Get Ready + Come Hike With Me 🥾 21KM Solo Hike in Kent

[@BlindGirlVlogs]

Oh my goodness, I would have given my left arm to go hiking. I’m always looking for willing participants but nobody likes walking for as long as I do. I’m totally blind, but love being out in nature, walking, hiking, all of those fun things. But well done for going out there and doing it. You are fabulous. I did do a 36 mile walk from Stevenage in Hertfordshire to the London Eye to raise money for Guide Dogs and that was epic but awesome. I did it with my husband, and we are both blind so the challenges we faced were fun. We did get lost thanks to Google maps and we did end up walking through a field and getting completely disorientated and chased by a load of cows but that’s the fun of it. Now I’m going to go and watch the rest of your video. Hope you are keeping safe and well and that plans are coming on for Pakistan in September. XX

[@BackpackingBananas]

Woooahhh 36 miles!! 😍😍 that is an insane achievement! I bet your legs were absolutely killing at the end of that 😅 and so dang impressive that you do it blind as well, I can’t even comprehend the level of skill that requires! You go girl 😍🥳🥳

[@BlindGirlVlogs]

@@BackpackingBananas yay, oh my goodness, so excited that I have a comment from you as you give me so much motivation, determination and inspiration to just go out and do things that test endurance and confidence. In terms of 36 miles and my legs, oh yes, it was painful. The last few steps I climbed just by the river Thames was agony. I then sat on the floor and smiled as I achieved it and what a sense of achievement it was. Lol. We didn’t obviously walk 36 miles with our Guide Dogs, we walked it with the white sticks of evil. To be honest it was intense but so fun. Laughter, tears and pain but it was worth it because I’ve almost raised £5000 to name a Guide dog puppy after my best friend who sadly lost his life in a car accident back in 2011. Thank you for your comment and lovely words. X

[@bayleeniehaus7554]

Yay for trying new things and getting out of our comfort zones! 💛

[@BackpackingBananas]

Best way to progress in life 🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@BlindGirlVlogs]

@@BackpackingBananas I totally agree with you. There are so many things we can do to increase our confidence and independence. Through trying things and going for it, anything is possible. Love your personality and your videos. They are so inspiring. X

[@BlindGirlVlogs]

I totally agree with that. Smile. X

[@organic-artistic]

I needed this SOLO content! I'm in Mexico solo and sometimes it gets so hard to do things alone. This was inspiring to see that it sometimes it's challenging to you as well, going for it anyway! Very smart to print out the directions! Also I love seeing this cute village and part of the world, so pretty!

[@elena_a-2023]

Such a beautiful hike! You have some good stamina Christianne! Printing the directions was a great idea. Stopping at the pub to eat and rest was also good. Thanks for sharing your adventures with us!

[@everydaysaschool-day7517]

Ooh those Trek white chocolate and raspberry look amazing! Haven't seen those where I live...

[@elderscr0lls]

Printing the directions out was such a good idea! I highly recommend getting a portable charger for your phone if you don't already have one. I got one off amazon for about £20 and it holds 4 charges so I always take it on hikes with me and feel a lot better knowing it's unlikely I'll run out of charge!

[@BackpackingBananas]

Stupidly I do have one but just couldn’t find it before the hike 😂😂🤦🏻‍♀️ might be time to invest in a new one haha

[@joiab11]

I am so inspired by this video! Your health journey has really gotten me motivated. Thank you!

[@TheWildNative]

LOVED this walk and that it was in Kent which is where I love to walk. Great effort, you didn't look too tired by the end. I solo walk all the time, you just have to get on with it and get out there!

[@clairekuhlman1078]

As an American, this blog was visually the most English thing I have ever seen

[@NickandRachel]

Sweet hike! Thanks for sharing

[@izzyregonini3585]

I loved this video! Seems like such a simple thing but I'm inspired now to go for a long walk near my house!

[@BackpackingBananas]

Woohoo 🥳 it’s worth it!

[@teylorjohnson5429]

Such a fun video! As a person who's been wearing contacts since I was 10 yrs old, I'd recommend using contact solution when putting in the contacts! You could be feeling them because they get dry throughout the day.

[@BackpackingBananas]

Okay thanks! I’ll take all the tips 😅

[@susie2251]

Yes , definitely. Put a little solution on the lens when it’s on your finger before putting the lens in your eye.

[@Samsterps]

I'm sure you already know about it but the Capital Ring Walk is a great option for a city hike. 126km in total but you can obviously just pick 2-3 sections, and depending on which you choose, you get a great mix of nature and city fun. It's amazing how quickly you go from being on the tube to being a nature reserve or country park, but then equally it's nice and easy to find plenty of cracking pub/bar/restaurants on the way as well.

[@sophiekfnx]

I've been wearing contacts since I was 13 (24 now) and honestly spending that bit much extra on a good comfy pair REALLY makes a difference if you're gonna be wearing them often! I use Vision Express as they have more brands of contacts there for trial, and the best ones ive found are Eyexpert Pure dailies!

[@lifeguard2564]

Always welcome to get in touch and we could hike some Lake District trails sometime.

[@shazzac]

If you keep feeling there is something in your eyes when you are wearing them, it means that there is some particle on it or there is a tear or just not suited for your eye. I'd recommend acuvue though they aren't the cheapest but of the best quality.

[@BackpackingBananas]

I’ve heard some other speak about acuvue - I may have to try them out!

[@robynandgraham]

Can you please do an update video on the planning for your upcoming trip! I would love to see the planning behind it :)

[@Jezqi83]

I've said before but I love your star necklace ❤

[@Harpreet-ge4nq]

When are you coming back New Zealand?

[@andreafederico4832]

Oh hello, you came to my school a month ago and talked about your job.Anyways great explaining and have a great day!

[@BackpackingBananas]

Hello! Thanks for watching Andrea 🥰 and you, hope you have a great day!

[@seannas-world]

Looks like a lovely walk! I’ll be checking that one out.

[@BackpackingBananas]

Deffo recommend it! Fancy free walks never fails me for beautiful walks 😍

[@kathrynparvu9719]

Greetings, looks like a super hike. Just a few tips and maybe you already know. Do you have a power bank to charge your phone and camera? I really love Anker, used it in Italy recently. It lasted. Do you have a small med kit. Even a day hike can turn disastrous. A light weight space blanket, (can be used as a tarp, the silver reflection could get someones attention) imodium, pain relief, a few bandages. Some bring a bandana can be used as a sling, a wrap for dressing a wound. Small lighter. The snacks were a great addition. 👍 one last tip. Your map pages, do you have a home laminating machine? It will make the pages heavier, but sweat, rain or a fall in a creek will prevent loosing any words on the page. Look forward to your future endeavors. 😃

[@BackpackingBananas]

Some great tips for hikes further into the wilderness!! I do have a portable charger somewhere in the house but couldn’t find it 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️ perhaps i need to invest in a new one 😅 med kit deffo would’ve been smart! Though deffo was 0 risk of falling in a creek on this hike. There is only so far into the wilderness we can go in this part of the UK lol

[@JoinMyTrip.]

Thanks for taking us along on your solo adventure. The views were amazing and love that positive energy. ⛰️🎒🌄💓

[@Jezqi83]

If I lived in England I would most definitely go on a hike with you! If you ever find yourself in Boston I will go on hike with you :)

[@สุทธิศักดิ์มธุรพงศากุล]

Beautiful town 😊👍

[@Hbeth]

In the U.S.A, the D.A.V. means "Disabled American Veterans", but from the context of the way you used it in your conversation, it must mean something completely different in the U.K. Would your hiking trousers have protected you from those thorny bushes at the beginning of your hike? I want to build up my physical fitness and eventually do hiking as well. I learned so much good information from this video! A while back I ordered your towels. I absolutely love the towel!! I have it in both the fuchsia and the white. I actually bought additional towels and have gifted them to family members. I have every color of your winter hat. I have the across body small bag and have also gifted them to family members. You have been invaluable to me in finding items to give as gifts!! You are like my own personal boutique!!!

[@WhenAdventureKnox]

I think it was when she said D of E (and showed some teens walking?) If so, it's short for Duke of Edinburgh and it's an award secondary school students can work towards that involves volunteer work, map navigation skills, hiking, camping etc.

[@Hbeth]

@@WhenAdventureKnox Thank you so much! I do remember that from THE CROWN!! R.I.P. Duke of Edinburgh ♡

[@BackpackingBananas]

Correct I said D of E ☺️ indeed RIP duke of Edinburgh 🙏🏼 Yess I deffo think the trousers would have been better for this hike! - typical that I didn’t wear them 🤦🏻‍♀️😅 Omg thank you so much for the support ❤️❤️ I’m so glad you love the products xxx

[@Hbeth]

@@BackpackingBananas I am going to make sure to do all of my Christmas Gifts 2021, Shopping as well from your Merch, Christianne! Expect more orders from me later on this year!!

[@tammycat959]

Loving the hiking video, I love hiking the south downs, maybe one day we will cross paths on one of your hikes xx

[@halibrewer6050]

You should invest in a water bladder if you are planning on more long hikes! It sits in your back pack and there is a tube that sits on your shoulder and you drink out it. Super convenient and holds lots of water, and it much lighter weight then metal bottles.

[@BackpackingBananas]

I have one somewhere! Really need to dig it out for when I’m gonna be doing the longer hikes 😅

[@gibo6499]

If you want a more remote walk, have a look at the berwyn mountains in north Wales :-) Feels really remote and wild, plus there’s a massive water fall called Pistyll Rhaeadr.. And of course nice country pubs / inns. I actually ran out of battery up there 👀 Didn’t have a print out 👎 Got lucky and found our way off at 1am and found a pub having a lock in. Not sure what was more worrying, not knowing how to get back or ending up at a remote Welsh pub at 1am 😂

[@BackpackingBananas]

Hahahaha that’s a great story! As if you managed to find a pub open at 1am 😂😂 I’m super keen to do more hikes elsewhere in the country!

[@deniserichter4425]

I really hope you’ll be able to go, fingers crossed x

[@BackpackingBananas]

Me too! 🤞🏼🤞🏼

[@veerkamplaura]

Pleeeease let us know where you got those hiking trousers! :)

[@lillyfisher3986]

What would you say is the rain jacket for extreme weather which need to be packable

[@BackpackingBananas]

I’m not sure what the best one out there is! I’d love to know myself tbh 😅

[@lillyfisher3986]

@@BackpackingBananas Because I am going to Poland in the rainy season and I need s as jacket Maybe you could test the by using a hose Great video btw

[@adeelraiz8172]

God bless you and your family

[@BackpackingBananas]

🥰🥰

[@everydaysaschool-day7517]

Also - I can't believe you didn't laugh at 'The Cock Inn' 😂😂😂

[@jswin97]

Awesome! I just finished your Mexico series (which was amazing) and was wondering what your favourite place was? :)

[@BackpackingBananas]

Puerto Escondido! I also loved San Cristobal de las casas ☺️

[@MillaExplores]

Great video as always! 😍🙌🏼

[@BackpackingBananas]

Thanks Milla ❤️❤️

[@billmccaleb7481]

That was a fun little jaunt! I would have gone on that hike if a few more pubs were on the route! Was it really rainy in the UK? Odd…lol

[@BackpackingBananas]

There was actually 2 or 3 pubs on the route 😅 you would’ve loved it!

[@rgmm8888]

Awesome to see you again. You're looking exceptionally well. I would have hiked with you. You did great!! Looking forward to your next video. 🌺🌼🌺

[@BackpackingBananas]

Aw thanks so much ❤️❤️

[@imagiro1234]

Great video, this will sound really random but you look a lot like lorde

[@zonacamphike2904]

Really cool trek! Great video!

[@amy-goodchild]

Love your videos, you have such a nice vibe in front of the camera! I'm just wondering if you use some kind of selfie stick or gorilla pod to hold your camera when you are filming yourself walking and talking, or do you just hold the camera in your hand?

[@mojganandalex4230]

Great video!

[@BackpackingBananas]

Thank you ☺️

[@NickandRachel]

Beautiful place!

[@BackpackingBananas]

Glad I had the opportunity to explore 🥰

[@NickandRachel]

@@BackpackingBananas for sure! We really enjoy the outdoors and filming our experience is also.

[@rachelc4880]

Wow that was loooovely! 😍😍😍

[@BackpackingBananas]

❤️❤️❤️

[@kxolsen]

Friend....you need you a portable battery charger ;) Not that printing it out was bad but you travel so much I am kind of surprised you don't have one! Also omg I want to go hiking in England!

[@BackpackingBananas]

I do have one 😅 it just wasn’t charged up for this trip unfortunately

[@JRYansonFernandez]

Lets hike together 😍

[@aaronbonogofsky4463]

The contact struggle.....having my own I felt that. Lol

[@BackpackingBananas]

Haha the struggle was real

[@andres-latinveganfood4340]

Hello, I would like to find out, when you switched cameras you also switched microphones? what microphone do you use for your camera and Specially what microphone you use in your go pro? Thank you!!!! Me encantan tus videos parcera!

[@martinbutcher37]

Excellent video. Liked the before/after hair shots, you did look a little weather beaten. All this technology has changed the way you can approach things, I still often use my ruler to measure how far I have walked, not having a smartphone or watch. How long until Pakistan?

[@BackpackingBananas]

I can’t tell if you’re being sarcastic about the ruler to measure your walks?! 😅 how would that work?? 2 months to Pakistan!

[@martinbutcher37]

@@BackpackingBananasNo, not being sarcastic. Using a ruler on the OS maps to measure distance. Not that accurate of course. Lots of small distances to write down (for bends in the road, etc) then add up at the end. So home to train station is 1.9 miles, by ruler. Impressive that the walk instructions tells you that you may need to carry your dog over a stile.

[@dannisaurusrexx]

Random question - where are your earings from? They're the perfect size silver hoop!

[@walterwhite3143]

Have you done the 3 peaks? Would highly recommend

[@BackpackingBananas]

Not yet but I’m doing a version of it in August!! (Completing in 3 days as opposed to 24 hours)

[@BlindGirlVlogs]

Oh my goodness, now that’s a challenge I would love to do.

[@laurakramer8899]

Haha overpacking of snacks 😊 I like solo hikes sometimes, anyways it’s better than not doing it!

[@BackpackingBananas]

I can’t think of many things worse than under packing on snacks 😅😅

[@arnoldosorio5319]

Hello Christy good video!

[@BackpackingBananas]

Hello Arnold! Thank you ☺️

[@charliejowitt98]

I live in Epsom so I think I'm gonna give this hike a try! Thx for another great video :)

[@BackpackingBananas]

Woohoo 🥳 pleasure ❤️

[@diegoschwartz3519]

Do you have any recommendations for a midsize back pack? I'm thinking for a week long trip? Love your vids!!!

[@eyaa.3507]

Hey Christianne, what would you reccomd for traveling, Osprey Fairview 40, or Eagle Creek Global Companion 40? I saw you had both so I wanted to know what you think.

[@BackpackingBananas]

I’ve never had the Osprey Fairview but I chose the eagle creek global companion because it had way more features ☺️

[@seandesmond5560]

Wel done on the hike wonderful Christie!!! ❤💪👸

[@BackpackingBananas]

Thanks Sean! I’m glad I went ☺️

[@seandesmond5560]

@@BackpackingBananas Great preparation for Pakistan!

[@garryturner440]

Well done !!!

[@BackpackingBananas]

Thanks ☺️☺️

[@lana.9073]

Beautiful UK 💛 I was wondering how you liked the TREK bars? I love CLIF bars and think that they are by far the best ones out there. But I believe they are only available in Hiking/Trekking stores.

[@BackpackingBananas]

Oohh I’ll have to try CLIF bars if I see them! I thought the TREK bars were alright - nothing special! I preferred the white chic raspberry one to the chocolate oats.

[@lana.9073]

@@BackpackingBananas In this case, if I could suggest one, it would be the Clif Bar White Chocolate Macadamia. Although they are all really scrumptious.

[@brahimkamel8327]

Greeting from morrocco country

[@BackpackingBananas]

Greetings!

[@bethmeredith]

Well Done!👏

[@BackpackingBananas]

Thanks 🥰

[@kirstypope9988]

Random question, but have you thought about laser eye surgery. It’s not as scary as it seems but its life changing (well it was for me as I had a very strong prescription before). Maybe worth thinking about :)

[@wong7584]

so cute and funny

[@mangosgomexico6343]

We got my daughter the medium contacts ones. She’s new to them . Was wondering about the cheep ones. Beautiful scenery but girl bring some self protection. What ever is legal in your country. Not sure if pepper spray or something is.

[@BackpackingBananas]

I’m trying the medium ones next! Hopefully they will be better for me 🤞🏼🤞🏼 Deffo don’t need protection in this part of the country during the day but if I was out at night in the city, I might bring some kind of protection!

[@Svenywhere]

No better way to get in peace by doing a great nature hike by yourself.

[@tian5910]

Wish I could find a friend willing to hike with me since I’m not brave enough to go alone.

[@sootyspark7281]

@tian if you’re around the Croydon area, I’d be happy to meet up for a walk as I’m on my own too

[@andrewbrockman8538]

Those trek bars are so expensive and so disappointing!

[@BackpackingBananas]

I quite liked the white choc raspberry one but wasn’t thrilled with the chocolate oat one!

[@andrewbrockman8538]

@@BackpackingBananas ah, useful to know because we had only tried the chocolate one!

[@gabmolinamma2186]

If you still want to learn español and te gusta andar...ven al camino de Santiago! Yo lo estoy haciendo y es top top top top

[@savoy6]

Do British people think Americans have an accent?

[@BackpackingBananas]

Of course. We all have accents. I speak English with a southern British accent. You speak English with an American accent 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@fu6461]

WAB

[@gamalchamac867]

And the boyfriend? He could have join!

[@jf6395]

Its only 12 miles, that's nothing especially at such low elevation