26/07/2026
What to expect when hiking the West Highland Way with your dogs š¾
1. Itās stressful.
I kept constantly thinking ahead. Is there enough water? Are there sheep around the next corner? Are their paws okay? Can they handle another few miles? Meanwhile, I was doing something that was also really difficult for me. And can we talk about those minuscule movements of your dogs on a leash clipped to your body? Thatās torture when youāre on day 3.
2. Itās peaceful.
I know, I know. I just said itās stressful. And it is. But it is also so incredible peaceful. Itās the quiet moments. Itās having your best friends with you while doing something epic. Itās the kind of peace thatās hard to describe until youāve experienced it.
3. You will slow down.
Your pace isnāt just your pace anymore. I was responsible for myself but also my two dogs - and that also means responsibility for wildlife, livestock and other people. Instead of ājustā going forward, itās also stopping for water breaks, for gauging if I had to put them back on leash, for letting people pass and so on.
4. Youāll carry SO much more than expected.
Putting together my own gear for 150km through the Scottish Highlands was already a feat. But also including everything I needed for my dogs? Phew. The grams just kept on going up. My dogs didnāt carry their own stuff but even if, I still would have had extra gear to strap on.
5. Youāll REALLY get to know your dogs.
If I thought I knew everything about Molly and Lottie that there is to know, I was mistaken. Yes, weāve hiked before. Yes, weāve climbed mountains before. But we never did it for days on end. Who knew that Molly has slow endurance with no end in sights. Or that Lottie gets extra grumpy when sheās very tired and sore.
6. Your bond will be unbreakable.
After days of walking together, facing rain, mud, sunshine, tired legs, sore muscles and countless miles, something changed. Thereās a trust and a bond that was built between us three that is hard to put into words. We had to rely on each other so much. I think it simply became the true meaning of being a pack.
That never changed. We are closer than ever.
