Hello!
I walked the Camino Frances from St Jean to Finisterre in 2007 at the age of 23 and it remains a highlight of my life.
And then 10 years ago I did a cycle tour loop from Fort William to Oban and then onto the Outer Herbrides and back via Skye. Scotland has since been a place I long to revisit. I have a young family now but I also am craving a solo walk so Scotland seems like a perfect place for a solo walk for this time in my life.
My plan has been to do the West Highland Way this August but I'm wondering if I should consider an alternative ???
I really can only travel to Scotland in August and I am guessing the WHW will be very busy then. I did the Camino in Sept/Oct and even so, it was busier with other pilgrims than I'd expected. That being said, I didn't really mind being around others during much of my time on the trail...
But will the WHW be a zoo in August?
I've been reviewing other options for a 5-9 day walk in Scotland and there seem to be quite a few other options in that range. Most of what I've read is more descriptive and less comparative though so I'm looking for some opinions and suggestions from a group that might have some experience. I think the current "top" alternative I'm considering is the Arran Coastal Way. Has anyone done either trail or both? I'm also open to any and all suggestions.
For context, I'm a fit 40 year old from the heart of the Canadian Rockies with a strong background in mountain travel and adventure (backpacking, ski mountaineering, climbing etc). That being said, I'm aiming to do this solo trip somewhat minimalistic so I'd rather not have to bring camping gear. A walk with some options for accommodations and lovely highland scenery and historical Scottish villages would be delightful
.
I continually read that the WHW is busy for a reason - it's one of the best long walks in Scotland - so should I stick to the original long walk or consider an alternative????
Open to and grateful for any advice, recommendations, or trail reviews.
Thank you!
I walked the Camino Frances from St Jean to Finisterre in 2007 at the age of 23 and it remains a highlight of my life.
And then 10 years ago I did a cycle tour loop from Fort William to Oban and then onto the Outer Herbrides and back via Skye. Scotland has since been a place I long to revisit. I have a young family now but I also am craving a solo walk so Scotland seems like a perfect place for a solo walk for this time in my life.
My plan has been to do the West Highland Way this August but I'm wondering if I should consider an alternative ???
I really can only travel to Scotland in August and I am guessing the WHW will be very busy then. I did the Camino in Sept/Oct and even so, it was busier with other pilgrims than I'd expected. That being said, I didn't really mind being around others during much of my time on the trail...
But will the WHW be a zoo in August?
I've been reviewing other options for a 5-9 day walk in Scotland and there seem to be quite a few other options in that range. Most of what I've read is more descriptive and less comparative though so I'm looking for some opinions and suggestions from a group that might have some experience. I think the current "top" alternative I'm considering is the Arran Coastal Way. Has anyone done either trail or both? I'm also open to any and all suggestions.
For context, I'm a fit 40 year old from the heart of the Canadian Rockies with a strong background in mountain travel and adventure (backpacking, ski mountaineering, climbing etc). That being said, I'm aiming to do this solo trip somewhat minimalistic so I'd rather not have to bring camping gear. A walk with some options for accommodations and lovely highland scenery and historical Scottish villages would be delightful
I continually read that the WHW is busy for a reason - it's one of the best long walks in Scotland - so should I stick to the original long walk or consider an alternative????
Open to and grateful for any advice, recommendations, or trail reviews.
Thank you!