StephenJReid Hi Stephen,
No, I only live 20 mins from Loch Lomond, so just carried hydration pack and some goodies.
i think all of us that did it at the start of may had a good luck charm cause it was beautiful weather but this section did kill me off and the footwear is the other key! them wooden steps were steeper than i 1st thought, ha! i was so happyt to see beinglass in the heat and having ice cold pint of coke. devils staircase to kinlockleaven and the outer section too was a struggle! it is a beautiful walk to do though people should try it out! :)
I had originally planned to do it at the start of May but had to delay it, which made this more painful 🤣 I quite enjoyed the devils staircase, wasn't anywhere near as bad as I thought it would be. There's a route in the Mourne Mountains near me called "The Devils Coachroad" and it's a grade 1 scramble so I was expecting the worst
I’ve been thinking about doing this trail from the US. Thank you for some of the background.
Heard quite a few US accents along the way, a real mix of nationalities walking it
My bad knee would hate this, but my heart yearns for these kinds of hiking trips! ❤ I've hiked a lot in Temagami ontario canada, and the trails are similar!
Yeah a nasty bit on your knees! I'd love to go hike in Canada sometime
I LOVE that section. I enjoy all the clambering up and over the rocks . However I have only done it in good weather.
I'd imagine it's brutal in really wet weather
Great series Stephen, all of effort put in thx for sharing.
I guess the title is partly clickbait since it is almost impossible to hate this section. I did this part with my girlfriend some years ago. I have hiked a couple times in Norway but she didn't have much experience. We loved it, it was absolutely absolutely beautiful. Yes, she had some trouble with the more technical stuff, but there were no real 'climbs', river crossings or swamps as I was used to in Norway. There were a lot of 'tourists' though, not really dressed for the occasion and some of them on a group tour. I guess these had a hard time? But anyone into hiking/trail running should love this part. We did have better weather though
Going by messages I received and posts on Facebook groups it really does get mentioned as the most disliked part of the trail. I think it’s exactly as you say that people are expecting a casual walk
@@StephenJReid If you had reservations about the WHW, why do it & then complain??.
@@neilanderson841 If you watch the video you'll see this is not the case.
Yup. I hate that bit. Seems to go on forever. Every time you think you are at the end of the Loch you realise you arent.Getting to Beinglas campsite is a relief.
As for the Rrannoch moor section. It has its charms.
Yeah there was a couple of times I thought I was done and still miles more of it
Imagine this section on a bike! Not fun!
I met a VERY unhappy guy manhandling his mountain bike in the middle of it 😂
@@StephenJReidahah I m oddly wanting to do this section again but in reverse. Was still a good laugh. I would 100% love it on foot though.
looks like fun to run an ultra trail there... ps welcome to the suunto team so!! i've got sooooo much kit caps, buffs, tee;s, pens, key rings etc etc etc...and a few watches best kit ever!!! PS maybe make a short film on the battery packs if you've not already??
thanks! Enjoying the Suunto so far although it's a bit too easy to accidentally activate the main button with my wrist.
@@StephenJReid you can lock 🔒 it when it’s active?! I’ll what’s app you with how to! When I climb or kayak I lock mine! The lock 🔒 lets you still see other details on the watch but won’t turn off or reset anything in action!
I’ve often heard how aggressive the haggis can be along the trail. I’m glad you were able to remain safe
Gotta be careful !😂
Love your videos man. Top production and humor is on point.
Thanks! 🙂
Have to say that I enjoyed that section ….. certainly need to use your brain ! 😂
Yup! Gotta watch every step. Stops you zoning out
Very nice video, I really enjoyed it, thanks for sharing. 👍
Thanks for watching! 🙂
Is it bikeable?
There’s a 4mile part where you’d be pushing/carrying/dragging etc the entire way. Some people have brought bikes along it but they all say it’s awful. Personally if I was going to bikepack it I would see if I could bypass the second half somehow. Maybe via ferry
Yes! Loving these videos, thank you 👍 So, would you recommend the ALPI 40L? If so, what's best price you found?
Thanks! I think the ALPI 40 was good for my my needs, but maybe not for everyone. It’s designed that you can run in it, which makes it a bit complex
I haven’t tested many similar category bags to say if I think it’s the best choice for others but it worked great for me. It is very expensive though, I paid about £250 but can’t remember exactly where. I’ll prob be testing some other bags in future.
@@StephenJReid Thanks for getting back. I'm looking to try something different, without a waist belt, and between 30-40l for mixed fast hiking and running. It's the same price range as an Atom+ EP40, so mid-range for an Alpine pack.
At that volume, I don't think you're spoilt for choice! I've only found: the ADVENTURE 40-45L (£140 and not sure it's meant for running); the Epic XT 3.0 (£230 which does look interesting); and Trailblazer XT35 (£140) all rely on the waist belt, and I'm not sure about the Fastpack 40 (£150) which is very similar to the ALPI 40.
Thanks as always for the great videos. I thoroughly enjoy them. Can’t wait for the next one.
Thanks Vicky!
New subscriber from Australia. Love the Glencoe video. Cheers for sharing
No it's the best section at least for me. Hated that section where you have to walk on the old military road to the ski resort.
Yeah that was the bit I didn't like either. Didn't help the weather was mostly dull that day.
The lakeside footage reminds me of hiking in New Zealand - ie, so much fun!
I'd love to visit New Zealand some day
Boosting for the algorithm 🙌 Love your work, keep it up! 🌻🐝
😁 Thank!
My man, the West Coast Trail in BC Canada is 75 km of this kinda trail, with mud bogs, ladders, tidal crossings and rivers…It’s awesome! This looks like a tame version of it lol! 😂 I can’t wait to someday do this Scottish trail!
No offense to anyone but those comments are mainly from people who don't hike very much or are just used to "walks" camino style from bed to bed. I wild camped whole Way over 6 days then continued straight away to Great Glen Way spontaniously and it took 3.5 days.
Trails here in Finland aren't built up like WHW and such. Loch Lomond was just another trail. Personally I quite enjoyed the lush surroundings and little bit of rocks and roots. Also great for swimming! Noice pollution not so much!
Great videos so far 👍!
You get from a place what you bring with you
Agree, it mostly grumpy or not very experienced and weak people. Its nothing comparing to Southern Upland Way and being chased (or blocked) by angry cows thru the fields lol
Beautiful and well edited thanks ❤🎉😊
Thanks!
You’re seriously good 👍
Wow, beautiful place❤This video is like a rollercoaster ride of emotions. One minute Stephen sir is loving the challenge, the next he’s running away from a horsefly. 😂
😁 I'm just glad horseflies are not as large as a horse!
@@StephenJReid 😂
Haha two years ago I hiked from Oban to St Andrews, and that May it rained 27 out of 30 days! I feel ya with the rain.
00:50 I love that sound . 😍 Sit in the tent, look around and listen. Peace and harmony.
I love it when it haven't been listening to it for 3 days solid and it's going to stop before I have to get up 🤣
I did the WHW on a mountain bike and the most challenging part was the Loch Lomond section. You could ride some of it, but you had to keep getting off and carrying your bike, sometimes scrambling with you bike on your shoulder. Soul destroying.
Incidentally I loved the section you hated. That part between The Bridge of Orchy and Glencoe over Rannoch Moor was amazing on the bikes.
My favourite part was between The Devils Staircase and Kinlochleven, great MTB trail.
Love the vids, great stuff.
You rock.
I met a very unhappy mountain biker on the Loch Lomond section 😂
Funny I thought the Rannoch Moor section would be great on a bike! Think I might go back and bikepack some of some time
Glad you’re enjoying the videos!
Rannoch moor was pure torture on the bike for me. But mainly because the headwind was so strong we barely managed to go forward. Probably would have been nice with good weather.
Haggis infestation 😀
Brother that is the best part
Lovely, a special video just for us, thanks
Well early release for members, everyone gets to see it tomorrow afternoon 🙂 For once I had a video ready before publish day 🤣
Loved it thank you! Aussie here so this is going to be a silly question, but are there such things as Haggis animals?
They are as real as Australian Drop Bears 😛
@@StephenJReid 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Kyla Stream
Great video, love watching ❤❤.
Thanks Alan! 🙂
Another cracking video matey 💪👌
Thanks Tim!
It's my favourite bit of the way. It is truly stunning.
Love it Stephen, looking forward to the rest 😁
Thanks Mark!
There is a difference between loch lomand was easy and f that loch and that is did u do conic hill
I’ve read this 5 times and still not sure what you mean. 🤷♂️
Most people who dont do conic hill will say loch lomand is easy the people that do conic hill most say lomand is the hard part
Great video was looking forward to seeing it
Thanks! 🙂
Argh my TENT I need that!! 😅
🏃♂️ ⛺️ 😱🤪
It's lovely to see somewhere other than the pct or appalachian 😅
I was researching the AT after finishing this 😂 but think I’d rather stick to shorter more easy to get to trails for now!
@@StephenJReid might be a bit dryer 😆
Done this in a few week ago. Nothing to hate walking by a beautiful lake
Did you split it up or try it in one go?
@StephenJReid I walked from Rowardennan to Beinglas. It was definitely tough and very long but hates a strong word to describe it. The hoards of people also walking the trail was what I hated 😄
Hello future season, great video 😁 really good 😊
Can't believe I was so tired I messed up my name 🙈
@@StephenJReid it happens 😊 it added to the video 😁👍🏻
Awesome vid! 😊
Thanks! 🙂
Most HATED section? Seriously? Gawd, you should try the Matane Reserve in Quebec, Canada. Did it last year. One day had no less than 4 hills of 1,000 metres. In between peaks, the moose had churned the lower sections into knee deep mud. Last day had me making like a monkey down a series of belay ropes. And me over 60.
I don't think anyone was claiming it's the most hated section in the world, just on this trail...