Sunday, June 18, 2023

2023.5.21-6.18 Summary of my UK walking holiday

I only realized that how north UK is on my first day on trail. Our northmost reach (Burghead) is over 57.7°N, more north than Juno, Alaska. Day light in June is too long for a fulfilling sleep.

We were very lucky with the weather. Mostly sunny and dry. So dry that my nose was having issues, until I returned to the rainy Seattle.
Timing (late May - mid June) is good, maybe better to be ~1 week earlier (less midge, less people, slightly lower in temperature and dryer).

Scottish midge is a nuisance (midge forecast, most problematic July-Sept). Due to the unusual dry spell, it was not bad for us.

My travel partner for the first 3 weeks is very easy going, a safe driver, super patient. Never object to anything I wanted to see. Economically and socially, it worked out very well. I also have to credit him for the idea of walking the Pembrokeshire Costal Path. However, hiking wise, I need a more compatible partner.
I made a mistake deleting all the photos on my main phone the morning of 6/8. So had to borrow photos.

Total expense ~$1600 for 4 weeks + 66000 airline miles (otherwise, the airfare alone would be ~$1200). We camped ~15 nights (3 free), shared hotels and rental car, thus cut down the cost.

Negative:
  • Drive on the left side.
  • More trash on streets and popular hiking trails. Or maybe not enough garbage collection service. Trash bins often overfilled. Trailheads often have no trash cans or outhouses, even those that charge a parking fee.
  • Popular trails are over engineered: flat wide stone steps.
  • No wilderness left (no wild animals). National parks are on or bording on private lands. Difficult to find "wild" camping spots.
  • Expensive petro: ~$7/gallon.
  • Hotels don't provide lotion.
  • Camping fee is per person.
Positive:
  • Right of passage: anyone can walk through private land.
  • The prettiest mountain scenery is near Glencoe (SE of Fort Williams) and Cuillin Range on Skye. Hiking the backdoors can provide the rare solitude.
  • People are super friendly. The photos of Bruach Na Frithe on Skye and the back of Ben Nevis are from Heather and Mike of Scotland. Recipes are from Wendy of Wales.
  • Grocery stores and public transportation is cheap and widely available. ~25%-50% cheaper than Seattle. Maybe due to the strong US$.
  • English: I was able to attend lectures in Glasgow and Edinburgh.
  • Scotland's Explorer Pass is a good deal for £44, valid for 7 days.
Future? Lists of blogs