It’s so sad seeing the shit and the rubbish. I spent a few days camping and kayaking around the islands in Loch Lomond in February this year, and the amount of rubbish strewn along the shorelines is genuinely depressing. I tried to clean up as much of it as I could, but I kept wondering: people come here because it’s beautiful, so why they do then spoil it? I’ll never understand.

I must say, your production quality is amazing. I’ve been enjoying your videos for a couple years now and am always impressed by how you can turn a simple camp out into a beautiful and fun experience but this series you have truly outdone yourself!

It’s the same in the Lake District, I was up past Ullswater last weekend and loads of people camping along the lakeside leaving their crap despite having their car literally twenty feet away. These aren’t wild campers, just people buying cheap camping gear for a cheap weekend out who don’t have a clue.

Love your videos. It makes a day at work melt away when I watch your videos in beautiful places. Shame about the mess but that lake side pitch was amazing!

did this walk couple years ago and your opening comments hit home. just down path from inversnaid hotel, the rocky beach, i had to do a full clean up from day trippers who had set fire to coverings, summer tents, bags full of single use bbqs, empty cans and the edges full of waste. those idiots can ruin our chances of keeping our right to roam. done this walk a few times and i aint had a first day like yours but had a few bad ones ha good to see you keep the spirit up

I walked the WHW just a few weeks ago, I didn’t notice the rubbish was that bad as you showed in this video! I’m really shocked about this! I do agree that there was much more rubbish at the Loch Lomond beach side tracks than other tracks further on. It’s a pity in such a beautiful part of Scotland!

As someone who stays a hours drive from Loch Lomond and various other lochs, I just avoid them most of the year, There a magnet for Bucky drinking Neds, They just don't care. Even paying for a loch side pitch is no guarantee of a quiet shite and hassle free night, Bloody nightmare.

Absolutely loving this so far, my kind of adventure. Can't wait for the next installment. That rubish is shocking, people need to wise up.. I'm thinking of tackling the wicklow way, or at least some of it over a few days this summer, ever considered it? Anyway cheers, thanks for bringing us along on this.

Hi Stephen, stumbled upon your vids, been enjoying the West Highland Way 😂, looking forward to part 3, glad you’re enjoying the Scottish weather and our beautiful countryside.

Ooof tough seeing waste left out in the beauty of nature like that. Thanks for sharing your experiences along the route - I mostly bikepack but am interested in hiking the WHW one day!

Binge watching your videos back to back- and adding comments for the algorithm~! 🌻👍 Keep up the great content!

Jesus that's bad with the litter and shite. I don't even like to leave a blackened spot (although finding those doesn't bother me as it just says "man came this way", litter free of course). One of the small advantages in having an ileostomy is I can do my camp dumps in the middle of gorse patches or briars where none shall ever come upon them, except of course those critters that eat such things........and I can target a hole from 3 feet up LOL. I even smoke rollies with carboard roaches so if I forget myself and drop a butt, it's a goner in days.....not that I often forget myself. Went fishing the other night and spent half the time collecting and burning discarded line....FFS, it's RULE ONE, don't leave any line, particularly heavy mono because it takes years to mash up....I have 3 bags of the shit awaiting a flaming end (because sending it to landfill is still a bad idea). I wonder how far round the WHW I could get on my mobility scooter :D

What a presentation my friend, this was brilliant episode!

I advocate 'leave less trace', so as well as removing all of your own crap, you take a bit extra, have back at the buggers. In my packrafting loch lomond video, I was shocked at the crap left behind in pristine locations. I was with a local, Andrew Park, who was used to it. We removed a lot of rubbish.

I have loved watching your adventure so far, Warts and all. Lomond was probably my favourite part of the WHW, in Ireland we basically have no large natural woodland left, being able to walk through oak forests for 1.5? days is just an incredible feeling. It is so sad to see it trashed like that, I wonder was there a public holiday before you set out? When I was along that section last year (27th May) it was pretty clean, much better than the dumping ground that is the Mournes. Not really sure what the solution is, imo not camping management zones they don't work and just punish legitimate hikers, you can see clear evidence of it, they need to step up ranger patrols by boat and fine the ever loving s**t out of the fly campers. Honestly I find Scotland and England fairly clean in terms of litter compared to home; but I avoid the summer season so maybe that is why. Looking forward to the next episode it's a great series keep it up!

Theres a beach in ireland where they put up portaloos . They are beautiful.. Well done highlighting it . Just remember, by motivating people to hike and camp the numbers will increase and infrastructure will be overloaded. It takes a while for it to catch up . The sierras in usa have this infrastructure. If you ever want to see it let me know . Some nice climbs to 14000 ft . I have a dream of ireland having that set up .

Another great episode, I was pretty shocked by the state of the place though, I really wasn’t expecting it to be that bad, then again it really doesn’t surprise me either, it seems to be a common issue almost everywhere you go these days sadly. I’m looking forward to the next one 😁👍🏻

Living near the Peak District I avoid weekends in the summer. Luckily, I can go during the week when it's quieter. Also, just bought the Exmoor Jacket and love it. Your videos are costing me a fortune 😂

Yours is the third WHW video I have seen recently (Paul Mesner and Backpacking UK) really enjoying your trip totally different viewpoint.

Really sad seeing the trail a mess like that. Wasn't like that the two time I walked it thankfully. That honesty box has to be the best one on the whole way! Didn't notice the no paramedic sign before, wonder if it is new ..

Anyone know when the next part is, only just discovered this fantastic channel

Have walked the WHW multiple times and never seen rubbish, etc to the level that you have found. Although did go through pretty quick and didn't go far off the beaten track. Sad state of affairs though for such a lovely area of Scotland.

Really enjoying these films Stephen, thank you. You have my 9 year old Son in stitches too! ATB Jiffy 👍🏻

Cheers me dear... very entertaining Stephen 🤓👌. So glad you enjoyed the 'nice' liquorice... personally I can't stand the stuff, but it wouldn't do for us all to be the same 😊. Kudos to the honesty box baker though 👍

Wow so much crap everywhere literally, still what a beautiful place, I'm going to have to push myself to do it. Thanks for making me laugh and making won't to get out. Can't wait till next time see you soon Alan from LUTON 💯👍

Great video look forward to watching more, would love to know what’s on you playlist to get you motivated or share the playlist

Looking forward to doing the whw, starting this weekend. Will report back on the rubbish situation hope it gets cleaned up, so sad to see!

The ball should be a local hero of yours, Joey 'Dunlop'

❤ its a shame people don’t look after these paths better

The behaviour of a few ruins it for the rest of us. It's why the camping bylaws were introduced where they were, because before that it was much, much worse.

Love your videos. They're always entertaining.

Sorry to see it’s deteriorated, spotless when I did it. It’s so very sad and very unfair on others ….. looking forward to the next episode, will you take the stony ankle breaking route or the forest one ???

I done the WHW in 1993 and it was quiet and clean the whole way, how times change.

Here in Canada, well my part anyways, we have Wardens that cruise these camping spots and hand out Huge fines for refuse and w/e else they do thats illegal. They now have 4 wheeler rides and go everywhere. You can loose everything, all your gear, boat if you have one, car too if they want to be Richards about it. You need the same deal we have. Far easier for you lot there as youre area is so small, half dozen would probably cover most of the country. I absolutely cant stand litter, I have to clean it up, I carry garbage bags and recycle bags with me in my bike .. but I draw the line at human waste. Such a shame to see that beautiful area all fouled up in such a manner. Humans suck. Thanks for the tour though mate. Cheers.

New subscriber, already watched lots of your vids, you're naturally funny 😂. Wison 😂

I did the WHW last winter. It was fantastic. Pretty much had it all to myself. No midges, no permits required, and no sh1t anywhere. You couldn't pay me to do it at this time of year.

When I hiked the WHW in 2018 the only area that had a bit garbage was the way down from Conic Hill into Balmaha. At what time of the year did you start your hike. I started on May 11th and I had no issues with midges. And almost no rain - yes, unbelievably but true.

Good one sir...I completely agree! People need to be more responsible when camping. We all want to enjoy these natural places for years to come. authorities should put up more signs reminding people to leave no trace.I hope people who see this video will think twice before littering when they're camping..I love your place

@stephen - I'm so curious, when did you walk? I completed it last Wednesday and saw none of the rubbish you did along Loch Lomond. Were you there just after the bank holiday weekend? I did Drymen to Ardlui Friday 24th/Saturday 25th.

Having driven past you in Milngavie and only realising after it was you this has been a good watch!

I think all that poo dumping might have been a result of that free liquorice 😂

I don't remember being shocked by any amount of rubbish, when I walked it two years ago. I do remember the amount of people I saw along the way and glad I ticked it off. Lovely, easily accessed, areas come with a heavy price, throughout Britain.

Love the Wilson reference. 😂

Another great video Stephen. Shame your enjoyment was spoilt by the inconsiderate ones who can't be trusted (or be bothered) to respect such a beautiful place.

9:19 - What is that, Precious? In your previous video, you lamented one of those empty and I didn’t pay it much mind, but now that you’ve come across a stocked one, it’s piqued my curiosity.

Some of the paths leading to the munros from the Loch Lomond area are wild toilets, never seen anything like it.

Great video as always , you are a great story teller. People just need to take there rubbish with them. There are a few state and federal parks here in US that what you bring in you take with you

Your sweets are pontifract cakes Stephen and they are supposed to help you pooh lol!🤪👍

Aw dude, that just looks grim! And trashing the countryside has become more of an issue since covid. I believe that more people are recreating in the countryside but don't know how to 'pack it in, pack it out' and 'Leave no Trace'. We see it with nicely bag wrapped dog poos hanging from trees or just left on the path. People are just becoming feral. Just discovered your videos and love your filming style and narrative. With that accent I could listen to you talking poop 💩.

Great job

No one talks about poop on hiking vids except what trowel they take. People don't realise what goes in must come out and usually at the most inappropriate moment.

I walked the Great Glen Way a week ago. Someone had discarded a white tissue every mile or two.... the whole length of the walk. Unsightly........

Thanks for sharing

Such a shame that people can’t tidy up after themselves. Luckily most of the rest of Scotland isn’t as easily accessible from Glasgow as Loch Lomond, so hopefully the right to roam stays. Feel for the Park Rangers having to deal with that mess from an ignorant few!

I found that zero drop shoes (or low drop) contributed to pain on my shins. I don’t wear Olympus shoes anymore. Wide fit Ultra Raptor 2s

Im just home from a campervan trip to the islands, maybe im going soft but doesnt look like you are having fun yet.

Shame about the rubbish, it's everywhere. Enjoyed your video.❤❤

Scotland is a beautiful place it’s such a shame some people can’t respect this

You would think the people that throw rubbish everywhere are not hikers / wild campers . But you have seen signs of rubbish left behind by hikers / wild campers . The reason these people hike must be to enjoy nature so it amazes me when some of them litter . Maybe they are either thick or dgaf 😢. Great video as always Stephen , looking forward to the rest . Would be nice if there were a couple of hour long ones in there , 20 mins not long enough 😜

I'm amazed that chair was functional... all the chairs I've ever seen out on adventures were only left because they were trashed.

I think I would be tempted. To take some bin line this with me and have a tidy up along the way. Not saying you should obviously. But I just can't stand seeing things like that and not doing something. I would obviously leave the poo alone 🤣

Hate seeing that. This is the first WHW vid I've ever seen that actually talked about that and exposed it. Damn shame.

Hope you eventually get a nice day 😂

Those of us who live near the dreadful NC500 route have the same problems what is even worse some do this in full view of residents. We have Motor homes/ Camper vans who throw out rubbish, empty waste tanks & think they can park up anyware often on private property & block our entrances. We want to welcome visitors & there are many who come who are very respectful but these others we do not want who spoil it for the rest. Many rural homes have private water from mountain springs so we simply do not want our water poluted by the dirty inconsiderate tourists.

great vids so far

Dog poop bags or ziplocks for your paper and carry it out. The Cairngorm rangers had the poo project about 15 years ago where they provided containers. Might be an idea or composting toilets. Of course, there has to be the will on behalf of those having the dumps...If they dont care they wont bother.

The littering/ gear abandonment is just so moronic... why have they come to these idyllic places if not to get away from their grubby city life, then only to wreck them for everyone else :(

Why didnt you wear your vivos? Just curious.

Worked my whole career in variations of Park Ranger roles. I can sadly conclude that people are even more disgusting than you could possibly ever imagine. It's a real shame. Great content though and always brings me a giggle. Thanks for your honesty though 👍👍

Thanks for yet another ear worm! 😂

Geee wats the west side like?

Drymen is pronounced Drimen. Its been a while since I done this (metal polled backpacks lol) I can only assume it has now attracted a lesser outdoorsy person, hence the mess.and hence the amount of tents that have just been found to be useless? Beggars belief. But nowadays you can walk it bag free and get bags dropped off at the next luxury b&b ... hardy folk lol 😂

The video quality is great , what camera are you using

Mate your the spitting image of John Bartholomew the chess you tuber.

Bins must be part of the trail. I can carry someones chair, if I know for a fact that the next bin is at certain interval away. It feels better to put your dirty napkins in a trail bin than at a restaurant.

Fab!

Leave no trace , come on everybody .

Don't you find it ironic being the only dry man in in Drymen? 😂

Loch Lomond side has long been ruined by manky bar stewards.

There are indeed biodegradable whetwipes available. But ofcourse it’s nicer to have them tucked away along with the #2‘s

Unfortunately trash campers cause the setup of the nocamping zone and it's likely to just get extended until the whole area is included... we can't have nice things...😵‍💫

be careful with eating too much licqrish, its not easy on the heart!

Gosh the 💩!! Not ideal at all. Loved this next instalment though.

Your experience was "Soiled" you could say.

The most disgusting thing in this video is the licorice - horrible stuff🤣 (Really though - the real rubbish and crap is depressing)

Have you forgot to upload part 3 ???

Cant believe you didnt call the ball "Joey". And you from Ballymena?! youre certainly giving a different impression from the other WHW bloggers. Messner didnt mention pooh-mageddon once.

Why can't people take their dirty roll in a zip lock bag until they get to a place to discard properly?! It's EASY to do!

Just an FYI. Drymen is pronounced Drimmen. 🤣

It’s the same on most of the Munros closer to Glasgow, empty water bottles and chocolate wrappers from ned day walkers in their white trainers and t shirts, pure scum imo

What a stupid title. The West Highland way is stunning. You pick out one section that when you went was not a nice experience. But to say the whole way is disgusting is just click bait nonsense. And it’s not the way or any small part that is disgusting. It’s the behaviour of a tiny minority of people that is disgusting.

Didn´t you use to hike in barefoot shoes?

the Worst Highland Way..........its DRIMAN

Too many Rangers Supporters and Unionists just leaving their rubbish lying around basically because they can't stand Scotland and being Scottish so have absolutely no prid3.

I would ban the right to roam in Scotland we need to keep Scotland clean and free to enjoy ourselves.👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

And your headline makes out that the whole of the whw is disgusting bollocks to your negative video

The saltier the better

Ruth Aisling found the same on her bothy video, and that looked pretty remote just to go for a dump...💩🧻 At least Irn Bru and Bucky are native species...👍 Matti & Stina - JOKKMOKKGUIDERNA just did a wild pooping video (a must watch)... I just can't wait for the English to get wider roaming rights...🤔