Winter Backpacking Adventure Across the Scottish Highlands

The first adventure of 2024 started with a bang.
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Filmed & Edited by Liam.

[@irene.22]

What comes through your videos is your gratitude towards the natural world and life itself, even in the challenges. You definitely taught me to do it as well. Just watch this video, smiles all around from you.

[@user-nk6et5zc3i]

It’s so nice to see a young bloke so positive and appreciative of the nature in the British Isles.

[@wazzaboet]

Hey Liam, perhaps a video about your pre planning of your route/adventure. It would be cool to see how you plan your journey. How you select the area you want to hike what gear you select etc. As a new backpacker I find it challenging trying to figure out where to go and want to take, so I’m interested in your process. Love your videos btw 🙌

[@C4sp3r123]

Agree, would be a good supplement video to go along with each adventure for those interested. I always wonder how he gets to and from the hike, especially when an A to B hike rather than A to A hike.

[@rogermellie8068]

All part of the fun and experience learning how to find your own routes. Be the master of your own destiny 😊

[@stefantruscott5717]

I third this! Would love if he could put a link in the description of the routes he takes, where he parks up etc for fellow adventurers to follow in his footsteps!

[@GigliolaValeria]

I disagree, it's all part of the fun/challenge figuring out things yourself. If he puts all the routes, places where he parks, etc, these kind of places will lose their magical quietness and become crowded and probably sadly littered.. look at Snowdon..

[@adamnorton3506]

Cracking video again Liam! Gosh it looked menacing on the top there. Totally agree with the comment about pre video and even a post video, gosh you could make videos about the filming and people would be interested. Smashing!

[@IsabelJones69]

I Admire all the KZbinrs who set up their cameras to get a shot of them moving away from it and then having to got back the way the came to collect it and then going in the direction they want to go again, so they do everything twice. Also, this is the first video of yours that I've watched all the way through.

[@iw9750]

In the words of the great Billy Connolly “Scotland is just unbelievable and there’s nobody here, there’s no bugger here. Miles and miles of nobody.”

[@Ellie-vv5tw]

That’s what I like!

[@louburnett6782]

That deer was definitely a subscriber, couldn’t believe he was seeing you IRL 😂

[@scottalpert3444]

Liam, you are the most positive person I have ever seen. I love your childlike joy - it is infectious. May all your travels continue to bring you joy, because they sure do that to me. Thank you.

[@MrJayParkez]

Love these videos. Been watching you since the van in mid 2020. But one of my favourite parts about your videos was actually your cooking! Especially during the British national parks series when you would cook the local dishes. Please bring back your cooking segments in your videos!

[@markm3436]

Yes along with a can of the local brew.

[@alicewarburton1897]

my thoughts exactly

[@summittaedae2323]

Good luck in 2024 Liam. Hope you enjoy Bonnie Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@smoll.miniatures]

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Forever!

[@ctaaa76]

Looks beautiful. Scotland as a country looks amazing to visit. Hoping I can take my family up there this year to experience you amazing country. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@robertgall92]

This is a fantastic video. "There's no place I'd rather be right now, I'm so content." - hearing this line made me smile.

[@darrenj3267]

Well it seems like a long time since I first found your channel when you were talking about leaving the army, but what is nice is whilst your subscribers have really grown your ego has remained as grounded as it always was,, which is why watching your videos is such a pleasure.

[@edwardcullen3251]

A bothy is a basic shelter, usually left unlocked and available for anyone to use free of charge. It was also a term for basic accommodation, usually for gardeners or other workers on an estate. Bothies are found in remote mountainous areas of Scotland, Northern England, Ulster and Wales. They are particularly common in the Scottish Highlands, but related buildings can be found around the world (for example, in the Nordic countries there are wilderness huts)

[@ranbirsingh7666]

Absolutely 💯, but dangerous being on you own.. I was expecting the White Walkers to turn up and the horn sound 🫣😬.

[@williamwest8324]

That was a joy to watch mate. Thanks for taking us on your journey. I live just an hour down the road so I know it well. This country still blows me away too. Stay safe.

[@ny2phillyholloway592]

This video did not disappoint!! What an adventure. Loved how the sun & blue sky charged you up like a solar light. Much deserved respect Liam so keep going and continued safe adventures!!🦌💙

[@Dil_Moran]

Yet another gorgeous video, you're quickly becoming my favourite channel. Highly appreciate your uploads mate.

[@josh3908]

I spent 6 days in the Cairn Gorms first week of 2022, we had a total whiteout with heavy snow fall and low cloud at around 4000 feet, our visibility was no more than about 20 feet, I almost lost my hiking buddy a couple of times, we scaled steep ice slopes using our crampons and ice axes. We eventually descended around the ski slope but we were in waist deep snow, it was like constantly pulling yourself outta a hole . We also came across the UK's highest pay phone at the ski slope. It was a totally awesome but physically demanding adventure. Yours looked totally amazing too, makes me wanna go back again in the winter.

[@northernswedenstories1028]

Cairngorm. One word

[@FeelGuerre]

That BP station is the place I got my first Irn Bru ever, while hiking in the cairngorms. Vivid memories sprung into my head when seeing it :)

[@djohnson5348]

It was so desolate, nothing I would do, so I'm glad you took us along so we could see what it was like.

[@edmundeverett2938]

Excellent video, Liam. Many thanks for making and sharing it 😊👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@JR90.]

What an adventure, what a place Scotland is!

[@marionb299]

Looking forward to this! Hope you loved Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿. So many beautiful routes to do!

[@8d6qjdoahdu58]

18:11 sweet shots and clean transition damn

[@AccidentalHappiness]

Hi Liam! I love your channel and all the wonderful content. It's so peaceful and relaxing watching you. Safe travels always. My best, Lisa from Ohio, USA

[@JackieH2517]

Great video liam i am Scottish and love my home country and love the way you show it to its best and respect it keep up the great work 👍

[@charliekassyk8357]

Great to see Bob Scott's getting some love, its a cracking wee bothy.

[@lizziedripping71]

Is there a charity we can donate to to support these excellent bothies ?

[@modestadventurers]

@@lizziedripping71bothy association.

[@gwenceroc626]

Snowshoes next time you're in the Highlands Liam. Thank goodness for Bothy's!😂

[@wylancslass]

What a brilliant video! You are such a lovely young (compared to me as in young) man! Thank you so much for sharing. Loved watching your adventure and have shared the link with family.

[@billyblue689]

Fantastic! So many great places in the UK to hike.

[@TheFragranceApprentice]

My favorite video of yours and i freaking LOVE your videos. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@thiskewlchick]

Thanks for taking us along! I recommend sunglasses next time to prevent snow blindness. 🇨🇦

[@weemikeyd]

Simply dynamite mo charra. All your vids have been exceptional but that's your best yet, honestly. It's your enthusiasm for it all that makes it so appealing. Keep following your heart and making the films in your own time

[@colin.d]

I guess the bothies are great when they are not fully occupied!!

[@georgeshort4112]

Cracking video young man. Well done

[@mauricejohnston8454]

Liam,,,absolutely stunning video. The UK can match just about anywhere

[@NikkiEvernight]

Another beautiful adventure, Liam. Scotland is my favourite place to escape to, especially the Highlands. ❤

[@dg4846]

Liam, you are just a real arctic explorer like Ernest Shackleton :) Great job! Been in Cairngorms once, in a summertime, trying to reach the highest peak Ben Macdui. Extremely crazy weather (strong wind and hail) forced me to give up and back safely down. I could not believe it! Middle of the summer and winter conditions up there on the ridge.

[@monctondruid]

Thanks for living for us!

[@davidwilson9568]

Thanks Liam that was a amazing journey 😊

[@tubefreakmuva]

Wow, awesome, seriously well done too. Very dangerous so props to you on this!

[@adrianstrand1120]

Great channel and to watch Liam living life is just great 👍🏻

[@trooperwolfie]

Awesome journey Liam 👍🏻 and great video, you've just inspired myself and a friend to do this route next year in January. Thanks for sharing your adventures 👍🏻

[@thednadane]

I have said it before Liam, this would not look out of place on TV, really enjoyed this one mate!

[@alastairkerr2216]

Yassssss, welcome to scotland, Liam!!!!!!

[@cheese_and_crackers3270]

My sister lives in Inverness I was in Avimore a couple of weeks ago stunning place I fell in love x

[@Roamingthecotswolds]

wow just found your channel and your vlogs are superb. Have subscribed so I never miss another.

[@astrid.mymoment5886]

I love how alive and excited you look in this one

[@GripenFan127]

I can’t wait for every video, you truly deserve more subscribers

[@patrickholbrook5971]

Top class video Liam great work

[@jasonwardell1044]

This got me through a session on the treadmill at 6am on a Sunday morning 😄👍👏

[@ricks-excellentadventure2878]

This trip took guts to attempt it, continue through the circumstances and complete it. Congratulations!

[@rayfitz7960]

Liam, you’re now hooked on the Highlands! I started visiting the Cairngorms in my mid 40’s with Scouts from Lancashire and next week will be my 26th consecutive year of enjoying the mountains in February in the Highlands . I did that exact same hike over two days with some Scout friends about 2003 , not as much snow at lower level and we camped before reaching the Fords of Avon Bothy.Then the weather was absolutely bitter and climb up through ‘The Saddle’ into Strath Nethy in thigh deep snow was one of the hardest I’ve ever done. Really enjoyed your video and it brought back many happy memories- even more so as I’m nursing an ankle after a major fusion operation so no big walks for me…this year anyway , but I’ll still be up there. As I said at the start … you’re now hooked on the Highlands …take it from another addict.🤣🤣👍

[@damienmitchell9828]

I live an hour from Lynn of dee :) deffo one of the most awesome places to go !!deffo a good idea doing over a few days dont kill yourself :). Just one tip don't be so confident of water you never know what could be laying dead upstream or what's in the water always best to be Safe and use the filters. Happy travels

[@MalcolmMalcolm]

As long as it's flowing fast enough and you have a look upstream and around for possible pollutants it's grand. I usually hike around there with a water bottle in my bag for backup and a foldable cup clipped to my belt 😊. I've been drinking water out the streams for years.

[@Richard.357]

Great video, well worth the wait. Thanks for taking us on your adventures.

[@samanthapearson3871]

So wholesome and such an inspiration ❤ I could feel your joy upon finding the chippy at Aviemore

[@_LC__]

Welcome back to scotland mate, been watching you since u bought the van, love the UK vids. Keep it up

[@skeddda]

Amazing video Liam, been looking forward to watching since the trailer! Hope to see you back in Scotland soon 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@dawnthird2538]

I love that feeling of absolute contentment being out in nature, surrounded by beauty as well as the solitude.....although I've never walked for a few days in minus temperatures! Great video and your smile for how much you are enjoying it is contagious!

[@owenseeley7006]

Brilliant video again mate. Decided to get into wild camping this year and finding your videos has made me even more determined to take it on. Simple yet effective videos. Thank you for them

[@janetmariaburke4208]

I admire and respect you. Your courage, your humour and your love of all that is natural in this world. Thank you for sharing your adventures with us.

[@john101CT]

Yoh, Liam, dude, another awesome adventure - thanks so much for including us! A bit scary at times; it isn't clear how you navigate or find the path or locate the bothy. On the one hand, you seem a bit naive in the gungho approach to potentially dangerous hikes (I'm thinking of previous videos as well!), but on the other hand, you are so fit, clear thinking, resourceful and experienced! Your gratitude for life and nature is wonderful. I identify so much with your thoughts around your fire in the final minutes - all so primal - humans have been doing this since earliest time. This feeling is perhaps even more dramatic here in Africa, when in a wilderness area like The Delta in Botswana, as one huddles around a campfire, thinking of the past generations, and then a hyena cackles or a lion roars, and one has to move quickly to the safety of one's tent. Even YOUR tent, Liam, would be a safe haven - the beasts do not seem to associate tents with humans inside (fortunately).

[@tobias3major]

Love the ending with the stats of your adventure!!

[@Donneczka1]

Well done Liam! You tested yourself on that adventure! Glad it all worked well for you!

[@Daytona2]

😮 you aced the weather Liam, showing it of at it's best. Magical cinematography - you rose to the situation. Thank you 🙏 And a well deserved stag sighting, to complete the experience I'd love to see more, if you would ? Perhaps go back each season ? I'd like to know a bit more about how you decided on the route if you could weave that in next time you're not on a designated route. And how you decide when to go. You made sound safety calls, so how you learned about the environment and the issues. (I think it's nicer to have this stuff adding breadth & depth to a video, rather than as a Q&A)

[@joanweightman2275]

❤😊. Always a real treat! Thanks Liam, you're special.

[@jhickman4735]

So when I return to the UK having lived in Canada for 14 years and I find myself missing Manitoba’s winter, I’ll just head up to the Cairngorms 😊

[@Johnniebhoy83]

Outta the frying pan, into the fire? 😂 🏔️🇨🇦🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@heymrguitarman7637]

Might be your best video yet. great stuff

[@drew2757]

Well that was impressive, and beautiful. The Bothys made the difference between an adventure and an ordeal and I doubt if you would have been happy exposed to that wind and cold in your tent. One of your best!

[@RH-jd3ft]

Thanks Liam,beautiful country! Greetings from Florida,US

[@grimlightwildoutdoors]

Awesome video loved the wild bleak landscapes and bitter conditions, be safe 👊👍👌❤️

[@kevinburke3573]

Another great video! I love watching them. They always lift my spirits. Especially if im feeling low. Your enthusiasm for life and adventure is infectious 😊

[@dontalkt2meboutheros]

...Making memories Liam. Thanks for sharing. 😀

[@discovering_scotland]

Class as always mate, love your videos they are always so calming and I especially love when you are showing my country at its best 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@Pisunisse]

Awedome video! Cool to see UK winter hiking videos. Love your vibe all around. As you mentioned Scandinavia and artic I'll tell you few things about our winter in Finland. Above artic circle there is a 2 month period where the sun doesn't rise above horizon. At the moment there is 5.5 hours of daylight. Ammount of snow is quite different: you wouldn't be able to just walk anywhere. Skies are mostly used. Temps are bit lower, -20 would be a mild night. Generally sleeping bag with -30 comfort is at least required. Earlier this month there were temps of -42 and even in the southest part of the country we had a quite cold streak with temps staying -20 day and night for a week. Generally hiking season start at June since melting of the snow takes a while. Very wet and floods. Compared to bothies wilderness huts are open to everyone. Some even have saunas!

[@Gonzalez-um4tl]

200 mph winds in the cairngorm 100% humidity shove that up your alpine. Come to Scotland and be consumed. I'll tell you this and don't you ever, Ever forget it Mary Doll!. Your calm forest with your two meter high snow that's for fairy's. Scotland made the world

[@user-ib4du3km2p]

Always a good video Liam and this was one of the best. Couldn’t help but feel cosy when you found the bothies! Suggestion, ever considered the Southern Upland Way? Very long and remote and not a popular one when compared to others.

[@Johnniebhoy83]

Yeah, the south of Scotland doesn't get as much love as the Highlands & Islands or Loch Lomond national park. But it is a fantastic hike in hilly surroundings. And it'd be much closer to home for him. 🥳

[@bluewendytube]

Loved that. Alone in the wild makes the adventure so real and taking shelter in those delightful bothys, gives out a real warm glow, for the viewer too!

[@markwilliamson9140]

Your videos are spot on Liam. They are good for when you are stressed and you need to chill out. I love outlook towards life, it's infectious. ✌️😀

[@Portugalwithalocal]

You never cease to surprise. Another fantastic adventure, mate. All the best 👍

[@Ally5325]

Respect for your courage to do this in such challenging conditions! And that is the best earned fish supper ever! Amazing video!

[@StevenKeery]

Wonderful scenery. I loved that first bothy, very impressive. Perhaps you could explain more about who builds and re - supplies them with wood and food. I'm glad you stayed safe, despite not having snow- shoes, sunglasses or skies. Horrible to think what might happen to an unprepared, lone traveller out there in the event of an accident. Take care of yourself. Best wishes.

[@terrypatterson1481]

Always a pleasure to watch your vlogs Liam. Roll on the next.

[@Sheety33]

Felt like I was there (and wish I was)! Enjoyed from beginning to end 👏 Even had my popcorn 🍿🏕️

[@pedro67ization]

Outstanding Liam, hardcore in that weather.

[@susanalbone5101]

Another amazing video. I have to say you are a very brave man but there is no doubt that you thoroughly enjoyed everything there was to offer. Well done. Take care, be safe. ❤ Dorset, Uk

[@barryyoung]

Your positivity is infectious

[@George-gg1ny]

Awesome adventure indeed! Brave but responsible as you did your research before attempting this harsh dangerious land , full respect to you Liam.... Congrats completing atvb. G🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@johnywaffle1365]

Just wow. Love the calmness of your videos . Fairplay for getting through that whiteout. Scarey stuff when you're so remote.

[@danexitsstreetview3273]

Great adventure Liam. Was up there just before Christmas trudging through the knee deep snow. Was great to re-live it through your eyes. Cheers.

[@leaturnbull8]

Love all your videos Liam, thanks for taking us along. This was a great one.

[@bothwellmidzi]

One of my greatest fears is Winter Hiking. Thank you for your inspiration, I'll be attempting a winter Hike soon. Beautiful film mate.

[@fabiarandi6908]

Hi Liam, I'm watching your videos with a lot of admiration. Being alone on that situation is challenging, I can't imagine the emotions you felt when everything was white around you! You should be super proud of yourself. But the thing I like the most about your way of being is showing gratidute for simple things. It can be strange but I also want to thank you to teach me english :)

[@darrenray6934]

Really enjoyed your video in the Arsh conditions glad you enjoyed it Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 👋👋

[@OnMyFeet82]

What an amazing short film. I always learn new things when I see your videos. You look elated during this trip. Bothies are amazing things in the middle of nowhere and definitely lifesavers. You really respect and appreciate the environment around you 😊

[@IDanielMcG]

Quality video mate - really enjoy watching your videos, especially the ones in the Scottish Highlands!

[@ramondicarrera2772]

I genuinely look forward to these videos and again, this one does not disappoint. You are a true inspiration Liam. Well done. You deserve every success with the channel. 👏

[@unclnis]

Love your positive attitude & resilience in faces of major challenges. Hope you're better prepared for future journeys. Would be a shame to lose you to cold weather.

[@Robaylesbury]

Thank you for sharing your journey with us Liam. This was magical.

[@user-yf9wr5wu6p]

I really enjoyed your hike in the Scottish Highlands and your ‘stays’ in the Bothies : I love how much joy you get from doing these invigorating winter treks .

[@biagiosadventures7204]

Hi Liam, WOW a great adventure. The Scottish Highlands are just spectacular, a great video as always . Thank you for sharing and I look forward to many more videos from you in 2024, can't wait to watch them. Thank you for sharing and well done. 👏👍

[@The_Arby]

My favourite place in winter time to wild camp...Glad you enjoyed it too Liam 🙂

[@JakeBWFC]

I'm so happy I've found this channel again