But while on that topic, Sam's particular journey I find to be really moving. He definitely paid his dues and struggled. Now knowing this side of him, I definitely respect him a lot more and appreciate his depiction of Jamie Fraser on a whole other level. I feel like we just scratched the surface on the amount of layers that make up Jamie's character. That little sliver is enough to make my head spin. I never realized the complexity of bringing a character to life on the screen. Especially one who is established in a series of books where fans could study the character and rip apart an actors portrayal of said character. Kudos to Sam. I honestly do not think any other person could accurately give us the most authentic version of such a beloved character. From the touching foreward / poignant prologue, I didn’t want to put this down. I didn’t think I could admire Sam Heughan any more than I already did, but I was wrong. He hasn’t had it easy, sometimes he’s been his own worst enemy, but thankfully he gets there in the end. What strikes me most though, is that no matter how wonderful a job, his single mother accomplished in raising two young boys, his late father has a lot to answer for. His actions have had a profound effect. Sam’s earliest memory taunts him still, not to mention the protective mechanisms he’s put in place. It’s just a sad chapter of his life, period. 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!

Getting that role as The King of Men, Jamie Fraser. My God he was made for this role. I love how he said when he read through the audition script he got a “feeling” that he knew this man. That’s some special kismet stuff right there. Gives me chills. He talked about how much he loves Diana Galbadon and how she shared the ending of the whole OL series with him and Maryl. 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….. We learn a number of other things on this Scottwalk. Does Sam Heughan have a fear of cows? He might. That is a very important part of this book that has been overlooked by everyone. But know this: He is scared of cows. 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." 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.Sam alternates between stories of his walk last fall along the 96 mile West Highland Way and to the top of Ben Nevis and memories about his life from childhood till now. In this time to myself, once I’d learned to enjoy the walk with no pressure to see what was over the next hill, I have come to find a new appreciation of the world around me. It doesn’t take much for me to realize that perhaps I should apply the same approach to relationships. I’m also mindful that I am the son of a man who disappeared. Along the way, there are many ups and downs but one thing’s for sure - I could never be an actor. Such a pride swallowing, cutthroat industry. The pressure to look/act a certain way, years of juggling part time jobs/auditions, countless rejections, contract negotiations, projects falling through, the self-doubt, living hand to mouth, renting crappy bedsits/relying on the hospitality of others; whilst friends are finally beginning to settle and put down roots, Sam’s living out of a suitcase, existing on a shoestring, still dreaming of that elusive big break. It’s exhausting. If only he could have just been himself a bit more. 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. Opening up about his dating life, Heughan admits he’s a big fan of romance, but worries he won’t be able to sustain relationships because of the demands and schedule of his job. He also confesses how guarded he’s become due to Outlander’s success. He readily admits this is an issue and also says the fact that he is the son of a father who disappeared is never far from his mind.

A deeply personal and warmly entertaining memoir that fans of Sam – and Scotland – will have a joyful time devouring’– Heat 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. First off, I want to point out that this was not at all what I was expecting. After reading Clanlands and the Almanac, I guess I was under the impression that this would be more about genealogy and personal history, rather than a journey to gain perspective. I am definitely glad that I was wrong. Waypoints is a deeply personal journey that reveals as much to Sam about himself as it does to his readers. His trust and abandonment issues due to his father not being in his life. He was very candid about how it effects his friendships and romantic relationships. Trust is huge for him so I totally get that.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.