My very first long distance hike in the Uk was the WHW. After that hike I can only agree with Rober Burns:
Farewell to the Highlands, farewell to the North
The birthplace of valour, the country of worth.
Wherever I wander, wherever I rove,
The hills of the Highlands for ever I love
Since the WHW I have done more difficult hikes, such as the Tour du Mont Blanc, but I am still treasuring the WHW as a highlight. So, Peter, I understand why you love the old WHW. I love it too and one day I will do it again as part of the Land's end to John O'Groats (still have to wait 7 years to my retirement.
regards
Pieter van Niekerk
Ps. Although I am a proud South African, I still maintain that Scotland is God's own country. My family and I recently returned from a Scotish holiday and my wife only now understands why I love this beautiful country so much.