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The Self-Guided Travel Podcast

Our pilot podcast series features six episodes as we follow our season one host, Arlette Godges, along Scotland's famous 96-mile long-distance trek: The West Highland Way.

Discover what self-guided travel is all about while embracing the beauty of the majestic Highlands and this iconic route. Listen to Arlette's encounters with nature, hear stories from fascinating locals, and delve into the rich history of Scotland while discovering the ultimate freedom of exploring at your own pace.

About our host

Arlette (@ageupwell on Instagram) is an athlete and record-breaking swimmer, qualified physical therapist and content creator based in California, US. She is on a mission to help people move, function, and perform at their best in order to live healthy and high-quality lives.

Listen Now

Episode 1

Hiking solo and self-guided with Macs Adventure, Arlette takes on the 96-mile trail, starting in Milngavie and trekking through the rugged beauty of Scotland’s lochs, mountains, and moss-covered forests. Along the way, she stops at the renowned Glengoyne Scotch Whisky Distillery and learns about the trail’s highlights and challenges from Jane McGeary from the West Highland Way Association.

Episode 2

Arlette hikes further into the Scottish Highlands, along Loch Lomond, where she finds a spot to practice forest bathing. Take deep breaths and hear about how nature can aid relaxation, before joining Arlette on her solo quest to find the hideout cave of a historical folk hero. Passing stunning views, Arlette then takes on a challenging hike through the mud to visit one of Scotland’s most haunted Inns to cap off the second leg of her Macs Adventure.

Episode 3

At the fast-flowing Falls of Falloch, Arlette hears about the benefits of cold water therapy with Claire Gray before the pair take an icy dip. Among the pine trees, Highland Cows and Red Squirrels explore the history and landscape of Scotland with Arlette at the halfway point of her self-guided Macs Adventure.

Episode 4

Arlette meets the famed Scottish midgie and talks to Dr. Chris Robinson about the clan history of the Scottish Highlands. Arlette closes this stage of her self-guided Macs Adventure with a dram of Scotch Whisky.

Episode 5

After fueling up on a Scottish breakfast of haggis, tattie scones, and square sausage with Laura from The Kingshouse Hotel, Arlette hikes through the rugged Glen Coe scenery made famous by the James Bond movies. Layer up to brave the wind and the rain as Arlette takes on a steep solo ascent of the Devil’s Staircase in the penultimate leg of her self-guided Macs Adventure.

Episode 6

Arlette reflects on her journey and the faces - young and old - she met along the way as she hikes towards the finish line at Fort William, passing the famous Braveheart village at Glen Nevis. The Hebridean Baker, Coinneach MacLeod, tells Arlette that although she is saying goodbye to Scotland, she is always welcome back!