Edinburgh man to trek West Highland Way with no tent or supplies

An Edinburgh man is planning to trek the West Highland Way armed only with a knife, a bottle, and the equipment to start a fire.

Josh Thomson is raising awareness of men's mental health

Josh Thomson, 26, will sleep in lean-to shelters built from branches and leaves, collect water from streams and eat berries, plants and small animals caught in his traps.

He has been honing his survivalist skills since his work as a tour guide dried up because of the Covid-19 lockdown.

Mr Thomson has undertaken survival challenges before, but this is the first time he will do so for so many days outside of the summer season.

An example of a frame shelter of the type Mr Thomson will sleep in.

The biggest obstacle during the trip, which he expects to take a week from October 16, will be the changeable winter weather, and trying not to get stuck in a downpour with no resources to build shelter.

He is taking on the challenge to raise funds and awareness for male mental health for Movember, after a friend of his committed suicide five years ago at the age of 21.

He wants men to open up more about their mental health, and to take possible warning signs seriously.

Looking back at some of what his friend said years ago, he wonders whether it could have been a cry for help.

"It’s just raising awareness to actually listen to what people are saying,” he said.

“Us guys need to talk, and we should be a bit more open about the talking. Don’t try and be cryptic, be straight and let people know.

“And if someone’s talking to you, listen to them - that’s the big one I think. Talking about things like the person listening won’t always feel comfortable and might want to try to change the subject, but if they just listen it could make quite a big difference.”

During the trek he will build lean-to shelters out of branches covered with leaves. He will also make a pile of leaves on the ground to lie on as insulation, as well as burning a smouldering fire.

He hopes to catch squirrels, rabbits and fish if possible, and is considering bringing along his German Shepherd.

You can donate to his fundraiser at Movember.com/m/bushcraftBoss.

If you are affected by issues mentioned in this article you can contact Samaritans on 116 123 or at [email protected].

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