Solo on the West Highland Way: 5 Days, 100 Miles Through the Scottish Highlands

Meet Margaux, a Sea to Summit team member and adventurer, who recently set out on a solo thru-hike through the rugged landscapes of Scotland. In this Q&A, she shares tips for travel abroad with backpacking gear, how she stayed safe on the trail, the gear she couldn't live without, and her biggest takeaways from the journey.

When I was prepping for my solo thru-hiking trip abroad, I wasn’t necessarily chasing a grand adventure, nor was I searching for quiet. My initial inspiration was a bit more... basic: I wanted to hike the same path that Sam Heughan (my celebrity crush from Outlander) walked in 2022.

Okay, okay. The real story. Like many, I love finding adventure in nature, and for my birthday one year, my good friend gifted me Sam’s book, Waypoints: My Scottish Journey, about his trek on the West Highland Way. As someone who enjoys a good “type 2” vacation, I was inspired to see all that Scottish beauty for myself. The thought of long days in nature—on my own schedule, with only the sound of my boots on dirt and rain on my tent—sounded like the perfect escape from everyday life. I wanted something challenging, beautiful, and just a little wild.

Why the West Highland Way?
The West Highland Way checked all the boxes: roughly 96 miles (I added a few bonus miles to see more scenic spots) of trail winding from the outskirts of Glasgow to Fort William—through lochs, glens, and moody moorland. It had a solid reputation for being scenic, with plenty of hostels and wild camping options. Most importantly, it offered a sense of remoteness without total isolation—perfect for a solo traveler seeking both adventure and safety.

Packing for an International Backpacking Trip

Flying internationally with backpacking gear adds a whole new layer of logistics. My top tips?

Pack essentials in your carry-on: In case your checked bag gets delayed, always keep these with you:

Hiking boots or trail runners
Base layers and rain gear
Personal documents (passport, copies, permits)
Medications
One full hiking outfit
Electronics and chargers

Skip the stove: TSA and European airport security aren’t always friendly to fuel canisters, and sourcing fuel abroad can be tricky. I opted for cold-soak meals and the occasional pub stop. There are plenty of places to eat along the trail, and many locals set up “Honesty Sheds” where you can drop a few coins or bills and grab snacks on the go.

Use the 3-2-1 Rule: You don’t need as many clothes as you think. There are creeks throughout the trail where you can wash items with biodegradable soap. Here’s the formula:

3 tops
2 pairs of pants
1 rain gear set (jacket + pants)
2–3 pairs of socks and underwear

Adjust based on your hiking days, but keep it minimal and washable.

Know the gear rules: Obstacle #1 for me? TSA and my trekking poles. Mine didn’t have flat bottoms, so they were deemed “weapons” and confiscated. Trekking poles, knives, and multitools must go in checked luggage. Always check your airline’s gear policies. If in doubt, check it.

Sleep system matters: Choose gear that can handle cool, wet conditions. I know I work for Sea to Summit so it may seem a little bias, but I am truly a big fan of the products we carry and my ultralight setup did not disappoint:

Setup took under five minutes—perfect after a long day when I just wanted to crash.

Pack for comfort, not just weight: Going light is great, but not at the expense of sanity. A few luxury items go a long way:

A book
Headphones (especially great on 25+ mile days with podcasts)
A tiny drybag for electronics

Know what comforts are worth their grams.

Solo Female Safety & Mental Game
People often ask if I get nervous hiking or backpacking solo as a woman. Honestly? I was mostly just sad my adventure pup couldn’t join me this time. I’m very comfortable being in the woods alone, but if you’re just starting out, this trail is a great intro. It’s well-populated, dotted with shops, pubs, and hostels, so you’re never truly alone.

My safety strategy included:

Sharing my AllTrails LIVE location with family
Checking in when I had signal
Setting a 48-hour buffer: If no one heard from me in that window, they knew to act
Carrying a SPOT Satellite Tracker for off-grid communication

I trusted my gut: If something felt off—whether it was a person, a spot, or my own energy—I adjusted. No daily mileage goal is worth compromising your peace of mind.

A simple tent safety trick: Clip a small carabiner to the inside zippers of your tent to prevent them from being opened from the outside.

I embraced the solitude: My favorite moments were laying in my tent, watching the sunset in peaceful silence. When needed, I filled quiet time with podcasts or shared a few trail miles with other hikers. The West Highland Way has a beautiful community vibe—solo doesn’t mean isolated.

Gear MVPs & Regrets
MVP? The Spark Women’s Down Sleeping Bag. Scottish weather is no joke—lucky, I didn’t experience any rain during the day (a rarity in Scotland) but night-time was another story. Think sideways rain and gusty winds. This bag was warm, light, and my true best friend.

Regret? Overpacking food. I’m a light breakfast eater and a big dinner person. Snacks like electrolyte gummies and Clif Bars powered my days. I packed too many full meals, but HUGE shoutout to Mountain House for solid trail food.

Must-Sees Along the Way
Yes, hiking nearly 100 miles is already a lot—but a few detours are so worth the extra miles:

Drovers Inn (top of Loch Lomond): Established in 1705, this famously haunted pub is full of character—taxidermy, dark wood, and all the spooky Scottish vibes.
Conic Hill (just before Balmaha): A short but steep climb to panoramic views of Loch Lomond. Drop your pack—it’s worth the effort.
Glencoe Valley: Breathtaking views of Meall a’ Bhuiridh and the Blackmount range. Stop at King’s House Hotel for a warm meal and keep your eyes peeled for Scottish red deer.
Lambing Season (May): Fields full of baby lambs playing? Yes, please. Take your time, and soak it in.

Final Thoughts
Solo backpacking the West Highland Way gave me something unexpected: inner stillness and a deeper appreciation for what my body’s capable of. I went to Scotland hoping to reset and came back not just with sore feet and stunning photos—but with confidence, humility, and a new sense of strength.

If you’re a woman (or anyone) considering your first solo trek abroad, let this be your nudge:

You are more capable than you think.

And the Highlands? They’re waiting for you.

And Sam Heughan—maybe we’ll bump into each other next time.

Slàinte Mhath!