I think my preparations were adequate, although a few more 20 mile walks and doing a couple back to back over a weekend may have helped, but with all the training that one could fit in it is still hard to fully prepare. The WHW is a test in stamina and being able to carry on when you are exhausted and aching. Scotland makes this easier as basically there are few places to stop and the walk goes through remote areas so you have no choice but to carry on to the next watering hole! The only way around that is to take all supplies and camping gear with you so you can pick the places to stop, but even these walkers tend to camp near to civilisation and to carry all your kit looks hard work!
We were pleased that we used a luggage transfer service, Ginger Routes, and every day the bag was waiting for us even though we arrived early a couple of times. The accommodation we used was all good standard and averaged out at £35 each for bed and breakfast, allow approx £50 per day though once you have bought dinner and snacks. All of our stops were on the WHW but some people we spoke to found it hard to get accommodation as they booked late, we booked up in March for most of ours and even then the B&B in Bridge of Orchy was full so we stayed in the hotel (our most expensive night).
Packing wise I feel that we got it about right, taking medical supplies is essential (Compeed, Ibuprofen, Paracetamol) as there aren't always shops available and prices are premium. The items we didn't use were warm fleeces and hats as the weather was good so that was a bonus, but you can't really risk going without these.
When planning the walk we didn't initially consider doing it for sponsorship money and it was only due to friends and colleagues persuading us that we decided to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support and between us we have approximately £500, so a BIG THANK YOU to all who sponsored us and supported us through your cheering texts and Facebook messages - they really did help
I guess the main test of whether the walk was a success is whether I would do it again and if it had turned me into a walking holiday fan? Well the answer to that is, Yes! However I think 15 miles a day makes for a more pleasurable experience and would use this as a guide in future. The best part was seeing amazing scenery which you have time to appreciate and laughing along the way with your walking partner. So plans will be made after Christmas as to the next walk, maybe the Pennines or the South West Coastal Path
Packing wise I feel that we got it about right, taking medical supplies is essential (Compeed, Ibuprofen, Paracetamol) as there aren't always shops available and prices are premium. The items we didn't use were warm fleeces and hats as the weather was good so that was a bonus, but you can't really risk going without these.
When planning the walk we didn't initially consider doing it for sponsorship money and it was only due to friends and colleagues persuading us that we decided to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support and between us we have approximately £500, so a BIG THANK YOU to all who sponsored us and supported us through your cheering texts and Facebook messages - they really did help
I guess the main test of whether the walk was a success is whether I would do it again and if it had turned me into a walking holiday fan? Well the answer to that is, Yes! However I think 15 miles a day makes for a more pleasurable experience and would use this as a guide in future. The best part was seeing amazing scenery which you have time to appreciate and laughing along the way with your walking partner. So plans will be made after Christmas as to the next walk, maybe the Pennines or the South West Coastal Path
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| passport showing our overnight stops |
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