Earlier this year our International Operations Manager, Mr David Thomson, took on the mammoth task of hiking across the West Highland Way in Scotland. A personal goal of David’s, the mostly uphill hike was spread across 7 days and completed at a total of 155km from Milngavie to Fort William across the Scottish Highlands.
Read on to hear about the trek from David himself.
“I was supposed to do this walk, in partnership with our General Manager, Marcus Thomson, but he conveniently succumbed to Covid just prior to departure from Australia, rendering him incapacitated and me walking all alone.
I started day 1 off with a quick train trip from Glasgow to Milngavie (pronounced Moolguy, go figure) and from the there the walking began. Getting used to the heavy pack and walking pace after many years of less adventurous activities was the challenge. The first 3 days of walking, around Loch Lomond, although beautiful, were hard. I was glad to finish at the end of each day, pitch the tent, eat, drink, roll out the sleeping bag and fall asleep.
If you had pulled up next to me at any time during these 3 days in a vehicle, I would have gladly jumped in and sped off with you, not looking back.
But day 4 provided me with a much better attitude, appreciation of my surroundings and genuine feelings of gratitude at being able to participate in something so beautiful, and so different.
I met some amazing people, saw some amazing scenery, interacted with wildlife, and enjoyed my own company out in nature.
There is a lot to be said for getting away from the laptop, iPad, phone and internet for a period of time. The phone was with me, but was turned off, and only used for taking the occasional sweaty selfie, or documenting some interesting sights along the journey.
Overall, it was one of the best things I’ve done in a long time and I’m already planning my next walking adventure. I hope you like some of the photos of my trip just as much as I enjoyed taking them.”
David Thomson
International Operations Manager
Alana Kaye College
