Winter Storms on The West Highland Way
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 พ.ย. 2024
- After enduring horrendous conditions in winter storms until Crianlarich on The West Highland Way the prior winter, myself and Ray head back onto The West Highland Way - the weather conditions were not much better as we get battered by Scottish Winter Storms.....
Link to last years West Highland Way attempt - • West Highland Way Fail...
Link to Rays Channel - / @rs.outdoors
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Thumbnail taken from near the top of the Devils Staircase a few weeks before this walk - I didnt take enough photos due to the weather conditions so had to use an old photo....
NB -The content within is strictly only reports from my trips out detailing the days we have had. They are not intended as guides or routes to be used by others - rather memories of my trips. Not all videos are shot recently and some are form months or even year ago. Take care and be responsible for your activities. Be safe and prepared and have a great time in the Great Outdoors :) #westhighlandway #trailwalking #longdistancetrail
The consistently high standard of your videos & storytelling is genuinely impressive! Not to mention the perseverance in that rain. Should be on TV! Keep up the great work Murray
Thanks Stuart 🙏 hope you enjoyed the video :)
The content is incredibly engaging and educational, great insights into the history, wild camping, hiking and so much more. Very addictive channel for myself personally and very thankful to watch.
Scotland is incredibly beautiful, but if you want to experience her beauty, you must accept her demands...a wonderful journey.
There's nothing quite like watching a long video of you and Ray out in the outdoors! I remember watching that classic video of you two last year *attempting* the WHW in winter - I'm glad to see that you've been brave enough (in a slightly mental way😂) to try to complete what you started! I'm sure this will be a brilliant video as always.
I completed the West Highland Way (wildcamping/bothy/hostel) in April 2022 as my first ever long distance hike or real camping trip at the age of 19, so the trail holds a special place in my heart. I'm sure I'll return to Scotland again at some point, but in the mean time I'm incredibly grateful for these brilliant videos.
All the best, Robin.
There is absolutely no need for you to apologise for the quality of your footage. It showed the conditions fabulously well. They were horrendous! You and Ray showed amazing determination in keeping going. The brolly was fantastic, Ray's comment was totally non-verbal and very funny.
I'm not sure VisitScotland will like you for this one. 😂
As ever, thanks for creating and sharing. Although, for once, I didn't actually want to be there with you. Fabulous as ever....
I truly appreciate how you skilfully show the "bad side" of Scotland in such a matter of fact way. It can't be easy to make an entertaining video when the weather is so appalling, while also keeping a sense of humour. Needless to say, you nailed it, once again. Thank you!
Thanks - I must admit trying to keep the camera gear (and hiking gear ) dry was a real challenge on this one !
Thanks for watching
Murray
Almost spat my cuppa tea out when you got the brolly out there 😂
There’s a lot of walkers think that the WHW is an easy walk. I know it’s not and can testify that as the weather can change a lot as you progress and conditions can deteriorate extremely quickly. Power to your elbows for taking it on again. Wishing you both well.
Definetely not easy - as I say on the end section any walk of that length can be difficult and as you say weather makes or breaks a trail :)
Thanks for watching
M
Thank you for sharing your winter adventure on WHW. Such a difference to summer / autumn. Well done
It was enough in September, when all we had to manage was rain 5/7 days. And those were the greatest days of my life. Hats off to you fellas!
100% agree, also did it over 7 days last September starting on the 21st, rained 5 days but never had any regrets!
that quote "you're a kite dancing in a hurricane Mr Bond" from 'spectre' springs to mind with the weather recently on the hills. ;-)
Amazing effort to get the WHW done in a short space of time! I don't know why people worry about the Devils Staircase. When I walked the WHW I thought it was fine, despite the snow and hail! :-)
Excellent movie. Important to show people how bad it can get in winter....and to take care (and invest) in proper equipment.
Murray I’m really warming to your “waffling” great commentary and camaraderie! You can do no wrong in my eyes ! Really enjoyed this !
Thank you - much appreciated
Thanks for watching
ATB
Murray
When Ray and Murray get together, you know the heavens are going to open! 😅 🌧️
Always rains - never put that link together tho - I think Ray must have been doing the rain dance 😂👍
You are such a natural at this TH-cam stuff! Really enjoyed this one snuggled on the sofa with my hot water bottle and blanket -2 on 15/1/24. Fantastic images.
Thanks Elizabeth - hope you enjoyed the video and Thanks for watching
ATB
Murray
Wow - that was epic - 50 miles in 3 winter days in those conditions - what an effort!! But as ever fantatsic story telling - and great to see my other favourite Ray too! Thank you
Another excellent video. You both deserve a dram or two after enduring the atrocious weather conditions. One has to admire your resilience. Thanks Murray.
Absolutely fantastic efforts guys.. Brilliant footage and amazing views,, keep the faith in the crazy weather and stay safe n sound 😁👌♥️♥️🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧
Have to congratulate you and Ray for bringing us this Brilliant video as it was not the best of conditions for you both to attempt the WHW. Scenery as always spectacular and loved your improvised head shelter at the beginning of the video. As always your commentary on the areas was first class. Glad you got back safely . Thanks and ATB.
Thanks Julie - reckon that will be the last time I use the improvised head gear lol 😂
Thanks for watching
Murray
I can only echo everyone else's comments on your videos and associated photos, I've watched loads some more than once. I watched the first attempt and was amazed you got so far. Illness and the creeping years have curtailed the mountains for me at the moment but I'll keep trying. Keep up the great work and stay safe 👍.
thank you - very much appreciated , the west highland way didnt show us sunshine no this trip - maybe next time :)
Thanks for watching
ATB
Murray
A hike and a half, well done guys,plenty fresh air lol,as long as you enjoy thats the most important part,thank you for sharing your fantastic experiences Murray ,❤🏴❤
As usual I’m enjoying your great adventure a second time over my morning cup of tea. Congratulations to you and to Ray for going on through such awful weather but I just loved this video.
As a contrast, I remember walking the Rannoch Moor section with my late husband and son (then about four years old) on a baking hot day. We stopped to speak to a WHW walker who was resting on a boulder, trying to snack on some cheese which had melted and which he was “ dr 0:15 ” from its plastic bag!
I have particularly great memories of that section from Crianlarich to Fort William- interesting history around the ruins of St. Fillsns etc, so an especially huge thank you to you both for this wonderful video❤ All the very best!👏🏴😀🥾
Apologies for the wee mistake - it should have read “ drinking “ !
How great it was to see two great men if the mountains on an epic battle against the weather and succeeding. The footage was excellent and clearly showed the harsh conditions. Well done to you both. Best wishes.
thanks Andy - much appreciated :)
Thanks for watching
ATB
Murray
Yet another wonderful, video, Murray!
It's so good to see you've been shortlisted in the TGO awards....so much deserved!! 🤩🤩
Hope all your subscribers and viewers know about it to vote!!
Did not know - thanks for the heads up!
Thanks Anne - very much appreciated - it was a fine adventure , shame the weather wasnt so good :)
Thanks for watching
ATB
Murray
P.S. Thanks for letting me know about the award nomination in the magazine - an honour to be shortlisted this year - not getting too excited though :)lol
You so deserve to win! Your videos are so professional and they wouldn't be without the care and effort you put into them! .....and you're a great narrator too even though you prefer scotch eggs to sausage rolls!!😁😁
Brutal, just brutal😮
Excellent video Murray, great seeing you and Ray complete your trip and what's better is that we can enjoy it all again when Ray puts his video out. 👍 Cheers.
Congratulations on finishing the WHW despite stormy conditions and on producing an excellent film despite the wind, rain and snow. Met Ray on his Ben Vrackie camp just a bit before your trip and have been waiting for this since - didn’t disappoint 👍
Thank you - it was a tad wet for sure and really difficult for filming lol 👍
Thanks for watching
M
Excellent video as usual. I’m glad you guys got out there and finished off last winter’s trip. It’s got to be my favourite walk. Fresh air and freedom and all types of weather. Love it. Your videos are an inspiration to anyone. Well done.
Thanks Robert - really appreciate your comment - hope you enjoyed the video :)
Thanks for watching
M
Me and Wendy were in fort William when yous finished and it was horizontal rain a lot of the day and we never saw anyone finish the trail the 5 days we were there,so great effort by yourself and Ray
Thanks Harry - Twas a bit wild - got to endure the wild days to enjoy the sunshine days :)
Thanks for watching
M
It is always great to click on your videos, great commentary from you and high quality content. I did the WHW back in 2023, but not in the challenging conditions that you and Ray experienced. As always massive thank you for sharing and well done to you both for doing it is such unpleasant conditions.👍👍👏👏 keep up the great work Murray.
🙏
A great video (well done on your efforts in filming in that weather!). Not easy at all. I've done the WHW twice and it's quite easy - with the passage of time - to forget how challenging it is. Especially sat at home in the comfort of my pyjamas! I've cast my mind back to the soreness, the blisters and the terrible bloody weather. Anyway, a great video and wonderful to see all of the scenery. Best wishes - Alistair.
Yours is the best outdoor TH-cam channel by miles Murray. Have voted for you in The Great Outdoor Awards 🤞
Thanks Dawn
Hi Murray what another amazing adventure even though the weather didn’t play ball you still manage to make the trip informative and exciting, your determination has to be admired to complete the walk in such poor conditions is amazing.
Thank you ATB.
Thank you Derek - very much appreciated:)
Thanks for watching
ATB
Murray
Another great video Murray, brought back a lot of happy memories of doing it 30 years ago.
Well done to you both that was a tough walk in tough weather conditions and still filming managing to keep upbeat,very enjoyable video well done.👍
🙏
Oh I'm not knocking the brolly! Take mine on every hike! Been waiting on this video of you two legends since last year! ATB! 👍
Another Masterpiece video ❤😅 Thanks alot Murray😊
Well done Murray - real slog that one. Have to say though brollies are great - rain, wind, midday sun and of course a wee shelter…. If the wind isn’t too bad!!! Very interesting advice on gear as well. 👌
Thanks S :) yeah the brolley was a good idea but never really worked on this one !lol the colour was a nice match for my jacket though ;)lol Hope to catch up soon sir
M
Lovely video thank you Murray, thank you Ray, I misheard and thought you said you slept in "a McDonalds" 😁 beautiful Scotland scenery as always, it's still lovely whatever the weather. Glad you both completed the journey this time. Breakfast looked nice, Tattie Scones! partial to a nice breakfast or a McD, might be why I am a bit on the unfit side these days... You are a Fashionista as always 😁
I did indeed say MacDonalds John - but not the fast food outlet ;) lol a nice hotel in Kinlochleven it was too :)
Thanks for watching
ATB
Murray
Brilliant video again Murray! It brought back many happy memories from my own WHW adventure last year. I’d love to see you and Ray take on the CWT, that would be epic! Atb, Andrew
Just starting to watch…but already I’m getting flashbacks to some of your other thru hikes. 😫
Cheers and ATB!
Hope you enjoy the video Erin :)
Thanks for watching
Murray
That looked brutal, Murray. Well done to you and Ray for seeing it through. That first camp spot you had is prone to flooding btw. Great video as always. 👍
Thanks Jim, yeah there were a few big puddles in the morning that were not there the night before and the river level had risen by about a foot overnight. Glad It did not spill over whilst we were there , however it was relatively sheltered from the gale which I was glad of at the time :)
Thanks for watching
ATB
Murray
That was a real test of endurance. I'm amazed you continued for 3 days even when you knew it wasn't going to get any better.
Thanks for that Murray what an experience
Fantastic.
Brilliant stuff Murray (& Ray),
Those were some conditions you were up against, but yous' pulled through. Respect to both of you.
Me thinks Ray stitched you up with the brolly mind, bet he didn't even buy one 😂
Trust you to get one in banana yellow too! 😆
Take care
All the best
D & B 👍
it had to be banana yellow - no other brollie would do it ;)lol
Thanks for watching
ATB
Murray
Superb, well done to both you guys
fair shift in that weather
👏👏👏
Just woke up and saw your new video. Nice!😂👍👍
It's good to be back, last year, when I was about to set off, I also watched your winter WHW video. As a result, I completed it. The winter scenery in Scotland is truly breathtaking.
Just watching this a second time on my large uhd TV to gey the best views xxx Loving your work Murray 😊😊😊😊
🙏
Thank you for this excellent footage - I was thinking you should've gone in summer but even then it could have been windy and rainy in Scotland. Anyway well done for showing us some proper hardcore walking. 🤩
Enjoyed that. Disappointed the umbrella only lasted a wee whiley! Expect more of it in future vids. 😊 Could be turned upside down to catch scotch egg crumbs.....
haha - I think that will be the only decent use of the brollielol !! the idea was ok , the practicality not so - maybe better for environments where there is less wind!!lol ie not the west highland way for sure !!lol :)
Thanks for watching
ATB
Murray
Great video as always. No need at for any apologies for anything. It's all cracking!
These guys are hardcore! Fair play
That’s some going, again Murray, especially in those conditions. My legs/knees/feet were aching just watching 😅
I know you do plenty of walking, but you make it look easy. So good 👍🏼
That hut/cabin looked cosy; must have been a welcome change from the tent in that weather.
Cheers,
Gary B
Thanks Gary - yeah - it was nice to have a dry hut given how wet it was , a nice alternative to the tent for sure :)
Thanks for watching
ATB
Murray
Enjoyed the video as usual.
I bet you were glad to have Ray with you.
Fair play both of you persevering with that crap weather.
Look forward to the next one mate.
Thanks Tim - was great having Ray along on this one for sure - :)
Thanks for watching
ATB
Murray
Thanks for putting in the literal extra miles to get the footage, Murray. Thanks for field testing and reviewing the Jottnar jacket in that torrential downpour kind of weather; I'm looking for a reliable waterproof hardshell. Goretex has failed me several times now and definitely isn't what it used to be, so the Jottnar hardshell looks like the right choice.
Well done great job... brought my pain back 😆 3 days great job
This is a great section of the west Highland Way.
Great video
Maybe something paranormal was causing the battery loss Damian? Very strange. Must of freaked you out a bit with the conditions being pretty bad overnight. Great video mate looking forward to the next one.
🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲⛺🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲
First time watcher and I think you have got me hooked. Very enjoyable video and that is my favorite part of Scotland. Thanks for a good time. Happy New Year and stay safe and warm on your adventures. See you again soon.
Thanks Judi - very much appreciated and welcome to the channel , hope you enjoyed the west highland way video and maybe some of the other videos on here too :)
Thanks for watching
ATB
Murray
Always fantastic viewing glad you had ray with you for company, thank you for sharing Murray
that was one tough slog through the favorite places, really good though
This is brilliant stuff. For someone who can do this at a time of your choosing, you have my total respect for doing it in that weather. 👏
Thanks Mark - I was off on holiday for a few weeks over Christmas but TBH the weather was pretty misearable the whole way through - only brightened up this week when we wereall back at work!!lol
Thanks for watching
ATB
Murray
Fantastic chaps 👏 I remember watching video last year absolute animals pair of you !! 👍💪🏼
I'm with you on doing the whole way. I walked the nice bits of the southern half as day walks when I lived in Glasgow. I've since done the top bit (twice) as a three day donder - much slower than you and Ray! Loved reliving the paths through your film. Time to plan the next adventure!
I don't comment much but i absolutely adore your videos! I turn the tv off, get a cup of tea and settle in to enjoy them!
Thanks for sharing 🎉. Have to admire the determination to finish this walk. Such awful conditions. Loved the piece on the umbrella 🌂 😅. I think your friend got you there!! Great video 🥳.
Stunning video and i had hoped since last year you would revisit the West Highland Way with Ray. Cant beat an umbrella in the kit list. Even as a parasol. The East coast of Loch Lomond can certainly break the soul on the Way.
Hi Murray. I was there before New Year, the rain was relentless and same as you, I planned the Bridge of Orchy as my wild camping spot, only to find out that it was closed. The wild camping spots on the other side of the bridge were all waterlogged. Wet and windy night in the tent, no sleep and putting on wet clothes on again in the morning, priceless!!😅
Thanks 👍we did the way about 18 years ago and started at Loch Lomond but we’re planning on doing it again but doing it all this time. Our weather was about as good as yours.
Think you were stitched up there Murray, brings back memories of our hike on the West Highland Way many many years ago
Great stuff Murray, and nice to see Ray along with you. Ive been up to the cairns a few times but not all the way to Kinlochleven. Its does sound a bit tough on the knees. Thanks for taking us on the hike ......Alioban
believe it or not I really enjoyed this video Murray. You have inspired me to take up long distance hikes and in October last year I traveled from Australia to do the Crianlarich to Fort William WHW walk. The weather was identical to what you experienced so it was great to see….i will be back for more walks this year and perhaps we will run across each other on a path and have a coffee…great video and thanks for inspiring me to hill walk
Great video. I’ve always wanted to walk the West Highland Way but never got around to it. If I do, it will be in the summer after watching this 😊
That looked hard. I admire your tenacity going out in shocking weather and then camping out. My first outdoor adventure was the west Highland Way and had never camped in my life. Likewise the weather was horrible and was miserable all the way. That was mid 80’s I have learnt a lot since. I must say the paths you were on were in better condition than when I did it. I did complete the way a few years later but B&B over 3 nights 4 days. I am certainly not a camper. Now I will watch your first attempt. Always good viewing Murray.
Thank you so much
A route I feel very close to my heart Murray. An absolute fantastic effort to both of you. Well done guys. ATB
Brilliant! It is hard to do it in summer (I've done it twice) but doing it in the winter is completely different level! Amazing 😍
We have to say Murray, your last few videos have been absolutely outstanding 👌. From the highs of winter wonderland conditions in the Scottish mountains, and the incredible aurora lighting up the night sky, to the challenges of wet, windy and stormy weather whilst returning to complete the west Highland way. You showcase what Scotland has to offer wonderfully 🙌. We admire your tenacity on this one, very well done for sticking with it, what an adventure! Fantastic quality and content. Your films should be on prime time telly 😊🙌.
All the best
Shell and Pete😊👍
Thanks Folks - back to normal length videos this week - if I did this full time I would make them all longer adventures lol - maybe one day
Thanks for watching
ATB
Murray
I always carry a brolly during summer hikes, they're great! Not so good in the stormy winters though!
That looked pretty brutal but well done to you and Ray, look forward to some more collabs.
That looked hard work Murray, great video. 👍
Really enjoy your vides, admiration for going out in those conditions!
Wonderful video in extremely challenging conditions Murray. Can’t believe it’s a year since you and Ray last did it. I wonder how long the video would have been had you been able to film 😉😂 And boy did those breakfasts make me hungry. As always thanks for filming and sharing ATB
Thanks Tony - much appreciated - if I did the whole thing the video would be still been going lol :) The breakfasts were tasty but maybe overkill - however I think we earnt them on this on e;)lol
Thanks for watching
ATB
Murray
another awesome video I will be doing this traill again early spring cant wait to be back
hope you get good weather when you get onto do the west highland way :)
Thanks for watching
ATB
Murray
@ScotlandsMountains nothing will stop me completing it the weather was great for my first attempt
Great video ....a few long stretches there !
I admire your tenacity Murray, if nothing else. When you now drive it you will never look at it the same!. Very atmospheric especially with the right kit and its always satisfying to have met the elements and beat them. I did the Caledonian Challenge which was 52miles of the WHW from the Fort to Invereran in 23hrs in summer and it was a tough trip but well worth it. Agree that its worth cutting out the bits that arent so interesting. Those breakfasts are to die for. I must go and test that. Ft William Morrisons also does an awesome breakfast. Always remember when leading groups, and the going gets tough, always start talking about what your are gonna have to eat at the pub or cafe. Never ceases to get the pace going again.
Discussions on food always make me walk quicker (to get to the food !! lol
Thanks for watching
ATB
Murray
I like nature beautiful
Great video. 👍
Yet another excellent video guaranteed to test your gear in the most horrible of weather conditions... On the subject of gear; have you ever tried using a Buffalo Mountain Shirt whilst out in the wilds? I find these to be excellent and my Butty and I have been using them for years. They are certainly warm enough and you don't have to bother with layering up. or layering down, as there are plenty of zipped ventilation options if you find yourself overheating... You can even get matching salopettes. Although they aren't waterproof, you will stay warm even when you get wet, although we also use Berghaus Goretex Jackets and overtrousers if we need even more protection from the elements...
I hope to visit Scotland ❤️
The quality of video and the narration is great...love your content so much....thank you for your hard work
thank you so much - very much appreciated
Thanks for watching
ATB
Murray
Great vidio guys, takes me back to october 1992 i had somewhat better weather, If I did it again id start from fort William and miss out the last day.
Haha we did the last three stages at Easter last year and the weather couldn’t have been more different! 19c and sunny! The worst bit was the forestry track down to Glen Nevis with horrible newly laid giant sharp gravel!
Brilliant and timely video Murray! I’m planning a week off later this year to tackle the WHW which will be my first long walk of the kind! Hope the weather is better but even so I’m not expecting it to be easy
Well done guys 💪
I remember years ago myself and friend did the last section on a day trip,I think 26 miles, my longest walk ever, and your right coming down the devil's staircase is beautiful, however my friend was an amateur photographer and somehow forgot his camera,so we had to go back the next week with camera and do the whole 26 miles again.
What a wonderful path the west Highlands way is.😎🏴🥪
a nice part of the west highland way to repeat though Douglas (maybe not the exact day after you had completed it though!!lol)
Thanks for watching
ATB
Murray
You need to read the room and stop apologising! We love your videos just the way they are. The longer the better imo. Can’t wait for what 2024 brings
Hey Murray - you’re a brave lad after last years ‘fun’. I’ve done the WHW a couple of times (not in December) and I think the contrast between the first and second half is part of the charm. One point - the place you camped at out of the wind is great but that whole area is midge central in anything but the winter! Shame the hotels were closed - a good pint can be had in the bridge of orchy! Oh and the ruins you sheltered in is usually ankle deep in sheep poo!
They should invent a backpack hood like the ones on a babies pram where it can be pulled over your head and at least keep maps dry
And some rest bite from that driving rain in that chilling wind.
Great video as per usual Murray, I camped in that same little drop off beside the bridge. Made me want to go back and do it again