Why DID I FAIL? MISTAKES & LESSONS - West Highland Way
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- Опубликовано: 22 июн 2024
- My tips for the West Highland Way - Gutted that I failed to finish the WHW due to injury. There were several mistakes and lessons learnt along the way. I still managed to have some amazing adventures though and definitely made the most of my time in Scotland, camping next to lochs, enjoying the mountains, finding a remote bothy and camping next to the most beautiful beach I've ever seen in the UK - more on that in future videos!
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The two lads - Kris and Drew both completed the route - well done guys!!!
If you would like to donate to one of our charities please click below:
Derby Doorways food bank - Cat
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Alzheimers UK - Kris
www.justgiving.com/page/kris-...
Mind Wirral - Drew
www.justgiving.com/page/westh...
Change Grow Live - Drew
www.justgiving.com/page/westh...
Despite failing I enjoyed the trip and making this video. If you have any tips to share please leave a comment - I will be back, like Arnold Schwarzenegger! 😂
Also if you want to donate to any of our charities, links in the description 👍
heal soon xx better luck next attempt... wish i could even get there to try :(
@@RootsLion cheers I will do better next time for sure! Hope u still get out in nature whatever u do 👍
@@Wild.cat.adventures Sorry it did not work out for you. I think I was able to do the WHW because I prepared myself months in advance by fitness training in the Gym (cardio and muscles), doing walks in the park with a halfpacked backpack and also with smaler 2-3 day hikes to test my equipment and to gather experience. So I was able to finish the WHW without muscle pains and all in all in a good shape (although exausted afterwards), otherwise I probably would'nt have made it. But the WHW for me was anyway a motivation to get more fit in total.
Videos illustrating when things don't go to plan are just as important as the videos of complete journeys. So thank you for sharing this. I certainly wouldn't consider it a failure, far from it. You learnt a great deal and you'll go into your next attempt with that experience and confidence.
Thank you I hope sharing will help others, I've definitely learnt a lot and I will definitely be back, better than before!
Bless you, you did grand. You know for next time, and you will kill it on your next. The advice Jockies can be ignored too. All the best to you x
Haha there's a few of them about lol! Just hope I can get my knee better! Thanks fir the comment 😁
“Success is built on a mountain of failure”….👍🏻
Ain't that the truth! 👍
I’ve done it five times.The first time I felt like giving up but I persevered and things got better.The Devils staircase and the climb out of Kinlochleven were the hardest parts for me.
Wish I could've persevered but there was no way with the pain my knee was in unfortunately, I will be back though!
Please don’t be too despondent - hope you’re soon feeling miles better. As a fellow ‘mountain gangrel’, I enjoy watching the videos of your camps; they provide a relaxing balm for jangled nerves after a fraught day of work! I’ve done some great backpacks through the Highlands over the years, often using the fabulous network of bothies. The best advice I could offer from experience is to always set one’s own personal comfortable pace and distance and for that reason I usually prefer to go alone - it gives a real sense of mental calm as well. A great thing about Scotland is the right to wild camp almost anywhere. Made a wee donation to Derby Doorways.
Aww thank you for the donation! 😁 And totally agree re pace, distance and the mental calm, I love solo camping for these reasons. I found one of the best bothies in the uk to stop in the following night, more on that soon! Hope work isn't too nerve jangling!
You are adventurous, vulnerable, and tenacious. Watching you is always worth the trip. (I flashed that your pair of trail runners are like the ones I wear.)
Awww thanks Brian I appreciate that! Hopefully see u on the next vid!
Recently come across your channel yay! New adventures to binge. This adventure looks amazing and some beautiful scenery. My friend Tim @HardUpHiker recently did this hike solo and i'm looking forward to seeing his adventure. You have the personailty and energy I enjoy in these outdoor channels. Sorry to see you had to bail but that heel could have caused you severe problems. You was walking to compensate and messing up your knees and hips. Its not only a lesson to yourself, its a lesson to me and i'm sure many others. We learn through our own mistakes and others. Hopefully a full recovery and another attempt next year at your own pace! It doesn't take away from the great videos. Go easy on yourself and take care! 😊🫡
Hi and welcome to the channel! Glad you enjoyed. As it turned out my knees are the bigger problem with months of physio ahead but I'll get there and I will definitely be back on the whw! Catch u on the next vid 😁
Sorry to hear about your issues. I hope you have a speedy recovery 🙏
Atb Taff 🤠👊
Cheers taff! Knew still not right but seen the physio and got some exercises 👍 adapt and overcome!
Hope your feeling better soon Kat.........there's always another day. Loved your vid xx
Thank you, getting there but think it will take a while. Glad u enjoyed 😊
Nothing is ever a failure, it's a step on the gravel path to learning.
Cheers mate. It's only a fail if you don't learn or improve! 👍
I had a pressure sore on a half day hike and it was so sore and made my knee hurt as well they really really hurt so definitely feel for you
Ouch that's not good on a half day walk! How did that happen?
I like that you made the best of it! Feet, argh, I feel your pain, have been dealing with feet/knee issues for the last 2 years. Good that you called it before anything exploded! Well at least you have a good story out of it :)
Thanks yh I didn't want to cause more permanent injury, still recovering now but I'll be back! 😊
I'm gutted for you, but these things happen. The trail will still be there when you're healed up. Very sage advice about training properly and not relying on your ability to keep to a tight schedule 👍❤️
Thanks I do hope others will benefit from what I've learnt and I will definitely be back wiser and stronger!
Not all trips turn out as we plan. The take away is that it isnt a failure, memories were made and it will help prepare for future trips. Thanks for another great video.
Thanks someone said it's always a win if you learn and yes defo some good memories! I will be back! 😁
Very well said, well done Cat, you gave it a shot. On to the next walk, trip, adventure.
Rock on girl, 😎
❤
Sorry to hear about you're heel injury Cat. Glad to hear you like scotland Cat.
Scotland was epic! Already planning my next adventure there!
Injuries happen Cat, get yourself back up next year and go again. When you were looking through the bothy book i was looking to see if my message appeared, i took walk over to the bothy my dogs a couple of months ago . ..Anyway the trip gave you an insight on what to do next time , you should take that as a positve ...atb Stevie
Cheers Stevie I will definitely be back and better prepared than before, I know where I went wrong! Love a good bothy book read, shame I didn't get to your comment
I'm so sorry things didn't work out for you. I had to bail last year due to a sickness bug on day three, so know what it's like. You put so much effort into the planning and when it doesn't go to plan it's a proper blow. The trail will be there for another time though.
Regarding the Vivobarefoots, I would totally agree they aren't suited. I love mine, but for the WHW they just aren't suitable because of the terrain. I recently completed the Cumbria Way Mountain Route with them and my feet were in pain for days after. I'm not sure I'd use them for long distance trails like this really. Although I have been looking at getting some extra cushioned insoles for them and seeing how that goes.
Great video and some good things to take away from it. Really enjoyed the video. You'll smash it next time. 💪
Thank you, that's made me feel bit better! I bought some gel insoles so will give those a go and see how I get on. I will defo be back next year! Hope to catch u next week for the 2nd part of what I got up to after the whw 👍
When you have a long walk or anything that takes time no matter if its walking playing golf football you have to do the grift work before hand. Like what is it a 4 or five day trek. so three months before 5miles a day with one rest day then throw in a couple of ten miles in a week. when you feel comfortable with that Then try carrying the weight you intend to carry out one day miss a day and so on. At this time pencil in the start day of your walk now that is the target and you must be happy at your progress. The the big day start off don't over reach yourself. by the middle you should be feeling that you could walk forever. Still keep to your routine and when you finish think how you will feel, but still walk maybe 4 times in the week at 5 miles so your body begins to relax and you feel real good. You can then take on other challenges because you are super fit super confident. enjoy your walk and do not give in because you will never forgive yourself in later life. Do no make excuses for yourself you made a mistake is all everybody makes mistakes but you are going to win that walk.
Wise words thanks for the advice 👍
You done the right thing.
That bit after the Inversnaid hotel would have ruined your feet even more.
You’ll get back there even stronger!
💪🏻
100% live and learn! There was no way I was gonna finish the whole thing so made the decision sooner rather than later to avoid a much worse injury 👍
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.
Thanks for watching Stephen, appreciate the comment! My next vid gives u a shout out for the cones haha! I prefer solo camps in general but nice to catch up with friends for a laugh, helped the miles pass by too! 😁
A friend and I (both women about your age and fitness level) walked the WHW in April. You'll be back and you'll have a wonderful trip next time. A couple suggestions that made our trip successful... We did 14 miles per day over an 8-day trip. I wore my Keen (wide toe box) boots and sandals and still felt those rocks eventually but I had no blisters. I wore knee support braces and they kept my knees in alignment on all those rock scrabbles. My knee braces were soft, velcro closure ones from Boots. I wouldn't have been able to do it without them. I guess other people felt the same because every shop along the Way had some for sale. Oh and trekking poles!!! Particularly in the last sections trekking poles were a must to take the weight off the knees.
Thanks for the tips, I will definitely be back and I know what to expect next time so won't be making the same mistakes, maybe different ones tho lol!
Hi Kat..... Do not beat yourself up. You have not failed as you went so far with your adventure. Brush yourself off and think about what you can do now and try again. Life is to short as it is. I have faith in you and know you can get fit enough to take on the challenge. Once you are fit enough think about going again and making it one you can remember.... I am behind you all the way my dear... Regards Mick,,,,,,,, Chef-on-the-wild-side,,,,,,,,, X
Thanks mick, that's my plan, physio said early signs of arthritis in knees so gotta build up slow and pace better I think, but definitely doable if I plan it right! I still made the most of it as u will see in the next vid 😊 catch u again soon, take care for now 👍
Good call. A good honest reflection and lessons learned turns into experience.
You're welcome to join me and my brother Derek, ( Densum Ranger ), next year if you wish.
However you decide to do it again, best of luck and you're now more wiser and experienced.
Cheers hope it helps others! I'll be doing it solo next time I think but if u happen to see me do say hello! Hope to catch u guys on the next vid 😁
You did your best and were honest when things went wrong. I have only respect for you. There are a lot of bullshitters on here and you are not one of them.😊
Haha thank you, nope no bullshit here! 😁
I had to painkiller my way through that second lochlomond section, it must have been rough in barefoot boots too! All we can do is learn from these experiences and think what to do differently next time
Yh Co codamol and ibuprofen just weren't touching it sadly, yh barefoot boots definitely not the one! I will be back tho, stronger and better!
Don't be too hard on yourself, you gave it your best shot then made the wise decision to pull out, comfy feet are a must if your going to cover long distances, there's plenty more walks to go on and next time you'll have more knowledge when deciding which shoes to choose 👍
Yh if I'd carried on I would've had a serious injury. I'll definitely be back next year for sure!
i find when i am carrying a lot of weight i need extra cushioning in my shoes, also, darn tough socks are worth every penny.
Yh I love my socks, defo need some more cushioned boots so hard to find the perfect ones!
A group of friends and I did it in seven days. We had our accommodation all booked ahead. Walking with a lighter pack makes it easier on the feet. We also made friends with other walkers as many folks started on Sunday and finished on Saturday. One of my friends needed medical help with a bad rash as he wore baggy boxer shorts that rubbed. You will be back
100% I will be back! Stopping in hotels etc sounds lovely, nice way to do it! Thanks for the comment, hope to see you on the comments in the next vid - part 2 of my highland adventure 👍
A shame, and disappointing, but you made the right decision Cat.
Good on you for staying positive.
Thanks I was gutted to make the decision even knowing it was the right one, but I was determined to make the most of being in Scotland!
Thank you for uploading this, and please don’t look upon it as being a failure. That heel looked really painful.
I walked the WHW way back in ’88….in DMs somehow! (But I was young). I loved it, but there were two stand out negative memories - midges (it was July), and also the long slog along the side of Loch Lomond…..it seemed to be an endless day of tripping over tree roots and stubbing my toes!
If you don’t mind me making any suggestions….. We stayed in B&Bs. Is it possible to do that next time? Then you’d be carrying less weight, which might be beneficial. Also, if you don’t need too much support for your ankles, could you use some kind of trail shoe/trainer with plenty of ‘sponginess’, and carry light boots for when you might need them? Now I tend to wear a thin liner socks, and another over them. This has been really helpful in preventing blisters, although I appreciate it wasn’t specifically blisters that were your main concern.
All the best whenever you decide to do it again, and thank you for documenting it, as it is an encouraging video for others to see. I hope you’re feeling much better now.
I prefer to wild camp, it gives more flexibility and I love it. We did have a half way refuel bag waiting at bridge of Orchy to reduce weight and I was able to eat on route and filter water which saved a lot of weight. I would consider a lighter tent etc to further reduce weight tho plus that would mean I'd be able to carry spare shoes which I saw several people doing. I did buy some trail runners and will definitely wear something with a cushioned sole next time! Can't believe you did it in DMs haha!
Did it in boots last year my mate had to give up after two days with terrible blisters, I finished without a single one. To be honest though I'm not really sure how? Sock liners maybe? Keeping my boots on all day? Compede? Who knows. My 64 year old legs were bloody sore though lol.
Fair play at 64 that's no easy feat (pun intended 🤣) I didn't have blisters tho, I had pressure ulcers because barefoot boots have no cushioning in the heel - live and learn!
You made the right call, the path is nearly all hard-packed gravel so it would only have got worse. Come back next year and walk your own walk.
Yh I was ridiculously slow and in a lot of pain, it was only a matter of time before I had to stop so made the decision before things got worse. I will be back though and looking forward to doing it solo 😊
Sorry you had to pull out……but looking at your injury it was the smart choice. Live to fight another day
Thanks, knees still not right need lots of physio but hopefully will get there!
Sorry that it didn’t happen for you this time but valuable lessons learnt for you and those contemplating the walk. What pack weight were you carrying and did that factor in at all?
I didn't weight it but I'd say about 11kg all in which is comfortable for me. I don't think it was a factor as it felt comfortable to carry. Hope others can benefit from my mistakes tho 👍
@@Wild.cat.adventures 3 really useful observations to take on board. It’s great to see people succeed on it but it’s also really helpful to hear of experiences like your own and far more valuable than those who breeze it. Here’s to your success next time round
Gutted for you Cat but I wouldn't call it failure, you gave it your best shot and you've learned from it. I hope your knee and foot heal quickly!
It looks like you enjoyed some cracking times, great views and food even if the pasta made you fart in the night 😁😁😁
Thanks for sharing, enjoyable as always and good luck to you when you try again 👍👍
Thanks Paul, I've been to see the physio and got some exercises, feet on the mend although not looking pretty. Still had a blast, Scotland is beautiful! It was definitely the lads farting and snoring 🤣 catch you on the next one 👍
@@Wild.cat.adventures Fingers crossed you'll be up and at it again soon! Yes Scotland is stunning, I'd love to hike and camp there, maybe some bikepacking aswell.
Haha, I'll believe you 🤣🤣
Catch you soon
Well done lass.your better off up peak district where there's no wild haggises biting your feet
Haha cheers also less midges 🤣
When i first started watching your video i thought to myself, ohh all the way to Balmaha on the first day 🫤 thats ambitious. Go again and this yime stop at Drymen, about 12 miles. You will fare way better, and yes, ditch those barefoot boots. Go for something like Hoka, they have great cushioning
Yh looking at the hokas or altra lone peaks! Yep it was definitely an ambitious plan! We did cut out conic hill but even then it was a long way!
Don't be too hard on yourself. You live. You learn. And resting is a good thing. The WHW will still be there when you are good and ready for it again.
Thanks! Always learning and always trying to better! Hoping to try again next year 👍
Heid up👍🏴.
Thanks Joe 😁
I don't count it as making a mistake when on a journey,,there are are highs and lows to all beautiful adventures,,I count it as another link in the chain of evolution of myself 🙏
Ooo I like that! Apart from the pain and being a bit gutted, there were definitely more highs 😁
@@Wild.cat.adventures I always think along these lines,,that wherever there is chaos growth will soon follow,,your personality and your spirit for fun comes through in your videos,,so I know you'll be back 💯🌠
Hi, what tent is that?
It's the scarp1 by tarptent 😉
failure is just inspiration fuel.
100% I'm more determined than ever lol!
4 k views while it aint looking good for the guy from wales 👀
🤣 People vote with their feet, I'm just doing my thing and being happy with life 😁
Good effort mate and a great capture win,win 👏
Cheers Steve, I still had a good time but no way I could carry on. Next year I'll be back!
@@Wild.cat.adventures every journey is personal win lose or draw its just a win,win experience
@@stevebaker9341 I like that! 👍
Shame you could not finish. What was your pack weight?
Prob about 12kg at its heaviest, easy enough for me to carry 👍
@@Wild.cat.adventures Just wondered :)
The first 2 stages are killers , people look at the distance and not the terrain
@@hazelmeldrum5860 yh the hard thing with the terrain is its all the same flat path for miles on end, created pressure points in the same place. I liked the more technical but round Loch lomond, that's more my cup of tea 😊
Awesome share
Cheers dave 😁
don't beat yourself about it its always next time and think about it like this u still have your sun glasses , i know how the pain in the knee is I'm waiting for two new knees . but for the pain in the hip what you wanna do is get your legs in the air more often 😉😉😋😋😎its not a race who comes first to end the race , the point about the walk is to enjoy it not to kill yourself sweetie 😎
Haha I didn't mention I also lost one of the nose support things off my sunglasses, now I need another pair 🤣 hope u get your knee replacement op soon and u get a new lease of life 👍
@@Wild.cat.adventures omfgg cant take u anywhere how about next time leave new ones at home 🤣🤣iv been waiting about 10 years for knew knee know the good knee is going too soon ill be doing the Irish jig 😂😂new lease off life i could do with as long as i can still ride a bike im good lol
@@josht.m9697 most people I talk to say it's like a miracle. Hope u get ur miracle soon!
@@Wild.cat.adventures i hope so too , oops good morning hope u have a beautiful day 😎
You'd be amazed how many people drop out for various reasons. There's always a next time.
I can imagine! I will definitely be back!
8 k views .... you deserve it at least you actually go out and camp and set your own tent up e.t.c unlike Karen goes wild
I appreciate the comment/compliment but Karen is a friend so I'll not hear a bad word said, she's struggling sciatica - I know that pain 👍
@@Wild.cat.adventures i swear before she was struggling with sciatica she went to go camping and ended up nearly going home and getting a fish and chips
At least she didn't try to cover it up and fake like some creators do
@@Wild.cat.adventures ye thats what i said when she said it i thought well shes a real 1.. i dont dislike her by the way how can anyone dislike her
dear god..."no offence...' always follows a tone deaf comment because they know it will cause offence but go ahead a say it anyway. As does putting on a bad Scots accent. It's just ignorant and rude...no offence.
Thanks for the comment, no offence taken, it just helps the algorithm 👍
4 k views while it aint looking good for the guy from wales 👀
You have 2 channels? Thank you for the double comments and helping the algorithm 😁