September 2024 – Scotland, Rugged Beauty

After the success of our Ireland tour, the next destination for 2024 was clear: Scotland. This time we hiked the famous West Highland Way – from Glasgow to Fort William. For me, it was the second flight of my life, so no longer quite as exciting as the first, but still special. Even on the descent, Scotland showed itself from its best side – rugged, wild and beautiful.

After a short stop in Glasgow, we set off the very next day: the West Highland Way was waiting. On the first day we already noticed that we would probably encounter more hikers here than in Ireland – and yet we walked paths that can truly only be experienced on foot. The stages along Loch Lomond in particular were a real challenge for the soles of my feet – by then, at the latest, I knew: for the next tour, I need hiking poles.

Despite the many encounters, we kept finding moments of peace. The craggy hills, the stony paths, the mystical-looking lochs – all of it had a charm of its own. And of course the people: friendly, open, sometimes even with a Hessian touch. In a small café in the middle of nowhere, we were greeted with a hearty "Gude!" – a moment that will stay with me for a long time.

The hike once again demanded a lot from me physically: sore feet, aching knees – but also overwhelming impressions. It wasn't always easy. I had to admit that I can get snippy in stressful moments – but luckily, my two companions know me well enough to put up with it. We all had our little lapses, but also the will to see it through. And at the end, there it was again, that pride: having done it, no matter how hard the path was.