You don't need any prior experience to walk the West Highland Way, other than being in good health. I did it as a complete newbie and I managed. The trail is well-marked and there's so many people doing this trek that, if you run into trouble while being alone, you would only have to wait for about 10 minutes before another hiker shows up. That's how long I had to wait in September when I felt skittish about going alone through some Highland Cattle that blocked the trail.
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