Ex-Royal Marines Overnighter | 4 Day UK Winter Trek with Wild Camping | Part 1.

[@cordellkent4790]

I think you guys are a special kind of nuts. After I got out of the Australian Army it took me over 45 years for me to have an interest in hiking.

[@deandunbar5159]

So much respect for all the soldiers who pay so many prices for us that goes for you guys too.Have a Blessed day 🙏🤙👍🤝

[@PhilHaddon]

Typical military humour. "I've brought the book so I don't have to listen to your stories all night". Loved the video. Looking forward to the series. Keep up the good work.

[@bensmith5413]

Lads just want to say as a fellow brit veteran that your willingness and candor to raise awareness around the issues many of us face post service is appreciated. I hope you completed the 160 fully and that you found what you were looking for in the adversity.

[@oldhiker1789]

Total respect to you too,and all forces personnel and there families they have kept our country safe for generations . Look forward to the next video.

[@explorerjames8563]

All you ex forces guys and girls are absolute heros....and those of us lucky enough to not have those scars owe you a big debt of gratitude. Cheers fella, really enjoyed this video, and didn't know the fingers for sundown hack!

[@R33CO]

My Family and myself would like to Thank You Both for your Service Gentlemen. Hoofing Effort. ATB Reeco x

[@R33CO]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 You are both welcome both. ATB Reeco x

[@RobCanada]

Nick & Karl, Just passing on my respect 🙏

[@tac926]

Well done, you two. As ex RAF, you've taken me back to the good old days and reminded me of the many benefits of hopping on to the next available helicopter instead of all that walking stuff.

[@GhostZero1111]

Pompey lad here and i recognise the scenery very well. I just wanted to say thank you to you both, i really enjoyed this and look forward to watching more. I have p.t.s.d and find it difficult to socialise, and deal with stressful situations, i am thinking about doing more hiking, bushcraft and survival as a form of therapy. You both have helped ignite something within me to become a better person and to battle to overcome the difficulties i face daily within my mind. Thank you to you both.

[@curleex3838]

We recently lost a wonderful cousin to ptsd, he was a medic in the army, was dedicated to saving lives but he just couldn't handle what he witnessed in battle and sadly he hung himself after repeated attempts asking for help from the mod, there should be better support for all you serving and ex army personel, its sad that the mod seem to let you down after everything you go through to keep people like me safe at night, i have a HUGE amount of respect for you guys, really i do ✌💙🇬🇧

[@colinhefferman5498]

Great video gents. Making me homesick :-). Sounds like poor old Carl had a dose of cellulitis in his wound. Poor bugger. So painful. Glad he kept his leg, although I reckon he would have made a great pirate. Keep up the good work. This is essential viewing for all. Thank you

[@scotty5717]

I'm going to be knackered just watching you guys doing this challenge.. But I'll be with you start to finish. Kudos to you both. 🇬🇧💪✌️

[@roymills2211]

Poor prep = total cock up, I did a hurried overnighter once but when I got my air mattress out of its bag I found I'd packed the kids paddling pool instead 😀

[@stevo728822]

04:00 Something I learned recently about farmer's modern tractors. The farmers aren't allowed to repair them anymore. They can only be repaired by the tractor manufacturer. This is partly because of the complexity of their computer monitoring systems. The farmers in America are putting pressure on their politicians to change the law to allow the use of self repair kits and software.

[@markstevens3789]

Brilliant video. Can’t wait to see the rest. I did that walk in 1974 as a patrol leader in the 2nd Bentley Scout troop with my patrol. It was a great adventure. Looking forward to meeting you in a couple of weeks.

[@ColdHarborOP]

I live in the US in the state of Virginia, and the Appalachian Trail runs right through the western portion of the state. During the summers we are classified as subtropical and the dense forest, incredibly steep up and down hills, and high humidity really make it feel like a jungle. The local sections of the AT have some beautiful vantage points and scenic overlooks, but, overall, hiking it is a particular corner of hell reserved for the depraved and insane. You've got to be a glutton for punishment to truly enjoy it, which I have done upon occasion.

[@Christian-qs3pi]

Well done Royals 👏.. Well done with the weight loads.. As an ex Infantry Soldier,now 58, when out doing long hikes/wild camping ,I currently carry a bergen weighing est 10kg . Also ,The Saying you was looking for is: “Proper Planning &Preparation Prevents Piss Poor Performance” (The Military 7P,s) 👍.. A tip for anyone watching, ref walking safely on roads, even on the pavements ,always if possible,walk in the direction of traffic coming towards you. That way you can see car in front of you if they suddenly have a problem/accident/Driver problems..etc. Also don’t wear earphones on the road either ,as you will not hear any dangers, road accidents ,behind you.. 👍

[@Splash-Maps]

Tremendous effort and great to get the back story on Carl. I felt those bags. They were more than 14kg!!! 🙏 for using our #maps!

[@angelaknisely-marpole7679]

Karl seems to be carrying a HUGE rucksack!!!

[@wavehuntersjapan]

I have done 200 km in 4 days but not camping or carrying pack. Great vid. The aches and stiffness comments bring it all back.

[@jimmybrooks1059]

Hey Nick, Good on you and Carl. That you both having sustained injuries and keep on keepin on is amazing. Rucking is tough stuff even a couple of miles. I remember I was in the Philippines just after Covid broke out in China, where I was living and working. We had to leave so we went to my buddy's wife's home town. So, one day I decided to go climb the Kawakawa volcano. Having just gotten back on my feet from kidney cancer and open heart surgery to replace my aortic valve. It took some time and resting but I made it to the top. It became my weekly goal. After I climbed it about three times, I decided to do a hike. Now from my friends home to town was three miles one way, then a mile to the volcano then about a half mile zig zaggin a 25 to 30 degree incline. It was hard. Then I go for my hike. I leave one morning walking about 8, I got back about 8:45 and I made about 24 miles with a loaded small back pack, in ankle socks and slip on boat shoes. If you believe you can do it and move you can complete the goal. Great vid. 👍😁 Keep it up mate. Best to Carl and the family.

[@aynsleycooper365]

As a (very) young man, I hope that I might have aspired to the level of fitness and dedication shown by members of the military forces, but I never did. Now at over 60, it just looks implausible, impossible even. Kudos to you both, and all your friends and colleagues, what you do and have done is impossible for mere mortals to imagine. You all deserve massive respect, and we can see that you do not get it. Appalling. Good Luck with all aspects of HVB and Veteran support. Enjoyed the upload though, bring them on....!

[@maryhairy1]

Living in Zimbabwe I was challenged with a 312 mi, 500km charity walk for ZimbabweSPCA, which goes under the name of Blue Cross. Unlike Blue Cross in the uk one is walking from the lowest point at the confluence of Lundi/Save rivers to the highest point, Nyangani Mountain, over 13 days. Definitely not for the faint hearted. I’ve found unless one puts In the training every day this is one walk I’ve seen people not complete. There are different categories for entering. Light infantry, with your backup driving all water & food. One carries snacks for the day. Relay: one can opt to 1 or 2 legs of the walk, still 5 days walking with one rest day. Your backup catering to your ever whim. Heavy infantry: one has to carry all food & stove, 1st aid, sleeping bag & mattress. Any fortified drinks. The sites stopped at for the night have buildings that one can sleep in so a tent carrying is not necessary. All walking is tremendous! There is also a cycle ride for those enthusiasts! They complete it in a week.

[@benjaminmack7567]

Old Winchester hill was a favourite spot of ours as kids! I did cycle a good portion of the South downs way a few years back and I can confirm even on a mountain bike the stretch from just before old Winchester hill to butser is brutal! To do it on foot blimey!

[@thewanderlustadventurer5665]

Fantastic watch with my ☕ really admire the honesty in saying that you potentially packed too much weight as often its that dilemma that many hikers have striking the right balance. Great tip with the fingers & Sun to work out "Daylight" time left 👍& really good to hear Carl's background with his injury & niggles which he now feels. Brilliant video & already looking forward to Day 2s.👏👏

[@trevorday7979]

Bloody Nora. That’s a big effort gents for day 1 albeit not quite the 40km you wanted. Obviously still extremely fit. Kyle’s lung expanding regime similar to mine. 😝🚬 My first venture out in years was a setup in the moonlight and it just reminds you how important your gear packing and access, 👍knots etc are. Nice sense of achievement though when all said and done when you finally hit the fart-sack. Loving the vids as always Nick. Take my hat off to you both. Can’t wait for the next instalment. Cheers mate. 🤝🇦🇺

[@duncan3144]

The AT trail is ok but you can go off on the other trails that intersect it. There are white spots on the trees for the AT, but the other trails that intersect also use the white spots.

[@ScoOutDoors]

Brilliant Nick Can’t wait for your next video 💪🔥👍

[@chrisshows6664]

Beautiful country

[@andrewnash6121]

"Ap-a-lay-shan" Trail

[@waynestewart8740]

Hi nick you are still as fit as a fiddle you didn't even break into a sweat 35k carrying 14kg and you even broke into a run brilliant, all you veterans are like gold dust we owe an awful lot to you guys and what you have done and what you still do, a great video as always, looking forward to watching you guys on this journey

[@verykeen2please]

slow and steady wins the race, with that amount of kit - fine effort lads

[@normanscout1864]

Very enjoyable video I always used to do a dry run on kit set up before I set off on long tabs one thing I did do was take large sponges so when I got in my dos bag I would put the sponges on my hips and back to help me sleep and I have to say I have the utmost respect for our vetrans for there service and devotion to duty God bless them all past and present

[@scottroberts7875]

Firstly, thank you both for your service. This mini series is going to be great viewing, full of tips and a bit of banter. been looking forward to it, and Nick you have not disappointed . ATVB 2 ALL. Scott Somerset

[@marksadventures3889]

Respects to you both and all veterans and all who serve and those lost. A nice little tab there. Take care of yourselves lads.

[@glenhehir3833]

Looking forward to the next part mate. Thankyou both.

[@Martin-kq3qw]

Well played lads looking forward to the next download. Thanks for sharing 💪🇬🇧

[@russeljohn3471]

Respect guys 😊👍✊

[@journeyman7189]

Looks to be the beginnings of a great adventure. Nate

[@hildegardkhelfa]

Deep respect for both of you - and all the others.

[@SimonAmazingClarke]

Nice to see you out and about, enjoying your journey. To be honest I'm quite surprised that you were not more meticulous with your kit. Then again, we are all human. First day distance wise, you're not in your 20s any more. Keep up the great work.

[@macdonaldsadler]

Love it. Whining about how hard it is. Still keeping spirits up well done guys, loving the channel.

[@rasputin7633]

App-uh-lay-shen. New sub, really enjoying the content. I’m new to bushcraft and I’ve been watching your videos in preparation of my first trip. Always look forward to the next video. God bless and be well

[@mcbarberblue]

Tried to do it 5 years ago on bikes, jan 3 massive storm 80 mile an hour winds on tophad to push the bike the hole way! Track was just absolutely mud and where they were supposed to be fields was lakes Absolute killer

[@nigelgregory4777]

Great job Nick, I love your winter weather, come to the pennines in summer for horizontal rain and let's just say in the winter you don't need to bring ice for your martini 😂😂🍸, once again many thanks to you and your guys, stay safe 👍 👍 ☕

[@woodsmanrich1151]

Another great video mate. Thank you for bringing us with you and videoing as much as you did. It definitely looks like a beautiful walk/stomp and a great way to clear your head and the best therapy available. Also a massive heart felt thank you to you both for your service and sacrifices, you're both elite heroes and I'm glad you managed to keep your leg Karl, sounds like a close call. We are all in great debt to all who have served and are still serving. Huge respect and gratitude guys 🤜🤛

[@rickminer7528]

You two men are not on an easy trek. Not at all! I appreciated your battle field insight along with the mental and emotional injuries you have sustained. As a civilian, I never think of such things. Thank you to you both for all that you did to help keep me safe.

[@GrillsThrillswithJohno]

Great video. Was looking forward to this when I started seeing the updates on Instagram

[@gnashermedia]

Great video. I love how professional you use the map to navigate. For example at 3:39 how you read the hights and think in advance. Love it.

[@blackstrobe83]

Love this part of the world. Grew up in Petersfield

[@RobanyBigjobz]

Great video. I really appreciate that Carl and you chose to share the story around his injury. Too many of us civvies have no real idea what our service men and women go through on our behalf.

[@WyeExplorer]

Enjoyed the hike and hey the pace to. I find myself tabbing and trotting just to see what's there. It's often a joy but if you carry a former injury it'll let you know. You guys have experience of this - your mates ankle sounds similar to my own but mine was from a different scenario in civi street. Well, superb sunlight and good company. All the best. Mark

[@eddiejefferies3659]

I'm in a lucky position that where I live on the edge of Ashdown Forest, I can see both the South Downs and the North Downs, and the South Downs wins it every time. As said last week, it is my favourite location in the South East of England. I never tire of either walking or cycling on there, even in the extremes of the worst weather. I realise that you were on the SDW which can at times get very busy, but get onto the bridleways and footpaths away from it, and you hardly see another person. Perfect. :)

[@eddiejefferies3659]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 Sadly it has changed alot over the years, and now they are about to introduce carparking charges. At a time when mental health is so important, the Conservators are going to put undue pressure on those with a low income, and the elderly. Also whilst camping isn't permitted, I love coming across people who have come down from London to wild camp. From talking to them when they do, the one common theme is that they do it keep their sanity. I love that an outdoor space can do that. If only everyone realised that, the world could be a better place.

[@Wodens-Wolf]

Looking forward to part 2! Respect.

[@AndyJoyce]

This was awesome, thanks for posting the video Nick. I really enjoyed the human side of your trip!

[@mrspudly1]

Brilliant effort Nick and Carl great video, massive respect for what your both doing.

[@freddyoutdoors]

Smashed it you pair of legends can't wait for pt 2 views looked amazing

[@Squirrel200]

God bless you both! 🤗🙏🤗🤗

[@anthonyhewitt6333]

Nuff respect to the both of you thanks for your service good luck best wishes great content educational and interesting

[@lessyontour]

Well done guys, been watching your channel in prep, for our South West coastal path walk this summer. When you need new gloves give me a shout !

[@knucker4931]

Good one Nick. Looking forward to seeing the rest of the series. Al

[@tedsemonis7905]

Appalachian Trail is 3500 km, and a max height of 2025 m goes thru 14 states. Alot of it is wooded but does go thru towns that you can wash clothes, resupply food or get medical help. So, if you are going to walk it family can meet up. For the real hard cord, you can take a trail from key west to Maine. In a year as many as 2 million people walk on some part of the trail per year. Walk some did search and rescue there in tri state area. Pa, Jersey, New York. Now remember our wildlife can eat you.

[@tedsemonis7905]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 Look at this video, they messed up on search. /// A Woman Goes Missing On The Appalachian Trail And This Is All They Found

[@richardhutchinson4740]

Excellent day of walking! Have the south downs way planned for the next few years once I get a bit more training in!

[@kirsteenmckenna7628]

Congrats chaps! Perhaps we’ll join one of your adventures one day? (well a chunk of one of your days, your chances of me braving a tent like this in the cold aren’t that high teehee! Not THAT brave). I’d def hobble some mileage though) Very proud! Keep up the amazing work. I’d love to help raise funds for vets at some point, least I can do, food for thought xx

[@kayakcobber524]

Nice start with good weather and important to serve the serviceman!! I take the ferry to Newcastle tomorrow and start walking towards Scotland. Midges are still on holiday....

[@vi0205]

I'm looking forward to the 2nd part!!!

[@williamirelan9332]

Basically the Appalachian trail is a hiking only foot path 3500k highest point is 6643 ft Clingmans dome with a few other peaks of 6000 ft.

[@roosterneck2158]

military medicine is save the number not the person, patch it up and see if it can go back into theatre, if not it goes civvy and the person gets is name back with a shit ton of issues. I am so happy you are bringing attention to these points Nick, i see far too many veterens on the streets of london that are shit pilling and going off track. they should be given a big thankyou and real defined support from the government and the taxpayer who rely on the dedication the once provided. Bless them all.

[@leopardontheprowl]

Superb, as always. Lovely production.

[@margueritemitchell1829]

Hello from British Columbia Canada 🇨🇦👍❤️🌲🍁🔥👋☕

[@jory6781]

Yeah I have gone out for a 3 day camping/hike trip out in the middle of a forest, pack way too much gear and didn't test any of it, long story short hammock broke and ending sleeping in the ground for 3 nights with no ground pad.

[@chrisburr3047]

Hi Nick. Only found your channel a couple of weeks ago. Really helped me looking through your back catalogue of videos. I've gotten perspective and lots of advice from the mental health videos and the rest really. Me and my lad enjoy watching the top tips. Cheers for all the content. All the best for your future endeavours. I'll be watching. 👍

[@seasoldier3902]

A tremendous start to the "Boys Trip" for both of you! Bushcraft and through hiking are different disciplines admittedly do overlap in places. Having "yomped" along the AT the SDW is similar but the ascents and descents are more prolonged and higher; combined with shelters or camping grounds along the route very six to ten miles. Also you are walking through wilderness as opposed to farmland. Both are well way marked (AT had the Guthooks (now relabelled Far Out) so navigation was not a serious problem. Four days as opposed to six months, or so is the major impact factor regarding the selection of kit to take on the yomp. You have quite rightly identified weight of your equipment as the major concern. We have spoken many times on this subject Nick as you know. As previously stated learn by experience. I began with the wild and woolly bits of the nations national parks many moons ago with the Cyclops 100 ltr began and "pussers" kit with ORPs to eat. Now have a totally different mindset in this regard and a lighter wallet! Totally enjoyed watching you two walking along this LDP and look forwards to the other vids to come. It was really pertinent to hear about Karl's injury and the manner in which he is coping with life as a result. Cannot wait to catch up again Nick.

[@stuartwarner6719]

Many congratulations to both. Looks like the weather was perfect on that first day. You clearly had that Day 1 pleasure just to be out there and are still fresh physically and well slept. I'm expecting a bit more of a collective grimace from you guys in the next video as you cope mentally and physically with day 2. Day 2 of a hike is always the worst because you have not yet built up to full hiking strength and yet you are carrying the heavy sore tiered muscles from day 1. By day 3, things become more routine and you can just enjoy the pleasure of the hike. You guys clearly enjoy each other's company and will help each other through the tough sections. Thanks for sharing this - such a lovely video.

[@westflerchinger]

Really enjoyed this first part. Looking forward to the rest. Greatest respect to you both.

[@damioncutler1115]

Yeah! Looking forward to this one!!!

[@stevents1130]

Great Video and respect for getting all those miles in, glad you remembered the 7 Ps of preparation. Thank to you both for sharing your journey. Hope you got to have a cigar and a few 🥃🥃🥃

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

Respect. I have ridden the South Downs and it is undulating a lot. Look forward to seeing this trip completed 💪🏻

[@BosvarkDelra]

Lol You are making videos and your mate is blowing out his arse Brilliant video 👍👍 Hopefully get over this summer to do this challenge

It looks more realistic than lots of other 'hiking adventures' videos on KZbin ;) Thx for these more human side :)

[@stevepratley]

Crack on Lofty! Seriously though mate, hoofin effort, going to be following the rest of the yomp with interest.

[@Tykepaints]

Well done to both on what looked like a strong start. 👍🏻

[@woods_wanderer]

I tried the nijmegen March once in the past. Made it to km 90 ish my feet were toast. Good video. Keep it up.

[@oldbaldguy6151]

I did my first real hike when I was 49 ( I also have Cystic Fibrosis and was 95hgs ) 48k in 2 days on the Imber Range perimeter path around Salisbury plain Plus 18kgs pack. So come on guys, up the pace KIDDING😂...Seriously it was bloody hard for me but I'm glad I did it!! 55 now and would love to do it again (Maybe 😂) Well done guys!! 👍👍

[@delmurray1642]

This is putting me in the mood to get my arse in gear and get out and about. Cheers for another good vid 👍

[@davidj7650]

Really like your videos Nick and respect to you both for doing this very challenging trek. I did SDW in a day on my bike when younger - what you’re doing looks far harder. When is did it I was surprised how good the water stops were. Look forward to seeing your TT bag review

[@vishwaanashuyanandabhaktim3647]

It's lovely to experience the trip with you....I would go as far to say... Can you do more!!!... BUT, its your body not mine and hats off to you both for having a crack at it. Best of luck with the trip💪💪🙏🙏

[@h.bsfaithfulservant4136]

Thanks Nick… incredible and humbling 🙏

[@andrewnash6121]

I just started watching this and can't finish watching it right now but it looks like fun so far. I will watch the rest as soon as I get some time. Cheers! 🍻

[@andrewnash6121]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 They sell these things called "grails" that are made by a company named "Grail". I think it is a bit of a joke to the holy grail but I am not sure. Anyways, they allow you to filter water on demand so you don't need to carry as much water with you. Be sure to read the instructions though to make sure the filter stays good and you filter the water properly so you don't get sick. I have personally used these to drink straight from a lake and not get sick. Also, the filters cannot freeze so make sure if it is cold that you keep them inside your parka or winter jacket. When sleeping if below freezing they need to stay inside your sleeping bag or under your blanket with you. Cheers! 🍻

[@stephenszalay]

Superb. I keep telling people the first 200m of the SDW is the most difficult for nav. Soooooo easy to miss the sneaky left turn and follow the river path.

[@jakeymadball]

Another great video, thanks! Looking forward to the next installment and another burst of motivation to get back out there on the trail.

[@arthurwestcott5437]

Another great video, Royal! Well done. Keep them coming. Especially enjoyed the very genuine and unforced way you both spoke about the (lowlights) of service. I spent some time in the same place Karl did. Just a few years before he was there. Rough place. But the sunsets were nice.

[@arthurwestcott5437]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 9...so with Big Jim and the 'Colonel'? Small world. Really enjoying your videos - and especially pleased for you that you've found your place in a way that's also helped mend you. Take care mate.

[@heyjoeaitken]

Great. Although from th e north... What hills? The flat trig made me smile. Great stuff as always.

[@simonridley9333]

really liked that Nick ,eagerly awaiting the next one your oppos bergen looks insane if any can do it a Booty a will atb S

[@thevideoark]

I salute you both.

[@richbuilds_com]

I've slowly (over the last 5 years or so) been moving towards ultralight. There's no skill. You just need deep pockets :( but there are some bargains to be had. There's a lot of crossover between ul and bushcraft: knowledge weighs nothing. I can offer tips on what to cut weight on. Nothing wrong with your army mentality but it can be overkill on long hikes :) Loving this series already! Happy trails.

[@richbuilds_com]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 gotta be sensible about ul in the UK too. We are far wetter than the us. Their ul setups don't work for a week of rain. We also are never truly remote in UK.

[@stephenmundane]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 As others have said, respect to you and Karl. I carried my share of weight as a young man in the RAF Regiment fighting the cold war (luckily) but now look to carry only what I really need on the trails, mainly because I'm now old and broken! Some great tips here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i6K2fXqDrp5le68

[@funkygreendog1]

Love the map 🗺

[@geanhitchcock1170]

will we be seeing more of carl/karl ?. he seems to be a good insite into life.

[@fistsmcnasty]

Great vid, looking forward to the next!