stabelweisefotos

Travel preparations

Maybe you are like me and this is your first long-distance hike. Many "newbies" choose the West Highland Way as a starting point and I can take away any fears: It is absolutely feasible, even without daily marathon training. You should be a bit sporty and maybe it shouldn't be your very first hike either. This is also pretty important when it comes to hiking boots. They should be run in, otherwise it will be uncomfortable later. I have to admit that at the beginning I was worried about my fitness and then wanted to start an extensive jogging program in February, which unfortunately ended with a knee injury and made me fear that I would hobble along the West Highland Way like an old veteran would. But I was lucky and was able to recover from my war injuries in the months up to the start and recovered in time. What you shouldn't be either is squeamish. The weather changes all the time, your shoes pinch, you don't sleep well, you freeze and you sweat, you may not be able to wash yourself every day (or maybe you don't want to, who knows). You have to be able to handle that.

 

packing list

Here you should note that this packing list is my personal packing list. I hiked with my cousin and split my luggage. With water bottles, however, I still got a total weight of 15 kg (depending on the food it was probably more or less on the track). Of course, it is always best to pack as little as possible and use lightweight materials. Unfortunately, this was not possible for us due to cost reasons (poor students - a tear flows down my cheek) and so we simply took what was functional and relatively cheap. Except for shoes and tents, we always paid attention to the price. You shouldn't save on your backpack either.

As I said: I hiked with my cousin (she carried the tent and I carried various other equipment), but here's a packing list with my accessories including tent;).

 

The packing list is particularly suitable for everyone who also wants to camp in the wild. Otherwise you would have to cross out what you think you don't need on a campsite;)

 

[Note: It is also possible to use luggage transport. But we wanted the full hiking experience and demonized the "backpackless" during the track because we were and still are of the opinion that if you should do it right. But everyone has their own and that's why it should be noted here! Maybe you also have back problems and still want to walk the path. Unfortunately, I can't give you much about the transports because - as I said - we didn't use them.]

In italics I have added a few additions here and there that you should know as a hiking beginner before you buy new equipment, but also information that could be of interest to experienced (more) hikers.

 

You can find the checklist below as a PDF in a shortened version!

 

 

Equipment

 

• Backpack!
  It is extremely important that the backpack fits well. It is best to seek advice from a specialist shop and do not be stingy. Your back will thank you. I recommend a backpack that rests on your hips. This distributes the weight and is gentle.

• tent
  We decided on the Quickhiker Ultralight 2 at Decathlon and were able to see this tent several times at the WHW. We were super happy with it. It's super quick and easy to set up and weighs less than 2 kg. Apparently a classic at Decathlon for 150 €. The link to the tent: https://www.decathlon.de/p/trekkingzelt-quickhiker-ultralight-2-personen-hellgrau/_/Rp-3721?mc=8245650&c=GRAU

• Additional rain protection for the backpack
  Yes, it is raining in Scotland. I bought mine at the Decathlon because I didn't think that this thin thing, which is often included in backpacks, would be enough. In addition, I was able to convert the backpack into a travel bag with my rain cover, which was also very practical for the flight. The link to rain protection: https://www.decathlon.de/p/transporthulle-regenschutz-fur-trekkingrucksacke-von-40-bis-60-l/_/Rp-303089?mc=8512029&hc=css&gclid=Cj0KCQjwuJz3BRDTARIsXMg3GEbXwSqNDTARIsAMg-HXbXwe -MOhQAizZVeSKUXZMJPzrR0aAm3ZEALw_wc

• Sleeping bag
  Should be displayed for the corresponding season. Ours was relatively light and intended for temperatures of up to 10 degrees (comfort zone). During our stay in the mountains, however, we sometimes froze - despite thick cozy socks and a double sweater - so I can only recommend warmer.

• Sleeping mat (we had an inflatable one from Forclaz)

• Trekking poles
  Very stereotypical but useful on a long-distance hike for the following reasons: 1) Support when hiking downhill 2) Desperate pulling up when hiking uphill 3) Testing whether you will sink into the mud or whether you can continue walking with a clear conscience 4) Tow your hiking partner and the Pull the rest of the stage behind you 5) Assistance / safety when crossing streams

• Bags and bags (preferably waterproof)
  you always need to pack something (waterproof).

• Food (for the first few days)
  don't worry: you don't have to spear fish or pull a crossbow into the forest, there is often enough opportunity to stock up on food and more. But for the first day we packed fresher food and a little ready-made food from Germany (soups and pasta dishes - by the way, the German ones taste much better than the British ones in our opinion. This is probably due to the fine flavor enhancers).

• ear plug
  if you don't want to be woken up by a roaring moose or tent partner. Or if you want to sleep on campsites and go to bed early ... or because you have a fetish for things. Whatever. Pack them up.

• Headlamp

• pocket knife

• Lighter / fire stick

• Stove
  We decided on a small, handy petroleum stove and took a bracket with us. Please keep in mind that you can take gas cartridges with you to the airport, but then you will probably not be allowed on the plane at first;) Avoid phrases like "Allahu Akbar" in this combination. You can buy gas cartridges in Scotland - but they are expensive and we only saw some in Drymen in the Spar market. But maybe there are already some. It's best to find out more and then decide whether you want or need a stove at all. In any case, we didn't want to do without a warm meal.

• cord

• First aid kit

• Pillow (optional, inflatable)
  a bit of luxury

• hammer

• Pliers

• Cup (you don't really need it, but I used to drink my soup from it)

• cooking pot

• Camping cutlery
  I recommend one that can be divided into different parts (spoon, knife, fork - all in one)

• shovel
  A wise maiden said:

"The toilet is where the trowel is"

But seriously: bury your business. A shovel can be very useful ...

• Water bottle (s)
  I had 2x1 liter bottles so that the water was evenly distributed on the sides of the backpack. Of course you can also use something else. Many also use these bags, which you can stow in the backpack.

technology

• Charging cable (camera / mobile phone etc.)

• Replacement batteries (e.g. for the camera)

• Charging adapter for UK sockets

• Power bank

• camera

• mobile phone

• SD card for camera

• Camera bag with rain cover
  Please do not store the camera in the outer compartment of the backpack. Heard such mistakes happen every now and then.

• Glasses cleaning cloth - for glasses and camera (microfiber)

 

Clothes etc.

• walking boots
  Don't be stingy here either! A few more dollars and you'll get sensible shoes that are waterproof and have a good profile. Mine are from Meindl and I'm very satisfied - they were reduced and cost around € 200.

• Glasses / glasses case / contact lenses / care products

• Towel 

• Hiking socks

• Rain jacket

• Rain pants

• Underwear (optional, of course)

• Gaiters
  you don't necessarily need it, but it depends on the season. One day I was actually very happy to have her with me.

• trousers
  with detachable legs in case you need to amputate quickly. Joking aside, it can be really warm every now and then in August. If you should hike at a different time of year, you may not need them and normal functional pants will be sufficient.

• leggings
  very comfortable for sleeping, as a change of trousers or for the return journey on the plane

• T-shirts / functional shirts
  Merino wool is recommended - it doesn't smell like that.

• Fleece sweater

• Beanie / headband / cap
  With this you can hide the fact that there is now and then Bad Hair Day at the WHW and keep your #perfectootd in top style .

• light shoes / flip-flops or flip-flops
  The treat of the century after a long day of hiking!

 

hygiene

• Toilet paper; always in great demand, if you know what I mean.

• handkerchiefs

• Soap

• Washing up

• Dental care (brush, cream, etc.)

• hairbrush

• Deodorant
  I only used it on the first and last day. You can leave it out too.

• tweezers

• Hair ties

 

travel pharmacy

• Painkillers

• Warming ointment

• Charcoal tablets
  good for nausea, diarrhea ...

• Blister plaster

• Magnesium pills
  take one tablet every day in the morning! Then you don't have to worry about sore muscles;)

• nobite
  rather buy the "smidge", which is available on site. This was specially developed against or for midges and is just great. They'll still fly around you like the *** but don't bite anymore. At least if you have applied the right lotion.

 

Documents

• Travel documents
  Passport / identity card, plane tickets, documents for travel insurance (in the event of an injury, this makes sense), insurance card, etc.)

• travel Guide
  My travel guide: Engel, Hartmut: Scotland: West Highland Way. From the series "Outdoor. The journey is the goal." Conrad Stein Verlag.

• hiking map
  My map: Scotland's Great Trails. West Highland Way. Tough polyethylene map. XT40. Harvey Publishing House.

• wallet

• Money: you can also withdraw it at the airport, but of course you can also collect it beforehand at the bank (in Scotland you pay with pounds)

• Travel diary + pen (s)

• Credit card (with some credit cards you can withdraw free of charge abroad.)

 

technology

• Charging cable (camera / mobile phone etc.)

• Replacement batteries (e.g. for the camera)

• Charging adapter for UK sockets

• Power bank

• camera

• mobile phone

• SD card for camera

• Camera bag with rain cover

 

Clothes etc.

• walking boots
  Don't be stingy here either! A few more dollars and you'll get sensible shoes that are waterproof and have a good profile. Mine are from Meindl and I'm very satisfied - they were reduced and cost around € 200.

• Glasses / glasses case / contact lenses / care products

• Towel / towels

• Hiking socks

• Rain jacket

• Rain pants

• Underwear (optional, of course)

• Gaiters
  you don't necessarily need it, but it depends on the season. One day I was actually very happy to have her with me.

• trousers
  with detachable legs in case you need to amputate quickly. Joking aside, it can be really warm every now and then in August. If you should hike at a different time of year, you may not need them and normal functional pants will be sufficient.

• leggings
  very comfortable for sleeping, as a change of trousers or for the return journey on the plane

• T-shirts / functional shirts
  Merino wool is recommended - it doesn't smell like that.

• Fleece sweater

• Beanie / headband / cap
  With this you can hide the fact that there is now and then Bad Hair Day at the WHW and keep your #perfectootd in top style .

• light shoes / flip-flops or flip-flops
  The treat of the century after a long day of hiking!

 

hygiene

• Toilet paper; always in great demand, if you know what I mean.

• handkerchiefs

• Soap

• Washing up

• Dental care (brush, cream, etc.)

• hairbrush

• Deodorant
  I only used it on the first and last day. You can leave it out too.

• tweezers

• Hair ties

 

travel pharmacy

• Painkillers

• Warming ointment

• Charcoal tablets
  good for nausea, diarrhea ...

• Blister plaster

• Magnesium pills
  take one tablet every day in the morning! Then you don't have to worry about sore muscles;)

• nobite
  rather buy the "smidge", which is available on site. This was specially developed against or for midges and is just great. They'll still fly around you like the *** but don't bite anymore. At least if you have applied the right lotion.

 

 

Paperwork

• Travel documents
  Passport / identity card, plane tickets, documents for travel insurance (in the event of an injury, this makes sense), insurance card, etc.)

• travel guide
  My travel guide: Engel, Hartmut: Scotland: West Highland Way. From the series "Outdoor. The journey is the goal." Conrad Stein Verlag.

• hiking map
  My map: Scotland's Great Trails. West Highland Way. Tough polyethylene map. XT40. Harvey Publishing House.

• wallet

• Money: you can also withdraw it at the airport, but of course you can also collect it beforehand at the bank (in Scotland you pay with pounds)

• Travel diary + pen (s)

• Credit card (with some credit cards you can withdraw free of charge abroad.)

 

Arrival and departure

 

We flew from Frankfurt to Glasgow. There is a shuttle from the airport to Glasgow City Center, where you can change to the train to Milngavie. The people there are super nice and you can always ask for directions, which is why you don't have to be afraid that you won't find your way around. For example, we didn't find the right train station straight away because there are two relatively close together in Glasgow. A nice woman helped us. :) For the return trip I booked a trip on the Internet with Citylink relatively early (I think it was in May). We were able to travel from Fort William back to Glasgow very cheaply, did not have to change trains and had already paid for everything in advance. In my opinion, that takes a lot of stress and you know that you will be back at the airport on time.

 

 

Accommodations

 

We decided to go camping and wanted to camp wild as much as possible, because that's simply the best! Of course, at some point you just need a shower or electricity - our first campsite was nonetheless the Beinglas Farm behind Loch Lomond. If you don't want to go wild camping, you have the following options:

- Campsites

- Bothys

- Hostels / Hotels / B & Bs

We have generally had good experiences with campsites. Only at the Glencoe Mountain Resort were we a bit dissatisfied. You can read more about this later in the travel report. On the way there are 2 bothys (shelters without electricity etc.) in which you can stay for free. We did not take advantage of this offer because the bothys were always in such a way that they were in the middle of our stage. However, if you are lucky, you can plan so that you arrive at exactly one bothy at the end of the day. You have to be there early, however, as they are often already occupied. Or you team up with others;).

You have to book hostels / hotels etc. really, really early! The number of accommodations is very limited. Once we were dependent on a hostel and really couldn't find anything, which is why we had to take the last completely overpriced hotel room in Crianlarich (€ 120 for one night). You can also read more about this in my travel report.