River Severn Hike Part 1

[@moonshinepz]

Max kept me sane through lockdown, took my mind off things when my business folded shortly after, kept my spirits up through my cancer journey, and got me growing my own veg. This channel is one of the best subs ever.

[@HT-io1eg]

Max has that rare characteristic, integrity. Allied to skill, humility and intelligence. An unbeatable combination

[@selfsufficientsandy977]

He's an inspiration

[@harrylawrence5300]

I hope life is looking better for you now

[@Metamerist625]

Sounds like you went through a lot, hope things have picked up for you since :-)

[@twotone3070]

Well done on keeping going.

[@michaelrck]

“You’re a good man Maximus. A good man always knows his limitations.”

[@sarkybugger5009]

It's not a failure, it's a learning experience, Max. You have to accustom your body to the rigours of hiking, not expect to walk twenty miles with 60 pounds on your back, at the drop of a hat.

[@paulbeaumont2911]

You’ve not failed. You’ve realised your limits rather than push on and injure yourself. What you done is admirable and an achievement and well worth watching

[@srp01983]

A real failure would have been not even starting. In any case, I don’t recall you ever saying it was a race! Great video, full of interest and really good to see you using the kit you made, and impressive to see you carry that weight for so many miles.

[@KeiteiVentures]

Thank you for sharing your adventure with us Max :)! It was great to see your creations in action, your tent is pretty mega, well done for carrying it for so long and still being able to smile at the end. The Severn railway bridge looked lovely, shame someone crashed a tanker into it. I think you did the right thing by saving your hike for a later date and listening to your body. Hope your feet have recovered, lo_ok forward to part two! :D!

[@peterjohncooper]

Congratulations. No failure. I walked every metre of the journey with you. You make a great companion. Thank you for that.

[@bradpalmer2914]

I think you did pretty bloody good. You were well equipped, you had a plan and you had a backup plan but most of all you recognised your limits and didn't end up in A&E. I absolutely love that you were honest, too many youtubers would have cheated and jumped in a taxi a couple of times just so they could film their destination. I think there is much to be celebrated here and I think it's a good base for next time. Well done Max.

[@martindennehy3866]

Couple of observations. You got out with your handmade kit and survived the night. That is a massive win. Your kit was a bit on the heavy side, nit by design but because you made it to the spec of an old design, it is a lot to carry especially if you are out of practice in terms of hiking. The whole video was brilliant and inspiring and a great education for me and you probably learnt a lot as well. I look forward to part 2, possibly where you drive Kermit and then have a shorter hike to your camping spot!

[@markthecraneman8465]

I think you got further than i would have... good effort mate

[@gigi3242]

60 lbs? Dude you're nuts!!! lol I'd have camped right there in the shade you stopped at first. Well done Max. Thank you for carrying us along..

[@stevepettifer4896]

Don't beat yourself up about it Max - you were carrying a phenomenal amount of weight. Mate and I tried the West Highland Way when we were barely 20 years old and reasonably fit (albeit smokers). We'd both been venture scouts and I was also previously an army cadet. We tried to carry all our food plus some going out clothes for Fort William at the end, and ended up with about 60lbs apiece. Well, we bailed after about 28 hours! We managed about 20 miles, which is just over 1/5 of the whole, and realised we were just carrying too much and in fact had no real need to be carrying that much at all. We abandoned ship, messed about on Loch Lomond for a day and took the bus to Fort William instead! The fact that you managed to carry all that stuff (which was also quite awkward looking) in that heat as far as you did in one day is bloody good going. We had the benefit of (at the time - it was almost 30 years ago now) modern camping and walking gear, were young and healthy and we couldn't manage it. Today I suspect my legs would fall off if I tried that distance, leave alone with the weight, and I long ago gave up smoking and now run and go to the gym.

[@robertgoddard565]

You didn’t fail, you made a start. Making a start is the hardest bit.

[@richardl7161]

You did well Max. I think it was a bit ambitious hoping to walk that far on your first hike. 25 miles on consecutive days is a big walk even for a seasoned walker.

[@edsloan]

Great to see you finally using your camping gear Max. There's no shame in throwing the towel in early, I'm sure you've already inspired many people to get out into their local area and explore. One thing people recommened is not to carry more than 20% of your body weight as doing so can cause lasting damage. Hiking/camping is great, but being realistic with your distances and what you can carry makes each trip so much more enjoyable (it's not about being macho or looking tough). I'd recommend get a comfy sleeping mat/pad and something that keeps the weather off you, the rest is fairly immaterial and should suit what your budget can stretch to, but lightening your load is key for enjoyment. Looking forward to seeing you attempt more of these (which I guess being part 1, you will)!

[@tricky6902]

One last indulgence before bed NOT meths! Hot chocolate. That's brilliant lol😃

[@philthorpe4549]

I reckon I could walk maybe 10 or 12 miles in a day at most. That's if I only have to pick up my feet and nothing else! This reminded me of the book 'Around Ireland with a fridge' by Tony Hawks. He was a mad bugger too!! Well done Max, you're a bloomin' hero :)

[@alanhutchins4233]

An excellent travelogue. I think you did remarkably well, and i dont class it as a failure !

[@yanmontego]

Well done Max. i think its great you even tried. Being up for challenging your self is a victory in itself. There is no such thing as failing, everything is learning how to do things better.

[@gillie-monger3394]

🎶🎶... and still we're gettin' nowhere, and so we, 'ad a cuppa tea... 🎶🎶

[@dr.chrismort8448]

Nice bit of history Max👍loved being part of your journey

[@Lemma01]

❤ Part 2! Loved being part of this - cheers, Max.

[@Andyb2379]

Absolutely fantastic Max. All home made gear, what an incredible adventure.

[@MrPElms]

It’s good to see you in a different environment, I think you should do more of this. Maybe even a collaboration!

[@tonixxl]

Around twenty years ago as a youth I lived in a community across the river near bullo pill for one year. As I was as ignorant as possible at that time, I wasn't really interested in my surroundings at all apart from girls and those sorts of things. I rarely left the place on my free time, so I had no idea that this bridge existed in the 60s. Today the place doesn't exist any more in that form, most of the people that lived there are dead or have left. You have just brought back so much memories and emotions by your hard work. Thank you so much. I want to come back now and find peace with all that happened there and also walk around the river and the forest of Dean with open eyes this time. Don't worry about not walking the whole way - it's exactly what I and probably many other viewers love most about your videos that you care enough to show us that - apart from your godly expertise in crafting and mending - you don't always succeed. Greetings from Germany (and I'm really greatful that it wasn't my people who brought that bridge down...)

[@Equiluxe1]

Having made your own tent, pack, lantern and pocket knife then taken it fo a twenty odd mile walk and a camp I would classify that as a success and not a failure. Well done.

[@jimimurray9601]

However I don’t expect Katie does it with a homemade knife and a soviet telescope

[@petersmith9530]

Never seen a bloke put 60 pounds of kit on his back and go for a gruelling tour of the country's powers stations before.Not a failure at all .Great video thank you for posting.

[@Highlandwoodandmetal]

British summer and 66lb of kit.. That's no way a failure.. IMHO.... As always... Thanks for taking us along...

[@aaronbillingham4571]

my wife had me in stitches she says to me oh do you want me to put on Maximus Ironhumper I nearly wet my self with laughter well theres a new name lmao

[@Craig-MItchell]

You turned up and gave it a go, fair play to you for that. I used to do quite a lot of hiking; that pack in high temperatures would have been difficult. I also noticed the lumberjack shirt, that must have added to the heat exhaustion as well. Thanks a mil and good luck 🍀

[@bawhamper]

The neck-end of 20 miles in hot weather with that weight distributed as it was? Top effort. You’ll know so much more about what to take and how to pack it for next time. As ever a lovely video; you really are good company.

[@sffpv9671]

This is a brilliant little adventure Max! it should be about the journey and what you discover and learn along the way, not so much about getting to the finish line. Some of the tiredness will be due to the weight of that old style camping gear. You should try it again with more modern stuff and compare the difference. Take care and stay safe!

[@stina6762]

Don’t beat yourself up Max . You did well in the conditions. As I’ve got older I struggle with any distance due to hip issues. Still get out motorcycle camping 🏕️, I’d love to hike a few miles and camp. Well done to you 💪

[@dfishpool7052]

Well done Max; you may not have met your target but remember; 'the journey, not the destination is the important thing.' An enjoyable video, thanks a lot.

[@TheRamblingsofBry]

It is not a failure to us the viewers, we enjoyed the journey. You did better than I could manage. Had it not rained, you would have managed a few more miles, but no point in killing yourself.....

[@WiltshireMan]

Welldone Max, thats quite Challenge carrying all that weight for 50 miles. I learned something today, Snails can also be book worms:)

[@Mulletsrokkify]

Don't be so hard on yourself! It's not a failure, it's a recce fella! Really enjoyed the video, fancy doing this journey myself. I look forward to more of your hiking adventures!

[@dodgybodger3124]

BIG👍 Max. Live the life. 😃 Brilliant.😉

[@phosphors]

I'm a big fan of WG Sebald, especially his book The Rings of Saturn. I once tried to replicate its walking tour of Suffolk which I too ended short of my goal. I digress. Max, this series has been so much fun to watch; and this finale equally so and has brought back some good old memories. To many more adventures.

[@aljotock]

You’ve not failed, youve come second!

[@jarthurs]

My eldest is at Uni in Cardiff and decided to come home to Evesham and collect their bike, then cycle back to Cardiff. They were going in the opposite direction in filthy weather and managed to get over the Severn Bridge before admitting defeat and catching the train from Chepstow. It wasn't a failure, it was a journey and as ever it was a delight to watch you.

[@susancheveralllong7694]

This is a try out for your new kit. So from that it's not failed. You have done the right thing. You may slip or fall through fatigue. Finding your limits means better planning next time.

[@1974davros]

A sterling effort I’d say. You had nearly thirty kilos on your back. Well done, I’d have dropped after a mile or two 😂 it’s been brilliant watching you make all the camping gear too. Brilliant stuff

[@peternash6206]

Wonderful story - look forward to the next bash. What can you leave behind to lighten the load? Maybe pull a ration pack apart and discard what you do not want. Great episode - thanks for sharing.

[@chriswills4064]

Christ; that's a bit harsh! Not getting to where you planned to get is hardly a failure, especially as you are testing self-made equipment - if you look at the experience as a proof of concept, it has given you a valuable insight into how your kit performed and how you will change what you need for next time. I have found myself disappointed in my own physical limitations as I approach 60, after many years of hard physical toil has left my body tired and worn, but I have more recently found a little acceptance in this which has allowed me to enjoy doing less. Seems to me that the trip was a success, except that you didn't enjoy it as much as you might have, but lessons learnt and next time will be better, eh? Right. 😊

[@mully89]

I'm hanging... not surprised bloody good effort. Being ex army I can appreciate what 27kg feels like. Plus, the tent in top of your bergen looks top heavy & horrendous 😂, Fair play to you Max I did the 3 peaks recently but carrying weight is a different I could of done it. Call it a practice run not a failure and looking forwards to next time 🤙👍

[@mully89]

Oh and I meant to add, more water, makes everything better, worth carrying the extra weight in my honest opinion 👍

[@terryatkinson899]

ZZ TOP goes hiking 🤗👍🇮🇪

[@dandandan389]

Really enjoyable video, you got out walking with home made kit, it's not a failure in my opinion

[@jamesosborne4132]

Choice of Clothing makes a big impact on how comfortable you are when walking / hiking etc - your shirt looked heavy and the long sleeves prevented the breeze from cooling you down , similarly your long trousers kept your legs warm. The downside to exposed skin is you are accessible to Flies and Midge bites and Sunburn ( I guess this is why you covered yourself up ? ) Great video and an excellent achievement - Thanks

[@the_midnight_mechanic_stua1503]

Top effort, i started a 100 mile charity walk over 2 days, 30 miles in my feet were wrecked by good boots. Keep going

[@stevek3036]

Well done Max'. The first day evening camp beside the 7 with the sound of the skylarks took me back to 1980 as a young guy in Berkshire. You have resurrected long forgotten but not lost memories. KBO as Churchill said. Thank You for your channel content as its informative and very enjoyable at the same time

[@thedukesadventures4323]

Excellent as always . 👍🏻 I set out to walk the Ayrshire coastal path in april with my son and one of my daughters ..... we had to stop short due to time it was taking us but managed 56 miles . My bergen was 22kg , i couldnt imagine trying to carry another bag wih camera gear on top of that ..... welldone 💪🏻👍🏻

[@TheInfoworks]

I'm thinking 18 miles on day one was pushing things, also from my experience a hip strap makes carry a pack much easier on the old shoulders, cheers

[@arkaywat11]

Those hikes should be a pleasure, not an assault course, respect for having a bash and I'm sure you'd have finished it if you'd have used quite affordable, modern, light weight kit. Great channel!

[@druid201]

A good long walk always helps things! Take a nought off of the 50 and i'm there. 8 ) Cheers.

[@zenzen9131]

Great video Max :) There is a famous photograph of Bob Dylan waiting for the old Aust Ferry back in 1966. The photo features on the cover of a film by Martin Scorsese "No Direction Home" :)

[@eekpie]

Cup of tea and some biscuits, good lad

[@deanprosser5224]

Loved watching this, I really want to make my own backpack as you did. People forget that walking a distance is alot different than walking around the shops, alittle more practice and you'll be fine. As an aside, we used to sort through the ration pack and discard what we knew we wouldn't consume, it may save you a bit of weight. A thick lumbrjack shirt is probably not the best walking gear on a hot summer day but good to see that you rocked it 🙂

[@MrSpaced123]

Keep Trying, its what life is all about. Well done.

[@mpersad]

Have a good time Max, I hope the weather stays good for you. You deserve a bit of time to yourself, even if we're all along for the ride too! Terrific work as always.

[@grahameroberts8109]

You’ve gotta know when to hold ‘em….. Great effort. Your gear is old school and extremely heavy. Regroup, resew and off you go. Cheers. 👍🏻🙏🦘

[@paulcharlton4788]

I’m impressed you managed to carry all that weight! My modern wild camping set up (tent, sleeping kit, food, rucksack etc) weighs 11kg and you could reduce that a fair bit. 8kg is achievable.

[@dek123]

I obviously enjoyed that walk far more than yourself.

[@tommyhanlon8012]

Really enjoyed that thank You Maximus.

[@timclarke8775]

Well done you did fantastically with home made kit. Another great video.

[@YoureNowOnTV]

Whatever you call it, that was entertaining. Thank you! 😀👍

[@JockeSelin]

Fantastic effort!! 🤟🏻😎🤘🏻

[@MainsWest]

As part of that 5kg of camera kit, thank you for carrying me along with you. We're lucky to live in a time when there is kit that is affordable that is so lightweight that we no longer need to be as savvy (as in centuries past) in what we pack to do a multi-day journey. Of course, not being able to make it yourself is a limitation. It's been an interesting project (& looking forward to the finale). Cheers to your feet 🍺

[@shanemccauley8354]

I envy your ability to take off on a hike when you want to. I am in the states and I’m eager to one day get to Ireland and hike a trail I learn of as a child. The trail went from Northern Ireland to southern and you have the ability to fish along the way.

[@andydawkins9640]

Respect mate , I think you achieved a lot and it was very interesting. You should be proud of yourself.

[@robames1293]

Remember you were doing it with retro camping gear, a lightweight tent may have helped. Also you went in cold with no buildup. Not a bad effort for an old geezer (I am half as old again) and you proved your point about homemade gear.

[@larrydeforrest5744]

Good effort ! Looking forward for part 2.

[@_stoatchaser]

I love to go a wandering with a knapsack on my back...............

[@ukPreTzeL]

Well done Max that was an epic. I'm looking forwards to the next one! Less a failure and more an overly optimistic goal for a first excursion! Thank you for sharing 😀

[@stephenswift9868]

18 miles in one day is no small task! I’m not sure I could do it. Especially with the prospect of doing the same again the next day! That did look like a bit of weight you were carrying.

[@michaelbritton9778]

Very interesting. It’s nice to see someone going round areas close to home. I live on the South Wales side of the Severn bridge. You have highlighted things that I didn’t have a clue about. Well done to you. You haven’t failed at all. It’s better to know your limits.

[@andymccabe6712]

The obvious point is, it doesn't matter HOW far you walk.... it's how sensible a number of bits you divide the walk into......!!!

[@ThyCorylus]

Used to work in that business centre overlooking the old bridge. Lovely bit of country. Used to run the river edge on the Welsh side. Edit - My record is a sixteen mile day with pack from Winchester along the Sth Downs. An unexpected 16 miles at that, due to my error. Still needed to pitch a tent at the end of the day too. Keep slogging those miles, the ebb and flow of emotions on a long walk are all apart of it I reckon.

[@rogerphillips450]

I always enjoy your efforts what ever happens! Keep them coming.

[@paolodangelo6043]

Max, the fruit biscuits in the ration packs are pretty decent.

[@richardguse3410]

Thank you for taking us along and having the inspiration to get out side and try!

[@writerz2543]

I really enjoy the titbits of history and sense of place that you gave us there. I think it's better to be able to adapt and change when needed. Also, failure is a part of life and we should be more accepting of it. I've had to give up my mistaken idea of myself as a mountain climber after climbing Ben Lomond and hating every second of the climb, both up and down. It felt like I'd broken every single bone in my feet on the way down. I've just rediscovered cycling and it's opened up a fun fitness thing for me again that doesn't aggravate my knees or hip.

[@christopherpowell6135]

Can't tell you how much I enjoy your content , respect to you for making and using your gear , it is the stuff of my dreams...you do I dream ...

[@rogerwragg1492]

Love this video Maximus, such an interesting walk and your honesty is all. Well done to you Sir!

[@paulwilliams3494]

You were knackered , no wonder ! That was an impressive and quite indulgent set up with a weight to match compared to many backpackers................interesting industrial history and infrastructure albeit a bit untidy in places. I hope you muster up the energy to complete your route.

[@tomjohns8498]

Just watching your travels is great inspiration😊

[@OneBoysDreamFilm]

thank you so much max for filming this

[@Squarepeg57]

Great video Max! Well done! I thought at the start that 50 miles was ambitious! At a similar vintage to yourself I find 10-12 miles with a pack is about comfortable for me for a days walk. I plan for 3L drinking water minimum per day. I think a large part of your struggle was likely dehydration. A water filter cuts down on the weight. Also I favour packs with a good waist strap!! Carrying all that weight on your shoulders is just hellish!! I really enjoyed the history angle too. Looking forward to part two 👍

[@richardhart7652]

Practice Max lots of practice and then you'll get there but knowing when to quit is also a very good thing ❤

[@stevencroker5190]

what a nice walk max.....i think you done well fair play to you bet you was gagging for a beer when dad got you home👍👍

[@russ1046]

That was a spectacular effort carrying that amount of weight! Somewhere you must have got close to is Mabey Bridge - the company who make the modern day Bailey Bridge

[@bartbeekhuizen]

why are you doing everything i like and i'm doing everything you like... thanx!

[@andycarter42]

Really enjoyed this video 👍 Made a great change from the norm . Keep up the good work Max 🤘

[@SonofChurchill]

Not a failure! Max you could just sit at home thinking about the Hike then get out and do it. Nice see a different kind of video from you.

[@gsamanyika75]

I've been subscribed to your channel from when you did your first land rover build and all your videos have had a thumbs up from me

[@2wheelswideCoUk]

I need a breather after moving a 20Kg bag of coal from the bank to my boat so well done Max on mking it so far with 27Kg on your back. A top effort and whilst not quite the success you had in mind, a success nonetheless.

[@davidk6271]

Good effort all up. Thanks for posting.

[@nobblynobody]

I'm in the same age group, I started proper walking again during Lockdown and the first few were bloody awful, fairly sure I was going to cark it on the first big one. It does come back though, or at least it stops nearly killing you. I'm glad my first efforts weren't on camera, 18 Miles in one day is nothing to sniff at, especially with that manky tent and all the gear😄. Max Effort.

[@noordinaryjoe1414]

Hydration is key; your symptoms all indicate dehydration. 2 bottles of water are not enough for the 18 miles of walking you did in 1 day. Also, you used some of that water for tea/coffee (diuretics) and hot chocolate. You need 2litres of water a day without doing any exercise, so you’d need more than that for walking long distances. Good luck for your next try!