WHW vs novice walker 2011

[mrmoog]

Hi guys,
First of nice forum think i will get some hints and tips here no probs,

I am wanting to do the WHW for Strathcarron hospice next year, i have done a few things for them but for me this would be the best achievement for me and them, I am a novice and have not done any walking since my teens and I'm 32 now, I'm looking for as much help with how to prepare and what to take and also accommodation, i will be on a shoe string budget so luxury is off, i have a year to get all my gear needed and broken in etc, so pls wild about britain readers lend a newbie a hand........

[Fuzzy-felt bloke]

What is the WHW?

Fuzzy-Felt Bloke

[thunder]

Originally Posted by Fuzzy-felt bloke

What is the WHW?

Fuzzy-Felt Bloke

I'm guessing that it is the West Highland Way. A 95 mile walk. Get a good pair of boots and run (walk?) them in. (I once did twenty five miles in a pair of new boots - could have been a lot worse, I had always (then) done a lot of walking- but my feet were tender for a few days). Then just practice walking - you don't say how long you expect to take, but if it is four days then make sure you know how to do twenty four miles a day.

henrya

[Tringa]

If you have not already done so, have a look at the WHW website - The West Highland Way, Milngavie, Fort William, Walking in Scotland - lots of useful info.

As you said you are doing it on a shoe string, I'm guessing you will be camping (though a good tent, sleeping bag, mat, stove etc are not cheap).

As Thunder says - practice. Do short walks (starting with about 3-5 miles) with no or little gear, then slowly build up the distance and how much you carry.

You said you are doing it for Stratcarron hospice, so I'm guessing you are based in the Highlands, if so, you have plenty of hills to practice on, which
will really help you to be well prepared. If you cycle, put in some miles on the bike too.

I don't know the WHW, but I think it is fairly well signposted, but learning some map and compass skills, if you need to could be useful, and adds to the
enjoyment.

Try to do a practice walk or two over a weekend of the sort of distance you want to do each day on the WHW - useful for building stamina and getting familiar with the equipment.

I wish you well.

Dave