Welcome to the West Highland Way Trail Series—a special set of episodes from my latest long-distance hike across the Scottish Highlands.

I’ll be bringing you along day by day as I hike 100 miles from Milngavie to Fort William, sharing the real-time feels, stories, and behind-the-scenes moments from the trail.

Day 5 marked the start of the solo stretch on the West Highland Way.

Ashima headed back to Glasgow, and I made the short hike from Tyndrum to Bridge of Orchy—just seven miles, but a welcome active rest day after four bigger-mileage days in a row.

There was morning rain, a poncho-on-poncho moment, and some quiet, reflective miles through beautiful valleys. I finished the day doing laptop work at the Bridge of Orchy hotel bar, staying in a cozy hiking pod, and taking myself out to dinner—something I’d been a little nervous about pre-trip.

In this episode:

• Morning rain and a layered poncho strategy
• First solo miles and a soft hiking day
• Cozy hiking pods and a working pub stop
• Facing the solo dinner nerves—and sticky toffee wins

Where to learn more about Allison:

• She Dreams of Alpine Blog
• Instagram @shedreamsofalpine

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