As a long-distance hiker, wild camper, and YouTuber, I’m always looking for new challenges and the perfect opportunity to hit the trail. When I spotted an unseasonably warm forecast for Scotland last Wednesday, I knew I couldn’t pass it up. The weather was shaping up to be something special; clear skies, temperatures soaring to 25°C, and, most impressively for Scotland, no wind or rain! This rare window of sunshine was the perfect chance to tackle the West Highland Way before the dreaded midges made their appearance.

After a quick gear check, I decided on my setup for the trail. Naturally, I grabbed my trusted Atom Packs EP40, which is my preferred bag for this trip, paired with my Roo 2.5L, giving me just enough additional space for essentials while keeping the whole setup comfortably under 8kg. As any seasoned hiker knows, going light is key when tackling long days on the trail. I made sure to pack my Durston X-Dome 1+, which has been a game changer being a lightweight free standing tent for wild camping, as well as my trekking poles, an absolute must for the demanding terrain ahead.


A Midnight Start

With everything packed, I went to bed at 11:30 PM on Wednesday, setting my alarm for 12:50 AM — a short sleep before hitting the road. After a quick shower and a strong coffee, I jumped in the car heading to Scotland. I pulled into Milngavie just before sunrise, arriving around 5:40 AM. I made my way to the start point and, at exactly 6 AM, I set off on the West Highland Way solo, my route plotted on my Garmin Fenix 8 watch.

The morning air was already warming up, and I knew it was going to be a hot one. With clear skies overhead, I took the high route over Conic Hill, eager to catch that iconic view. The climb up was tough, especially in the heat, but it was more than worth it. The descent was challenging too, steep and rocky, which was unforgiving on the knees, but little did I know that this was just the start of the toughest terrain the West Highland Way had to offer.


Day 1: The Brutal Beginning

Day one was nothing short of a baptism by fire. I clocked in 49 km on that first day—a massive push that left me completely shattered. After the demanding hike over Conic Hill, the trail took me along the shores of Loch Lomond, where stunning beaches contrasted with the challenging, rocky paths. Loch Lomond is notoriously the hardest part of the West Highland Way, with its narrow paths winding through thick woodland and scrambling over rocky outcrops. It was exhausting, but every time I looked up, the views made it worthwhile.


Finally, after 12.5 hours of relentless hiking, I found a quiet spot in the woodland to pitch my tent. I setup my sleep mat, unpacked some gear and passed out settling in for the night.
 


Day 2: Loch Lomond and the Shin Splints

Day two was all about pushing through the pain. The goal was to hike the entire length of Loch Lomond, a stretch known for its rugged terrain and tricky footing. To make matters worse, I was nursing an ongoing knee injury, and the uneven paths only aggravated it. By the afternoon, I started feeling a shooting pain in my shin. It felt like shin splints, an issue that would continue to plague me throughout the hike.

Thankfully, my trekking poles were a blessing. Being able to shift some of the strain onto my upper body helped immensely, and the lightweight Atom Packs setup was a lifesaver. Keeping my pack under 8kg allowed me to stay more agile, which was crucial given the unpredictable terrain.

I eventually made it as far as Tyndrum where I was limping and could hardly put one foot in front of the other. I lay on the grass for an hour sipping a Lucozade and eating a Solar before hitting the trail again before sunset. 

After 14 gruelling hours on the trail, I covered 46 km, finally stopping between Tyndrum and Bridge of Orchy pitching my tent just next to the path. The pain in my leg was excruciating, but giving up was never an option.


Day 3: Tough Terrain and Serendipitous Meetings

Day three was a mixed bag of stunning scenery and relentless challenges. North of Kinlochleven, the trail took me through some of the most dramatic sections of the entire route, including some steep ascents and knee-jarring descents. Luck was on my side when I stumbled across a small shop where I managed to pick up an ankle support. That small boost made all the difference, helping me keep going despite the pain.

I met a few subscribers en route but one in particular recognised me from my YouTube videos and proudly showed off their new Atom Packs Notch and Roo, both of which they’d purchased after watching one of my gear videos. So nice to meet someone who had been inspired to gear up and hit the trails themselves.

I met and chatted to many people that day and lots of conversations which I will never forget. A lovely lady from Canada shared some pain relief gel for my leg which helped me power on out of the Kings Hotel and fly up the Devils Staircase and down to Kinlochleven with only stopping once one the descent. 

After 14.5 hours and another 47 km, I finally found a beautiful spot to camp overlooking the mountains; a well-earned reward after a long and gruelling day.


Day 4: The Final Push

Day four was both the shortest and, in some ways, the hardest. My leg pain had intensified overnight, and every step was a struggle. Quitting crossed my mind more than once, but I knew I couldn’t give up. I’d come too far to let an injury stop me. I set my sights on Fort William and pushed through the final 24 km, reaching the finish at midday. The relief was overwhelming, but so was the pride.


Reflections on the Journey

This impromptu adventure taught me a lot about resilience. Completing the West Highland Way in just 3.5 days was always going to be tough, but the unexpected challenges made it even morerewarding. My Atom Packs EP40 and Roo 2.5L once again proved to be the perfect companions for long-distance hikes, keeping me organized, balanced, and comfortable. The Durston X-Dome performed flawlessly, and my trekking poles undoubtedly saved my legs from worse injury.

Any regrets? Absolutely not. Sometimes the best adventures are the ones you don’t plan. Taking advantage of that weather window was the best decision I made, and despite the pain, I wouldn’t change a thing. Stay tuned for the full vlog of this epic hike, which will be out in a few weeks.


Words and photos by Kris Gleave, Atom Packs Ambassador