6 Days in May : Walking Scotland's West Highland Way
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- čas přidán 4. 02. 2023
- In this 2023 re edit of my first time hiking the West Highland Way, join me as i set out from Milngavie to walk the 96 mile trail to its end point in Fort William. The excitement at finally starting out on this epic walk is tempered by the passing of a good friend who, under different cicumstances, had been planning to join me.
Re edited in higher quality and containing unseen footage and added narration,this was originally viewed over 40k times in its previous incarnation.
Music credits:
loch lomond by spyglass inn
Long Road Ahead by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Source: incompetech.com/music/royalty-...
Artist: incompetech.com/
Still one of the best WHW videos out there . Still worth an hour out of my day every now and again. Makes me want it do it again
Indah sekali....sukses
Great footage, heartfelt tribute to Connor. I'm going in May and I will look out for his rock.
Hi many thanks for watching and good luck with your own journey along the way in may. All the best, Carl 👍
Brilliant video pal...Just did the walk last week, my friend told me of the rock, and was looking for it. Now i've seen the video, I know exactly where it is......I'll be sure to have a wee whisky. Long live his memory
Thank you for your kind words. I did the walk (again) a fortnight ago so we weren't far apart. I called in at his rock as I always do when passing. His plaque has faded a little with the weather so I'll be bringing the brasso on my next pass through. Thanks for watching, all the best, Carl
@@carljohnsonoutdoors I'll be up there again this year....and make it my point to find it! Cheers pal...a wee Highland Park to toast.
Wonderful video/ film.....I'm planning to do the West Highland Way too this year probably September......I'm now going to watch this on my 50 inch TV for a second time as it was soooo good. Thank-you 😊 BTW any tips for a fit 77 year old ex mountaineer would be great.....
Wonderful tribute to Connor I will raise a toast to him on my way .....in 2023.❤
Hi Sue glad you enjoyed the video - especially enough to watch it twice! I hope it gives you some help in planning your own adventure. Yes please raise a glass to Connor as you pass. It gives both his family and myself great comfort to hear of people seeking out the rock or raising a toast. As for giving you advice I'm sure you could give me some with your experience. I am planning a forthcoming video of tips and advice for anyone walking the way so keep an eye out for that.
All the best, Carl
Brilliant Carl .I loved the tribute to Conner .I've done the west Highland way 7 times ranging from sub 20 hours in 1989 in the race you witnessed I ran it again 92 .in sub30 hours .After a hip replacement in 2006 I walked it in 5 days in 2007 4 days 2008 n I've done it 7 days since .Las time was 2017 .3 hip replacements n a knee replacement at the ripe old age of 60 I'm due another crack at it .we'll done Carl
Hello , wow as much as I love the route I can't even begin to contemplate full completion in under 20 hours but I certainly take my hat off to you!
Thank you for watching, all the best, Carl
I was on the WHW last month (October '23) and the plaque on 'Connor's Rock' seems very familiar to me. I remember calling to the others in the group that someone had affixed a plaque to one of the stones. Thousands will see it. Thanks for doing it for your friend.
Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. There's a few plaques along the way. This one is not too far from the Glencoe ski centre but slightly off the trail commanding a great view of buchaille etive mor. Hopefully this is the one you found. Cheers,Carl
Hi from Ireland..Great vid ..we walked it in year 2000..one of the best experiences ever..brought back good memories..
Your did your friend proud..a perfect spot to lay his ashes.🙂
Hi Dave, thank you for watching the video and for your kind comments. Much appreciated 👍
Thanks for showing a lot of the country side. I am doing the WHW this May, 2024 and I was interested in the weather. I will look up your other video for planning.
@@outdoorswalker3744 Thanks for watching and commenting, you'll find a greater wealth of information in some of my later videos from subsequent hikes of the way which I'm sure will help you in your planning. Good luck with your forthcoming trip. I hope the weather treats you well. All the best, Carl
Fantastic your story brought tears to my to my eyes. Great thing to do looking at tackling this in May this year. If I hopefully complete I will have a wee dram at his rock 🪨 bless you
Hi Darren, thank you for watching and for your kind words. I actually met a guy last may whilst walking the way for a fifth time who told me the same thing. We had been walking together for a couple of miles before he told me he'd recognised me from CZcams. He then told me it was the only one he had watched on here that had made him cry. Good luck with your journey along the way. It's a great trail and a fantastic experience. If you locate the rock please do have that dram!!! All the best, Carl
Most definitely I’ll keep in touch Carl gave me a good insight to wot I need along the way 👍🏻
Lovely tribute. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for watching 👍
God bless Connor 🙏 he was a lucky man to have a pal like you,
Thank you. That means a lot. He was a great guy. Thanks for watching, All the best, Carl
Beauuuuuutiful! WELL DONE!
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.
All the best, Carl
Hi Carl, thanks so much for your encouragement. I fly out to Glasgow tonight, arrive on the 17th. Three nights there then one night in Milngavie. I start the walk this Sunday. I am hoping for good weather. I have done as much as I could with training, probably still not enough, but will give it a good go. I will be thinking much of my dear late friend along the way. I will be catching up with her relatives at the end, in Inverness. Wish me luck!
Hi Christine I hope your trek along the WHW went well and my video helped prepare you for your adventure. Thanks for watching, all the best, Carl
Thanks a lot for this great video about the WHW. I've done this exceptional scenic hike with a good friend in September 2017. Your impressions brought back memories. Respect to your memorial. Conners Rock will always be a special place on the West Highland Way thanks to your footage.
Youre welcome! Glad you enjoyed it. Connors Rock has become a place of pilgrimage for me. It will continue to lead me back again and again over the coming years im sure. All the best,Carl
Well Carl what can I say, apart from just what else have you got up your sleeve? I particularly enjoyed this version of the adventure and you have definitely ramped this up and really improved the quality of the video. I love all your adventures and I haven’t seen one which hasn’t been beneficial or enjoyable in any way. I’m really loving the new style too! Very much more you I think and I’m glad you finally feel able to put more of a stamp on your films to your liking. As Andy says, there was never anything wrong with your original ones, I just remember you mentioning that some of them were not quite to your liking or how you would’ve preferred them to be. After seeing this one, it has certainly made me realise and appreciate what you truly meant.
I really enjoy how you have put extra content onto the difficult section along Loch Lomond past Inversnaid. That rugged, uneven terrain that you captured really transported me back to last May when I walked this section myself. I could feel my muscles getting tired as I set watching on the sofa this evening, thinking all about how I pulled myself over those rocks and especially that ladder!
Seeing you actually scatter Connor’s ashes really got me. It was such a powerful scene to watch and one which I cannot imagine for you and Connor’s family. As you know I have visited Connor’s rock on my adventure and I have actually stood in that exact spot in front of the rock where you scattered the ashes drinking Kopperberg in the pouring sideways rain that day in May. Despite the cold and wet, I felt perfectly at ease whilst there. I did however feel Connor was laughing at me drinking the can in the rain and this is without ever meeting him or knowing him. Thankyou for sharing this beautiful but very moving scene with us. I feel that Connor would be proud of you. He certainly does own the best seat in the house up there on Rannoch Moor. Even in the rain and mist, the scene from Skyfall still looks awesome!
An amazing video once again Carl. I cannot wait to see what you next have in store.
Hi Lucy just found this comment in the "Held for review" section. Glad you enjoyed this re-edit of this very special trip. Regarding the clip of scattering connors ashes i never watched it at all for two and a half years after filming.I just couldnt bring myself to watch but i replay it in my mind nearly every day. Im sure if he could of seen you drinking your cider he'd of had a laugh. Personally i always feel close to him in that spot and find myself telling him the news from back home. Thanks for watching, all the best, carl
Hi, Carl! Great video! We 've thought about walking the Cape Wrath Trail, but are not fully convinced because of the extremely boggy ground and the midges there. The West Highland Way now seems to fit better to our abilities. Thx for the inspiration!
Cheers, Christiane and Werner
I'm sure you would not regret choosing to walk the west highland way. Although I've not yet walked the Cape wrath trail it has a reputation of being the UK's toughest trail.
Thanks for watching and hope you enjoy your walk of the WHW. Good luck, Carl
Beautiful places. love it. enjoy the natures.
Yes, thank you. Thanks for watching. 👍
Tremendous mate👏a very personal and epic walk👏i done the whw in 2019 over 5 days,it's the best thing i've done,thoroughly enjoyed it,the trek up the low side of loch lomond is relentless,the devil's staircase sounds worse that it is,and yes that walk into kinlochleven drags on,but it's all in the head,and feet,and heart😁👌
Hello and thanks for the positive feedback on the video. Its certainly a very beautiful and inspiring route and as you've seen it holds some very special significance to me.
Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. All the best, Carl
Great video giving a good overview of the route and including some good advice.
Thank you for watching and commenting. Much appreciated. Carl
I really enjoyed this Carl. Cheers. 🥃
Thanks Dougie. 👍 All the best, Carl
hi carl i met you on friday in boots in fort william heather and my husband robert it was so nice 2 you thanks for taking the time 2 speaker 2 us 👍👍
Hi Heather and Robert. It was so nice talking to you. It's always a pleasure meeting people who have an obvious love of the outdoors. Thank you for your support. I'm home now from your beautiful country and will soon be editing my footage of my recent trip. I really enjoyed our chat and hope our paths cross again in the future. All the best, Carl
A great film, really informative. Made us decide it's our next adventure in June. We aim to find Connors rock and have a dram to him and you 😊
Hello and thank you for watching. I've literally just got back this evening from walking the WHW for a fifth time. I called in at Connors rock myself just the other day. His plaque though now looking a little weathered is still in place. Please do seek it out and raise a toast to him. All the best and good luck, Carl
100% fantastic journey vlog. Respect to your memorial 🙏
Thank you heather. Glad you enjoyed the video and thank you for your kind words regarding Connors rock.
I am heading over to do this walk in 6 days in mid-May. This video vlog was very helpful. I am a little scared about the two tough stretches of the walk after seeing this but will press on for as long as I can. Like you, I am walking in memory of a dear friend who passed recently. Thank you!
Hi Christine thank you for watching. Good to hear you've found the video useful in the planning of your own journey along the way. Don't worry too much about the tough stretches - by which I assume you refer to the lochside stretches. Nothing along there is impossible just pace yourself and you should be fine. Most of all enjoy every minute as it's over way too soon. Good luck and all the best, Carl
Great video! We are going in August. Also over 6 days but our stops are at slightly different places except for blackwater campsite. Cannot wait!!
Will have a look for Conner's rock
Good luck with your WHW adventure and thanks for watching the video. Much appreciated
All the best, Carl
Quite excellent to watch your earlier WHW adventure Carl. The narration really helps the movie with good knowledge and facts.. I was dithering over undertaking the Great Glencoe Challenge, but having seen memorable landmarks in your video - I'm going to domit again. Thanks for taking the time to re-edit and share it with us Carl . cheers pal - Jim 🤜🤛
Hi Jim, firstly thanks for watching and commenting. Glad to hear it's maybe inspired you to do the Great Glencoe challenge again. It was Connors mum who originally put the seed of a re edit in my mind a few years ago when she asked me for a copy of the film for herself. I was never really happy with the quality of the first edit due to trying to keep the file size manageable for uploading so I had decided to do a copy for her but in better quality and full resolution as it would only be going on a memory stick. The actual scattering of the ashes was kept out of the mk 1 version as the memory was just too raw at that time. In fact it was two and a half years before I could even watch the clip back. I had Connors family round my house today for them to view the mk 2 and give me their blessing to release it, which luckily they did and so here it is in its final glory! Next release will be a new video and it won't be long coming. All the best mate. Hope to see you soon 👍
@@carljohnsonoutdoors yes, Ime with you on file size etc.. I have learned to become patient and if the video doesn't upload overnight - so be it.. I tried throwing more cheese at the internet mice but they got fat and even slowed down more... I'm glad you did it and more so, glad your putting some of that back catalogue back up for view.. All those thousands of views.. I'll be looking forward to the new stuff. Keep em coming. Cheers Carl 😎
Welcome back Carl. We have missed you. Lovely to view this. Always uplifting. Look forward to your next venture whatever that may be. All the best, take care.
Hi hope you're well. Thanks for returning and for your kind comments. Glad to hear you're enjoying the video's. I've been re-editing some of the older ones and will gradually upload them alongside new content. Thanks for watching and great to have you back on board!! All the best, Carl
Oh wow, So glad to see you are back!!!
Couldn't believe When , I couldn't find your videos/shows, even went through my subscription list, at least 4 or 5 times, I wa like what the he'll happened....
Even searched the internet, nothing, I said, will I hope everything is alright and he and his family is doing good...
Anyway I stop rambling/ waffling, glad you're back and , GOD BLESS!!!
Hi Lee! Yes I'm back. All is well I just kind of had a bit of a blip and needed some time out. Upon reflection I probably shouldn't of deleted the channel but at the time it seemed like the right thing. Thanks for your concern - good to know I was missed 👍 New content coming very soon mate. I had a trip out last weekend and just need to find time to get the footage edited. Thanks for your comments, it really means a lot 👍.
All the best, Carl
Hi Carl. Love this version. Planning to walk in May.
Thanks....
Thanks John. Good luck on your own adventure. It's an experience that will stay with you forever. All the best Carl
Welcome back mate.
Thanks Steve, new content will be coming very soon. 👍 Cheers for watching, ATB, Carl
Glad to hear it, you’ve been missed. Jim Boardman mentioned you might be back soon, so I’m happy to see he was right.
I remember watching this before I did it for the first time in August 2019. Tempted to go again in April again but think I’ll do something different this year. Great to look back on this.
Thanks for watching, All the best, Carl
@@carljohnsonoutdoors same to you old friend
Hi Carl just discovered your CZcams channel it's absolutely excellent and I've watched a lot of videos I've just watched the full west highland way and then up pops the great glen way my next walk hopefully that I will be doing with my support dog Fergus but great viewing and great to listen to bud
Hi Dave! Thanks for watching and your kind comments, much appreciated mate. Great to hear you've enjoyed the videos and hope you find the GGW one helpful. All the best, Carl
Hiya Carl I really enjoyed this edit love the narration and choice of music , Rannoch Moor is a magical place I feel .The decent from Devils staircase is tough on the legs and your right it goes on forever.😊
Hi, hope you're well !
Glad you agree with me on the never ending (seemingly) descent into kinlochleven lol. Thanks for watching this second incarnation and for the feedback on the narration and music. All the best,Carl
A wonderful video Carl. I’ll be heading off once again this Thursday (9 Feb) and will say hello to Conner on the way past on Sunday. I’ll take a few pictures and send them. Good luck on your next walk.
Robert
Thank you and yes please do. Good luck with your hike. I hope the weather is kind to you. All the best,Carl
Thoroughly enjoyed watching that Carl, and thanks for taking us along with you. I'm planning to walk/wild camp the WHW later this year, so I'm busy watching as many films about the walk as I can, this has to be one of the best I've seen so far, great editing and sensitive use of music , packed with lots of useful info on where to stay...- oh and Connor's loved ones should be proud of you mate.
Hi Maurice. Thanks for your kind words regarding the video.its much appreciated. It's hard to believe almost five years have passed since I scattered his ashes at the rock. I'm walking the way again in April for the sixth time and will be calling to raise a whisky to my pal and polish his plaque up.
Good luck with your own journey, All the best, Carl
That was superb Carl. I'm heading to the WHW in April, so that proved invaluable and it gave me some great tips. I'll make sure to watch your other videos. I've also subbed to your channel. 👍
Always good to hear the videos have been helpful to someone planning their own walk. Thanks for watching and commenting. All the best, Carl
What a fantastic video ! Really good. I was so touched by you taking your friends ashes on the trip, and what you did for him and his family. So thoughtful ❤️
My plan was to do the walk in the summer (now replaced by Berlin Marathon) lol… but I take my hat off to you wild camping/camping. It will be hotel for me lol.
Have been LOADS of WHW videos yet you managed to show parts I had not seen.
👍👍
Thank you for your kind words. He was a great guy and it was an honour for me to do this for his family. Thanks for watching, all the best, Carl
What a great re edit Carl and so glad this version is back up on CZcams and thank you for sharing with us. Not that there was much wrong with the Mk1 version. However the footage is a lot more crisper Am sure I will watch this several times before I set off in Mid June. Its great to reminisce about the many places I have encountered over the past few years. May looks a great time of Year to venture this trail. And am sure to pay my respects when I pass Connor's rock, Cheers Buddy all the best Andy
Hi Andy. Thanks for watching and commenting. Glad you've enjoyed the re edit. I'm certainly more pleased with the end result than in its original quality. Your next trip will soon come round. All the best, Carl
Did the way last week, great 5 days superb.
I was on the way again myself last week. We might of passed each other at some point 👍
@Carl Johnson Outdoors sure i saw Wednesday afternoon at Bridge of Orchy Hotel crossing the road....
@@barrieshaw5465 Yes that sounds very possible Barry. They were painting the outside of the hotel and I used the outside tap to refill my water bottle. Were you in the group at the bus stop?
@@carljohnsonoutdoors yip
Hi Carl, this is a fantastic film, I am walking the West Highland Way around April 2024 on my own and I will be camping, over seven days, give or take. If I can find Connor’s rock, it will be an honour for me to pay tribute to him. Scattering some of Connor’s ashes there, was a fantastic thing you did for him and his family, done with the highest respect. I hope I can find his rock. I have watched lots of West Highland Way films for reference and research, this film is the best I have seen, thank you for sharing your journey, much appreciated, regards, Chris. 🥃👍👍
Hi Chris, firstly many thanks for your kind words regarding Connor. It's coming up for 5 years since that fateful night that cut his young life short. It doesn't get any easier. I've walked the way five times now and each time I visit his rock and sit a while there. Sometimes I will raise a toast to him other times I will play some of his favourite music. It gives me great peace to sit there where I feel close to him. I've filmed some of these other journeys and by watching them you may get a better idea of the location. I'm glad you enjoyed this video and hope it has helped with your planning. I wish you good luck on your own adventure along the way in 2024. Carl.
@@carljohnsonoutdoorsThank you Carl, I will have a good look through all your films and I will watch the West Highland Way films multiple times.
I will try my best to find Connor’s rock, I have not walked any part of the West Highland Way, so the only information I have are films and my map.
Thank you for the films and your reply, all the best and take care, regards, Chris. 🍻👍👍
Still a great video for anyone about to conquer or attempt the WHW. Great info and views on this well done. We need more like this
Cheers Andy. Glad you still enjoy watching this. 👍
Beautifully done! The walk and video too. A lot of good info in it. I would love to do this with my kids and wife, probably not the whole walk, maybe the second half, but your video was really useful to watch and will help with planning. Cheers Jonas
Hey Josh, glad to hear you enjoyed the video and found it useful. A thoroughly enjoyable route I'm sure you will love. Thanks for watching, All the best, Carl
Hi Carl. I thought your video was fantastic. One of the best I've seen covering the WHW. You done your friend proud and what a fantastic location to spread the ashes. I'll be sure to stop at that rock next time I'm on the path.
Hi David and many thanks for the feedback and kind words on the video. Be sure to let me know if you drop by the rock. It's a great comfort to his parents to hear people take the time to pay their respects their.
Thanks for watching, all the best, Carl
We are doing the Way May 10 through May 16 this year. What days did you do it in this video? You mentioned once midge spray but never midges again. I am hoping that early to mid May is too early for them? What was your experience on this trip? Is Connor's rock obvious from the trail? We will definitely be stopping there. Beautiful tribute.
Hello, I did the Way on that occasion (my first) towards the end of may and although I did put some smidge spray on on day 2 I didn't really need it. Unless you are very unlucky you shouldn't have any midge problems at that time of the month.
Connors rock isn't that obvious from the trail as it sits slightly above trail level. If you keep an eye out for the Allt mollach water course on your map you should head uphill immediately after crossing over the stream. You may notice a faint path going uphill just follow it up and you should spot the rock. Thanks for watching, all the best and good luck with your trip. Carl
Hi Colin I messaged you regarding do the way. Monday is my start day. Nervous a little but a oh. Connor’s rock is it just left over the bridge a little. Going to have like I said a wee dram. From glegoine distillery hopefully if I can find it thanks Darren 👍🏻
Hi Darren, all the best for your forthcoming west highland way trip. Enjoy every minute it's a great trail and a great experience. I completed it for the sixth time last month and already long to return!
Good luck 👍 All the best Carl
اسلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته تحياتي لك مرحبا بك 👍🤗
Thank you
I’m hoping to do this in Late April / Early May. One thing I’ve always wondered, without having two or three juicers, is there anywhere to charge your phone, devices or juicers at campsites or pubs on route? Thanks and well done
Hello yes you shouldn't have a problem recharging your electricals. Most places are happy for you to plug in your phone/power bank etc as long as you're eating in etc. also campsites such as Drymen/beinglas/blackwater also allow you to plug in if you're staying. Thanks for watching and good luck for your trip. 👍
Thanks very much 👍