Wild Camp on the Norfolk Broads. Tarp and Canoe Shelter. Mess Tin Roast Chicken.

In this video, I am out on the Norfolk Broads in my cedar strip canoe to explore Hickling Broad and spend an overnight wild camp in my hooped bivvy. The weather was not in my favour during the paddle, with a strong head wind and snow showers, but arriving at camp, I set up a tarp and canoe shelter to protect me from the weather.
A chilly, but very relaxed camp with a warming fire, good food and a few nice beers. The morning brought a sharp frost and the most stunning sunrise to wake up to, set against the calm mirror-like water.
I hope you enjoy the video.
Thanks for watching.
Links
Dutch Army hooped bivvy
www.militaryma...
DD Superlight tarp
www.ddhammocks...
No. 12 British Army pan set
gijoearmystore...
Firebox Gen 2 stove
www.thebushcra...
Simon, a bloke in the woods Merchandise
simon-a-bloke-...
Contact me at:
[e-mail]
Or by mail at:
Simon, a bloke in the woods
PO Box 384
Diss
Norfolk
IP22 9DB
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Music
A call from the sea - Walt Adams
She believes - Lyndsey Abraham

[@dalehodo3516]

Just recently found your channel. Have totally enjoyed your videos.I am a 70 yr old woman with bad health, and I love going outside in my mind. So you help more than you know.❤

[@SmossyYT]

70 y/o woman named Dale? Respect.

[@dalehodo3516]

@@SmossyYT yes as in Roy Rogers and Dale Evans . Told you I'm 70. And my first name is Sue, but I prefer Dale.

[@jameshlee7311]

I too am an avid armchair outdoors type, age disappears when Simon is on the move👌 He’s a great tonic!

[@rolfpiotrowski4325]

@@jameshlee7311 Hallo, Leute! Es scheint also noch mehr Leute wie mich zu geben..! 😂👍

[@kurtjensen7264]

Fortunately, my heart is still good. But I’m still at 71. So long adventures like I used to do are no longer possible.

[@ozmeasure9071]

Love the Bushcraft ethic, but the canoe holds some of my best memories paddling the cedar rivers of South Jersey. Seeing this video brought back so many recollections of campsites and the pine forests that he rivers flowed through. I’m 84 now, but it seems like yesterday that I was paddling my Old Town Pathfinder on the River. Simon is one cool human being, and his humor and humility are refreshing and enduring. Glad I found him.

[@papajeff5486]

Me too…from another old fan, retired in the US foothills of the east Tennessee Smokies.

[@papajeff5486]

Simon, you go to sooo much trouble making excellent videos for us, multiple camera angles, during a difficult, cold canoe paddle, across the broad expanse of your waterways. You even cut, packed and brought your own firewood. Then you set up a shelter in high winds and then weather. Showing us how to cook on a campfire…I know it’s hard, to gather and bring all the right stuff. Man, this is way over and beyond the call of duty, thank you for giving us so much we don’t deserve. Let me speak for all of us, we appreciate your generosity. On top of this you give special attention to tid bits of history in the areas, just enough. This is mixed with a natural sense of humor, commentary and good music does my soul much good. Thanks from east Tennessee. Watching again, a year later. One more thank you is due. I just learned that you must get permission to camp on all the land because all the land of your area is privately owned. I know the effort this takes. I used to be obsessed with hunting and camping. We had to get permission from the land owners…not always easy or successful. Thanks for that. God be with you. Three beers before bedtime…make sure the bivy zipper works well…heh, heh…

[@Quibble1.1]

Just what I have needed during a stressful week full of GCSE mock examinations, thank you Simon for this lovely, tranquil and calming video you have done for us, your hard work is never unnoticed, thank you for everything you do! 🥰😁👍🏼

[@atcay81]

Best of luck with your exams in the future buddy, well done ✅

[@Quibble1.1]

@@atcay81thank you! My last exam is maths tomorrow, and then all done until may - which is then the real things! 😬

[@lawrencemartin1113]

I am a teacher. I feel your pain! Loved this film too.

[@Baron-Ortega]

Good luck with your exams. Also may I say what a wonderfully well spoken and articulate young person you are.

[@Jamal_Tyrone]

Look up Mr Bruff for your English GCSE, I'm a mature student but he turned my former D into a B by following his GCSE guide. It's things like using lots of different punctuation types and having your short story well practised.

[@86beeman]

Lovely relaxing Saturday afternoon viewing. When I lived in England, (Bromley) as a young boy, in 1963 my parents, grandmother 2 aunts and uncle rented a cruiser and went for a holiday on the Norfolk Broads. It was comedy sketch in the making.- Dad and my uncle both NOT capable sailors, my Grandmother and aunt constantly asking for tea which they sipped from china cups and saucers, a sinking life dingy towed behind. My brother and I have great laughs looking at the photos of the adventure now. The location of your episode was a great reminder of those wonderful days...all but my 99 year old mum are gone. Thanks Simon, safe journeys!.

[@NickRayLifeAfloat]

Really lovely episode Simon. What a wonderful spot! I bet the sense of solitude was amazing there. Also, your filmography has become something else. You tell a great visual story with your camera work and your editing. I could feel the wind and the ice rain as well as the gorgeous sunrise. Thank you.

[@ek-nz]

I could just about smell that frosty morning.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Nick! It’s lovely at this time of the year (before the hoards of holiday makers hit the broads, and everything else in their path 😂) Hope you’re feeling better!

[@czechspy5124]

​@@simonablokeinthewoods looms like you have been hot by scumbag scammmers...might be worth getting a warning out ...

[@bigpondkayaks]

@@simonablokeinthewoods are you following nick hes on a 12 month sea kayak trip around scotland in a kayak i made for him :)

[@KimberlyGreen]

The little twig cross seen as you panned across a few times makes me wonder if a beloved pet or something has its final resting place there. If so, it looks like a peaceful place to spend eternity.

[@papabear9481]

I saw that as well, and it made me wonder.

[@chrisrobson8540]

spotted it as well also made me wonder......hopefully nothing blair witch-ey lol

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

I was thinking the same - perhaps a pet or even somebodies ashes scattered there by loved ones - like you said a beautiful spot to rest!

[@TheWibbo]

@@simonablokeinthewoods i thought you buried the chicken carcass there

[@selfesteem3447]

@@TheWibbo lol

[@ESmith-ik8vu]

This must be one of the better ones even by your standards. And the postcard idyll of the morning, outrageously stunning. Thank you.

[@paulineshelley4421]

Thanks for taking me on your adventures! Really enjoyed this one. The Broads are so beautiful and peaceful this time of the year. Your expert filming adds a feeling of presence. 😊

[@chrisavalon6198]

There’s nothing better than coming home from a hard day at work and watching a relaxing video by Simon.Thanks Brother

[@damogranheart5521]

The sunset through the trees at 15:14 was beautiful!

[@russ8544]

Awesome mate

[@georgeharris7513]

Epic as always simon! Hats off for braving the cold 😆 also loving the rustic silver fox in the the woods beard, it suits u buddy! 😆👍

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

😂😂 Cheers buddy!

[@molsi01]

Your canoe / camping videos should be prescribed for mental health therapy. They’re amazingly calming. Love your content.

[@aynsleycooper365]

Simon, we've missed you doing this, your missions like this sustained us so much during the last couple of years. Lovely stuff. Thank you. J&A&B&T.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Sorry no Maggie

[@aynsleycooper365]

@@simonablokeinthewoods Maggie, you make an appearance as and when you feel like it, a senior dog may make that choice. We often watch your splash into the river 'lawn'... Maybe a cameo from Maggie as you load your kit?

[@NewHampshireJack]

Many of Simon's adventures compel me to ask myself, "could it get any better than this?" Those who make the effort to get to a spot like this will know.

[@lindapotter5750]

I love your canoe...I like the clean wood look.

[@davidmt23]

You know when you go for a walk in the woods and think ' I could do a bushcraft channel!' Then you come across these bloody professionals!!!. Great vids, great adventures.

[@Peter-gv2gn]

What an absolute joy this video is from start to finish Simon, I watch it one year on or so from you completing it,super.

[@MICHAEL-lx5cy]

Simon,another great video!!! Nice see the water and your canoe again!!!!

[@MalcolmBuckley]

Watching your resets become my own. Gorgeous vid, thanks for sharing.

[@rolfpiotrowski4325]

Hallo Simon! Sehr schönes Video! Ich finde auch deine Ausrüstung sehr interessant! Ein wunderschönes Kanu hast du übrigens! Vielen Dank für´s mitnehmen! 😎👍

[@maryusa8526]

I agree... and that is a cool canoe 😊

[@connorlammin8189]

I suffer with severe anxiety even when just sitting indoors doing nothing to the point I hyperventilate. Your videos have helped me so much to calm my breathing and just the anxiety in general so for that I thank you. Keep doing the good work🙏💯

[@pamepame3686]

Wow, Simon! You've just changed my life! I'm a bloke your age. Done some outdoorsy stuff when I was younger but got a bit lazy and stuck in the daily grind. Your video gave me new motivation and hope. Time to dust off the gear and get back to what I really love, now that Spring is coming 🙂. Thanks a lot, mate!

[@lethaleefox6017]

Barrel full of wood... sounds interesting... had to re watch the cooking section, because it inspired me to start cooking while I am camping in my library.

[@JasonMcCann841]

Great video again Simon! "A little spam never hurt a man". LOL

[@connorevans26]

Simon is one of the most wholesome blokes going. Really inspires me to get outdoors more and camp but I wouldn't even know where to start.

[@janwijbrand]

The unsung hero of the video... the coffee maker! That thing looks like it is worth its weight in gold 5 times over!

[@MrSnmpsniffer]

You are a fantastic camper sir! That chicken looked beautiful. And what a paddle! The wind looked brutal. Thanks for sharing!!

[@ejd52]

I love seeing that beautiful canoe on the water - and remembering you making it. Another nice episode Simon - thank you. You do a great job showing the beauty all around you.

[@Lalunabreeze]

Me2

[@Rob.1340]

Cheers 🍻. Brilliant. All the best. 👍🐾🐾😎

[@lafonevc5663]

Simon a bloke back in the boat! Excellent to see the boat out again. And in the snow.

[@srdool]

.This video made me homesick and longing for I did this type of thing in all weather including ice in the river and snow from the sky, it's been 11 years and I miss it so much. You made me sad and happy at the same time.Thanks.

[@barerunners]

I find a wonderful calmness watching your adventures… and as a Cromer resident, lovely seeing you enjoying Norfolk.

[@darrenwells6323]

What is not to envy , wooden canoe, peaceful camp area, IPA and most importantly spam for breakfast

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

😂👍😁

[@EdithWeston]

The best 40 minutes of my day today, thank you for taking us all on your journey.

[@ek-nz]

8:23 I could just about print a still from this scene and hang it on my wall. Stunning!

[@jamesellsworth9673]

Thanks for posting a fine canoeing/camping video. The scenery was OUTSTANDING!😍

[@jackiekinner3826]

Couldn’t believe that big ol boat coming down that little river!!

[@rickyozr900]

Love ya brother. Again you and Andy are my favorite shows to watch. More then any tv show or series etc etc. love the cooking and the drinking and the fires. You both in sync have the best cozy shows out there.

[@david6920-r6z]

Very very nice video. I have never been there but remember as a boy reading one of the Arthur Randsom books that was based in that area. The Big Six it was called. Cheers Dave 🇬🇧 🇳🇿

[@peterfagley772]

Just watched for a second time, I learn a little more every time I view a video from you or Andy. Thank you for very much and the music and photography is excellent

[@cherylwevill4355]

Another great video Simon. I love how relaxing it looked the next morning after all the bad weather the previous day. It's so good to just get away and enjoy the simple pleasures in life. Thank you for bringing us along.

[@Nsm2024]

Loved the video ,thxxx for sharing ,good to see you again 👍👍👍👏🏻👏🏻👌👌👌

[@rubythraves7772]

watching this adventure and Andy's awful night in the ambulance I am convinced you are both hoboes at heart.👍

[@arunabhaskarramavarapu893]

Hello Hai Simon nice canoe camping awesome ❤

[@eltondsouza5230]

I JUST LOVE THAT ENTRY SOUNDTRACK.🫠😌🎧💛

[@BiznessWizard]

Excellent peaceful adventure. I really like how your canoe and tarp make such a perfect shelter for your bivvy. Thanks for taking us along on this overnighter.

[@anthonyadams2337]

Those early morning views and sounds were as good as anything on the BBC, what a treat to wake up in those surroundings. Cheers buddy

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you! 😊

[@susanhartmann9786]

Love the broads, thanks for the relaxing time again xx

[@LundysWildcampBushcraft]

Cracking video Simon started out a bit rough with the weather but I'm glad you pushed on as it turned out to be a fantastic location and a great morning we have one of those old army pan's so might try cooking a chicken in it as it looked very tasty indeed atvb Jimmy 😎😎👍👍

[@DannyTP1888]

Thanks Simon, fantastic, camp, scenery, food and dawn.

[@BlacktulipSF]

11:15 clever bullocks :)

[@simonaeldred]

Battling the weather in true British style, awesome paddling skills. Great video. Good work Simon. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@tarmacdemon]

Thank you for sharing another amazing adventure . Even tho you had high winds and driven snow your PMA ....Positive mental attitude never ceases to amaze me you just smile and get on with it .

[@williambohannon8657]

Gorgeous sunrise absolutely beautiful thanks for sharing...

[@outsideedgebushcraft3017]

10 o'clock !!, kinell party on!!, respect. ATB Pete

[@tracyl1368]

Thanks for this one...... Another great trio and meal!

[@paulm579]

Awesome vid Simon, waking up to that sunrise must have made it all worth it. Thanks for sharing.

[@hammondauger]

That was a lesson on its own getting that spam out of the tin, Hands up who shakes the life out of it trying to get it out LOL 🤪

[@BeeKay4444]

What an amazing setup. I commend your dedication in that chilly weather. Thank you for sharing this. My mental health appreciates you.

[@emilyeaton-q1y]

Love your canoe!

[@jennyk544]

Have you ever thought about getting a pair of gloves used with a scuba diving suit? They would help your hands to stay warm when you’re canoeing in the winter.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Ive tried neoprene gloves before, but didn’t find them warm at all - I use Buffalo pile and pertex mittens - they are the warmest things I’ve found 😁

[@tobiasfreitag2182]

​@@simonablokeinthewoods I paddle a lot in winter and here where I live (salzkammergut, a lake district in the austrian alps) I quite often encounter temperatures below freezing. I tried quite a few different gloves. With normal neopren gloves I found that they tend to be a little to tight and by that restrict blood flow just enough to have cold hands. What works best for me are neopren mittens. The ones I use are super warm event though they are open so that you can feel the paddle. I never expected them to be warm enough but they turned out to be by far the warmest pair I own.

[@dannypalmer8990]

you are a dedicated camper, thank you for that, I would not have attempted it

[@mattlast4093]

@8:35 onwards, what a lovely lovely view

[@D-E-5-0-0]

i'm simply in love with your Canoe...

[@markduncan6690]

Norfolk looks so appealing! Wide open vistas and few people!

[@jamesellsworth9673]

No new Simon? Time to revisit a fine adventure from the archives.

[@SylviaSmith_53Brend]

Like that it was a good ‘reset’👏🏾👍🏾👏🏾

[@MannyH11]

Simon Your vids are always well done,I really enjoyed this one.The Chicken looked so good. Thanks for posting.🇨🇦😊

[@judynixon9572]

Nice to see you again .💙

[@AndrewDawson-d8o]

They say everything you bring should serve more than one purpose...but it's a real triumph to get a canoe to do that !! 😊 👏

[@kevinthewanderingwoodchuck2586]

That was a 100% American breakfast if there ever was one my friend! Good food, good scenery and great company. Your videos are truly the best out there Simon. Thanks for all your time filming a d editing. It's greatly appreciated. Best wishes my friend.

[@theboycalledleaf]

Lovely video, thank you Simon. Modest tastes when it comes to cooking, but they're ideal for traveling light and preparing simple dishes. We took the canoe and kayaks for a little paddle this afternoon. The kids cooked sausage sandwiches on the canal bank. Such a simple pleasure, we all loved it. Using the phrase of another favourite KZbin presenter, we had a "backyard adventure". Keep it up, so glad i subscribed. Best wishes

[@Coopdundee]

Thank you for another enjoyable, watch you rock

[@nathanmannix5746]

Simon your videos…can’t really put in to words. But I love ‘em! I love my life but they help me escape to where I’d love to be sometimes when I can’t get there. Best therapy ever mate 😊

[@francismckenna1231]

Absolutely beautiful place Simon your a well organised dude your got everything down 2 a t👌👏😅❤️

[@rejnokarl2514]

At last! A canoe camp with the cedar strip canoe. I've missed the canoe trips and what a magnificent morning sun rise! Thanks for sharing. Nice camp also - High 'n' Dry!

[@wildtransmissions2987]

This weeks summer haul at Decathlon - canoe, paddles 😂Love this. Thanks for sharing!

[@MichaelAndersen_DK]

Chicken & IPA, briliant combo. Cheers!

[@lurveleggoutdoors9930]

That is truly a beautiful canoe!

[@1990westfalia]

You’re making an All American Breakfast today. Both items came from Minnesota, USA. Beautiful set up and looks both relaxing and fun. Cheers! Skillet.

[@kathiwalker7512]

Nice to see you relaxing.

[@jackiemorrissey8250]

Many of us turn to Mother Nature for her healing powers. I sensed that you were doing just that this time... a healing reset. Hope all is well and thank you so much for all you do for us!

[@lindapotter5750]

Now I can see having fresh foods as cold as it looks. Enjoy that chicken....

[@maryusa8526]

Thank you for taking us along on this beautiful outing. It looks as if you are in a live classical oil painting. Thè colors are beautiful 😊

[@dadgad68]

Always so enjoy your videos Simon. Cheers from Canada

[@normferguson5209]

Awesome vid!👍,glad I got the suggestion on this channel. 🤟😁

[@RiverbendlongbowsOutdoors]

Thoroughly enjoyed this 👍🏻🛶🏕

[@rogermelling8941]

What the eyes see can be medicine or misery, one prefers medicine.. these one night camps are fantastic, thank you.

[@pauloduarte3095]

Simon, you are the reason why i am spending so much money lol. I just ordered an old town 11.9 discovery solo canoe with everything i need to safely go for a paddle in the water ways near to my house. You are such an inspiration brother, keep up the amazing work

[@jamesmetzler2031]

Beautiful video, Simon. Made me long for my days on the water in a canoe.

[@thewheelchairprepper8070]

THANKS SIMON another great video…be careful in those open water THANKS FOR TENNESSEE 👍🙏

[@colincolwill1941]

Thanks for another all inspiring adventures.

[@chrisponsano4378]

Me, too! Just as soon as the winds, rains, and storms calm down a bit out here in California. I swear, I thought I would need my canoe to make an escape!

[@janwaller3585]

Tough weather to paddle through. Glad you caught a break .Your cooking skills are fantastic !

[@jackdad7411]

Really enjoyed this video. thanks for taking us along

[@brianlykins6663]

Thank you, Simon, for taking us along with you on another great video. The weather going up wasa bit cranky, looked perfect going back. Really appreciate all you do to bring us on these adventures with you. Looking forward to seeing you again soon on another trip. Take care, stay safe and God bless ya'll until we see you again.

[@sgtmcd]

Absolutely gorgeous canoe. Looked like incredible adventure

[@penman8985]

You make simple food look delicious. Who needs “fancy” restaurant food with an outdoor kitchen like that. Thanks for sharing your talent with us. Simon