I'm doing a really long walk all by myself

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I'm proud of myself for even thinking of it!

100 miles over 7 days. Not mountains, but some big hills. I've used an agent to book accomodation but will be carrying my own kit. There are 3 days of 18+ miles.

I'm fit (ran a half marathon today) but I'm starting to worry about it, mostly that I haven't done any training with the back pack, it was all a bit spur of the moment 😆 Too last now, I go in 4 days. My boots are well worn in though.

Any hints and tips?

Do you have water purification tablets or gear?

Camelback isn't necessary

Try to find one with a big opening to get the water in , and a value on the mouthpiece so you don't accidentally sit on your pipe and lose all the water ...

There was a thread in AMA about long distance walking - the poster was very inspiring!!

Carry as little as possible. I did the three peaks, too way too many snacks and bottles of water and honestly the pain in my back was unreal.

Get the backpack weight down as much as possible. That's the thing which can really slow you down and make the hike torture instead of fun.
I do a lot of long distance hiking with tent, which means that there's a lot of extra equipment necessary which you don't need as you are sleeping in accommodation. I've looked at every single item in the backpack and either replaced with a lighter version or decided not to take. The first couple of hikes I did I had too much stuff and I didn't realize how much it slows your walking pace.
Clothes - one-on-one-off rule. You don't need more than that. Base layers can be used as pyjamas (thermal leggings and top).
Food/cooking - if you are taking a stove, just take one pan and a spork and eat out of the pan rather than faffing with plates and so on. If you aren't going to cook during the day then you don't need it anyway.
Supplies - what's your plan for restocking? Will you be passing food shops? Look on google maps to plan when you'll be able to buy lunch supplies and energy bars etc. Always have a bit more food than you need, but don't drag unnecessary amounts around if you're going to be passing a shop every couple of days. For your remoter hike later on in the year you'll need a food plan so you don't take too much. I measure out how many teaspoons of sugar and powdered milk I will need for my tea rather than just shoving a random amount of sugar in a ziploc bag. Every gram less counts.

It's a learning experience so take note of things that weren't so successful so you can change the plan for the next time.
Enjoy. It's a wonderful thing.
I'm off in the summer for 3 weeks in Norway.

Get a subscription to Ordnance Survey online, and download the app. (If you haven't already done so!)

So cool!
My only tip is lots of layers no thick single layer, I'm sure you know that, to keep body temps good.

I met a woman who was solo walking Lands End to John O'Groats a few summers ago. I was super impressed. She wasn't carrying much at all, btw. She did it in stints, doing stretches a week at a time here or there, and planned route to go right by her own home (was heading there the evening we chatted).

You can do this. Post pics here if you get a chance! Hope you see some great wildlife.

West Highland Way?

Haven't done that one (though I've walked bits) but I've done a few other multi-day walks. Pack light! If you're not camping, you really don't need a lot of stuff. I find a 30-35l backpack at this time of year is fine to carry everything I need.

In terms of fitness, you'll be fine - I certainly couldn't run a half marathon these days but can happily churn out 20+ mile walks day after day.

Make sure you take care of your feet. Blisters cause lots of people to give up on their walks: prevention is better than cure. Well-fitting boots or shoes are a must, as are decent socks. If you feel any hotspots while walking, don't ignore them and hope they'll go away. Many people swear by Compeed - I don't use it myself, but it's worth carrying some. I prefer to slather my feet in foot balm at the beginning of the day and reapply where necessary.

If it is the WHW (or anything else in Scotland) beware the midges! If you're susceptible to bites, take a midge net and some midge spray.

I'm planning a similar distance and I think I have got my rucksack down to about 6kg. Anymore and I struggle! If you haven't trained with a heavy bag, definitely go light!

What an amazing thing to do.

I hope you havean incredibly awesome time.

Have you seen or read Wild?

Does 6kg include water?

5ish kg plus a litre of water.

Merino clothing (look at Findra or Icebreaker). You can hang something sweaty up at night and it won’t be stinky in the morning. You’ll hardly need to take any clothes.

Blister plasters for feet. Dehydration sachets. A few bottles of lucozade.

Is one litre enough for a long day of walking in the hills? I was thinking 2 plus a hot drink!

I know there are water fountains on the route. If not you probably do need more.

I don't have any advice, but you have just given me a new ambition! This sounds amazing.

I take a 2 litre water with a filter to enable refill if it's very hot or long

I have done several. If possible take walking sandals so you can use them on easier terrain. I have found no matter how worn in and comfy my boots are sometimes my feet have just had enough of them

Sounds amazing. I'm doing Snowdon by myself at the beginning of September. The friend I was doing with has dropped out but I'm going to go anyway. I'm quite excited actually.

Good luck!

small first aid kit - paracetamol and plasters

Emergency loo kits - loo roll wet wipes (small pack) and couple of plastic bags

More socks than you thought you'd need, and a small facecloth to use as a foot towel. Then when your feet are hot and tired you can give them a bare airing, maybe a rinse and dry in a stream; put on clean socks and feel like a new woman.

Remmeber sun screen, midge repellent and a tick remover.

Is that you Harold? 😀