Date walked: 08/10/2016 Time taken: 6 hours Distance: 17 km Ascent: 1352m
I spent 6 days completing the West Highland Way. On the seventh day, I ascended Ben Nevis. It took me 6 hours in total from Glen Nevis campsite, following the mountain path route described on Walkhighlands website.
The weather had miraculously been great all week, perfect conditions for going up Ben Nevis for some clear views at the top. Much better than my previous visit in 2011 when it rained most of the way up and there was zero visibility at the top.
I spent the last hour and a half descending in darkness, good job I took the head torch!
It felt cool to be one of the torches coming down the hill instead of just the usual spectator watching from the Glen.
I completed the West Highland Way for the third time, during the first week in October 2016, backpacking, carrying all my gear, camping throughout. It was the first time I've been camping in October but it was quite mild, infact the weather was great and it miraculously stayed dry for the whole week.
I planned to do things different this time by wild camping throughout most of the trip.
Day 6 & 7
Kinlochleven to Fort William – 16 miles
On day 6, I walked 16 miles from Kinlochleven to Glen Nevis campsite on the outskirts of Fort William where I got refused table service at the Glen Nevis restaurant because they didn't like the look of me!
On the final day I continued into Fort William and completed the West Highland Way.
I completed the West Highland Way for the third time, during the first week in October 2016, backpacking, carrying all my gear, camping throughout. It was the first time I've been camping in October but it was quite mild, infact the weather was great and it miraculously stayed dry for the whole week.
I planned to do things different this time by wild camping throughout most of the trip.
Day 5
Bridge of Orchy to Inveroran – 2 miles
Inveroran to Kingshouse 9.5 miles
Kingshouse to Kinlochleven – 8.5 miles
On the fifth day of my trip, I walked 21 miles from Bridge of Orchy to Kinlochleven, passing through Inveroran and Glencoe. I stopped at Kingshouse Hotel for a Muffin break before ascending the Devils Staircase. I camped at Blackwater Hostel & Campsite in Kinlochleven.
I completed the West Highland Way for the third time, during the first week in October 2016, backpacking, carrying all my gear, camping throughout. It was the first time I've been camping in October but it was quite mild, infact the weather was great and it miraculously stayed dry for the whole week.
I planned to do things different this time by wild camping throughout most of the trip.
Day 4
Inverarnan to Tyndrum – 6 miles
Tyndrum to Bridge of Orchy – 7 milesIt's another long day as I drag myself approximately 18 miles from Beinglas campsite at Inverarnan to Bridge of Orchy, where I find myself wild camping by the River Orchy. I stop for supplies at Tyndrum.
I completed the West Highland Way for the third time, during the first week in October 2016, backpacking, carrying all my gear, camping throughout. It was the first time I've been camping in October but it was quite mild, infact the weather was great and it miraculously stayed dry for the whole week.
I planned to do things different this time by wild camping throughout most of the trip.
Day 3
Loch Lomond to Inverarnan (13 miles)
On the third day of my adventure, I walked approximately 14 miles from Loch Lomond to reach Beinglas campsite at Inverarnan. I stopped at the Inversnaid Hotel for lunch, and visited two bothies en-route. I meet a familiar face at The Drovers Inn.
I completed the West Highland Way for the third time, during the first week in October 2016, backpacking, carrying all my gear, camping throughout. It was the first time I've been camping in October but it was quite mild, infact the weather was great and it miraculously stayed dry for the whole week.
I planned to do things different this time by wild camping throughout most of the trip.
Day 2
Drymen to Rowardennan (14 miles)
Rowardennan to Loch Lomond (4 miles)
On the second day of my trip, I covered approximately 16 miles between Drymen and Loch Lomond. I pass through Balmaha and Rowardennan and find a camping spot by the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond.
I completed the West Highland Way for the third time, during the first week in October 2016, backpacking, carrying all my gear, camping throughout. It was the first time I've been camping in October but it was quite mild, infact the weather was great and it miraculously stayed dry for the whole week.
I planned to do things different this time by wild camping throughout most of the trip.
So Monday morning I arrived in Glasgow by train and as everybody else was heading to work I was heading on another adventure. A quick Coffee stop at Costa and I got on my way.
I produced a 6 day video diary which can be watched below. (Please note fyi, I am not a wanted criminal the balaclava was worn for two reasons, reason one, because I don't want to be recognised in public and reason 2, It attracts more attention on Youtube.
Day 1
Travel to Milngavie
Milngavie to Drymen (12 miles)
I walked the first 12 miles between Milngavie and Drymen and spent the first night camping in the woods.
An epic 113 mile cross country walk from Braemar to Inverness. 6 days walking, 5 days camping.
I plotted a route out on Google Earth which included some of my favourite places to visit in the Cairngorms.
In the final episode, I take the bus to Drumnadrochit and continue
walking on the Great Glen Way to the Eco-Campsite where I spend my final
night. I have a campfire and enjoy a well earned drink before walking
the last 10 miles to Inverness the following morning, where I bump into
a familiar face. Who could it be?
An epic 113 mile cross country walk from Braemar to Inverness. 6 days walking, 5 days camping.
I plotted a route out on Google Earth which included some of my favourite places to visit in the Cairngorms.
On day 5, I have a walk down to Loch Ness in search of Nessy before
joining the Great Glen Way and taking the high road to Drumnadrochit.
There's a slight twist to the story watch to find out!
An epic 113 mile cross country walk from Braemar to Inverness. 6 days walking, 5 days camping.
I plotted a route out on Google Earth which included some of my favourite places to visit in the Cairngorms.
On day 4, I walk approximately 22 miles from River Spey near Laggan all
the way to Fort Augustus on the Corrieyairack Pass. I visit two bothies
en-route and find a time-machine. I camp at Cumberlands Campsite, Fort
Augustus where I enjoy a Friday night Pint.
An epic 113 mile cross country walk from Braemar to Inverness. 6 days walking, 5 days camping. I plotted a route out on Google Earth which included some of my favourite places to visit in the Cairngorms.
On day 3, I walk approximately 16 miles from Tromie Meadow near
Kingussie to Laggan via Glen Banchor, passing through Kingussie and
Newtonmore and visit Ruthven Barracks. I stop for Tea at Dalnashallag
bothy and wild camp by the River Spey, near Spey Dam.
In part 2 (Day 2) I walk about 18 miles from Ryovan bothy to Tromie
Meadow near Drumguish. I visit Loch Morlich, Loch an Eilein, Loch Insh,
Drakes bothy and the Frank Bruce sculpture Trail before eventually
retiring with some Spam by the River Tromie.
An epic 113 mile cross country walk from Braemar to Inverness. 6 days
walking, 5 days camping.
I plotted a route out on Google Earth which
included some of my favourite places to visit in the Cairngorms.
Time taken: 144 hours Distance: 113 miles Ascent: 732m
Day 1 (Lairig an Laoigh)
Walked from Braemar to Ryovan bothy via the Lairig an Laoigh. Visited Bob Scott's bothy.
Wild camped at Ryvoan bothy.
I got bored sitting at home so I decided to walk approximately 57 miles through the Cairngorms from Braemar to Pitlochry over the course of 4 days, visiting some bothies and climbing Ben Dearg en-route. I spent the first night in a bothy and the next 2 nights were spent wild camping by Old Bridge of Tilt next to Blair Atholl.
Day 4 (Back on track)
I continue my walk down the River Tilt and follow the River Garry to Pitlochry on a section of the Scottish National Trail to finish my walk at Pitlochry Station.
I got bored sitting at home so I decided to walk approximately 57 miles through the Cairngorms from Braemar to Pitlochry over the course of 4 days, visiting some bothies and climbing Ben Dearg en-route. I spent the first night in a bothy and the next 2 nights were spent wild camping by Old Bridge of Tilt next to Blair Atholl.
Day 3 (Ben Dearg)
I took a walk up Beinn Dearg from Blair Atholl and paid a visit to Allt Sheicheachan bothy en-route.
I
had planned to take the circuit route described here on Walkhighlands
but the day got off to a late start and then I lingered about in the
bothy for ages, by the time I came back down from the mountain it was
already getting late and I just had to return to Blair Atholl the
quickest route (same way I came up). I spent the night wild camping by the Old bridge of Tilt near Blair Atholl.
I
had considered staying in the bothy but it would mess up my schedule
for the following day as I had to walk 10 miles to Pitlochry station to
meet my train.
I got
bored sitting at home so I decided to walk approximately 57 miles
through the Cairngorms from Braemar to Pitlochry over the course of 4
days, visiting some bothies and climbing Ben Dearg en-route. I spent the
first night in a bothy and the next 2 nights were spent wild camping by
Old Bridge of Tilt next to Blair Atholl.
Day 2 (Glen Tilt)
I make my way down Glen Tilt to the Old Bridge of Tilt at Blair Atholl and set up camp next to the parking area.
I got bored sitting at home so I decided to walk approximately 57 miles through the Cairngorms from Braemar to Pitlochry over the course of 4 days, visiting some bothies and climbing Ben Dearg en-route. I spent the first night in a bothy and the next 2 nights were spent wild camping by Old Bridge of Tilt next to Blair Atholl.
Day 1 (A Washout)
I begin on Friday morning and walk approx. 22 miles in horrible weather to Tarf Hotel, a very remote bothy behind Glen Tilt. It took me forever to get there and when I finally arrived I was completely soaked through.
The Skye Trail - a challenging unofficial route through the island aimed
at experienced hillwalkers - takes in some of the very best of the
island - and that means the UK's finest landscapes.
The route
follows much of the amazing Trotternish Ridge and later passes beneath
the very shadow of the Cuillin. Other sections follow remarkable but
little visited coastal cliffs, take in steep trails above high drops, or
pass through haunting deserted villages destroyed in the cruel
Clearances.
Date walked: 02/07/2016 Time taken: 7 days Distance: 128 km
I walked the Skye Trail for the second time, mainly for my friend, Jay's benefit as he didn't manage to attend in 2014.
Once again it was a backpacking hike following the official route described here on Walkhighlands except in reverse walking South to North (Broadford to Rubha Hunish). My plan was to break it up slightly once reaching Portree with a side trip to UIG. We would stay a night at Uig then take a bus north to the Museum of Island Life and walk to Duntulm then continue Skye Trail North to South, heading back to Portree. The reason for this was because I wanted to tackle the Trotternish Ridge from the North end because when I attempted it from the South end back in 2014 I couldn't work out the exact route to take.
The night before travelling to Skye we stayed overnight at Bught Park campsite in Inverness. The following day we travelled to Kyle of Lochalsh by train, jumping off at Plockton for about an hour en-route.
Once at Kyle we popped into the Co-op for supplies before walking over Skye Bridge to Kyleakin, where we caught a bus to the campsite located 3 miles from Broadford. We got pitched up at the campsite as the rain came down heavy, took shelter in an old Hen hut and enjoyed a few drinks and tunes before starting the big walk the following day.
It rained all week, we only got one dry night and that was at Uig, it was a pretty miserable trip this time due to the weather, the weather really does make all the difference. The heavy rain got too much for us and we gave up in the end after completing the first section of the Trotternnish ridge. We caught a bus from Staffin back to Portree and retreated to Torvaig campsite.
I did not make video footage of the trail but instead made some individual videos as below:
Walking over Skye bridge
Visiting Camasunary bothy
Visit to the Lookout bothy high above Rubha Hunish
The Southern Upland Way is a 212-mile coast-to-coast walk in Scotland
between Portpatrick in the west, and Cockburnspath in the east. The
route officially opened in 1984.
Part 1
Date walked: 17/06/2016 Time taken: 2 days Distance: 33.5 km Ascent: 884m
Since 2013 my friend, Mr Globetrotter and I have been completing the long distance trail
in small stages each year (backpacking and wild camping) and have now
passed the halfway mark.
We returned in June 2016 to continue from Beattock. The plan was to walk as far as Traquair (35 miles). I have decided that next year (2017) I'll pull my finger out and get the trail completed.
On
this occasion, we got dropped off at Beattock on Friday afternoon and
walked 10 miles to Over Phawhope bothy. We hoped to get the bothy to
ourselves but unfortunately, being a popular place it was occupied by a
large group who had arrived in three cars!! We were not very amused but
at the end of the day, bothy's are free shelters which are open to
everyone.
Anyhow, there was still some space out front for
camping. We made use of the old barn to shelter from the midges. We had
food in there, washed down by several Beers which had been carried all
the way from Beattock.
Part 2
In the morning, we had a quick look in the bothy before setting off on
the trail to St Mary's loch. There was a lot of road walking involved
then a couple of big hills and we finally made it to Loch of the Lowes,
situated beside St Mary's loch. There were already a few wild campers
dotted about the place but they were sound people and it was a great
atmosphere and it stayed dry.
On the Sunday the original plan was to walk the next stage to Traquair
but due to a slight hangover and a late start Plus the arrival of the
rain it was postponed.
A 67 mile circuit walk, starting and finishing at Braemar in the Cairngorms National Park.
I walked the Lairig Ghru from Braemar to Aviemore and returned to Braemar via Glen Feshie and Glen Geldie.
In the final video, I walk about 20 miles from the bothy at Glen Feshie back to Braemar via Glen Geldie and then along the River Dee to the Linn of Dee and back to Braemar. I arrive just in time for the bus.
A 67 mile circuit walk, starting and finishing at Braemar in the Cairngorms National Park.
I walked the Lairig Ghru from Braemar to Aviemore and returned to Braemar via Glen Feshie and Glen Geldie.
In video 2, I continue my 67 mile circuit walk. I walk from Loch an Eilein to the bothy at Glen Feshie where I spend the night wild camping beside the River Feshie.
A 67 mile circuit walk, starting and finishing at Braemar in the Cairngorms National Park.
I walked the Lairig Ghru from Braemar to Aviemore and returned to Braemar via Glen Feshie and Glen Geldie.
In
video 1, I spend the first night wild camping by the Luibeg burn before
walking the Lairig Ghru to Aviemore the following day. I then continue
to Loch an Eilein where I spend the second night wild camping at Loch
an Eilean.
The Great Trossachs Path stretches from the banks of Loch Lomond at Inversnaid to Callander, linking the West Highland Way with the Rob Roy Way. Designed for both walkers and off-road cyclists, this first section of the 48km route ends at Trossachs Pier on Loch Katrine.
We began our walk from Drymen and walked some of the West Highland Way as far as Inversnaid, spending Saturday night wild camping by Loch Lomond. It stayed dry for MOST of the day as we passed over Conic Hill, through Balmaha, and along the bonnie banks to Rowardennan.
From Inversnaid we made out way to Callander over the course of 2 days, camping at Loch Katrine and Callander. I only made video footage of some of the trip.
In May 2016, I returned to the Cairngorms for another multi-day adventure, this time a 60 mile solo hike to the highest village in the Scottish Highlands, Tomintoul. I start and finish at the village of Braemar in Aberdeenshire, heading out via Mar Lodge Estate and returning via Invercauld estate... 4 days, 3 nights wild camping and 3 bothy visits.
Day 4 - I Walked approx. 23 miles back down to Braemar via Inchrory, Glen Builg and through Invercauld Estate. Once reaching Invercauld I had time to spare before the bus arrived so walked another 3 miles into Braemar to get to the shop then jumped on the bus.
In May 2016, I returned to the Cairngorms for another multi-day adventure, this time a 60 mile solo hike to the highest village in the Scottish Highlands, Tomintoul. I start and finish at the village of Braemar in Aberdeenshire, heading out via Mar Lodge Estate and returning via Invercauld estate... 4 days, 3 nights wild camping and 3 bothy visits.
Day 3 - I made my way up to the village of Tomintoul passing through Glen Avon. I walked about 15 miles and wild camp in the woods above Tomintoul. Had a meal at the Hotel.
In May 2016, I returned to the Cairngorms for another multi-day
adventure, this time a 60 mile solo hike to the highest village in the
Scottish Highlands, Tomintoul. I start and finish at the village of
Braemar in Aberdeenshire, heading out via Mar Lodge Estate and returning
via Invercauld estate... 4 days, 3 nights wild camping and 3 bothy
visits. Re-edited version.
Day 1 - Started from Braemar early afternoon and walked about 7 miles to
Bob Scott's bothy where I wild camped for the first night. Met some
guys who were staying in the bothy, members of the mba.
Day 2 - Walked 13 miles from Bob Scott's bothy to Faindouran bothy via The fords of Avon and visited Hutchinson memorial hut en-route. Wild camped at Faindouran bothy and had the place all to myself. :)
In the final part of my walk, I head for The Shieling of Mark bothy,
climbing over Hill of Rowan towards Invermark.
From Invermark I take a side trip to Queen's Well before passing through
Glen Lee to visit the Glen Lee Hut and The Stables of Lee bothy then I
continue uphill towards the Shieling of Mark.
But do I make it to my destination?? Watch to find out!
I continue my walk to the next bothy heading West to Glen Esk and
navigating my way over Clachnaben and Mount Battock. The plan on day 2
was to camp at Tarfside sports ground but I never made it that far and
ended up wild camping by a river about 1.5 miles from Tarfside.
In my first hike of 2016, I head to Deeside in Aberdeenshire on another
bothy bagging trip.
The original plan was to visit 6 bothies starting from Banchory in
Deeside and finishing at Crathie in Balmoral. I planned out my route on
Google Earth.
Things didn't quite go to plan.
I couldn't find Shieling of Mark bothy (yet I was so close) this also
meant that I couldn't navigate my way to the next place, which would
have been Glen Muick. I became stuck in a valley and had to turn back
the way I came.
My quickest escape route was a climb over Mount Keen (939 m ascent) from
Invermark, to follow a path towards Ballater but the Ballater path
wasn't clear so I ended up walking 16 miles from the top of Mount Keen
to Aboyne (a route that was familiar to me).
I did not film this because I was not in the mood after my mistake.
During my expidition I passed through Banchory, Aboyne, Glen Esk,
Tarfside, Invermark, Loch Lee and climbed Clachnaben, Mount Battock,
Hill of Rowan and Mount Keen for a second time. I visited three bothies
including Charr, Glen Lee hut and Stables of Lee.
I must have walked about 70 miles up and over the hills but failed at my
challenge.
Ben Vorlich is a bulky and very rugged mountain, the most northerly of the Arrochar Alps. It is possible to walk a fine circuit taking in the Little Hills from Ardlui to the north, but the ascent here, from Inveruglas via the Loch Sloy dam road, is the quickest.
Munros included on this walk: Ben Vorlich (Loch Lomond) Date walked: 14/04/2016 Time taken: 4 hours Distance: 13.5 km Ascent: 945m
Ben Vorlich is a bulky and very rugged mountain, the most northerly of the Arrochar Alps. It is possible to walk a fine circuit taking in the Little Hills from Ardlui to the north, but the ascent here, from Inveruglas via the Loch Sloy dam road, is the quickest.
I took a bus from Glasgow to Tarbet on Thursday afternoon, arriving in Tarbet about 2pm.
Upon arrival I immediately began my hike towards Sloy dam, picking up the woodland path at Tarbet station and following it to meet the Glen Loin loop above Arrochar. My aim was to find somewhere suitable to wild camp, close to the dam, and near the start of the mountain path. I just took my time, pondering along through the trees looking for the Glen Loin caves en-route (and not having much success).
I eventually reached Sloy dam around 6pm and found a great little spot to pitch up, in front of the dam (enough flat ground for a small 2 man tent). I had seen a better spot earlier on the trail but wanted to be closer to the dam.
I had a peaceful night all alone by the dam, not much people around except for the Scottish Hydro workers who drove past a few times in the morning.
I was up for about 9am to make a start on the long daunting climb to the summit of Ben Vorlich. Actually it wasn't too bad, a tad cold, there was some light snow at one point and there was a considerable amount of snow lying near the top. I was presented with some bonnie views of Sloy damn as I made progress but due to mist I couldn't see much else.
It took me about an hour and a half to reach the summit, where it was VERY cold, icy and very windy, couldn't stay long, only long enough to smile for a selfie. I met one other guy coming down as I was on my way up.
I was back down by about half past 1, not sure what took me so long but my hands were freezing and the first thing to do was make a nice hot drink and some noodles to get warmed up. I was pretty much bored after that, I had contemplated climbing Ben Vane but I didn't have time as I had to head back over to Arrochar to meet Jay at Ben Arthurs bothy.
