A Bike-Rafting Estuary and Coastal Adventure. Bikepacking/Packrafting. Beach Camp. River Blyth.

In this video, I am out on a Bikerafting mini adventure with my good friend Martin from Vildmark.co.uk. Bikerafting is the combination of Bikepacking (carrying everything you need for a multi day adventure by bicycle) and Packrafting (using a lightweight, packable inflatable boat to carry you and your gear across water during backpacking trips).
Our journey starts as we set off from the Suffolk town of Halesworth and ride along to Blyford bridge where we inflate our rafts. Strapping our bikes onto our boats, we set off downstream towards the river Blyth estuary - a stunning open water haven for wildlife, and then on to the pretty Suffolk seaside town and fishing port of Southwold.
A hearty seafood lunch and a sneaky pint of Adnams and we are on our way again, back on the bikes. The afternoons ride takes us along the sandy beach heading north away from the bustling crowds to a beautiful secluded beach where we make camp for the night. A relaxing evening enjoying good company, a couple of rums and the sound of the waves crashing onto the shore, the distant searching beam of the lighthouse in Southwold, our only reminder of the human world beyond our quiet stretch of seashore.
I hope you enjoy the video.
Thanks for watching.
Link to Martin’s video of the trip
• Bikerafting Adventure ...
Other Links
Sonder Frontier Mountain Bike
alpkit.com/collections/sonder...
Blackburn Bikepacking Bags
www.blackburndesign.com/c/bags/
Alpacka Caribou Packraft
www.alpackaraft.com/products/...
Terra Nova Laser Compact Tent
www.terra-nova.co.uk/products...
Real Field Meal Ration Pack
basecampfood.com/products/rea...
The Sole Bay Fish Co.
www.solebayfishco.co.uk
Simon, a bloke in the woods Merchandise
simon-a-bloke-in-the-woods.te...
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Music
Sunday Smile - Birelli Snow
Dust and Ashes - Many Moons Ago
How to Talk to Trees - Headlund

[@Anita-rq9ev]

Watching your videos is like having a small vacation Simon. Top notch 👍. Thank you for taking me along, your work is highly appreciated😊

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you!

[@scottselliers1672]

Whole-heartedly agree! We're lucky to have him.

[@Anita-rq9ev]

@@scottselliers1672 indeed😊

[@eventsotherthingswithchris9019]

@@simonablokeinthewoods I forgot the other person you went with, but it's not often that I see someone using kayak paddles as Tent poles. I couldn't see if he had to make a ridge line or not though.

[@timec2002]

@simonablokeinthewoods which pump are you using for your packet and sleeping mat in this video and where did you buy it? Many thanks.

[@myvoiceyourstory9338]

Simon you’re the best man Angels be with you always

[@MSJERSwenson]

This is my 3rd time watching this one...absolutely beautiful trip...thanks Simon xo from Canada

[@watzeroorda5601]

Really amazed to see that you both managed to transport your bikes on a packraft and not have any ‘pokey-bits’ causing a puncture! Great video! 👍🏻

[@yousweetpotato1]

Yes! What they said! This is so inspiring, Simon! Looks so fun!

[@bpcamping2707]

Thanks Simon, of all the outdoor channels, I find yours, original, honest,and simply entertaining. Keep up the hard work filming

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you!

[@sebastianmail-suradrin2139]

​@@simonablokeinthewoodsf

[@ittybitty5192]

Really enjoyed this adventure Simon. You did it all! Biking, rafting, beaching.. amazing seafood! Beautiful!! Thanks for taking us along! 😃👍

[@anndebaldo7381]

So nice to see Simon, a bloke floating! And how wonderful to have a fellow bloke to share the adventure! Loved the curious cows! Thanks for bringing us along...looks like fun! ATB

[@stephenrose9157]

Waking up on the beach, you cannot beat it.

[@kylewilliams5761]

For someone who doesn't leave the house much, this is a godsend. Beautifully idyllic and some great camera work to boot. !! Thank You..

[@jimlydle4170]

The way you stripped those bikes down would make James Bond and "Q" proud and the way you stowed your gear in the sides of the hull is magic. Yet again another great video well done.

[@janwaller3585]

Definitely an endurance adventure ! Loved it ❤️

[@graceygrumble]

This is the kind of stuff I pulled off in my youth, on a shoestring. My dad would take us there - wherever 'there' was - and he would pick us up at the end. He's not 'there' any more. I'm making my own way 'there', now. I can still do it because my dad showed me the way.

[@olejacobstalesen6558]

Lapskaus is traditionally the go-to stew here, in Norway either light or brown, broth or brown sauce. Fun to see both of you with Norwegian rations!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

The best backpacking meals! 😁 🇳🇴

[@anneli1735]

@@simonablokeinthewoods Labskaus in the north of Germany ❤ traditional seafarer food 😉

[@HydroSnips]

@@anneli1735 Possibly related to Lobscouse here, associated with another seafaring city, Liverpool. Fascinating

[@darrellpidgeon6440]

Cruising on the beach looks like such good fun.

[@stefan.5987]

Fantastic trip Simon. Really peaceful adventure. Very nice to watch. 🥳👍

[@myvoiceyourstory9338]

Your mate is so lovely ! It was a blessing watching you both enjoy the time . The platter was a lovely gift too . God bless you all

[@Rob.1340]

Brilliant, thank you. All the best. 👍🐾🐾😎

[@sjwillis1137]

This is the life . In inverted commas and all that . Yeah. Too right ♡♡♡

[@mswarrior932]

Excellent video!! Love Bikerafting & Bikepacking on the beach!! 🇺🇸🌎🚴🇺🇸

[@thierrybervoets3604]

All the different angle of view are exceptional. Thank You

[@mozdickson]

Splendid, chaps. Thanks for taking us along.

[@joanhuggett5164]

Absolutely riveting! You couldn't take your eye off for a second. Simon, you are a true film-maker. An eye for a beautiful shot and a wonderful storyteller. Thank you so much.

[@craiglake6091]

Simon, you are like Lewis and Clark and Crocodile Dundee all rolled into one.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

😂😂👍

[@myvoiceyourstory9338]

One of me fav episodes Makes England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 look lovely man’s the dynamic with you both is top notch Easy breezy Thanks lads Love ya all

[@marianfrances4959]

How awesome!!!! 👍😎🇨🇦🚲🛶⛺🌊🌕💫

[@eddyoddrod]

I’m writing this while watching the video. Stuffing no things inside the raft then inflating it. Next level ! That’s as outside the box as one can get!

[@ninabenson2827]

This is great. Thanks for sharing your awesome adventures with us.👍💕🤗

[@stusrambles]

Great stuff! Beach, river rafting, bikes, everything.. fun to watch.

[@sjwillis1137]

You live well Sir . I just love you . Your videos I mean . Excellent!!

[@lscblackwell9202]

I am so stressed today (at work)! I needed this ! Thank you Simon! Always a pleasure to watch you and you have some of the very best friends to hang out with. I always feel like I am just going along with you all! The scenery was just so gorgeous! That lunch looked absolutely amazing! And spending the night on the beach, with those waves and rum, too! Just sounds heavenly to me! Thank you for sharing with us. You always take us on such great adventures. Take care and be safe! Looking forward to your next adventure! 👍👍😊😊🧡🧡

[@jacquilebreton5769]

You make it look so easy! Great vid.

[@fmichaelelliott]

Thank you for sharing your wonderful journal. Watching from New York State in the U.S. Have enjoyed watching your channel for the past six years!

[@karentierney9258]

We’ve been waiting for this vid.....exceptional as always .....it’s a pleasure watching

[@unexpectedreaction9564]

Awesome to see my hometown on one of your films, love your work Simon! We are blessed with some lovely scenery :)

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

We certainly are aren’t we! 😁

[@sjwillis1137]

Just simply love ya . ♡♡👍👌👍

[@adrianhudson1116]

I've got limited mobility and I use your videos as inspiration. In the last few years I've managed to get away quite often. I haven't gone the whole hog yet. I tend to book myself nights in caravans, but I'm getting better and better at it. I treat it like a camp, Trangia stoves et al. Next year if I can find a truly easy assemble tent I will try to be more adventurous. Its good for the soul and I deeply thank you for all that you do

[@RolandForest]

You an inspirational young man. Your family must be so proud of you ingenuity and your sense of purpose. I hope …I know other young people see what you are doing, and you are Motivating them to get up to take action. Watching as 54 year old father

[@miconone]

A great film Simon, my wife and I really enjoyed this!

[@martinoutdoors6941]

👍👍Bloody fantastic Simon, what an epic trip. Don’t think you’ll convince me to get in one of those pack raft thingies but the trip looked awesome, partial to a camp on a beach something really special about it.

[@captaincooksboatybites9049]

Southwold has got to be my favourite UK costal town. What a great trip.

[@pipey3000]

Having just finished building my MTB, this video couldn't have come at a better time. What an adventure! Fantastic video Simon, please don't underestimate the positive impact you and your videos have :)

[@chrisponsano4378]

4th! (Woops, I'm actually 5th. Another great trip! This channel is where I get most of my inspiration, for sure. After watching this trip, I wondered back to the shed and pulled my long-neglected bike out.

[@kingrafa3938]

You're 5th

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Happy biking! 😁

[@__cypher__]

Started watching your videos during lockdown as a way to still get out in nature cause I couldn't. After the lockdown, going back to work, I continue watching your videos as a way to still get out in nature cause I can't...🥴

[@heather333]

Awesome! I love the natural soundtrack.

[@ninabenson2827]

Looks so peaceful. Beautiful!👍🙂

[@tomad4051]

Awesome SetUP gear-wise, 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻❤❤❤, you nailed it.

[@trishrobbins9942]

Nice of you to provide entertainment for the stinky cows.

[@myvoiceyourstory9338]

Gosh that was beautiful watching him ride off his way As he did I prayed an thanked him for the episode God bless all

[@alwallsgrove3442]

Hi Simon yet another great video. . really loved the cigarette packet in the rear wheel sound affect. took me back 60+ years. . keep them coming please mate. . Al.

[@sjwillis1137]

Thank God for Norfolk skies . Or East Anglia skies. 😉😁👍

[@oldguycamping63]

Outstanding Simon, Love the biking and what a great raft. Super lunch and lovely camp my friend .Thank You for sharing.

[@alanrobertson5497]

It's a pleasure everytime I watch a video by Simon. Love watching, thank you.❤❤

[@troymadison7082]

I'll be thinking of that seafood platter for days to come! 😋

[@ArswieWaende]

What a fantastic combination of different adventures. Amazing footage! The video left me, as if I had been a member of the trip. It is so inspirational, I would like to pack and go instantly... Thank you so much for sharing.

[@garyjohnson4608]

Simon, your adventures take us to so many beautiful and interesting places !!

[@ralphp3057]

Very entertaining Simon !! Thanks for the Journey! I love bicycle packing myself!!! 😁👍

[@michaelfrank2266]

Those little air blowers are certainly a boon to all things inflatable!!!

[@PhineasPhlob]

Love the curious cows at 4:50

[@pamelaellott8044]

Well that was certainly different! Whoever heard of taking a bike on an inflatable raft?? Great video as always

[@ge8448]

Excellent video as usual. Thank you Gents

[@gene_takovic57]

I always look forward to living vicariously through your adventures. Thanks for sharing!

[@arijitguitar]

Great variety in a single journey video Simon. You Rock🤟🏻

[@soundgroundermusic]

Another great adventure to and to your portfolio. Long may they continue.

[@user-ci2dv3wi7u]

You and Kent never cease,to amaze me good job, 👍 this one was a first I have never seen a tuber do .Amazing .🎉.

[@cherylwevill4355]

Another fantastic adventure. Lovely scenery, and beautiful camp site. Thanks Simon.😃

[@redmann31567]

Thank you for another wonderful video Simon!!!! You are very inspiring mate!!!!

[@Andrewoutdooradventures1550]

Thanks Simon for sharing this awesome adventure video it's like been there with you on your adventures thanks Simon 👍

[@user-td5pz6dj2d]

Greetings from Russia, great trip, well done 👍

[@liammalarky3483]

A blow-up PFD? Mae West would be so proud!!! Good video. Thank you.

[@Curlew-Corner]

Super trip. Thanks for sharing.

[@katarinasjoberg]

What a wonderful trip! Humor, warmth and camaraderie in a place where you want to be is the best there is! As a Scandinavian and a Swede, I know very well what "Lapskojs" is (good) and at the fish restaurant there was a sign with "Gravlax", the Swedish name. (sugar-salted salmon is eaten with a special cold mustard sauce, delicious!) I really wanted a kayak like that.😉

[@sjwillis1137]

Yeah , the rum's all gone and it looks like the moon is pretty full . Easy tigers . Seriously!! Brilliant as ever .

[@kjh789az]

Thanks for sharing your latest adventure, Simon. Its impressive how you manage the filming on top of the riding/paddling, yet make it all seem relaxed and involving. Fantastic!

[@IslaDuffy]

Yay. More ration packs 🎉🎉

[@trinovantian1]

Love Southwold as my escape. The Solebay fish co platters are the best ever.

[@powermonger9090]

Great video Simon. Superb videography as always. Always amazed you find all these great places in crowded old England.

[@heidih2887]

Delightful! Such a treat to see/learn about areas I've never been, watching you fellows on your adventure!

[@mickybetts7957]

Absolutely incredible fella! Epic! Thanks for showing what can be done. A bike on a boat, a boat on a bike, on a train! Mind blown!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

😂👍

[@billmitchell7731]

Great video my friend. Watching from Arkansas 👍🏻💛🙏🏻

[@alexdetrojan4534]

Another nice adventure Simon. Watching you two sitting on the beach made me wonder how your neolithic ancestors may have sat on that beach when they first arrived in the British Isles...a virgin land ready for exploration and discovery...

[@joeldickherber3545]

Great video, you do what most only dream of!

[@rodbagley1686]

You sure do find some cool places to go on an adventure and your campsites are top shelf. Thanks for taking us along.

[@luptonwell]

Blissfull looking trip

[@h.bsfaithfulservant4136]

You never cease to amaze me Simon 👌. Thanks again for such great entertainment 👍🌟

[@davidglenn8834]

Simon that was awesome loved it

[@davidkidwell736]

Once again, thank you. Makes week go by quicker. Dave

[@chrislonsberry1974]

Excellent video Simon!! What a great trip for two friends to share!

[@wombatbreath]

Great stuff as usual - thanks for sharing Simon. I have fond memories of childhood holidays in Southwold & Walberswick...

[@SteveSeadog]

Great trip well filmed. Keep adventuring.

[@ericmiddelbos129]

nice trip, realy a lot of adventure

[@JasonMcCann841]

Those packrafts are durable no doubt. Nice trip with your buddy!

[@shaunwilliamson9193]

Oh this is an amazing journey this time Simon, the things that you can take out on a bike packing weekend now is incredible. The way you can flatten the kayak down and take away with you is amazing. I'm just at the part were you're both camping on the beach. Great video thanks for sharing.

[@robs9023]

An absolutely beautiful videa!

[@mikerandle5713]

Simon, when I read the title then saw you packing your bike I thought you were mad. Watching you paddle on the river, tend alight and reassemble your bike, repack your kit and pedal up the shore was inspiring! I salute you Simon.

[@BeeKay4444]

Oh my this was glorious to take in. Thank you SO MUCH for your content. Your camera and editing skills are exceptional. It was like taking a mini break from my life for 42 minutes. Cheers 🍻

[@dominicschaeffer909]

Wow!!!

[@dannycarter3647]

Whoop whoop. This is my evenings entertainment sorted. Thanks Simon.

[@andrewgeddes72]

Brilliant video as always Simon.

[@Mikes_carnivore_journey]

Hello from beautiful Kentucky USA Simon!

[@Mikes_carnivore_journey]

Beautiful ride you're on. The beach looked very inviting.

[@73megalith]

Great trip with some go and escape to nature vibes all the way to the end, I like the bikepacking bike and kit, upped the game there with a load of kit that is not out of most peoples reach, brilliant 🤙