The Great Glen Canoe Trail - Part One. Scottish Canoe Trip. Beach Wild Camp. Loch Lochy.

In this video, our canoeing adventure along the Great Glen canoe trail in Scotland begins. Carrying all of our gear for the trip, we paddle along the Caledonian Canal and into the vast Loch Lochy where, after a taste of Scottish heavy rain and squally gusts, we spend our first night wild camping on a small shingle beach - a hearty dinner, a few laughs around the campfire and the sound of the waves lapping onto the shore to lull us off to sleep.
There are twelve of us on this trip, attempting to raise money for the Alzheimers Society. I would like two thank everybody who has already donated to this essential cause, we have already smashed our target, but with your help we can go further! - I’ll put a link below to the JustGiving page.
I will also put links to the KZbin channels and Instagram pages of the other guys who took part in this adventure - please go and check out their videos for their takes of the trip!
Drone shots by Simoneardleyart - thanks mate!
I hope you enjoy the video, part two will be up soon.
Thanks for watching.
JustGiving page for donations to the Alzheimers Society
(Caledonian Canal Canoeing Adventure)
www.justgiving.com/fundraisin...
Ant Survive the Night (KZbin)
/ @antsurvivethenight
TA Outdoors (KZbin)
/ thetaoutdoors
Adventure Is Made (KZbin)
/ @adventureismade
RickTOutdoors (KZbin)
/ @ricktoutdooradventure...
Richard Outdoors (KZbin)
/ ridmavor
Simon Eardley (KZbin)
/ @simoneardley
Ginger_Scarff (Instagram)
ginger_scar...
Magpiewoods (Instagram)
magpiewoods...
Jack95Turner (Instagram)
jack95turne...
Thank you for the pies!
mrfoxfinefoods.co.uk/home
Thank you for the steaks!
www.thesteakshop.co.uk
Campfire Grill
www.tjmmetalworks.co.uk
Modular Bags and Pouches
www.etsy.com/uk/shop/DavidFri...
Honey Stove, Pocket Stove, Hexpeak Tent
www.backpackinglight.co.uk
Contact me at:
[e-mail]
Or by mail at:
Simon, a bloke in the woods
PO Box 384
Diss
Norfolk
IP22 9DB
UK
Facebook - Simon, a bloke in the woods
Simon-a-blok...
Instagram - simon_a_bloke_in_the_woods
simon_a_blo...
Music:
Twilight train By Dan Lebowitz
Bring me your Sorrows By Dan Lebowitz

[@JulieB.-wy3kd]

I did The Great Glen Way as a walk over 7 days in May 2018 with a group of 8 friends. As we were all nearly in our 60's decided to stay in hostels instead of camping! A wonderful memory seeing your videos and best bit was doing it as group. We were lucky, no midges and no rain 😂 xx

[@TAOutdoors]

I’m still envious of that sailing rig Simon! Great video, looking forward to part 2.

[@ZXspectrum..]

Will be watching your version too 👍

[@clovermark39]

@@ZXspectrum.. Me too!

[@danieltaylor5231]

How come Jax didn't make the trip? Is he too active for a canoe?

[@kater_5401]

Waiting for yours!

[@exileinderby51]

@@ZXspectrum.. Same here, watched Richard Outdoors as well.

[@KentSurvival]

excellent, looks amazing, cant wait for the rest!

[@darrenharvey134]

Was hoping that you went too Andy , hopefully next time

[@AntSurviveTheNight]

Andy can I say thank you very much mate for your kind donation, cheers buddy, Ant 👍

[@hemichargerrt01]

@@darrenharvey134 me 2, but he was sick for awhile so I was thinking that was the reason Andy wasn’t there

[@kater_5401]

Was sad you weren’t there too Andy!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks matey! Missed ya!

[@Fellmandave1]

So soothing the rhythm and gentle splash of the paddle.

[@annewinchester6945]

I love the sound of the paddles in the water.

[@wally10ize]

Finally we get to see under the hat! The exact same person. Superb video as always.

[@lloydmcgriff98]

You Are All Awesome Champions !!! Thank You ****cheers**** =)

[@lauriebloggs8391]

How you manage to film like that as well as the days paddling is fantastic. It looks fantastic too...Same can't be said for your supper!! Seeing that boat dragged on the gravel makes me wince!

[@tonybln]

19:05 More of your fun nature please. Without a hat, a completely different bloke (in the woods) and super likeable. Thanks Simon 😊

[@meljones7774]

I love ur vids, the way you talk & explain what ur doing. This is another gr8 one. All for a gt8 cause close to my heart. I will watch all the other chaps & ur again & again, real life is better than tv, take care all xx

[@AndrewOliverHome]

That beautiful looking bolete mushroom at the end. So jealous!

[@britviking5960]

Most excellent, thought I was there for a moment, my idea if a perfect holiday

[@G4RY1159]

Last time I was up around those parts my daughter wasn't even born, she was 26 a few weeks ago, WOW!

[@johnnybushman651]

Thanks Simon , just what I need on my day off. That looked like a lot of fun . Just getting out with a bunch of friends especially in a Beautiful place like that. That place was absolutely awesome and to see that C130 flying over . I have jumped out of those when I was in the 82nd airborne , that Brought back memories and that old style army helmet too. You are so lucky to go to places like that and to get to enjoy it. That corn beef looked good haven’t had that in a while. Looking forward for part two, can’t wait. Cheers to you and the crew , be safe .

[@mikeks8181]

What Beautiful Scenery! BLESS All of You for Doing Good Deeds!

[@AntSurviveTheNight]

Hi there Mike, thank you for your kind words and for your support mate, Ant 👍

[@irisramosblog]

Awesome video and beautiful views!! Enjoy!!! Adorable ruffing hair moment hahahaha i laughed at loud xdd

[@mbrider56]

Epic stuff Simon….👍🏻 The views and scenery look awsome and some proper Scottish weather thrown in as well… 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Really enjoyed watching that and a brief look at your barnet…..👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻🤠

[@clairecooper197]

That was a very short shot of your head Simon. 🤣🤣 Well done to all of those who raised so much money for a worthy cause. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 xx

[@garethbarker9498]

After watching this on the tv and not being able to comment.. open the app on my phone and ended up watching it again.. absolutely brilliant mate loved every minute!

[@simoneardley]

Great stuff Simon, was great to meet up and paddle with you. Lovely film, looking forward to the next instalment.👍🏼

[@leeeverett8109]

17:17 All Hail Simon the Sailor!! This is his most Proudest moment! He knew one day; he would spread out his peacock feathers(sail); and outshine everyone!! HAHA

[@AntSurviveTheNight]

He certainly looked awesome as he flew past us all Lee 😂

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Haha - thanks Lee!

[@rialobran]

It's no Panama canal but it's still a hell of a feat of engineering. I'm beginning to believe Simon maybe the commonest of 'outdoor' names. Great first episode.

[@AntSurviveTheNight]

Hi Si, yeah it’s a heck of a build isn’t it pal, Neptune’s Staircase was stunning

[@gregalbee9725]

19:00 you look 10 years younger without the hat! Well done, sir... we're all looking forward to the remaining installments!

[@AntSurviveTheNight]

He’s done a fantastic job of the first instalment hasn’t he Greg 👍

[@gregalbee9725]

@@AntSurviveTheNight yes sir! And thank you for bringing this group of all-stars together for such a noble/worthy cause

[@myvoiceyourstory9338]

What a Wonderful trip for a wonderful man God bless

[@benf3607]

The views are amazing - binge watching all four of these tonight!

[@secretsix6]

that meal looks like something you see outside of a tent on Sunday mourning at a motorcycle rally

[@MrTmax74]

Thanks again for the vicarious living brother, always enjoy videos.

[@stuartbalmer8112]

Who on earth would down vote this? Simon - another beautifully crafted video and great choice of background music. So looking forward. to the rest of the videos.

[@edhensley9957]

It looks like a few of the guys we envious of sailing rig. Thanks for your videos there always enjoyable

[@thomascraig7230]

Great stuff sir. Scotland is beautiful. I though there would have been more ceremony before the un-hatting. Brilliant. Loved it. Looking forward to the rest.

[@1967AJB]

4am, naturally, Bloke in the woods is what I do with my insomnia, but wishing I was back in Scotland under canvas. Really enjoyed that, but still haven’t worked out who the murderer’s going to be! Glad I donated, missing my dad a lot x

[@memyboyjack4277]

Great video Simon, a great bunch doing something for a great cause. Well done to all.

[@cindyharbert553]

Awesome vid.,Simon! And what a wonderful cause you are supporting! Great job.

[@carpenterpilot487]

U took ur hat off !, alright ur not a bad looking dude. Its ok u can take hat off. Hey nice video Simon yes Scotland is beautiful country. I like how u do ur videos.NICE! keep them coming!

[@AntSurviveTheNight]

And what’s wrong with being bald 🤔 hahaha! Wish I had Simons hair mate 👍

[@edj7805]

its always really funny watching youtubers all together, everyone filming themselves eating haha, great video :)

[@AntSurviveTheNight]

Haha Ed, my food wasn’t worth filming 😂

[@edj7805]

@@AntSurviveTheNight did yours look like dog food aswell? Haha

[@WyeExplorer]

A long drive up Simon but a reasonable start. I gotta say some parts of those lochs just aren't visited by people are they unless your in a canoe? What an awesome trip - atmospheric as you say. Nice spot to camp and what a surprise Rick T. Well, a good cause. All the best. Mark

[@snj6669]

Totally breathtaking 😍 and a good cause too. X

[@AntSurviveTheNight]

It was, he’s done a top job with this edit Janey, thank you for supporting us 👍

[@rgober60]

Looed like a good time was had by all 👍👍👍👍👍 Thanks for sharing and looking forward to part 2 . Places are going into lockdown again so take care and be safe .🙏👊👊🕊💜

[@loupiscanis9449]

Thank you , Simon . 🐺 Loupis Canis .

[@safarijoesadventures]

I always enjoy watching your channel.. From the craftsmanship in the things that you build to your outdoor integrity. You would fit in perfectly over here in the states with all the wide open Spaces. Get your camera ready I want to see a clear picture of the Loch Ness monster LOL. Have fun.

[@AntSurviveTheNight]

Yeah Nessie did make a few appearances throughout the trip Joe 😆

[@safarijoesadventures]

@@AntSurviveTheNight Yeah, over here in the states all we ever get to see is blurry pictures. I’m hoping with all the KZbinrs there someone gets a good one LOL it’ll make you famous. You guys have a great trip

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

😂😂😂

[@chrisrobson8540]

was expecting a big dimple on your head like a lego man🤣🤣🤣 looking forward to part 2.....and all the others part 1's lol

[@AntSurviveTheNight]

😂 his trademark hat is awesome, we all know it’s Simon! Thanks Chris for the support 👍

[@maryjames7193]

What a wonderful way to make memories. Thank you for taking us along. Can't wait to see more. Oh, and you are a handsome man with or without the hat. Lol.

[@technocreep2211]

Was waiting eagerly for dis day to be accomplished wid love,support n honor n it really was a victory of bond and mankind 🙏🌻God bless u all.

[@Noniinthebush]

Beautiful! Loved watching this from Australia 🇦🇺😎👍🏼

[@AntSurviveTheNight]

What can I say Simon other than EPIC! me and Les (my wife) just sat through this talking how good this part was, how good that part was! Your such a ninja with the camera, I never even notice you with the camera half the time haha. Loved how you introduced the team! Just pure entertainment from start to finish. Here’s to part two buddy 👍

[@insoleandlaces]

Spoiler alert. Simon wins catapult challenge" what a ringer.....

[@nseight]

:-) *

[@AntSurviveTheNight]

@@insoleandlaces lol he aims like Dead Shot Andrew 😂

[@myvoiceyourstory9338]

22:08 you can drink thru a fly net Simon When I was working in the Aussie outback I’d drink my water or coffee whisky wearing the net and it was fine :) jjst a wee tip

[@jamesellsworth9673]

Suddenly, Lock Lochy has a pop-up community: SHINGLESIDE! Contact Midge Realty for a tour.😊😊 The videography and landscape are OUTSTANDING.

[@mphigham1963]

Absolutely brilliant video Simon. Roll on part two, cheers Pal !!

[@melschu19]

I have hiked the way 3 years ago. It is a beutiful landscape with stunning views. I am quite jeallous to see you paddeling through the great glen. :-)

[@michaelnowak993]

Simon, Scotland is so green and beautiful it must rain there every day. Another great video!!!

[@AntSurviveTheNight]

Surprisingly Michael it only rained that first day the rest of the trip it was stunning matey 👍

[@nicholashall8294]

Well done Simon to you and your friends. Great video as always. All in a great cause.

[@ginascott4781]

I have to say Simon, you along with a couple of other channels are my absolute favorites to watch!!! I watch all your videos several times with total enjoyment every time 🚣‍♀️😊💯 You were made for this! We just can’t get enough of the quality and knowledge that comes thru in your videos. I’ve emailed you on the chance that I can purchase one of your handmade buck saws when time allows you to make a batch of them. I like how you split up the canoe trip into several videos… just can’t get enough. We have already watched TA outdoors, Richard’s, and 🐜’s, and what a treat they were!!! Thank you all for being part of a great cause and taking time to reward us with great videos of your journey… Keep up the great work and stay safe out there. “See your soon”

[@carolleenkelmann3829]

A good giggle, if you don't fall in. G'day, Simon. Et al. Have lots of fun and stay safe.

[@GraysOutdoors]

My wife loves your hair, I loved the video. Thanks for sharing. ATB. Grays

[@stephenhankey688]

What a treat your all giving us .

[@tonyhill3182]

A great trip for a great cause! Very impressive sail too. I was imagining Maggie coming alomg....:-)

[@hartley383]

Excellent!!! Well worthy cause too. Good work all.

[@craigpalmer347]

Fantastic Loving all the different takes on the trip.. looking forward to the rest 👍👍👍

[@GAR85120514]

Definitely looking forward to pt 2. Thanks. Very cool places

[@Saltfly]

The sail was really moving that rig along nicely. Killer show👍🏻

[@jeremynorman1330]

Well done Norfolk lad. Great video amd such a worthwhile cause......two years on specialist Dementia wards taught me that. That Corned Beef hash was a rib sticker.

[@collerton1]

Good to your word I see Simon concerning taking your hat off! Good man. You have hair!! Love the vid, that rainbow! ❤️👍🏼

[@trenaallen1613]

So beautiful Simon and yes you got your hat off, I could not be happier that you are doing thus for a good cause which I know from furst hand how debilitating it is, give my love to ant, and look forward to next vid, we'll done

[@tomaswmitchellphotography]

Awesome Simon! I just got a cheep plastic canoe and have enjoyed it this summer but I always have to wipe the drool off my phone after watching your canoe videos! I’ve traveled the great glen to photograph and now I want to canoe that route!

[@j.b.6577]

Another great video! Looking forward to the next one. All of my ancestors immigrated from the UK (Scotland, Northern England, and Ireland) in the late 1600's and early 1700's and I love to watch these sorts of videos. They remind me quite a bit of the Appalachian Mountains in Western North Carolina where part of my family lives. Cheers and well wishes from across the pond in the US!

[@goyschak3832]

Funny to see the Brits paddling on the right hand side of the river. ;-)

[@stevend9124]

That looked liked an awesome float and the campsite was perfect looking forward to part 2 Simon 👍👍👍👍👍

[@AntSurviveTheNight]

Hello Metalhead. Yeah Simon really did his research and one of his mates told him about the first camping spot, fantastic! 👍

[@kccox3446]

👋👋👋Simon, welcome back so excited to watch this series

[@paulroossien5322]

Love that simon lovely scenery looking forward to the next instalment thank you for doing this for a great cause

[@MHarenArt]

YAY! I've seen 3 part 2 vids and 1 part 2. But I've been waiting for yours!!! So now I'm ready to tuck in to this. OH! I could kiss you for naming all the participants and giving their links. I don't want to miss a single video of this trip!! Absolutely loved your Part 1! So look forward to the Part 2, especially since I've seen a preview of Part 2 from Rick T! was wondering when you'd take your hat off but saw it coming when you were taking your rain jacket off! LOL! Good one! Cheers Simon!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you Maggie! It was an amazing trip! Part two up next week 😁

[@outdoorpoormet9447]

Thank you and the other gentlemen for what you're doing. I have seen Alzheimers take away two of the sharpest minds I have ever known. One of which was my father. Much respect and thanks, to you all.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you! Sorry to hear about your dad.

[@bubblehed738]

Simon, you are far and away my favorite UK KZbinr. Your choice of music, production values and flow of your videos are, as you British chaps like to say, "spot on, mate". Keep up the great work.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you mate!

[@markcroll9963]

'Hats' off to you Simon :-) Another great video !

[@ajalvin2012]

What a great adventure and for such a good cause. I'd like to tell you Simon , the first time I saw you packing up your canoe I thought why is he taking that big huge gas bottle with him when he's got all his tiny little stoves and surly that's gotta be to heavy for a canoe Canadian or not...but then I came to realise it was a barrel for food ! Doh 🤣🤣🤣 👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@yvonnebailey9973]

Great video. Mike from Ta outdoors was definitely jealous of your sail. Amazing cause. Thanks for sharing 😊

[@Kathy_Is_Blessed]

Great film, Simon!💚💙 As much as I would enjoy seeing Maggie along with you, she would not have fit in your stuffed canoe! 🤣😂 Beautiful country, and a great group of lads having fun. Bravo!!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

I think we’d have been over if she’d come along! 💦💦

[@MichaelaWatkins2015]

Absolutely fantastic, thank you.

[@deetrvl4life875]

❤️ Thank you, Simon! Thank you for sharing your self with us! For sharing the other guys sites and for advancing this great cause. I’ve got to watch this one more than once! Can’t wait for the next one. And Dang, Scotland is soooo beautiful! ❤️

[@tracker5849]

Lol!!! That black thing popped out of the back of your canoe when you got in after lunch..then seemed to squeek!!...freaked me out!! Looked like some strange creature especially when it seemed look right at your back. You just calmly grabbed it and stowed it...I laughed with relief!!

[@markhalliday2397]

You are exactly right, the hills make you feel small and insignificant. No bad thing 👍 could I recommend the Isle of Lewis/Harris and Isle of Skye next 😍

[@My24hradventure]

What an adventure, fantastic, how cool was that! I was smiling all the way through this vid.

[@MHarenArt]

Me too! I love these lads! All of them!

[@My24hradventure]

@@MHarenArt 😊👍

[@robertgoodbody2936]

Absolutely loved that video well done raining all that money and good seeing you without a hat on 😀

[@biblebeliever4570]

Makes me miss the boundary waters canoe area very much Great takes, thank you Simon.

[@dirtyronald]

Absolutely smashing. Great music too! And for a brief moment we caught a glimpse of you sans hat 😀

[@nibimocs]

Looked like a fantastic start. Some of those canoes didn't have much freeboard! Hope the wind doesn't kick up too much. Looking forward to Part 2!

[@Richmc1981]

Brings back some great memories

[@DannyBoyOutdoorsTravel]

Great landscape in Scotland, awesome canoe trip.

[@tonywoollcombe1799]

Congratulations Simon, a beautiful video. I watched it with the Soundtrack from The Trap by Ron Goodwin in the background…..ahh one could wax lyrical but that is for another time…..well done roll on part 2 cheers Tony from lockdown Melbourne 🥃

[@shortiebae152]

Simon, you are in them waters recently...🤗. Love it

[@jonahtwhale1779]

I think Simon enjoyed sailing his canoe up onto the beach! Great videography as always!

[@AntSurviveTheNight]

Oh boy! Did it fly Jonah!

[@Gordie79hamilton]

Finally found time to get into these videos. It's a wee bit strange seeing you lot in places I know so well. Fantastic so far. I'm off to part two now. 🥃👍

[@johnbennett9101]

I’ve been looking forward to this!! Great video mate and can’t wait to see more. All the best 👍🙏❤️

[@michaelpickford4294]

Thank you for pronouncing “Loch” correctly! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@AntSurviveTheNight]

Haha there’s a story somewhere in that Michael 😃👍

[@michaelmcfarland3300]

Great video Simon! Congratulations on the win with the sling shot. Here in southern USA we call them flips. I grew up with one in my pocket...lol.

[@rogerbond7811]

Thanks for what you have done a number of family members are affected by dementia. Even the hat came off. Man's best friend looked to be well represented. Well done. Waiting for part 2.

[@AstroBioMan]

Scotland, it's a beautiful country when you can see it through the mist. Safe to say we've all been waiting with baited breath on this one mate. Reckon i'd have practically inhaled those pies by the time lunch came around.

[@kcraig51]

Lucky man! I'm so jealous! My family came from Scotland to North Carolina, US in the late 1700's and moved into middle Tennessee where I am. I would LOVE to go to Scotland someday, but probably never get to.

[@AntSurviveTheNight]

Never say never Craig. My family came from New York to the U.K. I’d love to visit Tennessee, bet there’s beautiful Lakes near you pal. Cheers, Ant 👍

[@kcraig51]

@@AntSurviveTheNight Only 15 min to the lake, 2 hrs to the Jack Daniels distillery!

[@FantomsNephew]

Really nice - Several canoeloads of goodness!

[@davidsturmer3646]

Better than any TV! Thanks for posting! The hair is great! Thought you was bald but no way!

[@alltheteam69]

Worth the wait. Thank you for taking many where we may never go or achieve but love to see, through your magnificent videos. Intelligent, informative,inspiring and selfless.