I walked a 100 miles because I was sad...

South Downs Way, 2022
In June 2022, I hiked the South Downs Way - a trail that stretches 100 miles across a national park in south UK, through farmlands, forests, hills and coastal cliffside! I went in blind, gave myself 5 days to complete it.
5 days. No preparation. 100 miles. Why?
Well I love hiking...but also, mainly, I was going through a rough patch in life and this is how I chose to deal with it. I was tired of feeling BLEH all the time, and I decided to jump into the deep end - to give myself no escape from the thoughts I wanted to suppress, to go from FEELING alone to BEING alone, to walk and wear out and wild camp and wring out my woundedness. I dunno, attaching this mental burden to a physical challenge, and solving them in tandem, surrounded and supported by nature, just seemed more... easy?
Chapters
DAY 1
0:00 Intro to the South Downs Way
0:43 Winchester to Exton
5:22 Charming Exton Lunch & onwards
8:43 The First Trial
9:53 Butser Hill to Buriton
11:20 Setting Up Camp
DAY 2
13:38 The Breaking of the Spirit
15:39 Buriton to Heyshott Down (WET)
17:17 The Breaking of the Mind and Heart
21:35 Cocking Lunch & Graffham Down Reserves
23:10 The Breaking of the Body
25:39 Rami's Rescue & Reconstructive Surgery
DAY 3
28:05 Bus from Steyning to the Seven Sisters
29:41 The Coastal Path Hike
31:15 Reflection 🤍
33:36 Epilogue
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[@deea7176]

Those flowers were Daisy. Usually, Daisy represents new beginnings and hope. Thank you for sharing this wonderful journey; More power to you.

[@sindhuramesh9318]

I don’t think I’ve watched a more wholesome vlog in ages. Thank you, Nikhil. You’ve made me want to do more of things associated with nature and this is coming from a person who is likely to be landlocked at most times in her life because that’s just how it’s always been. More power, love and adventure to you!

[@riddhimadey83]

Firstly, I hope you're doing better now. The fact that you posted this today is some jolly coincidence for me. My greatest desire for the past few weeks has been the urge to run, somewhere far where I could finally take a breath and ponder over life, enjoying the simple, transient moments of happiness. Now, that not being possible did send in a deep surge of nothingness alongside this constant feeling of just not being in my own skin or soul. I really can't thank you enough, but this video is so cathartic. It's almost as if, even for a good 34mins, I could live in and feel what I've been wanting to for long. It's not odd that we're all simultaneously undergoing tumults in life, but owing up to it...and sharing these stories with each other, alleviates things so much. Really looking forward to this hike, if I ever can. Once again, thank you so much for this.

[@avanikonduri8301]

This has quickly become my comfort video. I revisit it every time I feel disconnected from the world. Thank you for this - thank you for the gentle reminder about being good, kind and grateful ❤

[@namrathamj9223]

The way your hello turns to a British ELLOO when you greeting animals made my day!

[@weekswithemma9079]

I'm a recent subscriber, and this video really stuck out to me. Taking time for yourself to process is so important and I don't think it's encouraged enough in society. Love the coincidences with the flowers and the scene of your pressed flowers at the end. I also like to think the universe is watching out for us, and giving us reassurance when we most need it. We just have to keep an eye out and notice them.

[@deepwork]

vincent van gogh vibes with the hat in the grassfields contemplating life

[@keerthanaodapalli1802]

yess! It totally reminded me of the field scenes in 'loving vincent'

[@gibsonms]

I’ve woken up in tears this morning, upset, and with feelings of dispair. This video came up within 30 seconds. I’m going for a walk now. Thank you Nikhil.

[@anandbhat4512]

This comment section is beautiful. Continue doing good and being good! Love you my brother!

[@NITINCHAWLA]

This was such an inspirational video. I probably understand what u went through when u sat down by that trail, and just let things out. I sail ships for a living and i stay at sea, leading a hectic life! On a daily, but there are times, when im by the water on the edge of the ship and the “signs from the world “ that u talked about, do show up. Love that u shot all of this on the gopro!! Its my choice of camera for the kind of life i lead as well. Almost every day that i film at sea is filmed on my gopro as well. Probably one of the best channels in india right now! Thanks for this bro.

[@pragatik3979]

Nikhil, this was such a heartwarming video. Thank you for taking us along this journey in the wilderness and sharing with such sheer honesty. It makes me ponder to reconnect with the child within me. Wishing you the best in this journey within and otherwise :)

[@sheshashankar8304]

A little fact about the South Downs Way: The path that you walked is the exact same one that many ultra runners run through during the annual event. Although considered to be one of the easiest 100 milers mostly due to the flat course for most part of it, people train for this for months on end. And you decided to walk through it without any prior preparation. It goes to show the mental strength that you possess, and the sheer determination to push through some of the hardest times. Congratulations Kini, you are an absolute legend! :) P.S - I tend to watch so many of your older videos, right from the Take 900 days where you made a bunch of comedy sketches, your travel series from Manali and Rajasthan, etc. whenever I'm feeling low. It helps me cope with pressure and relax for a brief minute. To all the new subsribers here, I'd definitely recommend you to check some of the older videos on this channel. Highly underrated!

[@standard0075]

absoultely loved it , one of the most amazing youtube videos i have ever see, its painful to see how little views it has, but honesty even a million won't be good enough for this level of content, youtube isn't good enough for this video man....

[@lucyshah9450]

Thank you for sharing this amazing journey... And opening up...❤ It's so so beautiful

[@projitsen]

Thank you for doing this, Nikhil. I am currently living in a country where there are times that I feel really isolated and thoughts begin to circle. I carry baggage with me which I know will be a part of me for the rest of my life. I can relate to every part of what you're feeling. Endless power to you!

[@atatur123]

I could relate to this comment on every level. I hope you keep the faith and get through this. You've got this!

[@hariharany9195]

This video changed something in me Kini. A strange feeling to keep loving the ones you love and staying close to them. The music was the highlight for me.

[@sanmathshetty]

Thank you for being you Kini 🙌🏻

[@yashaswinidunga6762]

Hope you're feeling better Kini! I've walked in the south downs park near seven sisters and devils dyke and its really beautiful :)

[@pavani7829]

This felt so ...healing. I'm currently going through so much stagnation, due to some annoying health issues and that also means, over the past few months when I tried to runaway to the lakes or seaside to go on hikes, my body didn't really co-operate, so I just kinda thought the well atleast I can cry in beautiful places . Thank you for sharing something so vulnerable and wholesome... what you said is true, it's important to just start and take the wins and not get too zoomed in focussing on the loses. Like your wild flowers appeared when you needed them, saying you're okay... you'll be okay, you're being looked out for. I feel like this vlog was that for me. I've recently been reading When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalinithi, an incredible contemplation on life written beautifully... it's a very famous book so I'm sure you may have read it but If not, perhaps check it out. I hope you're in a better place now and I hope you're becoming the person you want to be.

[@ishaanlol]

I hope you're feeling better buddy, hang in there it gets better

[@ishaanlol]

Damn buddy, i was binge watching your videos and stumbled across this video. Truely amazing video, i hope you feel better and get whatever you aspire to have. Keep killing it macha. Love

[@huntsman9100]

Best video I've seen on KZbin till today , 30 min well spent ... 🎈

[@lynniev]

I came to your channel from food wars because I loved your personality. After watching this, I am profoundly touched by your words and attitude. Thank you for sharing this and I wish you well.

[@nivedithan848]

wow!! wholesome .. cried and laughed with you , thank you!🌼

[@sukanya1683]

Absolutely loved this one! I'm going through a difficult time mentally as I'm leaving to a different country and leaving my family behind. It isn't easy to just take a flight and return in case of any emergency and these thoughts keep me up at night. Through the course of this video, I felt like crying with you and was also happy with you! Thank you for this!

[@riyazalif7685]

such a soothing and relaxing video✨, i cant believe that i just watched a 35 minute vlog without getting bored💯

[@puravtekwani6977]

I feel it. Been going through the same and found comfort in the vlog. For me your vlog has been a sign.. A hope.. Take care

[@pavithrae874]

so beautiful. Yes, 'You've worked hard' :)

[@maxieFanoD]

This was absolutely beautiful kini 💕

[@Saurabhvermawho]

Man going through something like this... the loophole of thought and I literally cried

[@rohitlovesnature]

Going through so many emotions after watching this video. Happy, Sad, Motivated. Brilliant work Kini. Brilliant music, Brilliant execution. On Cinematic perspective great way story telling, editing. Damn this guy is talented.! I will also do this kind of trail one day :)

[@chethanbunny2553]

It's so great of uuu to share ur every emotion damn it's hard to see u cry the man who made me laugh my ass off but before u made me laugh ur a person so even u have fellings and u deserve it No matter what life will pass things will pass and its same for uuu .Ullllll do welll 👍👍👍👍

[@anushmareddy6861]

This is so Wholesome

[@bhavnakhokhar]

Thanks for taking us on this journey with you, Nikhil.

[@kirancg3182]

Hope you find peace Kini 💛 And I hope your knee is better now haha

[@probablytired]

You did it cause you needed it! I watched this cause I needed it too! To meeting you one day on a trail around the world buddy.. take care of yourself! 🐢

[@divyam666]

Man this was so beautiful! It's easy for us to see just the nice upbeat videos and think that's just how your life is 24x7, but it's also important for us to see the melancholic side so we know it's not peachy all the time

[@mandeep1116]

It felt really good watching the video, u represented everyone of us going through some serious shit. Thanks for making this video.

[@nanditapalrecha8741]

Kini, thanks for the lesson! There will always be a Rami or a valley of flowers, which will rejuvenate a wounded self. You've come a long way, literally and figuratively- in creating the beautiful piece of art which is your video and in life. Keep going!

[@shreshthachhabra7146]

This was such a beautiful watch. Thank you for sharing this journey.

[@aditikul95]

Just what I wanted to see on a rough day. ✨

[@aanchalagrahari6229]

I literally teared up watching this....love you man

[@vivekshukla9459]

I watched the whole video, and I really enjoyed it. I’ll definitely cover this trek once in my life. I hope you get through whatever you’re going through. Best of Luck Nikhil.

[@tanishkavyas2252]

Woke up to this vid... Such a lively vibe... Thanks nik ✨🙆‍♀💖

[@vijethajessica9474]

This was refreshingly real. Thank you for putting this up, and I’m glad that cry made you feel much better. 💖

[@likithamp5128]

The Best thing that I have ever came across!

[@kladdha_]

Damn, dude. You got us feeling all these feelings. :) Loved this. Keep going brother.

[@khushisadhanashivalli3221]

The most wholesome video I've ever watched! Hopefully, you're mentally and physically in a better place now :)

[@supriyajayasimha]

Things always turn over! I hope you always remember that. Absolutely dream of a video - so beautiful! ❤️ I hope you are feeling much much better now! Lots of love, always!

[@harshithanarayan6866]

I recently did a trek and can relate to so many things you said :)

[@ayeshashakeel]

Nikhil, this was beautiful. Thank you, so much, for creating this video and sharing something so personal. Again, it was beautiful.

[@aartia5260]

ThIS is by far the best video i hv seen ! so many emotions! not everyone would show the real part of themselves but this was soo heartwarming! i totally relate to the "i know i need to cry but its not happening'' . hope ur better now.. hope i feel better after some time.. hope evryone gets through the tough phases... Lots of love ❤❤

[@sbs416]

Virtual hug kini...❤hope you are in a better place

[@palak9985]

Hello!! From India Love the title

[@gtcdon]

new follower here from the food wars. excellent video and reflections... I too have been travelling solo atleast once a year and its the best time for me then. Good luck with everything :)

[@mukulsingh508]

Lil Kini you are more then what you have imagined about yourself. Just be kind on everything. Cheers!!

[@_jyoti.sharma]

Typing as I watch this gem! I hope you are doing well. Such a heartwarming video. Gives me a chance to reflect upon so many things. ❣️ The view of Seven Sister in this video made it all worth watching. I hope it did for you as well. ♥️♥️ I have been in the UK from last two years and relate with so much you said, the journey just makes so much more sense sometimes than the end point.

[@user-od5uu7ug2r]

This has to be my favorite video of yours, so far. Love the scenic views, track and most importantly, you sharing a part of yourself with us. I'm amazed knowing you've been having a tough couple of weeks and have still managed to upload some really hilarious content. Hope you feel better soon and your youtube channel grows exponentially. May we meet in England someday. Fingers crossed!

[@manoharglm]

Beautiful 🥺 I love your decision to make a single long video over multiple ones

[@deepthilakshminarayan1450]

Hi Nikhil, I was a having a rough day and I happen to click on this video, it was so random but this is exactly what I wanted. It was so thoughtful of you to be so candid and be real about the way you felt throughout. Thankyou for this soul touching video, every second was worth watching. It wasn't just what you said but also every glimpse of the video that you have captured makes it so meaningful and picturesque. I think we all are fighting the same battles in our own way and when you know that someone out there is also going through the same emotions it feels somewhat weirdly safe. Thankyou Nikhil for being vulnerable and thankyou for being you!

[@Oishmortal]

This is what we all felt with you... time and feelings... how wonderfully put and how smoothly have we all related and wanted to cry with you too. Thank you Nikhil for this peaceful journey that all made us stop for a while and reflect 💜🌸

[@suchetachaurasia9704]

Hope it was the catharsis you needed. Love your work, as always. I know I will return to this video when I need it. Take good care yourself, Nikhil❤️

[@adarshsadananda6028]

I really loved your journey in this video. As someone whos going to be leaving the country for studies, I've been having doubts whether I will be able to achieve it or breakdown without the constant presence of my people. But this video helped me believe that whatever goes wrong, you need to keep moving and enjoy the journey along the way. It felt like I was with you during this journey of yours. I'm glad I got to be a part of this. Cheers Kini

[@adarshsadananda6028]

Damn, it's been quite a journey, these 11 months. It was incredibely hard to get used to a new surrounding without the presence of your family and friends. But trust me, I loved the entire journey up until now, I had so many hard days, but eventually, you will start loving to live by yourself while building yourself up. I have done so many thing that I would have never imagined, 11 months ago. It has been a ride and I would never change anything in my journey if I were given a chance. All I would tell anyone doubting themselves when they're on the verge of moving cities/countries is that, if I could do it, you could too. Stay strong and have the best time. I'll come back to this comment a year from now.

[@hannasajujohn8455]

Never have I watched such a therapeutic vlog. It was such a wholesome, emotional journey altogether. I felt it and Hope you're feeling better 😌❤️

[@rahulvshekar727]

This is so beautiful. Thank you for making this.

[@mohamedjameer9]

Made my day!! :D

[@sharanvyrollno1118]

Nikhil you have no idea how calming and soothing this video was…this just calmed my nerves out this trail will def be in my bucket list

[@HeliosRSPS]

This was so beautiful man. Thanks for making this.

[@vinothaelangovan9869]

Love❤️

[@MayankSehgal]

Nikhil... this was such an amazing video to watch. I've seen you, from the sidelines, come so far from the Bangalore days with Take 900 all the way to Son of Abish and Netflix, and now where you're at - I'm so proud to see you come where you have. You're one of the my favourite storytellers of all time, and this video was by far your best work. Thank you for giving us the pleasure to come along with your journey. I hope you're doing better now, physically and mentally both.

[@harikameka6248]

BEAUTIFUL ❤️

[@tryingwithTanya]

Beautiful

[@nidheeshmanipal7659]

Man! Beautiful video!!

[@chednair]

This was so refreshing

[@prasannamuthukumaran3350]

Beautiful video man, so happy to have taken this journey with you. Hope you are doing better! :)

[@Msshivanigupta]

This is beautiful. Made me cry in the good way ✨

[@nehanagaraj1492]

I have nothing to say, I hope you can achieve more than your dreams ! Best wishes!

[@ddunnachie]

Loved this video... ❤

[@keerthanaodapalli1802]

This is beautiful kini!

[@michaelanton7773]

Love the editing here:) very clean

[@raveenarao5451]

Thank you for posting this Nikhil ♥️♥️♥️

[@Manasi_T]

Oh my god i never knew England was so pretty! And Kini such beautiful editing 😍

[@atulkumar04]

Very heartwarming episode and its filled with some stupendous video and editing work! Thank you so much for that! ❤ Really appreciate you being vulnerable in the video, pushing yourself like you did and being grateful for Mother Nature. Kudos brother!

[@adityadas8219]

Idk y but watching this video makes me so happy

[@zeenatahmed598]

Thankyou so much Nikhil for sharing this, it was so so soothing. I hope you are doing okay now .just try and find out 5 minutes of happiness daily in anything trust me it helps

[@apoorvasingh9922]

This is the best thing ever. Really moved something in me, god knows I needed this. We all are being looked after. Thank you Nikhil and congratulations🦄

[@aishwaryamathew7768]

Wholesome video😭

[@monkeyzhub1544]

really inspiring

[@nehaashok9386]

Hope you get to return someday and make the entire trek! Life's hard, and sometimes and all we can do is put one foot in front of the other.

[@Shruti-xj2np]

Loved the vlog. Gorgeous ❤️

[@s.saranya5139]

most beautiful vid ive seen in a while

[@achuthaprakash1064]

Really enjoyed the vlog, bruh ☺️

[@R0711_]

More power to you Kini cheers

[@leebashibu5111]

Hey Nikhil..I was part of the instagram live from the Indian restaurant during your trek and I wondered where is your video about the trek..nice to see this one and must say that it was good 34 mins of self reflection and a sense of accomplishment.i am sure this video will touch every person watching it in some way or the other😊

[@viseshmurali2730]

loved the video, super raw and refreshing. Been a long time subscriber here, love your work!

[@sharan9799]

Felt good/wholesome with all the emotions 😇

[@booksdumbbells]

Keep going ⚡⚡

[@JugalChutney]

brilliant

[@SurajBoddu]

This was so well put together ❤️

[@dhanasekar1029]

Man, you just made my eyes shed tears.

[@MASTER21Yt]

Big Fan 🤩