Thursday 14 June 2018

Winter Walking Along The West Highland Way



If you enjoy walking and exploring the beautiful countryside, then you should definitely consider one of the many walking holidays in Scotland. Whether you wish to relax and take in the spectacular scenery or you prefer going on a challenging and adventurous hike, the Scottish hills and mountains offer a wide range of opportunities and experiences for walkers.

If you are looking for adventure this winter, try a walking holiday along the West Highland Way, one of Scotland's most iconic long distance footpaths. This 96 miles long distance route runs through the Southern and Western Highlands of Scotland, from Milngavie, a town at the north-western edge of Glasgow, to Fort William in the Scottish Highlands.

Opened on October 6th 1980, the long-distance route is the first officially designated footpath in Scotland. The path takes you along some spectacular breath-taking glens and across several ridges, hills and mountains. The trail finishes at the foot of Ben Nevis, at 1342 metres the highest mountain in the British Isles. If you still have the energy after finishing the West Highland Way, you can always top it off by climbing the UK's tallest mountain.

Although winter is an especially beautiful time of the year to walk and especially on crisp bright days with blue skies, it is important to be fully prepared and equipped when winter walking in the Scottish Highlands in winter. You are advised not to do the walk on your own unless you are an experienced hiker. If you have no prior hiking experience, it is recommended to go with friends or to join a group.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZ4-VmVTh0c&t=2s   
Be prepared to walk for a good five to six hours per day, over the course of seven to eight days. For the more experienced hiker this could take five to six days. Also keep in mind that the walk is not always easy and there are some parts where the trail becomes rockier or steeper, so it is important that you are familiar with the equipment you may need to use at certain times. The weather is often very changeable in Scotland - particularly in the mountains - so ensure that you are properly prepared, especially if you decide to go in winter. Bring clothing and equipment suitable for tracking and different weather conditions. Bring comfortable and water-proof footwear, plenty of socks, a warm fleece and don't forget that a hat and gloves should be carried at all times. It may also be an idea to wear a thermal base layer.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wi1mIqh1kOg&t=21s

So if you would like your winter to be challenging and adventurous this year, a walking holiday in Scotland will provide you with the right kind of excitement you are looking for.