I’m sitting in my hotel room at the Premier Inn in Milngavie, watching some television, and hoping that this is all going to work out. So far so good.

I was worried about where I’d park my motorbike for the week, the ride up to Scotland, if I could strap my rucksack onto the back seat, if I’d have enough room in the panniers to store my crash helmet, boots, and jacket, the weather, and generally anything else that my brain thought it appropriate to worry about – some not even related to the walk. It had properly knocked me this morning. It felt like there were more reasons not to go than to go. In fact, it seemed like a really stupid idea and I was considering myself insane for trying to walk the West Highland Way in November. Just as a cold front was coming in.

But, I’ve managed to override all those negative thoughts, with a lot of counselling from Jenny, and I’m here. Even if this doesn’t go well, and there are a lot of reasons why it may not, I’m glad I’ve got this far.

It got chilly

I’m not sure why I was so worried about packing my kit. It all strapped down nicely on my bike and there’s plenty of room in the panniers for everything that won’t be going on the walk with me. I was flapping quite a bit so there is a chance I’ve forgotten something but as long as it’s nothing essential I’ll be ok. The tent is definitely packed and so is my sleep mat and winter quilt so they’re the main things.

The ride up went very smoothly except for a minor issue. I’m very glad that I had the foresight to make sure my heated clothing was working as the temperature dropped to 1 degree Celsius as I neared Scotland. Even when it was slightly warmer much earlier in the journey I was appreciating the benefits of the clothing. I realised just how much when I decided to stand up on the pegs for a moment while riding in order to stretch my legs. When I sat back down again I started to get really cold, so much so that I was shaking. I tried to increase the temperature of my heated base layer but it’d stopped working.

I soon realised it was my own stupid fault. As I’d stood up I’d pulled out the wire connecting my top to my bike, instantly cutting the power and rendering it useless. I was quite shocked how cold I got and how quickly. It was also pouring with rain which I think made the situation worse. Luckily the next service station was only a few miles away so I shivered for the next 10 minutes until I could get off the motorway and get myself plugged in again. It was such a nice feeling to get warm again and I felt so lucky that I’d made the effort to bring the base layer with me and make sure it was working. Just no more standing up for the rest of the journey.

Sorry, no photographs

I really enjoyed the ride to Glasgow. In was quite a contrast from how worried I had been all morning. I actually felt quite sick. But once I hit the road I felt pretty good. Especially once the rain had stopped just north of Preston and I got to enjoy the views as the M6 winds its way through the Yorkshire Dales and the edge of the Lake District.

I’ve driven along this road a few times in my life and it always impresses me. This was the first time on my bike though and it felt even more special. My mind did wander to how I’d feel to be camping in the hills as I went by because they look both beautiful and hostile. I didn’t know how I’d feel about that which made me think about the adventure I had ahead of me. I contented myself, for that moment, with just enjoying the view and riding through the hills, nice and warm, and protected on my bike from the imposing landscape.

Then the usual high spot on this route since I walked the coast to coast. I always look out for Shap and in particular the foot bridge over the motorway that hikers have to cross. Taking them from the Lake District to the Yorkshire Dales. That really is a significant milestone on that trail.

As I headed further north and passed the sign indicating that I’d reached Scotland the sun set and the temperature dropped further. I still felt quite warm but I was starting to wish the journey would end. I was enjoying it but 300 miles is a long way on a motorbike, especially at my age, and 6 hours in the saddle can be a little uncomfortable. Luckily, as I neared Glasgow, my mind was taken off the aches by the full moon shining between some hills and then I was fascinated by the high rise flats that are lit up and look amazing. Now, I’m not sure how amazing they’d be to live in, but I found myself strangely drawn towards them. There must be so much life going on there, like a whole world contained with so many stories. I really wished I could have taken photographs of my journey, especially those high rise buildings. I really can’t put my finger on it but I became a little obsessed with them.

Some worries dismissed

I’m in a really good place now. Things have gone to plan, as much of a plan as there was, and I’m as prepared at this moment as I could be. I’ve got quite lucky.

The ride from the motorway to the hotel in Milngavie was quite easy and I managed to get there without going the wrong way. And I normally go the wrong way at least once. The worst thing was that my visor started to steam up but as I was going slow now I could just raise it and vision was restored. I initially thought there was something wrong with my contact lens so was grateful for the simple solution.

Once at the hotel I was brave and asked if I was able to keep my bike in the carpark all week, and the nice guy on reception said that was fine. He said, “no problem”, like he was surprised I was even asking. So I feel a bit daft worrying about that. But I really had got myself worried about that so it was a bit relief. I can’t be sure it’ll be safe but I’ve parked it under a security camera so I’ve done all I can. The receptionist then asked if I was going walking and that snow was forecast for tomorrow. I decided to ignore that bit.

I then took a walk to a McDonalds for some tea and noticed that there was an Aldi, and it was open. I couldn’t believe my luck so I went in and got supplies for the next few days. I’m not sure how many places will be open on the trail as it’s way out of the walking season so I’m glad I managed to pick things up as it’s one less job for tomorrow and less delay in headed to the start of the path. I was quite shocked it was open, and really felt like luck was on my side, because in England big stores have to shut at 4pm on a Sunday, so I guess laws are different here.

I’m hoping this luck will continue through the week. The forecast is for dry but very cold weather and potentially some snow. Time will tell if this is going to be ok. I like the idea of a bit of snow but not too much as to stop me. I told someone that I want it to look dangerous and impressive for the pictures but actually be very safe and easy!