Waypoints: My Scottish Journey

I have a bit of a soft spot for books about walking: A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson, Beyond Belfast by Will Ferguson, The Road is How by Trevor Herriot and The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce spring to mind. There's something about slowing travel down to a walking place that leads people to contemplate and reflect. That's just what Sam Heughan does while walking The West Highland Way.

Sam Heughan is probably better known as Jamie Fraser on Outlander, the TV series made of Diana Gabaldon's books. I am a fan of the series (both books and TV) and so I've seen quite a lot of Heughan. And, yes, I admit that I've wished I could be in Claire's place just to have Jamie Fraser in my bed at night. I didn't pick this book up show more for that though. As I said, I really like books about walking and this one is set in an area I might actually visit. I didn't expect to get such unlimited access to Heughan's life and thought processes but that was a lovely benefit. We learn that Heughan's father abandoned his wife and two small boys leaving Sam's mother to raise them without any help. And she seems to have done a great job because Sam is well-grounded. His acting success certainly didn't happen overnight but he worked at his craft with every chance he got. When he was picked for the role of Jamie he was getting close to 40 which was the milestone he had decided would mark the end of his try at acting. It's obviously made a major change in his life in terms of financial security but he doesn't seem to have gone wild as a result. He bought a place in Glasgow and a Harley Davidson motorcycle but he has also donated money for scholarships at his acting school. He is close to his mother and brother and a number of friends. Incredibly, he has never married. Perhaps his father abandoning his family makes him doubt whether he has what it takes for the long run. He alludes to that in the book but says that he wants to try to improve on that facet of his mindset.

All this rumination about his life is interspersed with his life on the Trail. He starts out planning to camp out each night and so his backpack is very heavy. After the second day when the rain was nonstop he was close to quitting. But he met another walker who suggested he stay in a hotel close to the trail that he was getting picked up at. A soft bed, dry clothes and a good breakfast plus a decision to forget about camping allowing him to lighten his pack put Sam on the trail with lighter footsteps. He also decided to take a little more time and really enjoy the scenery and surroundings. He started to notice all the mushrooms and other fungi surrounding the trail and they became his troops. Sam Heughan has a whimsical sense of humour. The pictures included in the book, especially the ones he took on the walk, are marvelous.

While talking about this book with my husband we thought we should maybe return to Scotland and check out some of this countryside. Sounds like a plan. show less

A lovely combination of memoir and travelogue, I'm left with the sense of having just finished an hours-long conversation with an old friend over a wee dram or few. Sam Heughan's conversational tone about the ups and downs of both his life as well as his journey along the West Highland Way is honest and endearing. (And I admit, it's nice to find another human who appreciates a good fungi selfie!)

Confession: I checked out the audiobook from the library because SCOTTISH ACCENT. :D I loved that Heughan narrated it himself (and felt that really came through well at a number of points in the listen); while I've not watched _Outlander_ (and felt validated in that after listening to this, I'll admit, due to some of _Outlander_'s content that I really don't need to personally read or watch), I've seen a few episodes of _Men in Kilts_ and felt sufficiently intro'ed to Heughan through that.

It also seemed fitting to listen to primarily during my own morning walks; granted around my neighborhood, but still. A fun little connection there, especially as walking is a big part of my life (particularly since covid).

The read/listen is a bit show more light on the details, per se; I can't say I truly came away knowing a _ton_ about Heughan. But there was a lot there I could enjoy, and certainly laugh over; his sense of humor comes through loud and clear, especially as he narrates the audiobook himself, and I think that is where the book really shines.

The downside for me was language (including several sections involving quite a few f-bombs) and some colorful content, including some discussion around scenes included in _Outlander_ (again, which just convinced me I really don't need to watch it--nice to be spared in this fashion, rather than giving it a go and being negatively surprised).

The red-blooded fangirl in me that admittedly swoons at a lovely accent and handsome figure naturally wishes we shared more common ground on the important things in life (and, well, reality in our--or at least my--favor), but at least I could enjoy the daydream in my own head for a bit. ;)

I particularly enjoyed/appreciated his ruminating on how he's content with his own company--I could relate to that! And, I _really_ got a kick out of how much he enjoys _Lord of the Rings_, _The Hobbit_, and Narnia (heck, his brother's name is Cirdan #geek). show less

I did the audible and loved hearing Sam tell his own story. Interesting way he tied the hike to points in his life. I really, really enjoyed this and no have to buy the book to see the pictures!

I really enjoyed this book where Sam Heughan takes on the West Highland Way interspersed with his life story. Very readable.

Absolutely loved listening to Sam and his adventures.

For the rest of the review, visit my Vlog at:

https://youtube.com/shorts/WkdLujLnRU8?feature=share

Enjoy!