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Walking the Great Glen Way & West Highland Way

Walkers' Britain traveller Laurie Berg Sapp travelled to Scotland with her husband and combined our Great Glen Way and West Highland Way trips with an ascent of Ben Nevis.

Walkers' Britain traveller Laurie Berg Sapp

Why did you choose your trip?
We chose the walk because I had never been to Scotland and was intrigued by the history, the incredible number of famous writers in the country and the rugged beauty. We also liked the idea of combining the 2 hikes, attempting to climb the highest mountain in the UK, Ben Nevis, and going with Jon (Millen) – he is a great guide and a lot of fun.

How did you prepare?
We prepared by taking long hikes in our home state, Arizona, some as long as 12 miles. We traveled to Flagstaff, Arizona, which has an altitude of 7,000 to train in elevation to get our lungs ready. I hike 2 or 3 times a week love to enjoy the great outdoors!

Great Glen Way and West Highland Way Scotland

What was the best part of your trip?
The best part of the trip was feeling like you were in another world – so isolated, so wild and beautiful, away from all that’s familiar. It’s very different from where we live! The people on the trip were fun, and the people in Scotland could not have been any nicer.

...and the most challenging part?
The most challenging was definitely trying to climb Ben Nevis. We set out to make it to the top, but when it started to rain and blow 50 mile an hour winds, Jon took us on a loop to circle back down the mountain. I was almost blown over! We were wet, tired, and then we had to cross a river before we finally found some shelter. Typical Scotland – as we were climbing back down the sun came out!

Our Group on Great Glen Way and West Highland Way Scotland

Your favourite destination?
I loved Drumnadrochit (on the northern shore of Loch Ness) where we stayed in the little church bed and breakfast. It was a lovely place and the food that night was the yummiest!

Best food and drink?
Neeps and tatties! I still dream about those turnips and potatoes. My husband loved all the different beer and enjoyed drinking his way through the Scottish pubs.