A CANOE PERSPECTIVE || A paddling circuit in the Scottish Highlands with Martin Trahan

In May 2022, I travelled to Scotland with Canadian long-distance paddler Martin Trahan to paddle a small but formidable route. However, a series of tribulations made our expedition even more challenging. This film documents our journey whilst exploring the reasons why canoeing is more than just a form of recreation but a way of finding purpose, identity, and perspective in an ever-changing world.
Journey kindly supported by:
Bending Branches - bendingbranches.com
NRS - www.nrseurope.com / www.nrs.com
Sidetracked Magazine - www.sidetracked.com/
Firepot Food - www.firepotfood.com/
I do not make any financial profit from these films. Although I get incredible support from brands for the trips, the costs during the editing process and the licensing of third-party assets (such as music) come from my own pocket. Whilst I know there are options for revenue from KZbin advertising, I want people to enjoy the film without interruptions. If you would like to support me with the editing of future films, you can buy me a coffee at the link below. All contributions will be invested strictly into future productions. Any support will be greatly appreciated!
bmc.link/jamiebarnes
This video was shot using the following gear:
• Sony a7S III full-frame mirrorless camera
• Sony a7R III full-frame mirrorless camera
• Sony FE 24-105mm F4 lense
• Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 lense
• Sony FE 50mm F1.8 lense
• DJI Mavic II drone
• GoPro 6
If you would like to get in contact with me about my services as a cinematographer, video editor or outdoor guide, please contact me here:
Instagram: / jamiebarnesuk
email: [e-mail]
Website: www.jamiebarnesoutdoors.com

[@BMC-hl2uh]

Great production quality.

[@JamieBarnes]

Thank you!

[@kevinbird1029]

Up there August 23. We looked long and hard at the portages and decided to skip by and explored Lochs Dubh and Glencoul further north. Off the back of this beautiful film I have no doubt we will return. So dreamy.

[@ocsapy]

I have watched many thousands of hours worth of utube clips, and I absolutely loved your trip. I can fully appreciate the filming, editing etc very well done. Your companion Martin what a character, having spent time in the Army it was great to see a smile on his face regardless of the situation, it can be uplifting in the most extreme circumstances. Well done for completing the trip. 😎😎😎

[@wrighty338]

I just watched all 3 of your films, all filmed, edited and narrated fantastically. I look forward to more!

[@Squarepeg57]

Great film thanks 🙏

[@jujujay]

Super film and adventure. Just from watching I miss my kayak camping adventures…

[@UKCANOEING]

Sat down to watch this as though we were in the cinema 😂 great film Jamie! Keep going we love watching them and I couldn’t agree more about what you said in terms of being in the nature and taking in every moment. I’m so lucky to to have found canoeing and have a burning desire to canoe as much as I can. Something so humbling and magical about it. Claire x

[@yvonnetomenga5726]

@Jamie Barnes • You've taken us on another wonderful journey. We may not get the same mental relief that you do as you travel, but you give us a brief respite and remind us of the renewal we should seek ourselves. On a more mundane note, you emphasize the mental change but don't mention the physical. I think of a 4 mile portage and wonder what type of prep you do and whether you still don't end up exhausted.

[@JamieBarnes]

Thank you for the lovely comment Yvonne! When I make these films, I always try to make them as immersive as possible, so I'm pleased to know it's working. All the best to you!

[@streetspirit3952]

Beautiful film. Some of those shots of Suilven and Stac Pollaidh in the background are incredible

[@samg0529]

Another amazing video

[@23PNS12O]

Wow, I am amazed! Having seen canoe trips filmed by other youtube creators, this incredible film definitely stands out. The structure of this film is spot on and I think the perfectly chosen music fits every moment. Cheers to Jamie Barnes. I have found this very interesting and inspiring🚣‍♂

[@LakeDistrictOutdoors]

What an awesome adventure! Love the video! Subscribed. 😊

[@danexitsstreetview3273]

Yep when I saw this pop up I made myself comfortable knowing I was in for a treat. This didn't disappoint. You're a quality story teller and film maker that's for sure. Cheers.

BRAVO!

[@JamieBarnes]

Thank you!

[@RikVugteveen]

Thank you for you time to share this experience with us!

[@user-bw7qz1jy2d]

Fantastic Video, Jamie! I already know I will watch it many more times. You beautifully captured both Scotlands impressive nature as well as the emotional side of an expedition like this. Your thoughts about the mind slowing down and being able to appreciate the beauty that is hiding in plain sight are spot on. I also really appreciate you sharing your decision making process in marginal weather conditions. It’s nature photography, outdoor coaching, philosophy and a meditation all wrapped into one great video. Thank you so much for making movies like this! They always inspire me (and surely many others) to get out there and spend time in nature! ❤

[@JamieBarnes]

Thank you for the lovely comment Simon. Inspiring people to get outdoors is the main reason I make these, so I'm really chuffed to know its working when I read comments like this. Cheers buddy.

[@alex_traynor]

Really enjoyed watching that! Headed to Scotland this year and this got me looking forward to it even more. Great filming and editing. Cheers

[@toottheterrible]

Did not disappoint! Quality of your videos are fantastic!

[@JamieBarnes]

Thanks for the lovely words Stuart. I’m pleased you enjoyed it!

[@karenabel6218]

Worth watching more than once. Excellent photography, wonderful music, fine camera work. So glad I watched this. It inspires me to go be outside more.

[@JamieBarnes]

I’m really pleased it inspired you, Karen! Thank you for the lovely message.

[@scott6550]

Enjoyed watching you trip. Very well done and beautiful countryside.

[@bertifrasilmeye995]

Hi..... the big man seemed at home! Great performance. Atb

[@EzeAdventurer]

So beautifully narrated, words hitting hard, well done man! So captivating as always!

[@JamieBarnes]

Thanks a lot buddy! We’ll get out on the water together in the future! Hope you are keeping well.

[@EzeAdventurer]

​@@JamieBarnes Looking forward to that day mate. Me, Paul (When nature Pauls) and Fred Cole just came back from an epic trip on the Royal Dee. Lots of class 3 action, video coming this Sunday!

[@Smokeybeesnatural]

An EPIC canoe trip! Loved every second!

[@JamieBarnes]

Really glad you enjoyed it mate! Thanks for the comment.

[@al_humphreys]

Such beautiful landscapes!

[@foresteroutdoors]

Another masterpiece! Not easy knocking out videos of this calibre! One day you might get decent weather up there 😃

[@captainlandslide9874]

Wonderful. Absolutely wonderful. You said a very important thing too. Even if you can’t complete the mission, sometimes just being out there is the important thing. Too true. Keep up the good work 👍

[@JamieBarnes]

Thank you for the lovely comment. I'm glad you enjoyed the film.

[@captainlandslide9874]

Yes i did, very much so.

[@ellon118]

What a great video, typical Scottish weather.

[@arthurb8436]

This is just brilliant production, cinematography, storytelling, everything. Really loved watching, amazed you’re not a bigger account!! Hopefully the bizarre KZbin algorithm does its job and more people get to see this amazing film

[@JamieBarnes]

Thank you for the lovely comment Arthur. I made one a few years back that got picked up big time by the aglorithm, but I think everyone being at home during covid was a big factor for that one. Fingers crossed it gets picked up! 😂

[@CJKilworth]

What a brilliant film!

[@WhenNaturePauls]

Love it, love it, love it! I for one appreciate all the camera gear you carried 😁 Wonderful filming, editing and narration, Thank you.

[@JamieBarnes]

Thanks a lot Paul! Glad you enjoyed it mate. I'll be sure to take all the same gear in the future. 😂 We need to get out on a paddle together sometime!

[@WhenNaturePauls]

​@@JamieBarnes please do. That would be awesome, be well up for that.

[@Thestripper1]

That's a cool trip. The canoe is a fantastic tool to experience the feeling of true wilderness in areas that are really not that remote. I wish you had talked to the camera while filming instead of the voiceover though. It takes away from the feeling of coming along on the trip while watching.

[@chgalante]

Amazing visuals, breath-taking shots and the narration was very well done! You’ve got a winning recipe here 😊

[@JamieBarnes]

Chris!! Long time buddy. Thank you for the lovely words mate. We need to catch up soon, maybe you and your brother could jump on Discord!

[@chgalante]

You deserve it! And yes definitely would be happy to reconnect soon!

[@therobodoctor]

The Return of the King

[@JamieBarnes]

I don’t know about that!

[@therobodoctor]

@@JamieBarnes lmao love your stuff man, always gets me super inspired to get out there and shoot

[@aspireroaming]

Another outstanding piece of work Jamie. Your talent truly puts bigger broadcasters and production teams to shame . I really enjoyed that. The only negative is..that I now need to wait at least 3months until your next one (or more) 🤣😢. Great work mate and to the others that worked on it with you. 👏

[@JamieBarnes]

Hey buddy! Thanks for the lovely comment. I'm trying to get these films out a lot quicker, they just take so bloody long to make. 😂 Definitely need to meet up for a beer the next time I'm up your way mate. 🍻

[@aspireroaming]

@@JamieBarnes that'd be good mate. Look forward to it

[@davidcryle1190]

Wonderful film Jamie, very inspiring.👍

[@JamieBarnes]

Thanks a lot David. Hope you are well.

[@davidpicot5457]

Another masterpiece. I didn’t want it to end. I know you’re busy mate, but I wish u made more 😉

[@JamieBarnes]

Thanks for the lovely words David. I’ve got so many projects like this planned, so there will certainly be more in the future. I left my full-time job last year and started working freelance which will give me more free time to work on these kinds projects! All the best to you mate. 💪🏼

[@davidpicot5457]

That’s great news. Follow your passion my friend, and we’ll reap the rewards 😜

[@bjornjansen5266]

Well done Jamie! Another masterpiece.

[@JamieBarnes]

Thanks a lot buddy! Hope you are well.

[@CharlieGardening]

What a beautiful trip!

[@JamieBarnes]

Cheers brother! Looking forward to seeing you soon mate. 💪🏼

[@TomAndHarry1]

love your videos mate. Just wish there was more of them.

[@JamieBarnes]

Thank you for the lovely words. I’ve got plenty of projects in the pipeline, just working on ways to get them out quicker! Stay tuned.

[@scottmount9724]

Well done Mr Barnes loved it 👏💪

[@JamieBarnes]

Thanks brother! Need to catch up soon. 💪🏼

[@syncrosimon]

Great Adventure!

[@JamieBarnes]

Glad you enjoyed it Simon!

[@calvinasinhobbes]

Fantastic video, I'm looking forward to getting a trip in a soon as blackfly season is over here in Canada! What tools did you use to create the map renders? They look incredible!

[@wrzlygummidge]

really enjoying your films Jamie, thanks for sharing. Is your Nova Craft a Tuffstuff version? If so, how are you finding it, pros/cons etc all the best

[@JamieBarnes]

I’m pleased you’re enjoying them! It’s one of the last royalex versions they made. I’ve used a tuffstuff one as well, theres honestly not much difference in it to me. However, I don’t really do any white water paddling so maybe i’m not pushing it hard enough to see the differences.

[@wrzlygummidge]

@@JamieBarnes I have a tuffstuff, TBH not as tuff as the name might imply, I find it quite fragile. Like you, I don't challenge it with rocky waters as I know it won't take the knocks well. However the weight is the main reason I bought it, the ability to load/unload solo from roof bars is crucial for me

[@polarlondon]

A fantastic short film mate. I'm planning on doing almost the same route, but in a packraft.

[@JamieBarnes]

Hey Barry! Thanks a lot mate. You’ll have a great time out there! Definitely worth the hike up Suilven if you’re travelling light.

[@polarlondon]

@@JamieBarnes I can't wait, but will most probably be early next year now. I'll definitely get up Suilven for a summit camp if the weather allows. Got a couple of lochs and peaks I'm wanting to get to. 🤞

[@raghuvirsinghnegi3159]

Watching from INDIA

[@JamieBarnes]

I’d love to paddle there someday!

[@isaacarthur2883]

Amazing as always! What a beautiful representation of such a beautiful place. Question - what is the song during the credits? I couldn't figure it out from the music list 😢

[@JamieBarnes]

Thanks a lot Isaac! The credits song which is also during Martin’s intro at the beginning is an instrumental version of Wayward and Torn by Gungor. I licensed the music in the film through MusicBed. Hope that helps!

[@isaacarthur2883]

Amazing! Thank you!

[@davewasea]

Fantastic film as usual. I’ll never understand the choice for not having airbags in the canoe though, could get yourself in some trouble if sinks to the bottom out there.

[@JamieBarnes]

Hey David! Thanks for the great message. I’ve got them rigged up in my 16ft Wenonah which I mostly use for solo paddling, but I’ve never got on well with having air bags when in tandem in my 16ft canoes, especially in the front section. I think i’ll get a 17ft canoe at some point for dedicated tandem paddling, and get it rigged up with airbags! All the best to you mate, cheers.

[@davewasea]

@@JamieBarnes have you tried the side air bags that bpm whitewater make those also work well. Love the videos

[@JamieBarnes]

@@davewasea I've just looked them up. That's the first time I've seen ones like that! I'm going to have to look into getting some of these. Thanks for the recommendation mate. 👍

[@davewasea]

@@JamieBarnes yeah wicked can recommend I’ve had mine about 12 months mostly used for sailing but thought it might be a good option for you. Hope to catch you on the water sometime. 💪🏻

[@robertgorski6315]

As someone planning a bike trip through the NC500, I greatly appreciate videos of this quality from the region. I've seen everything you've done so far, and I'll probably watch it again. The only thing that worries me is this weather 😅 By the way, how do you make these maps? They look sweet:)

[@JamieBarnes]

Hey Robert! You'll have an incredible time up there. I recently took my father and sister on a road trip which covered some of the NC500; they had an absolute blast. The weather is all a part of the charm of Scotland. If you expect the bad weather, you can't be disappointed! I make these maps using Blender, It's a great free-to-use 3D modelling software. Let me know if you would like any more details!

[@robertgorski6315]

@@JamieBarnes This is actually great advice about the weather, I need to finally implement it in my life. My questions mainly concern the NC500 route itself, or rather alternatives to the busiest routes, as we are cycling, we are looking for safe roads. If you can advise which sections are the busiest and worth avoiding, I will gladly take such advice;) If you have no idea, no problem. I also invite you to my film from the bike route in the Alps, maybe you'll like it (subtitles available in settings). Thanks and all the best!

[@robertgorski6315]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hp6ll5-BaNmfbas That's the video😊

[@hishonoursirdrinksalot1916]

mate, I dont know how you do it, 4km across the shite Scottish bogs throw at you with a Canoe, I shit it walking, big time. Ended up thigh deep a few times in what looks like slightly wet ground, knowing damn well you are going in, but no choice to go in! I bet your mate from Canada doesnt come back!!! I also laughed, you brought too much camera gear, the only "long distance" canoe trip I did was down Loch Sheil, we loaded the two man kayak thing (like yours but must have been bigger) 2 x 24 cans of beer under each seat was the first thing in. Having never paddled before and hitting a headwind, I never had the muscles for this, we probably got about 3 hours paddling before we quit, found a nice wildcamp and stayed there for 3 days. Thankfully, the Scottish Gods were against us and decided that it would do a 180 on the wind and have it in our faces on the way back too. I say thankfully, because it taught me a very valuable lesson, take a motor.

[@JosephStealin]

Martin has paddled 8000km across America so should do Scotland in a day 😂

[@Gunslinger-1962-martin]

🛶 A new subscriber jamie 🛶🙌👍