Bikepacking Scotland’s Amazing West Coast | Can Manon Survive Her First Adventure?

[@gcn]

Have you been bikepacking before? Let us know in the comments!

[@markt4629]

No, but I really want to

[@Cycling366]

Yes at least once a month in all weathers. I film all my adventures too! The west coast of Scotland is one of my all time favourite places to ride. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4fEY3t7Z8p-gLM

[@martincampbell7141]

Never before, but after seeing this, I like the idea of it, especially as I stay close to where this was filmed.👍

[@suncuevas1238]

I havent experienced it yet but with an expert companion, why not.

[@Velobike]

You need a lot more content with the irrepressible Jenny. If anyone can manage to make self-inflicted misery look good, it's Jenny.

[@peterknight7880]

Massive props to the railway company for laying on the bike-friendly carriage. Its always been really difficult to take bikes on trains so people end up not doing it. The key to getting people on bikes is to make it pleasant and convenient.

[@j.erickson8571]

Ha !, in Germany we have trains that can hold bikes of any type. Very common, even on city trams. A paradise for bike adventures !.

[@ABlanch]

Yep. The key to any ecological advance is to make it easy to do and sensibly priced. We didn’t hear about the price unfortunately. Here in Norfolk, sadly, it’s cheaper to drive than catch the train, so there’s little incentive for most to get cars off the road.

[@greigmackay8465]

@@ABlanch it is only £7.10 for a single fare from Glasgow Queen st station to Helensburgh upper station and there is no extra charge to take a bike on the train.

[@timw8926]

@@j.erickson8571 while thats true: Try to book a bike spot in a train of your choice with one week in advance during summer holiday - probably no spots available anymore :) Oh, did I forget to mention that it is also impossible to book it directly online but needs to be done via hotline?

[@TheShinyShow]

@@j.erickson8571 We can take bikes on any train, it's just this new carriage makes it easier for 20 bikes than before.

[@MeisterYodarkus]

What Manon said about Jenny was so true: What a mad woman! But in a good way. Can you please send those two on more adventures? This was really inspiring and enjoyable to watch!

[@SteelyDad911]

Manon rules

[@nagak112]

mad beautiful Scottish people Jenny Graham, Mark Beaumont.... are inspiring

[@derx6666]

Yes please. I really liked the 2 interacting on camera.

[@OFFSHOREDOUG]

Jenny is from my home town and yes mental but lovely. The enthusiasm she has is amazing.

[@kaspervestergaard2383]

@@derx6666 Sounded wrong ehh?

[@5pctd2br98]

I love Jenny's energy, also would love to see more bike packing/touring stuff!

[@alancooke6630]

Absolutely agree. So much more to cycling than head down blasting with lightest gear available.

[@jasoncdebussy]

Her "energy"? She said she lives for coffee shops! 😂

[@michaeltilney1298]

@@jasoncdebussy That is why she has so much energy, all that caffine.

[@audaxdan9499]

I rode the Pan Celtic Race this year (2021) and on the last day heading for the finish line Jenny and I rode together for a few miles chatting (I had no idea who she was, and I just assumed she was a fellow clan rider). She asked me where I had been sleeping during the race and I told her my story of sleeping on cardboard out of the recycle bin behind a 24hr service station (bed and breakfast) as I did not want to get my bivi out for two hours of sleep, I should have done as it rained very heavily! I love that Jenny took the time to slow down, even though she was racing for first place, and have an everyday conversation with a fellow rider, this speaks volumes about her character.

[@mateuszsobanski203]

Jenny Graham and Mark Beaumont are great outdoorsy addition to the team. Love both of them. Manon and Jenny have such lovely smiles when they're talking about something with passion 😁 I've done lots of bike packing in Scotland before the family got extended ☺️ Getting the kids to love it too

[@calcradden6293]

Jenny Graham! What a legend

[@Stelth846]

every episode with Jenny Graham guarantees an instant smile

[@oliviant2235]

What a lovely pair!, I smile every time I watch a Jenny’s video, her energy is contagious; adding Manon was the perfect recipe for entertainment; she is such a good presenter, spontaneous and funny, she makes me laugh with her comments and there are many in this video…..on a camping trip at 11:47, “better not be any spiders, ooo, spiders” 😂

[@jimmarshall807]

The look on Jenny's face when Manon says she doesn't want to get her clothes muddy is precious!

[@joanneleyva4942]

Jenny Graham is one of the best things that has happened to GCN! She is such a joy with a wonderfully adventurous spirit. More Jenny please!

[@TheSamwhyte]

I’m Scottish (so arguably a bit biased) but Jenny and Mark are proof that GCN needs some resident Scots presenters! 😉

[@francoispayen]

I'm not Scottish, and videos with Jenny and Mark are always my favourite. I prefer the outdoorsy/adventure angle over the usual roadie stuff. Love their humour, accents, enthusiasm and the beautiful scenery in their videos. 👍

[@apm9507]

Jenny and Mark could bikepack over rocky trails for Two Scotch on the Rocks! 😄

[@TheSamwhyte]

@@apm9507 Problem with that is no self-respecting Scot would EVER refer to whisky as 'Scotch' 😄 *but i get your pun-intended point 😇👌

[@jabehauber]

Ay!

[@derx6666]

I'm a Dutchy, so English is not my native language, although I can communicate in English quite well. Did have to turn on the subtitles for this one though :) Scottish and Welsh accents can be quite hard sometimes :)

[@6872elpado]

Jenny laughing when Manon said "I just wanted a nice room in a hotel" was priceless, 😂

[@Bowhabdle1000]

😐

[@GrahamPickup57]

More Manon bike packing please, delightfully hilarious , “maybe we could grill it” 😂😂😂😂😂

[@Ciara94]

Need more Manon/Female content on this channel! THOROUGHLY ENJOYED ☺️

[@rachaelmurray8051]

Yes more content with women on bikes. And girls too!

[@paulfromberkshire2891]

Love the full-face midge net Manon, one of Scotland’s top attractions.

[@ronbell7920]

As an American, just how bad are the bugs? I have been to some pretty buggy places, I didn't think Scotland would be one of them!

[@nickisherwood9646]

Lovely stuff. No specialist bike tech descriptions; 'For this ride we're using Expensivos new 'Walletdrainer 5000's with their latest Youdontunderstandit gearing', or, Masterchef's time limits - 'We've got 100 km to go and just 4 hours to do it in - this is cycling to the MAX!'. Just cycling (a bit of hiking thrown in). And a heck of a lot of - what we're alive for is to enjoy it. More of these type of adventures. Utterly accessible viewing and cycling - and that's what makes cycling a thing for people to enjoy rather than be put off by. And isn't that the point?

[@Joshuavoice29]

I absolutely love Jenny. She would be such great fun to do a trip with.

[@dukekaboom4105]

I was lucky enough a few years ago when a group of us cycled the Hebridean Way and Jenny was our guide for the week. What a great trip and Jenny’s enthusiasm was infectious.

[@stevenmcfarlane8831]

As a Glaswegian and cyclist people are amazed that it’s so easy to get out of Scotland’s largest city and be in beautiful countryside so quickly. I regularly cycle to Helensburgh and round our lochs. Trips over the water on ferry crossings are brilliant. We are lucky to have access to such great cycling areas effortlessly. Good video.

[@cdcaterham]

Manon needs to be booked into the Savoy for recovery immediately!!

[@kathyerickson9402]

Jenny was such a great host for this trip and I loved how she highlighted the alternatives to auto travel. Manon was certainly dropped right into things, with the mountain bike, the rain and potential for spiders. Well done everyone! Truly beautiful country!

[@SayMcGillicuddy]

great piece. That Scotrail service looks amazing, would love to see that permeate across the UK. Well done Manon & Jenny 👊🏼

[@TheSamwhyte]

Sadly, Scotrail is garbage. Overpriced and always late. Abelio (the contractors behind Scotrail) are so bad they actually lost their contract renewal due to public outcry. So if you come here, make sure and have a plan B as trains may let you down!

[@syncmaster173]

Wonderful video, Jenny and Manon make a great pair of presenters! I hope they get the GCN+ treatment much the same as Mark and Hank, I’d love to see them go on more bikepacking adventures.

[@petersauer94]

I love Manon she's up for anything, and up for an adventure ,brilliant 👍❤

I remember meeting Jenny few years back in Berlin, just before she left off for a trip around the world. She was making last preparations at the local touring/gravel bike shop. I had no idea who she was back then. But her genuine enthusiasm and joy was so contagious! Manon is so lucky to have such a great first companion :)

[@lauragriffithsoutdoors]

I can never get over Jenny’s energy, such a wonderful positive adventurous person. Well done to Manon too very impressed with your commitment embracing the experience

[@lavefa]

I can't tell how much I love these 2!!!! So much chemistry, fun and humbleness together!! Well done guys!!!

[@better.better]

PSA: to anybody who's never camped before, especially wild camping where there's no "backup" - ALWAYS figure out how to set up your gear BEFORE YOUR TRIP. and I don't mean only the day before, and I don't mean only do it once. you need to get a system down. you need to know how everything's going to pack together, and you don't want to be frustrated by trying to figure it out in bad conditions on a trip you're supposed to be enjoying. there's nothing worse than getting to your campsite only to find out that you forgot something important. For example, in Manon's case she's probably using one of the same tents that Blake or Simon used... what if one of them forgot to put one of the parts back in, and left it sitting on the ground at their last campsite, like the tent stakes? then Manon gets to her campsite, and there's no stakes. or worse what if they packed it away wet in the rain, and forgot to dry everything out when they got back. Manon then gets to her campsite and takes it out and the whole tent is moldy. and the same goes if you're experienced as well, get everything out at least a week ahead of time and review what you've got. remind yourself. start getting yourself into that mindset. if you haven't looked at the gear 6 months to a year, it's very possible that you might have forgotten about something that you needed to replace or you could discover that it wasn't quite as dry when you put it away as you thought it that it was, or you could discover that mice decided it made a good home over the winter. these are not things you want to discover your first night out

[@TheSpaceBrosShow]

The more self-supported the camping trip, the more important this becomes

[@nl3712]

This ^ 👏👏👏

[@JohnBaxendale]

Be realistic about where you're heading and how far from civilization it is, take a credit card and some taxi numbers and be prepared to divert to a hotel - but don't panic, there aren't many places in the world where you're truly that far from a warm bed after a short taxi ride - go and have an adventure, learn as you go and ENJOY!

[@cliveramsbotty6077]

calm yourself down a bit mate

[@katarzynawojciechowska1097]

So true!

[@andrebaron1387]

Jenny's energy and empathy is just awesome. You guys had me laughing so much during the first day, so good!

[@grantwomack6912]

We absolutely need to have more videos featuring Jenny! What a wonderful asset to this video! Absolutely loved it from start to finish!

[@iancuk]

After episodes of Hank & Mark Beaumont. Now Manon's turn, love it.

[@Jayneflakes]

That was a beautiful & inspiring film, with two wonderful presenters. I hope we are going to see an extended version on GCN Plus.

[@duncanvincent9106]

A small dose of Jenny every morning would keep me smiling all day!! I love her enthusiasm and joy. It’s infectious!

[@tomb2289]

Great pair these two, Jenny's positive energy is infectious, more please!

[@robertbotta6536]

Wow! Excellent. Best ever. Really fun to watch. The weather can be a challenge but when the weather cooperates bike camping nights are the best. Impressed that Manon did not whine about a tough wet day. Jenny did a great job. Thank you ladies.

[@ARMANDMCGEE]

I really her explanation of pushing through discomfort. It was simple and deep. She put down a philosophy so smoothly, that it could’ve been lost because of smoothness of the delivery. So awesome!!!

[@53glowe]

Great episode indeed...and terrific chemistry between these two. Jenny is such a character and motivator...more of this content please😀👍

[@aerobrain2001]

Jenny and Mark have been such an awesome addition to the channel!! Absolute beasts but just seem to love what they do!

[@darrenhill8503]

Camping is not for everyone Manon, much respect for you taking one for the team as all camping is to be done in 5 star hotels only lol.

[@dalewebb7566]

Jenny's attitude is so positive and infectious, the perfect mentor for manon. Love to see more of these two, the chemistry is amazing.

[@dmcarthur60]

Great job Manon. You are a real sport. Jenny, your energy is so contagious. Beautiful trip!!

[@martinallison2012]

Absolutely loved watching this. I’m from Dunoon and still live here and love cycling round here and it’s great to see others coming here to enjoy it. 👍

[@WildAboutArgyll]

glad you enjoyed Martin, we hope to inspire many more residents to enjoy adventures around our wonderful part of the world #wildaboutargyll

[@LovetheIPAs]

What an entertaining video! Gorgeous scenery and such fun watching Manon and Jenny take this trip. Thank you Manon for venturing outside your comfort zone and Jenny for being such a gracious guide.

[@ivanfun6339]

So lovely and pleasant duet, magic energetic from them together! Cant wait for the second part of their trip :)

[@888johnmac]

this area is my back yard / garden ... and yes in less than 1 hour you can go from big City centre to lochs , mountains & truly stunning scenery

[@Mattkb9]

You are a lucky man john mac. Hope to visit someday. Cheers from the states.

[@NoelSlevin]

I saw Manon’s Strava uploads and wasn’t sure if I simultaneously thought she was mad, and also that it would be an amazing thing to do 😂

[@derekkuhl]

One of my favorite Manon episodes. What a great sport! This is awesome content.

[@simonbartram9231]

Jenny Graham a real can do lady with a lovely sunny disposition. I can imagine that she’s a real morning person. Well done to Manon too for her sense of adventure. This gives me real motivation to commit to a trip to the Peak District next spring. Want to camp overnight and do a ride there and tackle Winnats Pass!

[@heidijarvis777]

Well done Manon, great to see it from a female perspective and lovely to have Jenny as a mentor.

[@domlongman185]

Absolutely brilliant vid. The energy both of them have when chatting about the stars, when cold, wet and up from @@@@ o’clock just jumps out the screen. Truly inspirational. Might not be the Andes but makes us sofa cyclists feel like we could do this!

[@PumpkinVillage]

How could you get any better bike packing partner then Jenny. New series Manon in the Wild. Riding with the bike packing experts. What a lovely video. Both women are very inspirational. Take care, Al

[@larrybarnes1241]

Please make more of these Jenny was so fun to listen to. Makes me miss Scotland even more

[@jamesherd9132]

I thought you two girls worked brilliantly together I loved this video thanks but Iwould like more.

[@paulsymons562]

Such a lovely, relaxed, nice film.

[@miekevandermerwe7853]

Inspiration! What a cool trip. Always nice for me to see the ladies getting on with epic adventures

[@tom_shooter]

Fabulous video, thanks! Jenny & Manon are like the Cannon and Ball of bikepacking presenters!

[@HolisticHealthEducation]

Already looking forward to the two ladies going for the next bike pack adventure.

[@craigc3682]

This is the greatest!!! Lol! I want to take that bike adventure, seeing Scotland for the first time on a bike sounds perfect. Thanks for posting this!

[@alisdairguthrie4371]

I’m lucky enough to live in the area and never get bored of the rides around here. So good to see Manon and Jenny highlight the area. Glad Manon enjoyed it! Come back soon and bring the team!

[@richcrompton6891]

Jenny Graham is such a fabulous, upbeat presenter. Put her with Manon and you have magic! What a great adventure film. Can we have some more of these uplifting videos please GCN?

[@meloncapsules7176]

Fantastic! Women encouraging other women is so vital and inspiring! Jenny's experience and passion and Manon's enthusiasm are great motivators for anyone wanting to try backpacking! Great camera work too. Thank you!

[@ucanskixc568]

Wow, that was very enjoyable with lots of chatter, no complaining, laughter, and energy the whole way. Keep it going with these two.!

[@3521rob]

Wow! Jenny such a bundle of joy 🤩

[@markhanlon9044]

Jenny is a Ray of sunshine no matter the weather

[@brannmacfinnchad9056]

Great content. Always love seeing Jenny, and she was the perfect pairing for Manon's first bikepacking trip.

[@graemeashton5030]

Great video, need more adventures with both of them. Looks an amazing route as well.

[@martincornish1737]

What a great video. Lovely to see both Manon and Jenny start their ride in my home town of Helensburgh, and also ride one of my regular routes into and through Glen Fruin, towards Loch Long. Well done to both of you on your adventure.

[@ianstewart8301]

So excited to see Jenny again! She’s awesome (Manon is too, of course)

[@deblordoutdoors5783]

Absolutely loved this. Adventure films are my favourite GCN content, and I love anything Jenny Graham is in. This didn’t disappoint with awe-inspiring landscapes right here in the U.K, with two of our finest Celts entertaining us as always💚

[@lancebrannigan7978]

Awesome episode. Jenny was the perfect choice to show Manon the amazing world of bike packing. Just making it fun!

[@trick700]

Excellento! What it’s all about…real adventure. More Jenny and Manon pls

[@VagabondTurtle]

Amazing that you so easily can take your bike on the trains, really makes the adventure expand, more to see, more fun trails to ride!

[@threefifteen7771]

I'm curious about the way Jenny/Manon setup camp with their bikes. Perhaps a GCN video on camp setup with the bikes?

[@TGRacing]

Manon was using a Topeak Bikamper which uses the bike as support at one end and a wheel at the other.

[@marekholub8668]

GMBN did video about Manon's tent

[@bosanderspublictheology]

Great watch! Jenny has an incredible energy and is a a FANTASTIC guide for a first timer.

[@johnmiller7427]

Excellent rapport and content, this should be the start of a whole series.

[@SloMo2723]

Oh man, Great energy from those two! That was fun to watch. All the best from California

[@thepie4052]

How can you not love Jenny. She is the smiliest person ever! 😎

[@HerrP58]

One of the best adventure bike tours I've seen...or done myself. Well done, ladies!

[@leedorney]

It's interesting seeing cycling life from a adventure pov, and Jenny is the person you'd need with you when it gets tough! - a total inspiration 🙏

[@sergeigasilov7307]

"The more mud the more smiles" - brilliant

[@andrewatherton316]

Manon - It's always a plus when you survive your first night camping! - Congratulations to Jenny and Manon on their trip and for bringing us a funny beautiful video - A fantastic showcase for those considering exploring the delights of Scotland and the ways in which they can use and support the infrastructure and businesses there.

[@daviddunbar2472]

Awesome more videos with Manon and Jenny Backpacking please

[@matthewrendell1713]

Inspirational video. Jenny and Manon need to make more videos like this. Really enjoyed watching. Well done Manon and Jenny. Thank you 😊

[@markburrow5916]

What a great episode, these two looked like they had such fun! More of this please?

[@dalanywatkins]

More of these 2 presenters please. What an inspiration! Epic video.

[@ecm86]

What a trooper! Jeeezz. Love the enthusiasm and energy. Almost makes me want to go rough it in the rain.... almost.. lol

[@jimmysqueezyronin5623]

These two together! Best thing I've seen on GCN in a long time.

[@stephenhendry447]

Brilliant. So good to see Jenny and Manon do a feature together. 🚴🏼💨

[@peterhall728]

Those two are adorable. Such nice people. And what a great route too. I love bikes.

[@middleagedgamer9630]

Loved that. Great vlog! The more to endure the more satisfaction.

[@wrench_n_ride8159]

What an awesome piece. Love seeing Manon out of her comfort zone.

[@sekc-chua]

More bike camping videos with Manon and Jenny please! I want to see Manon pile up great camping memories!

[@lifeisabeautifulride]

I loved the video, felt it was too short! Looked like a great adventure. I never thought I'd say this, but although I also prefer nice bathrooms and a nice hotel room, now I kind of want to do something similar one day! Inspiring!

[@halidaymichael2899]

Jenny is bloody amazing, best GCN episode ever.

[@jtalley8191]

Nice video. Major respect for these 2. And very entertaining.

[@storegga]

More of these please Manon and Jenny!!

[@davidtaylor8724]

Truly inspirational film, and it brought back wonderful memories of our honeymoon in Carrick Castle on Loch Goil.

[@speckofdust272]

More please … these two are brilliant together … 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@incidentshappen]

There's nothing in this world quite like a bike ride into the sunrise. Cheers!

[@willmo1725]

So cool to see rural scotland. Very cool episode, thank you both.