The Outlander epics have well and truly inspired me to visit Scotland! But specifically, one day I hope to walk some or all of the West Highland Way.
Along with reading the Outlander novels, I also read and loved the autobiography of the show’s male lead actor, Sam Heughan, Waypoints: My Scottish Journey. This book parallels his own hike of the West Highland Way with his personal life and journey as an actor. The story is honest, vulnerable and raw as he shares about never knowing his father, how he got his very first acting gigs and the joy of playing Jamie Fraser, while he struggles along the narrow paths of the Way. As he sits in a wet tent on a downpour evening you feel his sense of despair and exhaustion after a gruelling day with an over-stuffed pack and midge bites. You feel his frustrating comparison to another hiker, who seems to always be making better time than him on the track. You feel the warmth of the beds he manages to snag in some of the passing inns, the flavour of the delicious pub meals and the comfort of a whiskey after a tough day out in the cold.
The audiobook was a treat too, as he sprinkles some of the voicenotes he recorded on the trip on his phone throughout the chapters. You get to hear him complaining about how tired he is, and what lies ahead, first hand.
But despite the difficulties of the road he walks, the journey is full of joy, contentment and hope. He shares the satisfactions of simple pleasures enjoyed along the way and throughout his life. He bears much gratefulness for the life he is able to live, and the privilege it is to play characters like Jamie Fraser.
If you love autobiographies I’d highly recommend Waypoints. You don’t have to be an Outlander fan to enjoy it.
I’ve bought a map of the West Highland Way, and one day – ONE DAY – I will make it there. Hang tight, Scotland! I will come for you.
Feature image by Henry Bates Joel.
COMING IN 2027
Slated for 2027 release
The battle to save Earth and the Realm has begun.
It’s time the Prince’s power, and his last army, was released.
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