Author
Adventures
The West Highland Way, Scotland
June, 2025
My daughter, son-in-law, and I completed our 10-day WHW trek a few weeks ago. Rachel and Rob did all the heavy lifting, frequently helping me get up, down, and all around. They rate first on my gratitude list. I could not have done this without their strong arms and backs, and big hearts.
At 81, I was not the oldest hiker on the trail; however, I may have been the slowest. My foot dragging provided many opportunities for us to step aside on the trail and greet faster hikers who started later and finished earlier. These speedy hikers offered support and encouragement as they passed by, filling our hearts with friendly waves, hearty greetings, and kind comments. One man, carrying a heavy backpack passed by, stopped his steady stride, turned, looked at me, and said, “Do you know why I keep going?” He smiled, “Because you keep going!” He waved and headed on. Later on after we completed our hike and posted some victory photos, many folks echoed his declaration. "We saw you." "We could see your slow, struggling pace.” "We knew you’d make it."
When we started out on Day 1, we wondered if we would experience the collective congeniality others had mentioned in their WHW Facebook group posts. By Day 2 of our hike, we got it. We felt the magic. We experienced so many endearing encounters. The collegiality, support, and compassion were contagious. We always appreciated the encouragement and there were some days when we really needed it. So grateful. Such a unique and heartwarming experience.
During our ten-day trek we experienced the elasticity of time - often painfully slow, occasionally a bit faster, and expandability of rocks - from marble-sized-pebbles to golf balls, baseballs, soft balls, and frequently home plates. The paths were level, straight, steep up, steep down, and twisty. The weather changed from sunny and breezy to raining and windy from blazing hot to freezing cold, frequently shifting all in the same day. Wearing or carrying layers was mandatory. Rachel and Rob carried my layers in their already-heavy backpacks that were filled with snacks, water, and even first aid supplies.
A local small business owner, Tracy Anne McVeigh, managed our travel logistics and cheered us on throughout our journey. Another small business, Baggage Freedom, transported our luggage from lodging to lodging, lightening our load, making our hike possible.
Others helped nourish and sustain us with accommodating lodging and delicious meals. We were in good hands, in many ways.
We posed by the iconic statue, named “The Man with Sore Feet,” at the end of the hike in Fort William.
I could relate.
My feet are still a little swollen. My heart is full. This trek was supremely challenging and spectacularly beautiful. We were surrounded by goodness and goodwill. Once upon a time, there were some nature-loving, forward-thinking folks who decided that creating and maintaining this incredible trail might make a positive difference and perhaps even change people’s lives. It did.
"The Man With Sore Feet."
L- R, Rob, Rachel, and Sandi.