Edinburgh to Glasgow via The Union and Forth & Clyde Canals

Why am I doing this?

To say I’m doing this for fun would be a little misleading, but maybe a little for fun. This started as an idea when I found myself accidentally walking from my flat in Edinburgh to North Berwick (a 33.49 mile walk). I got the motivation in the middle of the day to just start walking, so I did. Fortunately caught the final train out of North Berwick that evening! I figured, if I can walk to North Berwick, why can’t I walk to my friend’s flat in Glasgow? After looking at options, I discovered the canal path and for better or worse, I’ve now had my mind set on walking this path before the end of the summer.
Since then, during some self-reflection, I’ve discovered a lot more meaning in this adventure I am embarking on.
As of the start of this hike, I will have been in Scotland for one year and twenty-two days. No arrangement of words will be able to represent what those 387 days and counting mean to me. Every morning when I leave my flat, there is a smile on my face.
Studying at Heriot-Watt is proving to be the best decision I have made in my educational career. From the content, the even-nerdier-than-me professors, to the connections I have made with my peers, this is right where I belong.
My mental and physical health has also drastically grown and improved this past year. I’m proud to say I met my goal of losing 52lbs in 52 weeks, and my quality of life, dancing, and hiking have all drastically improved. I’ve met new friends Scottish Country Dancing, I’ve joined a wonderful community at the Edinburgh Contra Dance, and am now part of Edinburgh’s finest Rapper sword team!
All in all, in my head, this walk brings together everything I’ve achieved this past year into one meaningful adventure.
To everyone who watches this while I am out walking, please know you’re an important part of my life and success, and our continued friendship, mentorship, and dances together mean the world to me.

At the bottom of this page I have a donate button for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. I figured this may be a good a time as any to offer it as an option if you can give. In 4th grade, I was diagnosed with Distal Myopathy. It’s been something that has affected me every day of my life that I’ve had to learn to cope with. It’s impacted my education, my activities, and at times, my self confidence. I feel really fortunate to be able to do this walk and all the hiking and dancing I do. So, to support those who are facing impacts in their own lives due to known and unknown dystrophies, please consider donating down below.