I would like to think of this as a beautiful gift that we have been given, though I am pretty sure this was more for himself than his fans. Either way, I am thankful for the opportunity to be able to join in on Sam's journey. I feel like I gained some perspective that could benefit my own life and I didn't even have to leave my couch. Thanks for putting in the hard work Sam. As for the book-spawning Scottish trek itself, Heughan documented that, too, and admitted to “descending into insanity” by way of isolation. He told WBUR that he found himself reciting Romeo and Juliet and talking to the forest floor’s mushrooms.

If you are a fan of memoirs (especially celebrity memoirs) - I cannot recommend the audiobook version of this enough 5/5! Outlander being Sam’s big break. ❤️ It was fate! He was meant to be Jamie Fraser! It was as if he was born to play that role! I’m so happy this role changed his life and meant so much for the success of his acting career.🎵 Sing me a song of a lass that is gone…say, could that lass be I? 🎵 Sort of off topic, but my heart is going to officially break when Outlander ends. So much nostalgia already….. Heughan has spent the last few weeks promoting the book, and in a couple of recent interviews, he teased the raw, and often emotional stories readers will find inside— including that of his upbringing without a father. Having a few days free is a rarity for Sam and on a whim, he decides to walk the West Highland Highway, a mere 96 miles starting in the lowlands of Glasgow, all the way to Fort William, and if that wasn’t enough of a challenge, climbing Ben Nevis at the end too 😅 Reliving this journey of self discovery, whilst sharing some amusing anecdotes/reflections of his personal/professional life, Sam’s quest for solitude is mostly achieved, if you discount mushrooms (don’t ask 😂) and fellow hikers, Graeme and Lucy. Sam’s love of nature definitely comes across and it’s inspired me to perhaps attempt this myself one day to take in the sights! Searching for the Sassenach!! I loved this part. How they went through actresses, but landed on this blue eyed Irish woman who hadn’t acted, but her talent was undeniable. Their chemistry test had to be broken up because they were literally wrapped up in each other and intertwined.🥵 that’s some chemistry right there. Their friendship and trust that grew through S1. What you see between them is the real deal. He felt he had to protect her and that he did. She is one of his most trusted friends. I love how he said the whole cast was super close and that he bonded with Graham Mactavish also.The mushrooms!! Him and the mushrooms!! Oh, and the midges! 😂 😂 Even after watching all the episodes of Men in Kilts, I never saw any hint of Sam’s little obsession with the mushrooms! The midges – most definitely! But now, I’ll never think the same of the mushrooms. I am now well aware that they are always watching us. 😂 🍄

That adversity is what eventually inspired his own charity organization, My Peak Challenge, which inspires others to live a healthy lifestyle, and has raised money for a range of causes from hunger relief to cancer research. What a gift Sam has given himself and his fans. I loved the flow of the book going from present situation to reflecting on the past. Sam Heughan (of “Outlander” fame) has penned a part memoir, part Scottish travelogue that is similar to his previous work (published with “Outlander” co-star Graham McTavish), “Clanlands” but it is also very different. I love the honesty about his struggles on his climb and throughout his life, it's not overloaded or heavy so your made to feel sorry for him, just enough that your rooting and your extremely glad Sam got his big break in Outlander because he absolutely deserved it (and that's not because I love the books and show 😉).Having only read this one memoir, I don’t have anything to compare it to. I think in an effort to protect others, it’s not as revealing or as in-depth as one might expect, but he’s also quite candid at times too. Occasionally, it felt a bit repetitive, but overall, I really enjoyed the journey. I can’t imagine any fan not liking it! Throughout the evening, as Sam charts his journeythrough the stunning Highland wilderness,he’ll also map outthe moments thatshaped his views,dreams and ambition, family, friendships, love,and life.

Spend agloriousevening withaward-winning actor and Sunday Timesand New York Timesbestselling author of Clanlandsand TheClanlands Almanac, Sam Heughan, as herecounts his journey of self-discovery along the West Highland Way. Asked what the experience taught him, Heughan responded that completing the walk "made [him] think that anything is possible. Instead of procrastinating, to get out there and do it. It was an adventure literally on my doorstep and yet I had never attempted it." He also revealed that in writing the book, he found himself opening up more than he typically does. "The opening chapter is very personal. I actually wrote it some time ago. Whilst processing the experience I had with my father. I’m fiercely protective of my private life and so to present this to the world makes me feel vulnerable but also, I hope that others who have similar experiences can relate."After an intense period filming “Outlander”, Heughan is between roles and has a week to rest and relax. But Heughan being Heughan, he decides to walk all ninety-six miles of the West Highland Trail, which is a popular walking/hiking trail through some of the most beautiful (and treacherous) landscapes in the Highlands region of Scotland. As an avid fitness buff and marathon runner, Heughan has never been an avid hiker, so “Waypoints” will definitely cause more than a few laughs. It, too, will teach you about the acting business, Heughan’s lifetime experiences from childhood and beyond that defined him as a person, and of course, the gorgeous landscapes of Scotland and their historical importance. Let’s be honest. I would have probably given this book five stars just because I’m such a huge fan of Sam Heughan but after reading it I’m giving it five stars because it’s so good!