50 and counting

On 26th April 2021, Robert Marshall started the West Highland Way for the 50th time!

Below Robert tells us a bit about his West Highland Way experience:

I tried to get my 50th walk done before my 65th birthday last year in November but COVID restrictions prevented me in doing so.  As soon as 26th April 2021 was announced as the date for ‘release’, I phoned and booked a few places I use frequently. I set off and walked the route in 5 days which is my preferred timescale. However, when it comes to timescale,  everyone is different. It’s always better for first timers to aim for a timescale that they think will be easy enough to complete. If you find it’s a bit long then the next time you can cut it down safely. I have walked it over 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 days and at the moment have settled into 5 days. I’m sure at any time that may have to change. I should point out that my 3 day walk was for charity in 1993 and so was a long time ago.  I do like to try different ways of walking eg, use a tent, using a bivvy bag, using B&B, using baggage transfer, and then mixing it up a bit.

Favourite time of year

The weather can be unpredictable at any time of the year. You can get glorious blue skies in February and you can get hailstones in June. However, I like April/May and Sep/Oct as the colours in the countryside are amazing and you can generally avoid the dreaded midge. I’ve walked every month of the year except December, but I have plans to walk it this December.

Animals

On my most recent trip I had a pheasant cross my path on the road to Drymen. That was a first on the WHW for me. Sometimes you get to see the wild goats on Loch Lomondside and if you are really lucky you see 2 separate groups of them. On my recent trip I saw 6 separate groups which is many more than at any time before. You can also see red squirrels but they can be elusive. I’ve only see one at Bridge of Orchy. Everyone already knows I’m sure that Deer can be seen in many places along the route. There also used to be a wonderful peacock at the Drovers Inn but it’s no longer there. I have never seen an adder but they have been photographed by others on Conic Hill this year.

Favourite stretch

The Loch Lomond stretch can be tiring but I always have it in my head that once I reach Beinglas Farm, the walking becomes so much easier. Still, the Loch Lomond section is a favourite. The views from all the high points are stunning. As you come over the shoulder of Conic Hill and see the Loch from high up is just awe inspiring. The same applies at the hill between Bridge of Orchy and Inveroran, the Devils Staircase and finally the top of the hill as you leave Kinlochleven.

Is there a least enjoyable part for me? That’s simple, ‘no’. I enjoy all parts of every walk.

Top Tips

Look after your feet. A lot of people who end up finishing earlier than planned can be due to foot problems. The correct footwear and socks can be the difference between an enjoyable or a tortuous walk. But there is a big problem here. Everyone’s feet are different. What is the perfect solution for one person, might be the worst solution for another. So, it’s important that each person finds what suits them best on suitable training walks and build up the mileage gradually. Personally I use trail shoes which have a Vibram sole which is the same sole found on many makes of boots. Boots are required if you need ankle support. I then use 2 pairs of socks with the inner pair being quick dry liner socks. For blisters, prevention is much more important than cure.  For prevention I use a continuous roll of Elastoplast and I apply 2 strips to my right foot on the spots that I know get tender after continuous walking. I don’t apply anything to my left foot. I remove the plaster and re-apply as required. If I apply the plaster properly I don’t get blisters.

Another tip, it rains a lot in Scotland and so everything you wear is better if it’s quick drying material.

Will he walk it again?

And so to my future walks, I’m sure I’ll do a North to South walk and perhaps a high camp walk and although I’ve walked Ben Nevis many many times, I’ve never walked it at the end of the WHW. Perhaps I won’t bother with that one!

One final important point, there is no right or wrong way to walk the WHW. You do it YOUR way.

You can view Robert’s video of his 50th West Highland Way walk on YouTube.