Top of Devil’s Staircase, Glencoe, Scotland

I’m a day hiker. Yes, I have all the backpacking gear and can occasionally be persuaded to use it, but nothing makes me happier after a good hike than a hot shower and a comfortable bed. However, day hiking for consecutive days on major trails requires long rides and complicated car spotting to make it happen.

A hybrid becoming increasingly popular (particularly in Europe) is hiking from B&B/Inn to B&B/Inn without a car. Although you can make these arrangements yourself, in some areas you can use services to find your lodging and/or transport your luggage, so you only hike with your day bag. Typically, the B&B/Inn will provide a full breakfast with other meals available in the area.

Anchorage Cottage – East Loch Lomondside, Rowardennen, Scotland

 

In late June I hiked the West Highland Way in Scotland over 9 consecutive days for a total of 96 miles. I used MacAdventures to find my lodging and transport my larger luggage. The lodging varied from 50-room Inns to small B & Bs to a self-contained cottage in a campground. Most were within a half mile of the trail and for the two that weren’t, the B & B owners picked me up at a local business. After a shower in my private bathroom, I was free to explore the small town, eat dinner, socialize with other guests, or simply read a book. The next morning, I woke up refreshed and ready for another day. My kind of hiking!

Bench at the start of the West Highland Way, Milngavie, Scotland

The West Highland Way starts out in Milngavie (near Glasgow) and ends in Ft. William. The trail winds through pastures and rolling hills, dense woods, along Loch Lomond, up into the magnificent highlands, and down to the valleys. Dotted along the trail are small towns with a handful of lodging and dining options. Some areas have small stores to replenish snack and lunch options, as well as ATMs and post offices. Several of the towns are on the bus or train line, which allows hikers to skip sections if they prefer not to hike the whole trail.

Bridge of Orchy, Scotland

Even though some days I was hiking with a friend or other people on the trail, much of the time I was alone with my thoughts and just soaking up the beautiful surroundings and amazing sense of peace.  The second half of the hike takes you up into the highlands where I felt on top of the world and with the exception of a handful of other hikers, there were no houses, animals, people or roads for as far as the eye could see in any direction.  The path in front of you and behind you just disappeared into the distance.

 

In the middle of the hike, we were joined on the trail by the ultramarathoners of the West Highland Way Race – a group of over 200 trail runners who were expected to complete all 96 miles in under 35 hours.  They started at 1 am and the quickest finished just under 17 hours later.  They were great fun to have on the trail, would occasional stop and talk for a few minutes, and seemed to appreciate our encouragement along the way.  I marveled at how they could race up and down the areas I had so carefully and slowly picked my way through.

Cow Pasture Near Drymen, Scotland

Packing for a hike on the West Highland Way, with the variety of trail conditions and potential for cold and rainy weather, required me to pack more than I would normally pack. I needed full rain gear, extra socks, and clothing that would carry me from temperatures in the low 50s with frequent rain and blustery wind, to the high 80s with no escape from the bright sunshine.

View of Loch Lomond from Conic Hill, Stirling, Scotland

 

Multiple layers were the key. My Icebreaker 200 base layers, EMS Techwick long and short sleeve shirts, Bass fleece, and EMS Compass pants that roll up, provided me with plenty of options. Because the large bag was transported from lodging to lodging, I didn’t have to worry about the extra bulk and weight of the additional clothing.

My day pack, the Osprey Tempest 20L worked perfectly. It had enough room to carry my hiking essentials, along with water, food, and layers that were shed during the day. The inner zipped pocket worked well for carrying my passport and other valuables that had to stay with me at all times. The outer stretch pocket was perfect for keeping my  raingear handy. I used the rain cover (even when it wasn’t raining) to keep everything contained and dry.

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, Scotland

Long distance hiking offers the amazing opportunity to hike varied terrain, experience a number of spectacular views, and have the time to truly escape from the real world. But for the inexperienced hiker or the true day hiker at heart, hiking from B&B to B&B can bridge the gap between the multi-day backpacking trip and single-day hike with all the comforts of home.

Sculpture in Kinlochleven, Scotland