The Self-Guided Travel Podcast, on December 19th, 2024. Produced by The Big Light, this immersive audio experience promises to transport listeners into the heart of self-guided travel, revealing the raw, unfiltered stories behind independent exploration.The podcast series will chronicle the remarkable journey of self-guided traveler and host Arlette Godges as she walks Scotland's iconic 96-mile West Highland Way, offering listeners an intimate glimpse into the transformative power of independent travel. Each episode will feature personal narratives that capture the essence of discovery, challenge, and personal growth.Arlette Godges is a California-based physical therapist, record-breaking swimmer, and sought-after content creator. Driven by her passion for wellness, she is on a mission to empower individuals to move better, function optimally, and perform at their besthelping them lead healthier, high-quality lives as they grow older.Lynsey Kirk-Marshall, Head of Brand at Macs Adventure said:I'm so excited to share the launch of The Self-Guided Travel Podcast! This series is all about inspiring people to explore the world by foot or bike, immersing themselves in the journey, and truly connecting with the places they visit.Self-guided travel offers a unique chance to meet locals, uncover their stories, and support the communities that make these destinations so special. It's a way to travel that leaves a positive impactboth for the people who live there and for your own mental and physical wellbeing. The sense of achievement that comes with completing a self-guided journey is unlike anything else.Highlights of the podcast include: Hiking through the rugged beauty of Scotland's lochs, mountains, and moss-covered forests. Whisky tasting and trail stories with Gordon Dallas, Whisky Experiential Ambassador at Glengoyne Distillery. Forest Bathing in Scotland's enchanted oak forests. Wildswimming with wellness enthusiast and wild swimmer, Claire Gray at the Falls of Falloch. Spooky stories from the 300-years old Drover's Inn Talking history, clans, and local legends with Dr Chris Robinson from The West Highland Museum. Tackling The Devil's Staircase!The six-part series will be available on all major podcast platforms starting December 19th, 2024, offering listeners a front-row seat to some of the most compelling travel stories of the year.
The West Highland Way Finish Line: Fort William and Scottish Farewells
January 23, 2025
Join us for a solo self-guided journey along Scotland’s iconic West Highland Way with host Arlette Godges in this episode of The Self-Guided Travel Podcast.
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!
Distance : 15 miles
Duration : 7:0 hr
Ascent / Descent : 504 m / 509 m
Summary : The final section on the West Highland Way: follow a track through the beautiful forests of Glen Nevis to gain excellent views of Ben Nevis before entering Fort William.
Highlights Include:
05’00 Guest appearance from The Hebridean Baker, Coinneach MacLeod.
06’29 Visit to The West Highland Museum to see the famous portrait of Bonnie Prince Charlie!
08’41 Picking up a certificate from The Granite House with Catherine.
11’38 Chatting to Nash from Macs Adventure.
Insights into self-guided hiking tours and the joys of exploring Scotland’s dramatic landscapes at your own pace.
Whether you're dreaming of hiking Scotland's West Highland Way, exploring Scotland walking tours, or planning your next self-guided hiking adventure, this episode has it all. Discover tips, local insights, and the magic of solo hiking through one of the world's most famous trails.
Start planning your adventure today with Macs Adventure, the experts in self-guided travel. Discover the largest selection of hiking and biking routes in Scotland, Europe and beyond, all designed to help you explore spectacular destinations at your own pace.
Book your next Self-Guided Travel adventure at macsadventure.com
Produced by: The Big Light
Conquering the Devil’s Staircase: Hiking Rugged Glen Coe
January 16, 2025
Join us for a solo self-guided journey along Scotland’s iconic West Highland Way with host Arlette Godges in this episode of The Self-Guided Travel Podcast.
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.
Distance : 9 miles
Duration : 5:0 hr
Ascent / Descent : 339 m / 581 m
Summary : Climb the Devil's Staircase and catch a glimpse of Ben Nevis (Scotland's highest mountain) on this section of the West Highland Way between Glencoe and Kinlochleven.
Highlights Include:
01’40 Breakfast at The Kingshouse Hotel - including tasting haggis - and chatting to Laura who works at the hotel.
07’15 Tackling The Devil’s Staircase!
Insights into self-guided hiking tours and the joys of exploring Scotland’s dramatic landscapes at your own pace.
Whether you're dreaming of hiking Scotland's West Highland Way, exploring Scotland walking tours, or planning your next self-guided hiking adventure, this episode has it all. Discover tips, local insights, and the magic of solo hiking through one of the world's most famous trails.
Start planning your adventure today with Macs Adventure, the experts in self-guided travel. Discover the largest selection of hiking and biking routes in Scotland, Europe and beyond, all designed to help you explore spectacular destinations at your own pace.
Book your next Self-Guided Travel adventure at macsadventure.com
Produced by: The Big Light
History and Hauntings: Exploring Scotland's Historic Glencoe
January 9, 2025
Join us for a solo self-guided journey along Scotland’s iconic West Highland Way with host Arlette Godges in this episode of The Self-Guided Travel Podcast.
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.
Distance : 12.1 miles
Duration : 6:0 hr
Ascent / Descent : 442 m / 372 m
Summary : After passing the isolated Inveroran hotel, walk across the Rannoch Moor and look upon Scotland's most iconic mountain: Buachaille Etive Mor.
Highlights Include:
01’48 Alette encounters the infamous Scottish Midgie!
4’48 Arlette finds an honesty box and tastes Scotland’s most loved soda.
06’24 Talking history, clans, and local legends with Dr Chris Robinson from The West Highland Museum.
Insights into self-guided hiking tours and the joys of exploring Scotland’s dramatic landscapes at your own pace.
Whether you're dreaming of hiking Scotland's West Highland Way, exploring Scotland walking tours, or planning your next self-guided hiking adventure, this episode has it all. Discover tips, local insights, and the magic of solo hiking through one of the world's most famous trails.
Start planning your adventure today with Macs Adventure, the experts in self-guided travel. Discover the largest selection of hiking and biking routes in Scotland, Europe and beyond, all designed to help you explore spectacular destinations at your own pace.
Book your next Self-Guided Travel adventure at macsadventure.com
Produced by: The Big Light
Cold Water Therapy and Highland Wildlife: A Highland Escape
January 2, 2025
Join us for a solo self-guided journey along Scotland’s iconic West Highland Way with host Arlette Godges in this episode of The Self-Guided Travel Podcast.
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.
Distance : 12 miles
Duration : 6:0 hr
Ascent / Descent : 384 m / 178 m
Summary : Enjoy spectacular views south over Loch Lomond, and north towards the mountains of the Highlands, as you make your way to Crianlarich. The West Highland Way then passes through forest, by the ruined priory of St Fillan, and across moorland to the busy little village of Tyndrum.
Highlights Include:
04’00 Wildswimming with wellness enthusiast and wild swimmer, Claire Gray at the Falls of Falloch.
11’56 Arlette encounters her first Highland Coo and goes looking for Red Squirrels!
14’35 Souvenir hunting in Tyndrum at The Green Welly Stop.
Insights into self-guided hiking tours and the joys of exploring Scotland’s dramatic landscapes at your own pace.
Whether you're dreaming of hiking Scotland's West Highland Way, exploring Scotland walking tours, or planning your next self-guided hiking adventure, this episode has it all. Discover tips, local insights, and the magic of solo hiking through one of the world's most famous trails.
Start planning your adventure today with Macs Adventure, the experts in self-guided travel. Discover the largest selection of hiking and biking routes in Scotland, Europe and beyond, all designed to help you explore spectacular destinations at your own pace.
Book your next Self-Guided Travel adventure at macsadventure.com
Produced by: The Big Light
Forest Bathing and Folk Heroes: Loch Lomond's Wonders
December 26, 2024
Join us for a solo self-guided journey along Scotland’s iconic West Highland Way with host Arlette Godges in this episode of The Self-Guided Travel Podcast.
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.
Distance : 14.5 miles
Duration : 7:0 hr
Ascent / Descent : 216 m / 229 m
Summary : On this section of the West Highland Way, the path rises high above Loch Lomond giving excellent views of the Arrochar Alps.
Highlights Include:
03’35 Forest Bathing in Scotland’s enchanted oak forests.
05’15 Practising box breathing by the loch for your wellness.
10’00 Folk tales and spooky stories with Kerr (The Drover’s Inn).
Insights into self-guided hiking tours and the joys of exploring Scotland’s dramatic landscapes at your own pace.
Whether you're dreaming of hiking Scotland's West Highland Way, exploring Scotland walking tours, or planning your next self-guided hiking adventure, this episode has it all. Discover tips, local insights, and the magic of solo hiking through one of the world's most famous trails.
Start planning your adventure today with Macs Adventure, the experts in self-guided travel. Discover the largest selection of hiking and biking routes in Scotland, Europe and beyond, all designed to help you explore spectacular destinations at your own pace.
Book your next Self-Guided Travel adventure at macsadventure.com
Produced by: The Big Light
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