Hiking 100 Miles On The West Highland Way | A Solo Wild Camping Thru Hike
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- čas přidán 8. 07. 2024
- This Is Our Trail | The West Highland Way is a Scottish Great Trail that runs for 96 miles for Milngavie to Fort William through the highlands. It is a popular hike with a great array of amenities and accommodation options en-route, and yet at the same time it offers an immersive experience that is not to be missed.
I have walked the route three times, twice solo. On this journey wild camp along the way and share not only my own narrative, but also the story of those I met along the way.
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00:00 - Intro
02:26 - Day One, Intro
02:45 - Travel Recap
03:15 - Day One, Milngavie to Wild Camp
25:47 - Day Two, Wild Camp to Rowchoish Bothy
51:22 - Day Three, Rowchoish Bothy to Tyndrum
1:15:40 - Day Four, Tyndrum to Glen Coe
1:35:09 - Day Five, Glen Coe to Wild Camp
1:55:20 - Day Six, Wild Camp to Fort William
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Stay WILD!
Abbie, it was your earlier video about the WHW that inspired my husband and me to walk it ourselves. It took a year of planning, saving, and training, but we did it and finished on April 20. It was challenging and exhilarating. We are 65 and 67 and this was the experience of a lifetime. Your video captures so many memories for us. As I was watching, I kept thinking to myself, "I remember that climb! That tree! That pub! That river!" My husband and I agreed that we would go back and do it again if we can possibly find a way. It changed our lives. Thank you for your inspiration.
Congrats on finishing! So chuffed for you 😊
The same happend to me. Abbie is our inspiration and every year I try to hike some long distance walk. Next week Isle of Skye Trail adventure is about to begin. Can`t wait! Thank you Abbie and all hikers who inspire others to start their journey.
This makes me a little bit nervous because i will hike the WHV next month (also the Skye Trail) pretty spontaneous and now i wonder what to plan for ONE year...
."...because love is a big deal..." Brought tears to my eyes. You Rock Abbie 🙏
Wow, Abbie, what a film! - Not often that I watch a 2h video on CZcams all the way. - I completed the WHW for a 2nd time in February while suffering from chronic fatigue and headaches (post Covid). It is the best I have felt during the half year that this has become an annoying part of my life. - I need to get out again. Indeed, being tired on the track is so much better than being tired just sitting at home.
Hi Abbie
Thankyou for sharing these walks with us, I know you struggle sometimes and perhaps wonder if its all worth it, but my beautiful daughter of 35 passed away 2 months ago, and to say i am struggling is an understatement, these vidoes are taking my mind off the pain and the shock of it all, they just give me another focus for a short while so thank you once agian, happy walking.
Ahh Jackie, i was just replying to abbie when i saw your message, it has really brought a tear to my eye as i have a daughter around the same age. Im so sorry for your loss, theres nothing anyone can say to take away the pain that you must feel. God bless you and your family
Damn you Abbie Barnes ❤️ Finished the WHW last week, been in constant reflection since, accomplishment, sadness, forward planning ect. I expected your video to provoke emotions, i didn't expect the most powerful emotions to come from a lost coooow & dog !!! So pleased both found !!! Like most on the trail I was searching for answers. When the opportunities came whist walking alone to challenge my inner demons i done the opposite of my intentions. I focused on the surrounding beauty and locked those problems away. This wasn't the journey to contemplate my life and negative problems/thoughts. It was time for me to absorb the jaw dropping surroundings and live in the moment, something I find difficult to do in my general life. Thank you for taking me back in another 1 of your brilliant journeys.
Thanks so much for watching and your lovely comment 😊
This video, like all of your videos, has made me both profoundly sad that I will never be able to experience your hikes, and profoundly happy that you share them with us. Thank you.
starting this trail @ 3rd of May 2024 wirh my mate. I know it's going to be an epic and humbling experience. Me and my mate walked the Hardians Wall and learned so much about multi-day hiking. This time however we will be more self sufficient, camping along the way, really getting back to nature is our first an d foremost goal. This video has helped us prepare mentally in a wierd sort of way. No matter how bad you feel in the moment, just know the reward at the end will make it all worthwhile and leaves a permanent life-lasting impession and appreciation for the world we live in call 'our' home.
Will report back on how it went for us, cheers Abbie!
We just finished watching this new video and we were in tears at the end. My daughter and I have enjoyed watching many of your videos, but this one is your best yet. I loved your tone and honesty about the community of hikers, about the spirit of the people that helped you throughout your journey. I can see your heart opening and your vulnerability and it inspires me to remember we humans are a community. And that's the power of nature as well that you captured. Absolutely brilliant!
I know but what about hibs n Pibs? Did you get the polka dots levels on your street level seat up to the depth of the table?
Well done Abbie. Your best film ever. I'm 55 and have loved hiking all my life but this past year I've suffered terrible foot and knee pain, I half heartedly have taken up cycling and have been trying to decide if I should take that up instead, but after watching this film and your shout for joy across the moor that was how I feel and I could feel your joy.. Cycling is OK but hiking is me!! Keep up the good work.
If your pains allow it you might try bike touring. I'm 54 and have loved backpacking since my thirties. I discovered about 5 years ago that bike touring scratches a lot of the same itches and some different ones too. And when my lower back hurts for whatever reason cycling is the only thing that seems to help! I think the forward position and hip motion loosens up the areas that are hurting and keeps me from sitting (which is when I have the worst pain). I hope you have many adventures ahead of you!
I noticed that Coo had fallen off before you mentioned it. I'm at the point where you're running to find it. I hope you do! I hate to think of Coo lost on the path somewhere...
Edit: You found him!!!
I found your videos when I was researching the WHW. An amazing hike, awesome people, history, diversity of terrain and even enjoyed the rain every single day. It added to the beauty of Scotland.
Abbie, me, and my partner are heading off to do the "Wet" Highland Way in April, and your video has given us massive inspiration. Your words resonate, so keep talking, and we'll keep listening Johnny and Marietta ❤
Not by chance this video popped up and watched the 2hs.
A sincere and genuine account of an unforgetable journey, emotional and profund, surrounded by the exuberance of nature and the kindness of fellow hikers.
In 10 days I am heading to experience the same journey!
Thank you for your input to share this documentary, so reach and detailed, feels like a video map!
All the very best !
Wow. Just wow. Everything about this was beautifully shot and poetic. My dog and I set off soon to do the WHW and this film/video has made me realise its going to give me everything that I need and reaffirmed my reasons for doing it. I shed tears throughout this and really felt like I was on the journey with you. Thank you so much for sharing this in the beautiful way that you do. Happy hiking!
Enjoy your journey!!
What an AWESOME video. Thank you so much, Abbie. Keep up the good work!
Abbie you are such and inspiration!!! After a long period of inactivity during covid, your videos have inspired my husband and I to get out and spend more time in nature. We're now 1/5 of our way through the wainwrights and just about to do our first wildcamp. You really helped me to get out of my downward spiral. Thanks for sharing all of your experiences with us ❤
GZ on the 60K - love the way you intertwine the stories of others with the narrative.
32:30 What a legend!
Another inspirational achievement. Superb. Please keep on going! I hurt my back when I was 21. I’m now 61. It went away sort of for the greater part of two decades but I’m back to having to manage it. When walking I lay down when it gets too much and really focus on relaxing my spine. No matter what the ground is like, a spot of hitting the deck is something my body appreciates. A big plus is trying not to take my pack off too much. You know; pack off to get camera, get glasses, sip water, look at guide, nibble food. The twisting to remove the pack and put it back on is best avoided. I get concerned for you in those walking away from camera shots or walking to camera. They must cost effort to set up. I could live without them and just see POV shots or selfie stick shots. I’m amazesmacked that you still do them when the weather is crap or you feel crap. But then again, you do so much amazing stuff. Thanks vm.
I felt your pain and the huge relief when you found coo. My emotions would have been the same.
That brought tears😢 to my eyes.
Im inspired by you as a disabled man in 50s suffering with cronic pain from spine and leg injuries when younger suffered with mentel health from age of 10 when went into care but seem get a sense of drive from watching you i can hobble along maybe slowly and not far but its being in the outdoors healing your core and mind atb,david
"Why is this such a big deal? Because love is a big deal" ♥♥♥
Facts 😊
Having just completed The Way in April 23, Abbie I want to thank you for everything you put into this video. It’s such a perfect account of what I experienced myself. You covered so much of the trail that it brought me back to every memory and moment, even some of the ones I’d forgotten. I too went into this thinking it would be the perfect remote wild camping experience. However I met so many interesting & fantastic people that I kept leap frogging with everyday that I ended up staying at a lot of camp sites; I ended up craving that social aspect and a beer with people at the end of the day. It was sad when I suddenly lost touch with some of them that I’d seen for days, when in reality our only really bond was walking the trail together & that shared experience. This is truly a special hike and I just hope my next adventure can be just as rewarding. Thanks!
Congrats on your hike! I know exactly what you feel there 🌄
Abbie , I have just arrived home after completing the WHW. In 6 days, my previous WHW had been over 20 years prior , and I can say after watching this video I was inspired to attempt it once again. Now in my 60’s, my family thought I was mad to ,without much planning,go ahead with this.The old gear was retrieved from the shed (cobwebs brushed away] and I was off. The difference this time , I had my heavy bag transferred ahead to my camping spot by a fantastic company AMS.On my journey, I met so many wonderful people from all over the world. Thank you for your amazing films, the inspiration I took from them so helped me along this truly incredible landscape.
Sounds amazing!!
This was without a doubt your best video ever. It was emotional, inspiring and was abundantly clear that it was a very very personal journey. You had me laughing with you, tearing up with you and the elation you felt. Well done Abbie, you are a beacon of light and hope for thousands of us. Much love. ❤
Thank you so much!
No, i didn't cry at all when you nearly lost the kuh. 😢😢😢
Thanks very much 🙏
Hiya Abbie!
Only a few days ago I completed the WHW for the second time and your video just hit home! Especially your thoughts you talked about on Rannoch Moor are spot on. Dealing with some issues myself, I can only thank you for putting all of it in words and a beautiful edited Video. The WHW is and always will be special and the outstanding community is beyond words.
Stay wild and keep on your inspiring work!
Well done on completing your own hike there 😊 thanks for watching too!
Beautiful walk. Thank you for taking us along! You make the hills look so easy. 😊
Fake it till you make it 😂
Thanks for watching!
Fantastic film, Abbie! I loved the scenery, your commentary, the interviews, and of course - Coo. Thank you for all your hard work putting these videos together and sharing with us all. Looking forward to your next adventures. :)
What a beautiful and inspiring production. What a journey. Thank you for taking us on it with you.
Glad you enjoyed it!
You are a true wilderness ambassador!!
I do my best 😊
My favourite moment in any of your videos is when you found the coo!
Love it!
I love Coo 🥰
Thank you Abbie! That is a wonderfully life affirming video - but yours always are!
I too suffer from chronic pain so understand your thoughts, but also determined to continue hiking as it is epic, and amazing. No where I’d rather be. Thank you 🙏🏻
I'm glad you found your lucky charm, and God bless you.....
Another epic adventure Abbie , well done.
So inspiring.
Tysm.. this is the best video I've watched ever... you were great company.. informative ... Real.. kind... smart.. humble... brave... and as I wrote brave there.. you said if only I'm brave enough to lt them in ... you so are.. looking forward to more of your video.. thanks again and Happy hiking 🤍
This brings back tons of memories from the Kintyre and Loch Lomond ways. We were ready to continue on the WHW but had to go back to work 🙂
Abbie, thanks for sharing your lovely hike. It is your best film to date. Like all the others, it’s been emotionally, intellectually, historically, and visually fulfilling, but meeting the other hikers along the way made it especially rewarding,
Another great achievement Abbie. I always enjoy so much watching your videos you are an inspiration to many people. Thanks for sharing.
Young lady, you are a star. Always positive. Always friendly. I’m sure you inspire lots of people to get out and about. You should have your own TV show.
Thanks so much! Happy hiking!
I walked the WHW at the start of April, and you (and Haze) were a huge part of my motivation. Thank you!
We’ve just finished a couple of weeks before and loved watching your video reminding us of that wonderful scenery and solitude, we are both 70 and carrying our packs was hard but made the sense of achievement even greater.
You showed one of the best and nicest things about the WHW that is the people, we met some lovely people along the way and without their encouragement would possibly have given up.
Thanks for the videos we watched preparing for the walk and thanks for this one reminding us to not rest but plan our next hike. 👍👍👍
Youre awesome Abbie! I applaud your declaration.best wishes to you x
Excellent timing Abbie. I always enjoy your videos and happen to be walking the WHW next week. Cannot wait.
Ahh @1:17:13 The Real Food Cafe - one of the best places to get a good meal and coffee - oh and cake 😋
Thank you once more for another wonderful journey. All the best.
Many thanks!
Thanks Abbs really enjoyed the walk.
I love your videos, Abbie! Keep it up (if you want to, of course)! I just love your authenticity and your cinematic style. It's raw and real, just as if you take us with you. I really appreciate your work!
Oh, and just in case you might want to know: Vienna has actually a lot of public tab water dispenser and the water is so cool. It's amazing, they even made them accessible for dogs! Sometimes these dispensers even release cold vapor, one can stand under it and cool down (Vienna can get really hot in the summer, so that's why they have it)
Abbie,Did the way in 1988 and 1997 , How its change .Can now longer do long walks so your video is a big comfort to me .Thank to you and others on the u Tube Walking community makes me Happy
Thanks again
Can't wait to watch this! Just finished the ridgeway yesterday and met some fellow hikers who also watch you. Thanks for your inspiration and for keeping hearts open by the way you live and love 🌿
Hi Abby, I love watching your videos, I do feel so sad for you when you struggle with your mental and physical health, My partner and I at the age of 60 and 62 have just bought all our first backpacking gear and are looking forward to getting out into the wilderness, We have been ca.pers for many years but no proper wild camping. You should definitely have your own TV showwith all your knowledge and courage, You are such an inspiration..Keep being you and keep doing what you do...Lots of love and luck with everything, All the way from Glasgow...xxx
That's amazing that you're heading out! So exciting! Can't wait to hear about it all - enjoy 😊 and thanks for watching!
Your videos shows a diversity of the British Isles and what we can accomplish to conquer our health, our fears, but more importantly it shows the importance of carrying on and endurance. Goodluck with your future and health wellbeing.
I must say Abbie that this video has been my favorite by far. Not only because it showcases a trail still on my bucket list but it also shows how far you've come on your journey. Such a difference from the first video of yours I watched a couple years ago of your wild camp on Exmoor. Well done and a great spirit you have. Cheers from Arizona.
Abbie, lovely video, and ps.... I think you're wonderful and inspiring. Tom Weir and his sister Molly, I miss them both.
Hi Abbie! I have the biggest admiration for you for walking the West Highland Way 3 times! My husband and I started last Sunday and we walked the lower part around Loch Lomond- if only I knew what I was going to face-very technical, walking through rocks and risking to break my neck thousands times…I tried to prepare with more exercises for this ‘adventure’ that turned into a complete nightmare. This week weather is awful- non stop rain- day 3 Around 19:30 we ended up finally at Crianlarich and we booked a cabin to dry and stay warm. I do not know how I found the strength to walk- my husband is strong and fit and coming was entirely my choice which I regret immensely. I gave up and yesterday took the bus and I am at Fort William in hotel (also spending money that I should not have because this was not the plan). I cried my eyes out. I really underestimated the whole thing- now I keep being sick worried for my husband who is walking to complete the challenge. He is doing this to support Mind- charity about Mental Health. Phone connection is not always available. I feel miserable- worried sick. If only it was not this rainy…you inspired me so much but I will never walk long distances ever again. I faced my limits and fear…it is still a powerful experience but as you said in your video we are so tiny and insignificant. I pray for all the walkers to be safe!
Hiya, I'm sorry to hear that it has felt really hard! But you know what, not every hike I have done has been a finish. But all a success. Its a story that evolves and your husband I'm sure will be just fine. The trail isn't going anywhere and you can come back. Congratulate yourself for how far you have come, and hold your head high knowing there are more times in the future to grow and learn. Its a rubbish feeling at first. But you've got this 👏
@@AbbieBarnesWILD Hi Abbie my husband completed the challenge! I am very proud of him and he is of me! Thanks for inspiring all of us! Yes I can say that the experience was very important for me! I see the world differently now.
Abbie, what a beautiful video! My husband and I hiked the WHW in May 2022, and when I feel overwhelmed in life I like to watch hiking videos of the WHW to transport me back there. I'm so glad to have stumbled upon your video, and even cried with you as you searched for and found your coo. I too have a small stuffed coo that is very important to me. Thank you for sharing your incredible physical and emotional journey on the trail - you seem to have a calm and kind soul that brings us viewers peace and tranquility. I look forward to coming back to this video time and time again.
Ah coo is so special!! Thanks such for watching!! 😊
The coo moment ❤ 🥺
Thank you Abbie!
Super trail and vid. Love your tent too. Well done .
Still on top of your game, an excellent video
Abbie, that was great! Thank you for sharing your journeys and thoughts with us.
Thanks for sharing Abbie, highly appreciated.
Very inspiring…..Thank you ❤
Thank you, Abbie, for this video! You are awesome!
Awesome video!
Thanks Abbie. As always an inspiring film. Thank you for sharing it with us 😊
10 mins in and I'm loving it!
I walked the WHW back in 2012 as well! It was a coming of age moment for me as it was the first time I did anything for myself. I flew from Canada with no idea of what to expect and fell in love with both the countryside and long distance walking in the UK. Over the years I have come back to the UK a couple times and always stop in Fort William. It was a way to reach back in time and remind myself how far I’ve come since I took my first steps along the WHW many years ago. Sadly I feel like it’s unlikely I will ever get the chance to set foot there again, but videos like yours take me right back to that trail. Thank you Abbie for making these wonderful videos.
Awesome treck.. Beautiful scenery. Thank you for sharing.
Brilliant video, very enjoyable.
This was an awesome watch Abbie really enjoyed this one thank you …
Thanks Abbie - great video, love the music too!
Awesome Abbie 👏 well done 👍
Beautiful.
A very refreshing documentary and extremely well produced. You've really upped your game. Thank you for sharing and inspiring
Thankyou Abbie. 👍 soooo inspiring!! Thoroughly enjoyed. 😊🤙💪
Once again amazing Thank you beautiful Abbie
Fabulous video
Brilliant, Abbie. What a wonderful film. I loved everything about it. Thank you.
a great watch
Amazing Abbie ❤
God Bless You Abbie
What a fantastic journey Abbie 😊 this was a great watch. Enjoyed every min and it just makes me want to put my hiking boots 🥾 on and head out there again.
Thanks Abbie. I really enjoyed your film 😊
Brilliant. Inspired me to walk half of it, the best bits, from the Bridge of Orchy onwards 👍 very well-produced and interesting video
First class documentary! I related to this video more than any. Thank you 🏴
Fabulous. Your declaration made me tear up. Amazing video.
You go, girl. I love your determination. xx
Epic journey Abbie 🤙
Thank you for sharing your beautiful, inspiring and moving journey with us.
That was a great couple of hrs relaxing after work , really love your calm and informative style very easy to watch .
Your a Gem
You made me cry happy tears when you found coo ❤️
Cracking video Abbie. Thanks for sharing!
wow. great
I’ve just watched your journey of the WHW from start to finish. I’m either going to do it this year or next. I would like to wild camp which I’ve never done before. Slightly daunting, Do you ever feel unsafe? I loved watching this, such great detail and documentation. You have certainly inspired me to this more so now. The outdoors the smile on your face, I’m the same it just brings me pure joy. Hiking is my happy place for sure. Away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
When you were by Rannoch Moor I felt your "grita" in my soul! Joyful tears! Thank you for your videos.
Bloody brilliant you go girl x
Great vid as always Scotland is such a special place 😊
Thanks Abbie - reminded me of good times .. power and strength to your will