Waypoints: My Scottish Journey

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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."

In this journey of self-discovery, Sam Heughan sets out along the West Highland Way to explore his heritage and reflect on the personal waypoints that define him. The result is a love letter to the wild Scottish landscape that means so much to Sam, and a charming, funny, wise and searching insight to the world through his eyes. One of the best parts of the book is the self-deprecating humor with which Heughan tells stories from his past. Like the time he found himself wearing a Stetson hat, in an attempt to stand out in Los Angeles. Deflated after a bad meeting with an executive, Heughan walked down the Hollywood Walk of Fame in his Stetson and caught sight of his reflection in a window and realized how “ridiculous” he looked. To make matters worse, the only restaurant around was a cowboy-themed restaurant. He says people probably assumed he was there for his shift. Then his cell phone beeped, he hoped it would be good news about an audition. Instead, it was a notification that his bank account was in the red. He cried. Feeling like a failure, he returned to London, questioning whether he should be an actor at all. Intimate, thoughtful and fascinating, don’t miss the opportunity to join Sam as he presentsadeeply personallove letter to the wild Scottish landscape that means so much tohim. This promises to be acharming,funny, wise (well, to a degree),and searching insightinto the world through his eyes. Whether you’re already a fan or new to Heughan and his work, there will be something for everyone to relate to on this special journey through the Highlands of Scotland. 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.Journey deep into the Highlands in the first memoir by bestselling author and actor, Sam Heughan – exploring his life and reflecting on the waypoints that define him. In Waypoints, Sam tells the story of his challenging hike along Scotland’s West Highland Way during a break in shooting of the television series. After completing the hike, he also climbed the UK’s highest peak, Ben Nevis. Having worked together for almost 9 years, the costars have a say on set. Now, executive producers of a show they both love, Heughan and Balfe not only lead on set, but get to have creative input behind the scenes too. No longer naïve young actors, they now are role models to the younger cast. Sophie Skelton, Richard Rankin, Lauren Lyle, John Bell, and Caitlin O’Ryan have all spoken about this.

I always thought I never wanted to be like him, never have a family, never leave a family like he did,” he said at a New York launch event with the non-profit 92 nd St. Y, per SheKnows. He elaborated in an October 18 interview with WBUR public radio’s Here & Now. 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.

Some of the best parts of the book are when he runs into random strangers in the wild and then they suffer, er… enjoy, walking together through miserable weather elements, shin splints and aching Achilles. A traveler named Graeme recognizes Heughan right away. He says, “I saw your movie, it was shit.” And a beautiful friendship was born. At points I felt my own feet and bones ache as it's so descriptive about his travels along the West Highland Way you feel your traipsing along with him.

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!

I loved the sections about his walk, what he learned from the other hikers he met like Graeme and Lucy, and what he learned from being alone, without his busy schedule filling every minute. He talks about learning not to feel rushed and to stay in the moment instead of the future or the past. He is so honest about how this affected past relationships and his hope that the lessons he’s learned during the walk will change that. To celebrate the publication of his first full memoir, Waypoints,Sam will be live in conversation, exploringhis Scottish heritageandreflecting on thepersonal waypoints that define him.Touching onhiscareer in theatre, television, and film, Sam will consider his life of fascinating contrasts:a Hollywood star with deep roots in rural Scotland,who isboth outgoing and content in hisown company. Thankfully, his resilience/belief in himself paid off eventually, securing the role of a certain charismatic Highlander, a role that couldn’t have been more tailor-made. Sam is Jamie Fraser and has won the hearts of many women across the globe, including me 🫠 I especially enjoyed the photos and the Outlander content, although I wished there had been more, not just because I’m a fan but because it was just so satisfying to witness him realise his dream.