I wasn't fit enough, lost 5 kilos in 6 days of walking. Despite all the big breakfasts and fish&chips in Tyndrum.
As to gear, well, with so many places to stay on the way, and luggage-moving firms, you don't need camping gear. Just good footwear, waterproofs, day-sack and water/snacks.
Completed WHW a week ago. Not camping, staying at SYHAs, and yes I did give in (on the second day) to a baggage courier firm. I reckoned I wanted to see and enjoy a rare treat in the Highlands, and being able to more nimbly walk with my 10L OMM sack was just right. More than that, I think I overpacked and that's the kind of thing one learns with experience. I found it tricky in parts, though, but just about right for me. Very seriously enjoyable - my best days have to be: * Inverarnan to Bridge of Orchy - didn't realise I could walk so far! Great sense of achievement there and I really enjoyed that pint in the Bridge of Orchy Hotel as I waited on the train. * Bridge of Orchy to Altnafeadh - because that side of Rannock is just so gobsmackingly beautiful.
I was just reading through your account and enjoying it (again) too.
Getting on with my life and thinking about things.
Well done!
ReplyDeleteI walked the WHW in 1982.
John Stuart
Knoxville, Tennessee, USA at the foot of the Smoky Mountains.
That's something to be proud of.
ReplyDeleteI do plan to do the WHW, I'm neither fully kitted out nor fit enough yet though.
Steven Lobban
Hi Steve,
ReplyDeleteLet me know how the Bill Lobban thread pans out.
I wasn't fit enough, lost 5 kilos in 6 days of walking. Despite all the big breakfasts and fish&chips in Tyndrum.
As to gear, well, with so many places to stay on the way, and luggage-moving firms, you don't need camping gear. Just good footwear, waterproofs, day-sack and water/snacks.
Duncan
Completed WHW a week ago. Not camping, staying at SYHAs, and yes I did give in (on the second day) to a baggage courier firm. I reckoned I wanted to see and enjoy a rare treat in the Highlands, and being able to more nimbly walk with my 10L OMM sack was just right. More than that, I think I overpacked and that's the kind of thing one learns with experience. I found it tricky in parts, though, but just about right for me.
ReplyDeleteVery seriously enjoyable - my best days have to be:
* Inverarnan to Bridge of Orchy - didn't realise I could walk so far! Great sense of achievement there and I really enjoyed that pint in the Bridge of Orchy Hotel as I waited on the train.
* Bridge of Orchy to Altnafeadh - because that side of Rannock is just so gobsmackingly beautiful.
I was just reading through your account and enjoying it (again) too.
I certainly preferred the Highland sections, instead of the southern parts.
ReplyDeleteIt gave me a taste for more long treks.