A video posted by some seriously hardy long-distance walkers – who are father and son – has gone viral on TikTok.
The clip, shared by outdoors expert and adventurer Sam Culley on Wednesday, December 11, shows what it’s like to walk Scotland’s iconic 96-mile long hiking route the West Highland Way in the middle of winter. In the 24 hours since it was first uploaded it has already had an incredible 1.3 million views.
The TikTok video begins with Sam waking up in the dark to another day of hiking, explaining that the temperature outside his tent is -8C. He and his dad then wipe as much frost of their tents as possible before packing their things and getting ready to set off.
Sam documents the stunning, ice-and-snow covered scenery as he traverses the wild winter landscape, showcasing shaggy Highland cows and frozen rivers as he goes.
Rivers aren’t the only thing that are iced over, either, as frozen water bottles also feature. At one point Sam’s beard also starts to form icicles.
The brave pair stop off at the famous Green Welly Stop in Tyndrum for some hot food and, even more importantly, a can of Irn Bru, before setting off again into the unforgiving sub-zero temperatures – though Sam’s dad added a body warmer to his wardrobe to help buffer him against the freezing wind.
The video ends with them making camp for another night, and boiling up water for a vital hot drink before bedding down in their respective tents for another bitterly cold evening outdoors.
Sam wrote in the caption: “Hiking the West Highland Way in winter, woke up to minus eight degrees, freezing but insane views, a cloud inversion and frosty forests. Another day of incredible scenery!
“Ps. Camping in these temperatures is no joke, things could go really wrong without the right kit.”
In his follow-up video, posted on Thursday, December 12, he tells people that Wednesday ended up being the coldest night they’d faced so far, with temperatures dropping to -10C.
Bear Grylls eat your heart out, frankly.
There have been almost 700 comments on the viral video so far, with people expressing their amazement at the beautiful winter scenery – but also sharing their disbelief that anyone could easily endure such cold weather.
One person said: “I was crying in my tent at a festival in July as I was cold! Big respect for this.” Another added: “I would do that walk but camping in -8/-10 I don’t think so!”
Others praised Sam’s relationship with his father, with one writing: “The relationship with your dad’s amazing – memories to last a lifetime.”
If you’re thinking of following in Sam’s footsteps and hiking the West Highland Way in winter, it’s important to make sure you’re very well-prepared.
The official West Highland Way website states: “The West Highland Way should only be undertaken in winter by fit walkers with good winter navigation skills. From November to March, winter conditions can be expected and any walker undertaking the route during these months must be fully prepared and properly equipped.
“When snow falls, all the high ground in the northern half of the Way can be affected. During such times the path can completely disappear, therefore it is essential that walkers have a map and compass and be able to use them. Traversing snow covered slopes can be hazardous and ice axes and crampons are preferred to walking poles at such times.”
You can read more advice and frequently asked questions about walking the West Highland Way safely here.
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