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The Outdoorsy "Sofa".

I've only done bits of the WHW as part of other walks, mostly around Fort William/Glencoe and Tyndrum/Bridge of Orchy. From what I saw most places seemed pretty busy, even the wild camping spots, so depending on what you decide you'll probably want to get booked up fairly soon. Also if you do go down the camping route then the laws are different around Loch Lomond and you need to be on a proper site or have a permit until you get past Ardlui I think.

If you can get a transfer service for your camping gear then it would probably be doable (other than the midge issue already mentioned). But carrying everything for a week might be a bit much?

If I was doing it I'd probably mix things up a bit and camp some of the time, with a few nights in accomodation for the chance of a shower, charging stuff, etc.

FYI The Bridge of Orchy Hotel does a decent FSB :thumbs:
 
Elpenor said:
Morning all

So, I’m quite close to Dartmoor (specifically the Haytor / Hound Tor bit), and want to start getting up there for short circular walks of up to 3 hours during the weekends. Nothing too technical, I was thinking of walking from Hound Tor to Haytor and back again as an example.

I have suitable clothing, and probably footwear (I intend to check this out on a short walk as I have some walking shoes that I think will be fine), but presume I will need the relevant OS, a compass and a map case - GPS is out of budget. Anything else?

Also where should I purchase from - online? Or is it worth trying an outdoor shop, there is a Muppets Millets in town and probably some better options if I go to Exeter
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A decent rucksack that is comfortable to carry and maybe some walking poles?

Going to a shop is best as you can try the stuff first to make sure it's comfortable for you. An independent shop (or failing that Go Outdoors) is probably a better bet than Millets.
 
neonwilderness said:
A decent rucksack that is comfortable to carry and maybe some walking poles?

Going to a shop is best as you can try the stuff first to make sure it's comfortable for you. An independent shop (or failing that Go Outdoors) is probably a better bet than Millets.
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Thanks that’s a helpful starting point :)

There’s definitely a Go Outdoors in the city, so I can have a look there. Walking poles I hadn’t even thought of, pretty sure they’d be helpful given the weight on my joints, never used them as they were banned from a lot of running events. I have had loads of rucksacks in my time, but they were all used for running and I’m pretty sure I don’t have any of them anymore.
 
Elpenor said:
Morning all

So, I’m quite close to Dartmoor (specifically the Haytor / Hound Tor bit), and want to start getting up there for short circular walks of up to 3 hours during the weekends. Nothing too technical, I was thinking of walking from Hound Tor to Haytor and back again as an example.

I have suitable clothing, and probably footwear (I intend to check this out on a short walk as I have some walking shoes that I think will be fine), but presume I will need the relevant OS, a compass and a map case - GPS is out of budget. Anything else?

Also where should I purchase from - online? Or is it worth trying an outdoor shop, there is a Muppets Millets in town and probably some better options if I go to Exeter
Click to expand...

I think it's probably worth going to an actual shop to get your compass - you don't need anything fancy, but you want to be sure it's not duff. Maybe Facebook marketplace is worth a look, rather than some cheap crap from AliExpress.. standard 1:25k OS map will be great, it'll cost you about £9 - you could get a mapcase, or make copies of the area you need and use zipseal plastic bags instead..

 
lazythursday said:
Anyone here done the West Highland Way? Am determined to do a long distance walk next year as was thinking of this as a good first option. I did four days of the coast to coast a few years back but that's the extent of my multi day hikes. I'm just pondering whether I should embrace camping (would mean buying a lot of kit) or if I should accept as a fiftysomething that hotels and hostels would just be so much more pleasant.

If I was going to go down that route though, I think I'd need to start booking soon. And then it looks so much easier to do it via one of the companies that do it all gor you, but at around £1300 for eight night option it's not cheap if I was doing it as a single person (might persuade partner but while he likes walking he prefers leisurely rather than as a challenge).
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I've not done the whole WHW in one go, but I've done it in bits - personally I wouldn't pay £1300 to do it, regardless of the comfort involved. I wouldn't bother doing the Milngavie-Balmaha stretch again, but the stretch from Inversnaid to Glen Nevis is certainly worth the effort.

There are a couple of other trails that are worth looking at - East Highland Way for example - far less crowded, usually less issue with midges (which are, imo, getting earlier each year) The East Highland Way (Walkhighlands)

Or you could look at a DIY trip - this chap has written a great series of guides. This is a good starting point for a trip in the Central Highlands...IMG_20231106_124230357.jpgIMG_20231106_124222672.jpg
 
kebabking said:
I think it's probably worth going to an actual shop to get your compass - you don't need anything fancy, but you want to be sure it's not duff. Maybe Facebook marketplace is worth a look, rather than some cheap crap from AliExpress.. standard 1:25k OS map will be great, it'll cost you about £9 - you could get a mapcase, or make copies of the area you need and use zipseal plastic bags instead..

Click to expand...
I always forget Facebook marketplace, someone a few miles up the road is listing the OS map, one of the coast path, and a compass for £4 so I’ve popped them a message
 
Elpenor said:
Morning all

So, I’m quite close to Dartmoor (specifically the Haytor / Hound Tor bit), and want to start getting up there for short circular walks of up to 3 hours during the weekends. Nothing too technical, I was thinking of walking from Hound Tor to Haytor and back again as an example.

I have suitable clothing, and probably footwear (I intend to check this out on a short walk as I have some walking shoes that I think will be fine), but presume I will need the relevant OS, a compass and a map case - GPS is out of budget. Anything else?

Also where should I purchase from - online? Or is it worth trying an outdoor shop, there is a Muppets Millets in town and probably some better options if I go to Exeter
Click to expand...

Dunno what experience you have but map reading is an important skill. Never be without a map and compass. Tech is no replacement for a map and compass but it can be a great addition. The OS app is a great tool that is a worthy investment IMO.

Apart from that a dry bag to keep an extra layer and electronics dry is always sensible to use.

A breathable waterproof to keep you comfortable.

Snacks. Lots of snacks. The trick is to stop every hour regardless and eat and drink something. This’ll keep you from being exhausted at the end of the day.
 
Elpenor said:
Morning all

So, I’m quite close to Dartmoor (specifically the Haytor / Hound Tor bit), and want to start getting up there for short circular walks of up to 3 hours during the weekends. Nothing too technical, I was thinking of walking from Hound Tor to Haytor and back again as an example.

I have suitable clothing, and probably footwear (I intend to check this out on a short walk as I have some walking shoes that I think will be fine), but presume I will need the relevant OS, a compass and a map case - GPS is out of budget. Anything else?

Also where should I purchase from - online? Or is it worth trying an outdoor shop, there is a Muppets Millets in town and probably some better options if I go to Exeter
Click to expand...
Hound tor to haytor and back is nice and simple. Lots of possible paths (some not mapped) and your waypoints are visible most of the time. You probably don't need GPS if you've got a phone. You get some map layers free on the OS app.
 
WhyLikeThis said:
Dunno what experience you have but map reading is an important skill. Never be without a map and compass. Tech is no replacement for a map and compass but it can be a great addition. The OS app is a great tool that is a worthy investment IMO.

Apart from that a dry bag to keep an extra layer and electronics dry is always sensible to use.

A breathable waterproof to keep you comfortable.

Snacks. Lots of snacks. The trick is to stop every hour regardless and eat and drink something. This’ll keep you from being exhausted at the end of the day.
Click to expand...
Experience of ultra marathon running / long days out in hills from 10-15 years ago (Haworth Hobble, Yorkshire 3P, also LDWA events) so I have navigated before. Not got that fitness anymore though.

think I have a dry bag and a waterproof somewhere. Nutrition sounds similar to what I’ve used previously
 
Idaho said:
Hound tor to haytor and back is nice and simple. Lots of possible paths (some not mapped) and your waypoints are visible most of the time. You probably don't need GPS if you've got a phone. You get some map layers free on the OS app.
Click to expand...
thanks, that’s helpful, will give me a chance to test if what I have is any good
 
lazythursday said:
I like the idea of being self-sufficient and embracing camping. But I guess that if money was completely irrelevent and it didn't seem such a hassle arranging the accommodation, I'd definitely go for the comfortable option. And yeah - when I did some of the coast to coast I carried all the gear, and that did make it feel much more of a slog so I'd like to avoid that as much as possible (I assume the transfer companies will also transfer tents etc? or is that just for people staying in hotels?).

If I was doing it with a mate I'd just book it now with one of the package companies as I can afford the 600-800 it would likely cost. It's the single supplement that makes it just seem a bit out of reach and therefore is making me rethink camping. I guess I could just start trying to book everything individually but I'm mega admin-averse.
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I don't think there's loads of admin? My sister and I were looking to do this next year, it's just a few hostels and if you want the bag carrying service, book that separate.

I'm not sure it's one I'd want to lug camping kit for, if I was to do a multi day camping trip, I'd probably want to do something more remote to make it feel "worth" all that extra weight!
 
kebabking said:
I've not done the whole WHW in one go, but I've done it in bits - personally I wouldn't pay £1300 to do it, regardless of the comfort involved. I wouldn't bother doing the Milngavie-Balmaha stretch again, but the stretch from Inversnaid to Glen Nevis is certainly worth the effort.

There are a couple of other trails that are worth looking at - East Highland Way for example - far less crowded, usually less issue with midges (which are, imo, getting earlier each year) The East Highland Way (Walkhighlands)

Or you could look at a DIY trip - this chap has written a great series of guides. This is a good starting point for a trip in the Central Highlands...View attachment 398842View attachment 398844
Click to expand...
I think I'd like to do one of the more recognised routes for this first proper attempt. Although I've done absolutely fuckloads of walking, apart from my partial coast-coast experience I haven't done much multi-day stuff and I feel I both need the challenge of a fixed route, not a DIY one I can shorten / cheat on, and the support / camaraderie around doing that.

I think I'm leaning towards partial camping - just need to decide if my current tent is fine. Basically I always leave the technical stuff like tents and stoves to my partner and I think I'm more likely to be on my own this time.
 
UnderOpenSky said:
I don't think there's loads of admin? My sister and I were looking to do this next year, it's just a few hostels and if you want the bag carrying service, book that separate.

I'm not sure it's one I'd want to lug camping kit for, if I was to do a multi day camping trip, I'd probably want to do something more remote to make it feel "worth" all that extra weight!
Click to expand...
I thought you and your sister were running it? That means far less places to need to book. I'd assumed a seven day trek though must admit have not properly looked at how it breaks down yet. I'm just awful at this kind of thing, I'm almost bound to book them in the wrong order or something.

Edit - or more likely, I'll book half of them, won't get through to the other half, forget about it then panic two weeks before when I've got nowhere to stay for half the trip.
 
lazythursday said:
I thought you and your sister were running it? That means far less places to need to book. I'd assumed a seven day trek though must admit have not properly looked at how it breaks down yet. I'm just awful at this kind of thing, I'm almost bound to book them in the wrong order or something.

Edit - or more likely, I'll book half of them, won't get through to the other half, forget about it then panic two weeks before when I've got nowhere to stay for half the trip.
Click to expand...

That was the plan, hadn't thought of it that way! Although she's changed her mind and wants something more "hardcore". I suggested we could just do it in less time, but she also doesn't want to put in the training time for that much cardio. :hmm:

So I think our challenge is now the Welsh 3000s in 24 hours. Her biggest challenge will be Crib Goch as she's scared of heights. Mine is just going to not dying some point towards the end the Carneddau. Luckily for me she's super organised with admin and has already booked the hostel for the closest weekend to the solstice. I still want to the West Highland Way though.
 
UnderOpenSky said:
That was the plan, hadn't thought of it that way! Although she's changed her mind and wants something more "hardcore". I suggested we could just do it in less time, but she also doesn't want to put in the training time for that much cardio. :hmm:

So I think our challenge is now the Welsh 3000s in 24 hours. Her biggest challenge will be Crib Goch as she's scared of heights. Mine is just going to not dying some point towards the end the Carneddau. Luckily for me she's super organised with admin and has already booked the hostel for the closest weekend to the solstice. I still want to the West Highland Way though.
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A few races along the WHW route, I’ve not done any but those I know who have speak very highly of them
 
Elpenor said:
A few races along the WHW route, I’ve not done any but those I know who have speak very highly of them
Click to expand...

Yeah, I've seen them. I'd like to get fit enough again to do a short ultra next year, but the level of training I'd need for that is a bit beyond me at the moment. Even training for a "short" ultra is seeming pretty daunting.
 
Elpenor said:
A few races along the WHW route, I’ve not done any but those I know who have speak very highly of them
Click to expand...

There used to be a race of the whole route! No idea if it's still going. I think people used to finish in around 20 hours or so.

I remember thinking when I was younger that it was something I'd like to do :D
 
Idaho said:
Does it weigh more then 2kg? If so, you need something lighter. To avoid misery, try and get your dry weight* below 8kg.


*Basic pack weight before including food and water.
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I think so - we did buy it for the coast to coast and weight was definitely a big consideration. But that was exhausting. Mainly because of the amount of food we needed to carry including dog food - and I'm very gluten intolerant so can't just eat in any old random pub so need to carry more food than average (and it was a meal out that finished that excursion, leaving me too ill to do the final bit out of the Lake District from Ullswater.) Dog is too arthritic now to come with me, but I'd definitely pay for baggage transfer to make it more enjoyable anyway.

I'm more concerned that the tent has since been used for festivals and parties and might have lost or damaged bits...
 
lazythursday said:
I think so - we did buy it for the coast to coast and weight was definitely a big consideration. But that was exhausting. Mainly because of the amount of food we needed to carry including dog food - and I'm very gluten intolerant so can't just eat in any old random pub so need to carry more food than average (and it was a meal out that finished that excursion, leaving me too ill to do the final bit out of the Lake District from Ullswater.) Dog is too arthritic now to come with me, but I'd definitely pay for baggage transfer to make it more enjoyable anyway.

I'm more concerned that the tent has since been used for festivals and parties and might have lost or damaged bits...
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Make sure you put the tent up (and reproof it if needed) beforehand then :D

Food could be an issue too? There are shops in the villages, but not sure how well stocked they'd be.
 
Elpenor said:
Experience of ultra marathon running / long days out in hills from 10-15 years ago (Haworth Hobble, Yorkshire 3P, also LDWA events) so I have navigated before. Not got that fitness anymore though.

think I have a dry bag and a waterproof somewhere. Nutrition sounds similar to what I’ve used previously
Click to expand...

Ah, you’ve got loads of experience.

A couple extra things for your dry bag: head torch, spare batteries, battery bank to charge phone.
 
WhyLikeThis said:
Ah, you’ve got loads of experience.

A couple extra things for your dry bag: head torch, spare batteries, battery bank to charge phone.
Click to expand...
Somewhat over prepared for a walk from haytor to hound tor :D but good general advice for upland walking.

Honestly, you could do it in an hour and a half in sandals without need for any food or drink.
 
Idaho said:
Somewhat over prepared for a walk from haytor to hound tor :D but good general advice for upland walking.

Honestly, you could do it in an hour and a half in sandals without need for any food or drink.
Click to expand...

Not familiar with the location. For a 2 hour wander, I think you may just survive,
 
Idaho said:
Somewhat over prepared for a walk from haytor to hound tor :D but good general advice for upland walking.

Honestly, you could do it in an hour and a half in sandals without need for any food or drink.
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I’m sure it will come in useful when I’m off the nursery slopes!
 
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