Red Man Walking, a vibrant new RU-vid channel based in Falkirk, Central Scotland, is your gateway to the awe-inspiring world of Scottish mountains and trails. Immerse yourself in my passion for bagging Munros and exploring the diverse landscapes of Scotland. Join my thrilling adventures as I conquer peaks, navigates trails, and add a splash of excitement with the odd Stand Up Paddle Boarding session. Gear enthusiasts will also find a treasure trove of insights through my thoughtful and honest reviews.
From the heart of Falkirk to the breathtaking heights of Munros, Red Man Walking is your companion for outdoor escapades, showcasing the beauty and adventure that Scotland's wilderness has to offer.
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Shame you couldn’t go on as planned but no shame in calling it. No one wants to hear of missing people (or worse) on these magnificent walks. I’m doing the WHW in January as a 50th birthday adventure BUT am well prepared to not be doing it in equal measure if the weather is forecast to dangerous extent.
I enjoyed the climb up but the steps did havoc on my knees. I thought I'd injured myself at one point as the rest of the day I was getting sharp pains. Thankfully it went away. I'm not sure I'd do it again - just getting old! I did climb to the summit too and found it extremely slippery. Big coachload of children made it very noisy though!
Hello Gordon, discovered you through Andrew Park. Binge watched you WHW vlogs and thoroughly enjoyed them. Possibly the most down to earth, informative, honest and truly enjoyable summaries of the walk, which I’d like to do in the not too distant future. Appreciate your honest thoughts on certain issues and your careful and considerate approach…no daredevil behaviour. Looking forward to catching up with your other vlogs and ones to come in the future. All the best. 👍🏻
Currently planning my WHW trip for next April so working my way through your videos, they are So helpfull, thank you. I own a few senchi hoodies and tops and love them, so light yet so warm . The leggings are next on my list 😊👍
@@Happyhiker58 Very glad to hear that you've found the videos useful. I bought leggings recently to try to stop the dreaded tics from getting at me. Enjoy the rest of the series and thanks for watching. G ♥️ 🏴
So that's where the road splits! I completely missed that sign post on my recent WHW journey. Now I know what to look out for next time. Whilst I don't regret taking the Conic Hill route due to being treated to some stunning views that I wish I'd taken more time to enjoy... I do agree the alternative route has it's place for the reasons you listed.
@@Collected1 I've taken earlier paths off to the left before this and ended up in Buchanan Smithy, almost back were I started. I'm never lost! I'm just on an adventure! 😁 G♥️🏴
You'll find out my precise answer next week. But I did meet a young American Swiftie, over for the murrayfield show, in slippy trainers and wet denim up there. I kept him safe and entertained on the way down to Lock Lomond.
@@ScottsScotlandFingers crossed you get good weather. I know Conic Hill isn't Mount Everest but I was up there in the rain and wind and my hands were so painful. I'd always take warm and waterproof gear with me. Thanks for watching. G ♥️ 🏴
@@BrokenBackMountains As someone who has a Golden Retriever shaped hole in my life, due to allergies, that's something I didn't know. Thanks for the information. G♥️🏴
@@chrisarnold4709 I think you'll be the week after me. I'm considering a 10 day trip in the future. Giving myself a max distance each day of ten miles. I think that could be very relaxing. Good luck with your preparation. G♥️🏴
Nice video Gordon. Now I have to say you do mention 5 good reasons for missing out Conic Hill, however, I would only miss it if it was closed and that was the case the last time we met - I think it was umpteen fallen trees. I was glad mind you as I was heading to Rowardennan on my day 1. 😂. About to start my next walk next Sunday (6 Oct), number 89 and really can’t wait and will be going over Conic Hill for the fantastic views. I hope our paths cross again some day. Keep up the good work.
@@Robertm436 The path less travelled can sometimes be and adventure. 89!!! 😮 Fingers crossed for you, that you get some cracking views from the summit. All the best. G ♥️ 🏴
@@steveoutdoors6522 This is the great part about the WHW. There are a few alternatives to make the adventure that little bit easier. Good luck with the preparation for your adventure. Thanks for watching. G ♥️ 🏴
@@chrisarnold4709 You're very welcome. I'm back on the WHW first week in April. This time using baggage transfer (video incoming! 😁) Good luck with your preparation. Thanks for watching. G ♥️ 🏴
Great upload G. It’s good that you do these comparisons on the WHW as many people are always not sure which option to choose. I did Conic hill last time I done the WHW in Aug 2023 but think I’d skip it next time and push on to one of the campsites at Loch Lomond. Also weather is very much a factor, when I did it last year I couldn’t see 10m in front of me but if it’s a clear day the views are fantastic.
@@stephenmiller251 It's definitely the way to go when the weather is boggin! No point of heading up if you're not going to get the view. Thanks for watching. G ♥️ 🏴
Thank you for sharing, I done this bypass in April ,at the age of 70,to make my adventure a little bit easier as i had done Conic Hill two years previously. I do agree i did find it a lovely quiet walk apart from the road section. 👍
@@BrokenBackMountains A lot of people who are older or carrying an injury consider the bypass. I've yet to see anyone vlog this route. Not as interesting as Conic Hill but serves a purpose for those who need it. G ♥️ 🏴
@@redmanwalking74Very good point. I'm still undecided if I will return to the WHW next year for my return to fitness walk or map out my own but the injury point does weigh heavily on any decision.
@@archiebald70 Congratulations on completing the West Highland Way. Glad you were lucky enough to get good weather. It makes all the difference. All the best. G ♥️ 🏴
Just a quick note of thanks. I completed the WHW this past week (not a drop of rain.. very unexpected) and your WHW videos were very useful for me in my preparation and just general inspiration to get out there for my first multi day hike and camping adventure. It's a glorious route and I'm already looking forward to returning to it in some form. Cheers.
@@Collected1 That's fabulous. Congratulations on your first trip along the West Highland Way. I'm not surprised you've got the WHW bug. I'm back on trail first week of April. This time I'm doing baggage transfer. Just for a change. I'm truly grateful for the kind words and glad it gave you the inspiration to go for it. All the best. G ♥️ 🏴
Did that same route a couple of years ago in similar conditions but failed to summit as I was on a solo trip. And high wind and low cloud. Thankfully h back the following year and completed.
Reall enjoying your videos, especially those on WHW. I'm getting a bit old for Munro bagging but still like a highland break and the Way looks a good fit. Thanks so much for ace videos which I've found the most useful of all those out there.
Hi. I am doing the trail at the end of the month. Can you remember if there were good wild camping options near Alyth? Great videos btw, I've subscribed 👍
@@medicinaluk Brilliant! I'm excited for you. The best spot we saw at Alyth was the one at the top of the hill, coming out of Alyth. I mention the What3words in the final video. That's probably your best bet. Enjoy the adventure and let me know how you found it. G ♥️ 🏴
Really enjoyed the series! I'm doing it next week & had really optimised my loadout with the same bag as yours down to ~11kg. But then started having problems with my little toes just a few weeks ago - good old "adductovarus" toes. So, I'm going for a baggage transfer to give them a bit of an easier time. But the upside means I can take more camera gear in a day pack than I'd be happy taking in a single pack & the scenery really looks like it warrants it.
@@TheRamblingHiker That's brilliant. Glad you enjoyed the series. Baggage transfer is on the cards for the next WHW trip. My wee toe is the same. Two pairs of socks a day and plenty of talc really helped me. 12noon, stop and change socks. Wash them at Beinglas to reduce the amount you'll need to carry. I'm excited for you. Let me know how the baggage transfer goes. Enjoy your adventure. G ❤️ 🏴
@@redmanwalking74 Hey, completed it on Friday. What a brilliant trail! I ended up swapping out and putting my 25 litre into baggage transfer with the heaviest gear and took ~9kg or so via the Osprey Kestrel 48. Just more comfortable. I did the Cow Hill Path instead of doing the road. Practically everyone I spoke to at the finish line moaned about the road & the Cow Hill Path was really pleasant and gives you the final views. Much recommended! I'll be upping a video series when I have time to edit.
Glad to hear that. The West Highland Way is a trail that gets under your skin. I'm returning for my fourth year in a row in April 2025. This time I'm going to try baggage transfer. Enjoy your adventure and thanks for watching. G ❤️ 🏴
25:40 It's boring!! Dearie me. I walked the WHW in July (solo) - taking the low route - but hey, I walked through an awful lot of forest on my way & wouldn't say it was boring. The whole route was a pleasure despite the Loch Lomond challenge. Would plan differently another time - Drymen to Rowardennan via Conic Hill, was too much for me in a day! Good vid though - the low route scenery would still win me over!
@@wakingtheworld Glad you found the vlog useful. It's all opinion but I do realise that the high road from Rowardennan has it's time and place, on a WHW journey. Thanks for watching. G ♥️ 🏴
Nice one G, good to see you back at it. Would be fantastic to see you, Ray from RS Outdoors and Murray from Scotlands Mountains do a collaboration one day. 🤞🏻🏴🏔️⛺️
Great trip, great company and a fabulous location... You certainly captured the trip really well... Tis a lovely island.. you've both inspired me to return.. 👍👍👍😎
Thank you for another great video. I’m sorry to hear about all that you and your family have been through. It’s great to see you back in the mountains!
I’m starting the WHW on Thurs for the first time. Thanks so much for your videos, they are by far the best I’ve seen particularly for seeing what walking the trail is really like. Thanks again, much appreciated! (ps: have booked Beinglas)
@@MrOregonduckman Hi, firstly, thanks for watching. Once you reach Rowardennan you'll walk past the Ben Lomond Bunkhouse. Just past that you'll see the Ben's Bakes. Walk on a bit further and eventually you'll see a small sign on the left of the path to instruct you that you're leaving the no camping zone. A bit further on you'll see the fork in the road from the video. Then you have a decision to make. Hope you enjoy your adventure. G ❤️ 🏴
