96 miles of wilderness and a backpack full of lessons...

The 96-mile journey that awakens your inner tartan-clad Jacobite rebel — only instead of a sword and shield, you’re armed with hiking poles and midge repellent. And with names like Black Mount, Devil’s Staircase, and Bridge of Orchy along the way, it’s hard not to feel like you’ve stumbled into Lord of the Rings: Scotland Edition.

I first got the idea to embark on this quest for no reason other than spotting a blank week in my schedule and thinking, “why not?”. I always need some kind of adventure on the horizon for my general survival (or maybe it’s just ADHD). I messaged my mum to ask if she fancied it in a couple of weeks’ time — and to my surprise, she replied almost instantly: “Aye.” That was easy.

Looking back, we were probably far too relaxed in our approach. I didn’t really do any research beyond a five-minute Google. I’ve hiked all over the world on some fairly epic peaks, so I wasn’t too worried about a “wee, mostly flat multi-day in my homeland.” Which brings us to now, and why I feel compelled to write up the journey and lessons learned — because on finishing, I’ve been surprised by how many people have asked about it. Even my international friends, who I assumed had never even heard of the West Highland Way, wanted the lowdown.

To give you an idea of our level of preparation: we booked the campsites the week before, Mum bought her backpack the day before, and we picked up a map at the starting point like Grandpa would nip to the corner shop for his morning paper.

Now, I’m not about to pretend I’m suddenly the Gandalf of the West Highland Way after completing it once. But I figured that by sharing my journey — through photos, mishaps, and the odd lesson learned — it might better prepare you for your own attempt. Or maybe you just fancy reading about a Scottish adventure for the hell of it!

We chose to do the trail south to north, because honestly, it just seems like the sane way and low-key, judged anyone trudging in the opposite direction. Personally, I’d rather save the big views for when my legs are about to give in — that way I can collapse in awe of the peaks, instead of collapsing in some flat field looking like I’m reenacting the Highland Clearances.

Fun fact:

The West Highland Way was Scotland’s first official long-distance walking route, opened in 1980. It runs for 96 miles (154 km) from Milngavie to Fort William, crossing everything from farmland and lochside paths to wild Highland moor. Most people choose to complete the WHW in the summer months within 5-8 days.

Watch before you go: Rob Roy & Braveheart to get into the highlander psyche.