Ex Royal Marine Micro Adventure | Going INTO THE CAVE

[@leftoutjonny]

Nothing beats the beautiful colours and secrets of British woodlands!

[@Megan-ii4gf]

Man I swear, the most underrated channel on youtube. I cannot believe this hasn't gotten a thousand times the views, it really deserves it.

[@mattkiehne1954]

Well said sir. Looking after your mental health is so important

[@hArtyTruffle]

I might be able to help you with as to why Beech shed their branches like that… I was taught that their cambium layer (that green, life giving layer under the bark) is particularly close to the surface in Beech trees, making them susceptible to injury, but more relevant to branch shedding, sensitive to light. Beech trees that grow in woods need less protection from light because it’s way more shady in woodland, so they shed those unnecessary branches. I could be wrong ofcourse, but that’s what I was taught. Right, back to your vid 👍🏼 Edit: Ha, love that Burdock hat!

[@robthompson1399]

Beech trees don't drop limbs at random. Cedars do. The beech tree you looked at had rot in the centre of the fallen section. It is most likely a fungal attack that will take the tree from the inside out (over a very long time). However, it is still good advice to encourage people not to camp under trees, as the signs of problems in trees can be hard to spot. Even once a problem is suspected, there are tests to carry out that go well beyond visual tree inspection. Great video, stay safe 👍

[@SimpleEarthSelfReliance]

Second time I watched this one, and I somehow missed that James is a countryman of mine. Yay. Thanks for making these sorts of videos filled with advice and adventure. I didn't know about the Beech tree dangers, that is really creepy.

[@simoncrowther6450]

I enjoyed this video. I'm a Brit that has been living in New Zealand for the last twenty years and I'm very lucky that I have endless opportunities to wild camp and hunt. I haven't even been back to Britain for thirteen years but when I see pictures and videos of the English countryside it really tugs at my heartstrings. Somehow the English countryside always look so unmistakably English; I'll get back one day when this Covid stuff is over. Wouldn't mind a proper pint either!

[@Nyctophora]

You're absolutely right about mental health - thank you for saying so.

[@cheguevara5940]

The Dog enjoys the trip with his buddies 👍🏻! What a beautiful excursion guys! 13:45 min the dog made the right decision 😂, jump in the little pool and cool a little bit off!

[@SatsumaTengu14]

Cheers from British Columbia 🇨🇦. Great fun, thanks for sharing, it amazes me how much your part of England looks like Vancouver Island here. Keep up the great work!

[@greetb9330]

Absolutely love this post on many levels. Great to see our history being explored (and remembered), ingenuity is one of lifes constants across generations, it's always exciting to go into a cave, obviously a deeply imprinted memory from our ancestors, woodland is about as zen as it is possible to be, a happy dog, and a brew with your mate, top job. Thanks for sharing, thank you for sharing with kindness. Good luck all.

[@QuantumMechanic_88]

Interesting info about Beech trees . They are the UKs' version of what we call a widow maker in the Rocky Mountains . The last time I went to a bushcraft event in the UK was in 2013 - Kent and in the area of Stonehenge . Thanks for the links for the torch with the flip up red lens which is way cool . Say howdy to your buddy who is a cool guy and please give that wonderful dog a hug for me . All the best from New Mexico . Lefty

[@Wayneawebb]

I attended my First Bushcraft weekend near Stonehenge back in 2019, then as I was about to book my 2020 weekend, the Pandemic kicked in & the weekend has been postponed since :(

[@QuantumMechanic_88]

@@Wayneawebb I bet that event was the same place where I was , but I can't remember the name of the farm and area . It was about a 20 minute drive from Stonehenge . All the best to you .

[@benjefferies7123]

Eucalypts are notorious for this in Oz.

[@elmarobberts5128]

Hi James. Good to hear the Saffer accent. Greetings from Namibia.

[@Veldskoen9000]

Howsit man, sorry for the late reply, actually from Zim

[@mrwisefluffer]

Not just beech, oak and elm suffer from branch drop fairly commonly . It always happens after heavy rain-then sun heat- then rain and heat again. Most common in afternoon when suns at it hottest. We believe it has a lot to do with excess weight of water uptake then loss causing peak loading and reversing fairly fast.

[@hArtyTruffle]

Oh brilliant! I remember wanting you to go into the cave. Gonna pause and make a cuppa 👍🏼

[@tedsemonis7905]

Glad to see you didn't go alone, any cave can be a death trap. Lived in Pennsylvania for a while and had lots of mines. People would go in and not come out.

[@thehatefulkate]

What a lovely video! Glad I found your channel. Makes me homesick for the South West UK though!! But I found your final speech really touching 🙏

[@89whitelightning]

I grew up in a city and about 12 years ago I moved out to the country side I made an amazing friend who had been into bushcraft and camping his whole life, he soon had me into the swing of things and now I feel completely confident out in the wild and we meet up a few times a year to site around a fire and talk absolute rubbish, I can’t stress enough how good it is for your mental health. Keep making fantastic videos I’m new but I already love your channel, I like that you’re not over the top and quite relaxing to watch as well as being an absolute mine of knowledge. thank you for your work it’s helpful in dark times.

[@sh4dowchas3r]

We had a somewhere we thiought around 200-250 year old beech the original bit of the house was Georgian, which was probably twice the size of the one at 2:50 ish at the base it was huge, in our garden and one winter night it snapped off at the base in a storm. The whole of the inside was rotten. Prior to that it looked fine and we'd never have suspected it was that bad. Luckily the wind was a westerly and the house was to the west of the tree otherwise it would have taken out the whole place.

[@Charlie-sr6dv]

That was fun. Shows you can find adventure anywhere if you look. I think I'll give that a go! 🙂

[@mikeshaw201118]

Hi there, just recently found your channel and I wish I had found it sooner. I totally echo your comments on getting out and about and maintaining not only your physical health but your mental health too. I spent 14 months at home on my own shielding and getting back into the big bad world was hard man, really hard, but it was worth it. So thank you for being an inspiration !!! And as an answer to your question ? 2018 was the last time I sat around a camp fire, and that was in my special place when we did a camp over at Stickle Tarn in the Lake District.

[@cjssurf]

have you seen the descent you'll never set foot in cave again! Last camp fire was two weeks ago for a old friend's 80th birthday come surf safari and he still surfs. Seven of us circled the campers strung up a tarp, used a fire pit so as not to leave a mess. There may have been beer disco balls guitars and tall tails. Thanks for the tip about the beach tree I didn't know about it

[@Hiltonteam76]

Love your channel mate! Deco one of my new favourites of the UK outdoors types. Thanks 👍👍💪

[@darrensach5481]

Really enjoyed this video Nick. Always very informative and interesting. I especially thought you looked great in your hat 👒😉😀

[@daz6637]

Sat by a campfire last week mate, Im not sure if you’ll know the area😃😉.....Great vid Nick, all the best Daz🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿👍🏻

[@ajdooom]

Great tips about the beech trees. I must be more wary of them. Just the other night I was camping in the glen and a little annoyed that the floor was littered with beech shells making it uncomfortable to sleep on, when I should have been more concerned with what was above!

[@Venza12G]

I discovered this channel about a week ago.. my only criticism is that I have watched everything! This guy has some seriously great and addictive content! I only wish there was more cos I can’t get enough of these videos! If I can get away without the Mrs knowing I’ll be ordering one of the knives off his website too! Also now planning to do offa’s dyke walk with some wild camping from these videos! Keep up the great work!

[@SamUploads420]

Love the channel. Learnt so much already from water to tarps and knots. Thanks.

[@cameronlewington3005]

Haven’t been about Nick very much, hope you Louise and the Fin are ok! Still looking forward to a visit on ww programme… best Cam👍🏻

[@simonpackham5780]

As ever, loving your laid back videos. Not sure how your friend kept a straight face with that hat …

[@lawrencee9655]

We ‘voted’ for “The Cave” and voilà. We’re there any signs of tallow burn marks up near the back of it? Just one sign it could have previously been mined. Last time I was out: couple of days back. Built a fire with birch bark, kindling, fire stick & had a brew while watching the sun go down over a lake here in NY state. Left a few hours later with LNT. Always entertaining and educational Nick. Great to meet James, too.

[@robman247]

Nice show and tell there Nick and hello 👋 been waiting for this 🎥 I think the last time I saw your other video it was raining 🌧 here or it was to hot and dry to make a fire 🔥 now there’s to many 🦟 it rained here like for a week on and off 🌧 can’t catch a break here if it wasn’t for 🦠I would not have been watching KZbin and and drinking coffee ☕️ 😂 may have never ran into your channel a little good think came out of this 🦠right!? Kept my mind off of things but learned some top tips here keep up the good work 😂👏👍👌✌️🇺🇸

[@Wayneawebb]

Great Video as always. @16:07 WTH was that sound? It sounded like a Big cat. Just as you placed the Boiled water canteen on the ground. Thank you Both for your service.

[@Wayneawebb]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 I am in WILTSHIRE Just a tad away from you & have heard about the sightings of Big cats around us. I was actually young when the Laws changed about keeping big cats. Maybe one day I'll be able to come join one of your courses & maybe investigate more of that Big Cat sound I heard. You may remember me saying I recently bought an ALL TERRAIN WHEELCHAIR that due to the pandemic I haven't been able to test it out off road yet.

[@ScoOutDoors]

Another brilliant informative video please keep it going 👍what I have definitely noticed the more your out in the woods the more relaxed and mellow you become definitely a stress melting way of life for all to enjoy

[@mungo75]

Sweet! Thanks Nick, James… and Tilly!

[@fl686]

The cave!!😄 Thanks 👍🏻👍🏻

[@saucymoon7134]

please take me with you. these spots you choose to explore are always nice

[@maryhairy1]

Awww! I hoping to see your version of your hammock!

[@bathcolin]

Nowt like a good explore around the Mendips eh? Hope you've been to Aveline's Hole by Burrington Combe too? Good heads up re the Beech trees.

[@garyneville1141]

I have to say my favourite video so far. Just brilliant!! The right mix of humour and knowledge and breathtaking woodland. Sir you are a born presenter and I see TV offers coming your way.

[@shkvorrel9660]

This Saturday, out of Glenmalure (Wicklow, Ireland), up to Table Mountain, Conavalla and back down. Practiced making fire with wet wood - extremely useful skill. Nothing's better than a sausage roasted over open fire.

[@davidgreally4347]

Nick, your last few comments hit the nail on the head !! Get out and enjoy this beautiful natural world. Learn at your leisure and try your best... Keep up the great work and informative vids . Love it 👌👌👍👍

[@jennifervandreven2702]

I watched one of your videos because my son is doing a school camp using one of the DD tarps, so I wanted to know what they are. Now I'm watching more of your videos. This one was very lovely. I like your reflections on mental health. We go camping as a family, but after every day busyness it's an art form to slow down and enjoy nature and also not feel guilty about not doing much.

[@BosvarkDelra]

Lekker man glad to see you have a buddy from SA steer groete!

[@bobhead6243]

Hi guys , and Tilly moo bear ? great video well enjoyed , ps as the Americans say , thank you guys for your Service , Be Well my friends .

[@denisethompson3073]

Its called limb drop, its caused by the tree driving fluid up into the canopy to feed its self and its just the weight of fluid!! Horse chest nuts are bad for it aswell, crackin films/videos all the best Dean 👍 p.s sorry if my spelling is crap!!😂😂

[@denisethompson3073]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 I've normally found it happens on days that have just become really still and a lot warmer, don't know if thats a big game changer, once had it happen 2 me when I was working on a tree next2 a big Beech, a little bit of wee came out!!😂😂

[@N1611n]

What a beautiful bluebell wood.

[@neanderthaloutdoors9202]

Nice little bimble in a lovely area Nick, I noticed at the beginning your mate is still checking his six, old habits don't go away. There's an interesting but a little bit iffy cave systems in the hill's of Monkton Farley just outside Bath overlooking the A36 to Warminster road, man made mainly back in the Victorian day's, not the old ammo storage facility cave system.

[@blinkventure6497]

I would guess, that the high water content of beech trees, causes heavy limbs and would contribute to the way they break suddenly

[@Mat-kr1nf]

I wouldn’t have let my dog go first, being an ex pot holer, I’m very aware of sudden drops, holes in the ground etc. Mines can be even more dodgy, some can have what looks like solid, rock strewn floor, which in reality, can be a rotten wooden platform covering a multi hundred foot shaft. One should always do ones research first, and always, always let someone know where you’re going, and what time you are due back. Never, never forget to let said person know you are back!!! You’re welcome!😁

[@themindsetpeacock7172]

OUTSTANDING once again!!!

[@forcesfarming8511]

“I should have marked this on a map...” Mate, what3words is the answer for this one! Great video too! Happy Tilly!

[@SamUploads420]

An interesting FYI discovered the other day, the emergency services have concerns over what3words as there are many wrong callouts due to human error and mispronounced locations etc

[@joeydr1497]

Have you been up the mast on the ss Great Britain? It’s in a dry dock in Bristol with a whole museum about it. Worth a day out

[@rodmueller1277]

Hello from the US, love your videos!

[@Palmetto705]

I love caves. Thanks.

[@stephenjones853]

Nice 👍 one nick. Forgot I had your channel bro. Perfect stay safe and healthy mate. Bless🙏excellent education aswell mate. Brilliant stuff well earned mate🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇬🇧🌍✌️

[@stephenjones853]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 most welcome mate✌️

[@nickexley2637]

Had a trip out to the woods on Tuesday with my daughters and another trainie forest school leader to practise some skills. Coffee and sausage babs cooked on the campfire helped keep things going.

[@leopardontheprowl]

I've been there! Took Steve and Millie there for a stroll. Millie has been obsessed with stream walking ever since

[@68Bards]

Another good one - many thanks. Not least of all for the Wally Hat! Last around a fire 2 weeks ago but tbh not a full-on boondocker. Out of interest, what is the flask you’re using to heat the water?

[@phuaphua4301]

Very big forest 👌thank for sharing.

[@phuaphua4301]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 Welcome, stay blessings.

[@peteturner3267]

Great and informative like always..explains everything..

[@jeffmccausland3569]

Awesome burdock hat!

[@markholder6851]

I was surprised when you mentioned the Monarchs Way, it passes through the village in Devon that i live in

[@markholder6851]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 yes apparently it is. The path heads east, but from Yeovil it kicks west before turning back east to Sussex i believe

[@GreencampRhodie]

Interesting. Tell James hello from another Rhodie. Being ex-mil did he serve in Rhodesian / SA wars?

[@deandunbar8856]

Thanks alot nick for bringing us along I find exploring and discovering places where maybe you might be the only one to be there in many years Awesome video and I would like to thank both of you for your service keeping us and others save have a Blessed day to you all...🙏🤝

[@devildogsbushcraft7898]

Love the content. Oorah! Marine.

[@miquelbech5580]

New to your channel, but I really enjoy your videos. I would love to see a video of you discussing multi tools and perhaps giving a few suggestions as to what you think are great options. Personally, I wish the Victorinox SwissTool RS was still in production (being a healthcare professional, I value tools for medical assistance over metal files and tons of screwdrivers).

[@fredjustfred605]

Manged to get out this weekend, sat meditating 🧘‍♂️ in my hammock, as a greater spotted woodpecker flew into the tree above me. 👍 😉

[@devildogsbushcraft7898]

LOL, love the bushcraft hat.

[@kevincorby435]

Here in Oz gum trees just drop limbs for no reason. I was told that the tree is stressed due to lack of water. Not sure if that is the reason but you have to watch for them.

[@kevincorby435]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 enjoy your vids, I am from Deal and Dad was RM. Keep up your good works.

[@gezdonaghy2456]

brilliant video, very informative and inspiring, such an important message that even the elite among us need help and support sometimes. thank you Nick

[@webb618]

Thank you

[@carolinegoldsmith9867]

Love this video Looking forward to be taken there one day

[@bonariablackie4047]

How do you establish who owns land, so you can contact them for permission?

[@markwray8143]

November 8-11 on the river, canoeing adventure

[@kronan77]

Great adventure👍

[@Philo68]

The cave that likely housed royalty. Very cool indeed!

[@Philo68]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 Thanks Nick for the history lesson. I was never that interested because you Marines have so much history to enjoy/explore and Para Reg is a relative newborn!

[@boydmitchell1524]

Loving the vids mate 👍 what cargo trousers are those

[@Dingleowl1582]

Another great video 👍

[@marksadventures3889]

Last camp was weeks? Months ago? Last camp fire 🔥 was over a year ago. Wild camping I tend to go full stealth so no fires. I may use my bushbox stove but only rarely, spirit or esbit is more likely.

[@anthonydunne295]

Nice hat, but what about them bluebells?

[@djn1k]

Hi I went into the woods today 7th and made bacon and beans on a fire started with a fero rod and king Alfred's cake

[@kev5046]

YES HELL YEAH THANKS BOSS

[@herbsmith6871]

Very nice 🤠

[@SomeGuy_83]

James a man of few words 🤣

[@EdwinDueck]

I don't do well with caves or tight spaces, or snakes either. just don't like snakes, I have my own reason for that. A long story behind the snake, or should I say in front of it.

[@EdwinDueck]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 that dosen't mean I wont watch it, I might just click away when it gets to narrow for me, lol

[@reiver3419]

Great videos, been following for a while now. What camera do you use to record?

[@reiver3419]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 Thanks!

[@adambacker8178]

outstanding

[@LB-W]

I can’t think of any land owner around the Cotswolds that would allow an open fire in the woods.

[@LB-W]

It looks idillic. Would love to spend the day like that.

[@colleenshaw3481]

Wish I was younger and in better health, I would like a good camping trip

[@simonpackham5780]

This 60yo loves getting out for a little wild camp. Doesn’t need to be the full bushcraft to enjoy the experience. I use a bivvy and a tarp or a tent and just get myself out there. That having been said, the atmosphere and camaraderie of a camp, a proper fire, etc. does sound even better 😊😊😊

[@Wayneawebb]

No excuse. I am 51 & in a wheelchair. Before the Pandemic struck, I was away camping at Bushcraft shows on my own. I have since bought a ALL TERRAIN Wheelchair which helps a lot as NHS Wheels & Offroading isn't easy.

[@colleenshaw3481]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 It is all I can do. Things are tied up in court and have not found another place yet even though I have been out looking often. Knowing I have my gear helps. Not sure where life will go but not giving up. I told my doc if I must I will be the best urban camper I can be. I am still watching the video's to learn how to do things and thinking of ways to adapt. Walking is very hard and energy is down from the 30 min I used to have. You all still give me courage.

[@colleenshaw3481]

I like the reference to the history of the use of the caves. Many people survived in different ways. We are not the first or the last to need this information you give, so thanks for putting it out there. I still encourage people when I learn new things to work around the handicaps, so it is just not me you help. I pass on all good info.

[@devildogsbushcraft7898]

Here in the USA, us Marines have a saying. Once a Marine always a Marine. I suspect it's the same in the UK. So, I take issue with the title "Ex Royal Marine Micro Adventure. MHO. 😆

[@squadcast7456]

Haha is that big James from the rifles??

[@squadcast7456]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 yeah we spoke 4 days ago about him being a youtube sensation 🤣👍🙏🙏

[@squadcast7456]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 I will be watching🙏👍

[@louiehuckle1177]

Hi from France

[@louiehuckle1177]

Love the channel you deserve so many more subscribers than you have keep up the great work

[@robertwootton2161]

Is it cheating if I get a coffee in the petrol station and put it in a flask to take with me?

[@grimlightwildoutdoors]

I thought Blue Bells are protected ? So how come you camped out in a Blue Bell meadow ?

[@grimlightwildoutdoors]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 spot on I mentioned it as have seen a few KZbin channels I follow getting a right hard time about it so the above should shut these up if they see this 👍👍👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🏕⛺️❤️

[@lukedorrington7455]

Came for the cave, stayed for the hat

[@Elise-bishop]

Hi uncle nick

[@Dextrositylight]

Friday night open fire cooking in Carron Valley Scotland 🍳

[@sdr22630]

And now...for something completely different.

[@poerava]

1 🤙🏾