Walking The Wild Spine Of Scotland: A Journey Through Breathtaking Landscapes

The Wild Spine of Scotland is an iconic long-distance hiking trail that traverses the length of the Scottish Highlands. The trail stretches for over 280 miles, from Fort William in the west to Aberdeen in the east, and passes through some of the most stunning and remote landscapes in the country.

The trail is typically completed in 12-14 days, and can be walked in either direction. Along the way, hikers will encounter towering mountains, sparkling lochs, and verdant glens, as well as a rich variety of flora and fauna.

Along the Divide: Walking the Wild Spine of Scotland

by Chris Townsend

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	65272 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	192 pages
Hardcover	:	80 pages
Item Weight	:	9.9 ounces
Dimensions	:	6 x 0.25 x 9 inches

FREE

The Wild Spine of Scotland is a challenging but rewarding trek, and is suitable for experienced hikers. However, there are also a number of shorter sections of the trail that can be walked by less experienced hikers.

Planning Your Trek

Before embarking on your trek, it is important to plan your route carefully. The Wild Spine of Scotland is a remote trail, and there are few amenities along the way. It is therefore important to be self-sufficient, and to carry all of the food, water, and equipment that you will need.

The following are some of the key things to consider when planning your trek:

• Fitness level: The Wild Spine of Scotland is a challenging trek, and it is important to be in good physical condition before attempting it. You should be able to walk for several hours each day, and carry a backpack weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Experience: The Wild Spine of Scotland is a remote trail, and there are few amenities along the way. It is therefore important to have some previous hiking experience before attempting it.
• Time of year: The Wild Spine of Scotland can be walked year-round, but the best time to go is during the summer months (May-September). The weather is generally more settled during this time, and the days are longer.
• Accommodation: There are a number of different accommodation options available along the Wild Spine of Scotland. You can camp, stay in hostels, or book a room in a bed and breakfast.
• Food and water: You will need to carry all of the food and water that you will need for your trek. There are few shops along the way, so it is important to plan your meals carefully.
• Equipment: You will need to carry a backpack, hiking boots, a sleeping bag, a sleeping pad, a stove, and a cooking set. You should also pack a first-aid kit, a map, and a compass.

The Route

The Wild Spine of Scotland follows a well-defined route, but there are a number of different variations that you can take. The most popular route is the following:

• Day 1: Fort William to Glen Nevis
• Day 2: Glen Nevis to Kinlochleven
• Day 3: Kinlochleven to Fort William (via the Devil's Staircase)
• Day 4: Fort William to Glencoe
• Day 5: Glencoe to Kingshouse
• Day 6: Kingshouse to Glen Etive
• Day 7: Glen Etive to Inveroran
• Day 8: Inveroran to Tyndrum
• Day 9: Tyndrum to Bridge of Orchy
• Day 10: Bridge of Orchy to Crianlarich
• Day 11: Crianlarich to Glen Dochart
• Day 12: Glen Dochart to Killin
• Day 13: Killin to Aberfeldy
• Day 14: Aberfeldy to Pitlochry
• Day 15: Pitlochry to Blair Atholl
• Day 16: Blair Atholl to Braemar
• Day 17: Braemar to Ballater
• Day 18: Ballater to Aboyne
• Day 19: Aboyne to Banchory
• Day 20: Banchory to Aberdeen

This route can be customized to fit your own interests and abilities. For example, you could add extra days for hiking in the Cairngorms, or you could take a shorter route by skipping some of the longer sections. There are also a number of different side trails that you can take, which can lead you to hidden lochs, waterfalls, and other natural wonders.

The Highlights

The Wild Spine of Scotland is home to some of the most stunning scenery in the country. Here are a few of the highlights:

• Ben Nevis: The highest mountain in the British Isles, Ben Nevis is a must-climb for any hiker. The summit offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and lochs.
• The Cairngorms: The Cairngorms are a range of mountains in the eastern Highlands. They are home to some of the most rugged and beautiful scenery in Scotland.
• Loch Lomond: Loch Lomond is the largest loch in Scotland. It is a popular destination for swimming, boating, and fishing.
• Glencoe: Glencoe is a beautiful glen in the western Highlands. It is known for its stunning scenery and its tragic history.
• The West Highland Way: The West Highland Way is a long-distance footpath that runs from Fort William to Milngavie. It is one of the most popular hiking trails in Scotland.

The Wildlife

The Wild Spine of Scotland is home to a variety of wildlife. Here are a few of the species that you might see on your trek:

• Red deer: Red deer are the largest land mammals in Scotland. They are often seen grazing in the hills and mountains.
• Roe deer: Roe deer are smaller than red deer, and are more common in the woodlands. They are often seen bounding through the trees.
• Golden eagles: Golden eagles are large birds of prey that are often seen soaring over the mountains. They are one of the most iconic birds in Scotland.
• Osprey: Ospreys are fish-eating birds of prey that are often seen around lochs and rivers. They are a graceful and powerful bird to watch.
• Pine martens: Pine martens are small, agile creatures that are often seen in

Along the Divide: Walking the Wild Spine of Scotland

by Chris Townsend

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	65272 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	192 pages
Hardcover	:	80 pages
Item Weight	:	9.9 ounces
Dimensions	:	6 x 0.25 x 9 inches

FREE