Category: Hiking & Camping Blog
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West Highland Way – Day 4: Bridge of Orchy to Kinlochleven
Day 3 ended at Bridge of Orchy, and by that point I’d found my rhythm on the trail, feeling comfortable with the daily routine of walking, eating, and setting up camp. I’d been proper swarmed by midgies the night before, but even that hadn’t dented the sense of momentum. Passing Tyndrum earlier on Day 3
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West Highland Way – Day 3: Beyond Inverarnan to Bridge of Orchy
If you’re dropping into this series here, go back and read Day 2 first. It sets up everything that happens next. Leaving my wild camp beyond Inverarnan on the morning of Day 3 felt like a reset. I actually sleep well in the wild, sometimes better than at home, but camping close to the A82
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West Highland Way – Day 2: Rowchoish to Beyond Inverarnan
My WHW Day 1 ended late. Really late. I’d pushed on past Rowardennan to get out of the Camping Management Zone and eventually pitched near Rowchoish sometime around midnight. It was a big first day, 28 miles, over 75,000 steps, and a proper introduction to what a five day West Highland Way actually feels like.
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West Highland Way – Day 1: Milngavie to Rowardennan
On Monday 29th July 2024, I set off from Edinburgh to walk the West Highland Way, all 96 miles of it, aiming to finish by Friday 2nd August. I completed the route over five days, quicker than the more common seven or eight day itinerary, which meant longer days, fewer rest stops, and very little
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Scottish Wild Camping Laws & Access: What You Need to Know
Wild camping in Scotland feels natural, almost like a birthright. It’s not the only reason I camp, but knowing we can roam and sleep freely on our own land is a big part of it. That freedom is something many countries don’t allow (though they should, at least to some degree). Still, freedom comes with
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OLPRO Beckford 2-Person Tent: A Practical Field Review
I bought the OLPRO Beckford Lightweight 2-person tent on Amazon for around £130 a few months back. I’ve used it as my main solo-use tent for wild camping recently (around Scotland), and it’s holding up very well. I’ve camped with this tent during stormy rain and wind, no leaks or wet corners, completely dry inside.
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How to Defend Against Midges While Hiking
Nothing ruins a perfect Highland evening faster than a swarm of midges. These tiny biting insects are infamous in Scotland (and parts of Canada too). On their own they’re harmless, but in swarms they can turn a campsite into pure misery. Midges thrive in damp, still air, and in Scotland, that can mean almost anywhere.
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Best Lightweight Camp Slippers? IBlueLover Down-Filled Review
These lightweight camping slippers quickly became one of my favourite bits of camp gear after long days on the trail. After a long day hiking, it’s the small comforts that matter, and these camp slippers quickly become essential. They make the transition from hiking boots to camp effortless, no laces, no fuss, just instant comfort
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OEX Traverse 2.5 Sleeping Mat: Reliable Budget Option
I bought the OEX Traverse 2.5 Sleeping Mat for £18.95 on Amazon. The price varies, sometimes for up to £30, but if you find it near £20, it’s a solid deal. I’ve used this sleeping mat on many wild camps, a lot of it being within 1hr drive around Edinburgh, Scotland. I’ve been using it
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Northern Lights in Scotland – Twice in One Year
I managed to catch the Northern Lights twice in 2024. Both times were local near Edinburgh where I live, and it was just absolutely stunning. May 2024: Pentland Hills I was camping solo up in the Pentlands. Proper tent setup, quiet spot, facing north with a clear view over the city of Edinburgh. It’s my