Thinking of a fun trip down the Speyside Way hooking up with the Moray Coast Trail in Scotland and I was wondering if I really needed poles with the 10-15lb pack I'm envisioning carrying.

Was there much rough ground up and down on the Camino or the West Highland Way? Found the poles mighty handy for those steep ascents and descents on some trails or where the trail has left you!

Also the distances projected on these trails seems to be 5-10 miles per day. That doesn't seem like it is too strenuous for long-distance backpacking folks who are used to doing twice that much on a regular basis.

Only problem might be continuing the walk after the distillery tours! Poles might come in handy then, or a good stout walking staff cut from the willows.