STORM DARRAGH WILD CAMPING IN SCOTLAND - Beinn Narnain Summit UK

[@kirsteneasdale5707]

I live at the foot of Cruach na Miseag, pronounced Croo-ach (ch as in loch) nah Mish-aig which is Gaelic meaning ‘Stack of the Goats’. The concrete blocks were a ratchet railway used during the building of the Loch Sloy Dam.

[@BUSHMANandBLUE]

I’m so glad you told me! I looked it up and couldn’t find anything. Local knowledge 😉👊

[@andye222]

Of all the wild camps I’ve done, this was the toughest and most rewarding at the same time. This is something I’ve been building up to since I first started watching Al’s videos a couple of years ago. Slowly built up my kit to suit these situations and to be able to enjoy more of what mother nature has to offer. At no time did I feel unsafe and put my trust in myself, my kit and also knew I was in safe hands with Al’s experience and expertise. Al’s a great teacher and mentor and he’s given me the confidence to explore more and to pass on my knowledge to others to start enjoying wild camping more and more. Thank you Al 🙏🏻 From Sofa to Summit.

[@BUSHMANandBLUE]

Legend mate! It was a pleasure being there with you. Your kit was spot on for that camp so worth the money👊

[@Fellmandave1]

Nice one Andy. Looked like you were loving it!

[@andye222]

@@Fellmandave1 in deed I was. It’s also a learning curve as well. Building experience along the way.

[@figaro501]

Bloody 'ell Al. at 78 yrs. that is deffo not on me bucket list. It's on me f*** it list. Watching you pair ascending all that rock I was thinking, how the heck will you descend in thick snow? Well, you showed us and at last, I can now thaw out after one of your coldest videos. I really do envy you and your exploits. Sadly, nothing like that will ever be possible for me now. But at least I can watch you and Blue in your adventures and full marks to Andy. He stuck it out like a freezing legend 😨👍 I'm bloody jealous of the pair of you. WELL DONE!

[@apennell3575]

those white birds were Ptarmigan which are a member of the Grouse family. they were in their winter plumage and are only found in the Scottish Highlands

[@BUSHMANandBLUE]

Thanks for that. Yes nice to see them up there!

[@garyvause2475]

Proper preparation prevents poor performance and the rite gear and map skills brilliant vid epick atb stay safe

[@toddmullin-3519]

What a real treat for me to come across this podcast. My favourite mountaineer.

[@kathleenorr9237]

Wow! That was quite something. I know Blue loves being with you but on this occasion best he was at home!

[@tbrowniscool]

It looked bloody miserable

[@paulcompton9264]

Now THAT was an adventure Alan. Fantastic to watch. I was freezing just looking at that from my living room . Keep safe , and keep them coming . Well done .

[@BUSHMANandBLUE]

😂 we both had overkill kit as it wasn’t actually that cold. I didn’t even use my sleeping bag on my top half just my down jacket.

[@MsDenver2]

When I was young I used love mountain walking, used to go with Wolverhampton mountaineering club . But now 65 and had a stroke I can’t do it but I have a little 350 motorbike and do lower level camping. Enjoyed watching you two fit blokes 😊🥾

[@jocky2]

Your experience really shines through and when the going got really tough you remained pretty cool (pardon the pun). If you had rushed the decent it, as you said can all go wrong in a second. You made it look routine and normal. just another day at the office 😎 great to watch how it should be done and a great lesson for someone wanting to do such things. Your fitness is on a very high level too. Thanks for taking us up there to experience it with you it as a great pleasure to watch.

[@trevorbarrett9971]

Good to see you back on a full on winter camp. Fantastic for us to watch...... can't imagine how good it would have been for you guys! Thanks for sharing 👍🏻👏🏻

[@BUSHMANandBLUE]

It was actually a very calm camp so enjoyed it thoroughly 😬. Thanks Trev.

[@trevorbarrett9971]

Glad it was a good one, take care 👍🏻 @@BUSHMANandBLUE

[@hedleythorne]

Epic and insane. This is peak Bushman.

[@BUSHMANandBLUE]

😂 there is always a higher peak mate in a literal and proverbial sense 😉

[@hedleythorne]

@@BUSHMANandBLUE Well you're absolutely leading the way and us lesser wildcamping youtubers are diligently following in your earlier footsteps!

[@BUSHMANandBLUE]

@hedleythorne 👊keep going

[@traceyforsyth8840]

That was amazing !! Well done you pair 👏

[@anniejones1839]

Good to see you both well prepared. Certainly looked a tough climb. Thoroughly enjoyed

[@GeorgeLittle-ft2yx]

Found on Google: Concrete blocks are found on Beinn Narnain in Scotland because they were once part of a railway used to build a nearby hydro-electric scheme: Purpose The concrete blocks were the foundations of a cable railway that supported the construction of watercourse diversions for the Loch Sloy hydro-electric scheme. Location The concrete blocks are found on the most common route to the summit of Beinn Narnain, which begins at Succoth at the head of Loch Long. Route The path to the summit follows the line of concrete blocks, then continues up the craggy south ridge of Beinn Narnain. The path includes some scrambling sections and mild exposure.

[@andye222]

Less than a minute in and you already get me falling over. To be fair, there where plenty of opportunities to show me falling over 🙄😂😂

[@HardyTempestsWildCampsandWalks]

That made a boring Monday night epic!

[@BUSHMANandBLUE]

😂 Fresh snow is always tough like we said. If it was frozen it would have been easier although then we’d have needed our ice axes.

[@johnpunnett1426]

Epic adventure as always - glad you had safety in numbers on this one and left Blue at home (even though I'm guessing no doubt he would of loved it) - well done to you both..👍

[@BUSHMANandBLUE]

Yes he definitely would have loved it… just not the travelling

[@mickymac5908]

What a great video that was,that descent down was insane well done

[@keithtanner2806]

I recall that descending Ben Narnain even in late Spring without the snow was not easy with deep hollows and holes on steep slopes. When I saw the weather forecast about the storm I thought of you and wondered if you woukd brave it!

[@Chilternwildcamper]

I'm sure you've heard of the very strong tent the Kuiu StormStar, I just got one and reckon it's good for a snowstorm and enough space for having a beer with a friend.

[@BUSHMANandBLUE]

I’ll have to test one😉

[@kevinstokes2092]

Another Epic camp out there mate. Well done guys, great stuff. 👍👌

[@wanderingdi]

Wow that was an amazing adventure in the snow. I'm sure Blue was toasty by the fire at home.

[@joannajones8218]

wow, was like watching a short film! looked brutal at times 😱 Wonderful as always Al !

[@BUSHMANandBLUE]

Thanks. I thought it might be a bit long and boring but I like having my memories fully recorded ☺️

[@joannajones8218]

@@BUSHMANandBLUE Longer the better! Its fantastic!

[@xix94]

You are crazy that storm was deadly I'm glad your ok though

[@A2Z1Two3]

That is NOT the main engineered path to Narnain . There is a dry path that takes you a good way of the way up . That is the most direct route , but not the best in bad weather

[@Sandra-xg2yl]

Are you sure you two didn't travel through some portal and land somewhere up near Everest... That looked rather brutal coming down. Awesome camp.

[@BUSHMANandBLUE]

😂 like I said it was like arctic conditions

[@anniejones1839]

Pleased to see you shared the tent. Good company in those conditions

[@JamJam-yw2ey]

Nice cool videos thanks for your time guys .. please do more videos

[@dylanmatthews1484]

Love the erieness of that climb up , would be great place for a castle or a nook , it's like a location for games of thrones. Loved it. I'd be doing the samething but i cracked my ankle from walking into hearth or fire 🤨🤨, the things you do , A great video mate.

[@kaigers123]

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@wandering_stu]

Nice one, that looked wild. I'm jealous, got a new tent that needs testing in some proper winter conditions but nae free time to get out. Every time I watch your videos I'm tempted to buy a trekker chair but can't quite convince myself it's worth the extra weight 😂

[@WildSimpleCamper]

Respect guys ✊🏽

[@thebiglizzard6701]

❄️ SNOW ❄️ 😄

[@Tominthetent]

Your crazy keep it up !

[@lapoguslapogus7161]

Cruach nam Miseag is pronounced Croo-ach nam Mishek, with the ach as in loch, NOT 'atch'. The g at the end of miseag is usually a softish k sound. Cruach means (conical) peak, nam just means of, but not sure what miseag means.

[@BUSHMANandBLUE]

😂 brilliant thank you. I’m not good at pronouncing anything. You want to hear my Yorkshire French 😂

[@ExploreAboveAndBelow]

Nice one Bushman and Andy. That was a tough old slog up and down and what a night, fair play to yous for giving us a fantastic video. I knew you wouldn't be far away from the storm Al 👍🏽

[@BUSHMANandBLUE]

Cheers mate. It was actually quite an easy going camp just a few parts requiring some effort and concentration. Loved it!

[@blackydon]

The icemen cometh.😳

[@katiebooth2031]

Wow, amazing video x

[@russ8544]

OMG guys, that was epic madness, both of you have deffo got a screw loose. Fair play to you, that was some challenge, and a momentous effort, what an unforgettable video, it must have taken ski much out of both of you. Next challenge, Everest 😂😂😂

[@howardpotts5763]

Considering the snow looked a difficult climb up and even worse coming down. It’s about time you bought a decent storm tent Al ! Hilli all the way , black label is the way to go 😂

[@seanmurphy6955]

you still got blue pal love this video

[@jrushen4235]

Two diehards on an unforgiving landscape. Great adventure, well done.

[@flyersluver4eva]

Great video guys

[@martinmoss317]

oh I feel the pain on the climb up...gasp! gasp!

[@theresamclaughlin8655]

Great camping love camping but think I would be up all night in that xx❤❤

[@yahyaoui-sz5ee]

Crazy 😊 god knows how you know the way back down and had the energy too ❤

[@jankarel6454]

Kudos to both of you for an epic adventure. This is the kind of thing people wish they could look back and remember when they get to the "rocking chair on the porch" age. Edited to add--after thinking a bit, it seems amazing that not only did you manage to get through that, but you were filming it! It seemed so seamless it's easy to forget that you are doing everything one-handed just so we can enjoy the adventure with you.

[@BUSHMANandBLUE]

Exactly that! I love having my adventures recorded for me to look back on… and my kids… and future grandkids 😬. Thanks Jan

[@margaretwallis4277]

Had planned a moonlit walk up Narnairn many years ago. We got there and it rained non stop, no sign of any moon 😂.

[@northernswedenstories1028]

Glad I'm not the only one who thinks IPA's all taste the same 🤣

[@stephenconroy9283]

Great job lads, well done! 👍🙏✊

[@blidzshon1966]

hi both! About Beers, I'm French but I can only advise you Belgian Beers, best in the world!!! But they come with glass bottles, more weight, it's the only way. A beer in anything not a glass bottle is a bad beer. Consider saving weight on other stuf :)))) Try a Chimay, a trappist, you have so man ychoice. Beer = Belgium, point. love uour channel btw, big hugs to Blue 🥰 Sorry to say, but I've lived 4 years in England as a student, and the only beer with something a little bit special was Guiness from Ireland, nothing compared to Belgian beers.

[@RV-rf5wi]

Respect guys ✊

[@stevenconnor4221]

As ever superb forget beer reviews you should do whiskey reviews less volume less weight maximum effect lol. Nice one really enjoyed that although missed blue. With almost anything in Scotland it can be attributed to the hydro-electric dams, which is why i am here, grandfather came over to help build them and never left, his whiskey review was there is no such thing as a bad whiskey.

[@levijords]

Long time watcher of the channel Al, love watching you, Blue and so many of the amazing trips you have taken us viewers on with you. However, this one is a hard watch mate. No Ice Axes, your friend doesn’t know how to use Cramp-ons and so many chances for an un-arrest-able slide is leaving You Tubers wide open to criticism from those in the Mountaineering and MRT Community. Please mate, get on your ‘Winter Skills’ course and you will have a new, safe outlook on winter hill safety. They do a great course at Plas Y Brenin in Wales and Glenmore in Scotland. Or, I am based in the Cairngorms and would happily take you out and show you and your friend the ropes and put you up at our little highland cottage no problem. Not in any way having a go, I have been there myself many years ago before I did my courses, but this going out to thousands will give some people a false idea of how to cover ground in winter. All the very best, Lee.

[@graham_avis6105]

Well said @levijords. Putting full blown poons in soft snow is really not the way to go and would possibly wreck the vegetation below - doubt it was frozen at the moment on Narnain. Love the videos Al but agree with Lee, Winter Skills course is one for your bucket list mate.

[@BUSHMANandBLUE]

Thanks mate. It was completely fresh soft snow so an ice axe wasn’t needed and would have actually made it more dangerous. Not a chance of sliding in that but more chance of falling on to your sharp ice axe. Similar with a trekking pole (which stayed in my bag). For different conditions (frozen hard snow) then I’d have my ice axe for self arrest and cutting in steps. I agree though it’s good to educate people. Cheers.

[@levijords]

@@BUSHMANandBLUE I think you may be missing my point bud. In winter conditions, an axe is to be carried so if you do come across terrain that could induce a slide it can be arrested. Not carrying an axe is effectively like saying ‘the traffic was super mellow with little chance of an accident so I didn’t bother with a seat belt this morn’ That axe should be on your person at any point you encounter a snow line so that if you do come across Ice, or are involved in a slide you can dig out steps, arrest a fall, or if one of you couldn’t continue the walk due to illness or injury or the weather properly turns and you can’t get a tent erected you could use your axe to dig a snow hole and be comfortable out of the elements until rescue arrives. I can totally understand why you don’t see an issue due to the thick snow, but I guarantee you if you attend your winter skills course that outlook will change forever and you will have the knowledge of what I am saying. Only last January whilst I was hosting Chris from MCM Outdoors when a walker approaching his 200th Munro got into a slide in Glen Clova, the valley across from us with no ice axe. He sadly didn’t make it. At some point on that day he will have been in thick snow, I know this as I was on his exact route the week before and had similar conditions where we were, but if that changes you need to be ready to adapt. As much as you may think I’m waffling, all of this advice is set in stone when in winter conditions on the BMC’s website and both Glenmore and Plas Y Brenins pages. You could maybe even approach them about doing a video to show how it goes. Facilities are excellent, there’s a bar, good food and the instructors are none judgemental and some of the best in the world. I’m going to leave it there champ, I mean no offence, deep down just care about you and your mate and there’s a better way to do it. All the very best, Lee.

[@BUSHMANandBLUE]

Yeah I totally understand mate. Plas Y Brenin have asked me to help them a couple times in the past.

[@levijords]

@@BUSHMANandBLUEsounds like a perfect opportunity there then mate! Also, they move their centre from Wales to Glen Coe for their winter skills training camps, so you would get to train in that beautiful area in amazing conditions and can you imagine the positive effect that would have on the wider community? You would do so much good documenting that and would be a shining example for those who might be sat on the fence about taking that next step or getting a course booked. Wish you the absolute best with it 🥊🙌

[@richardspencer744]

Really enjoyed latest video as always your videos are great and interesting

[@Chilternwildcamper]

Man such a lovely warm relaxed vibe and happy camp. I can relate 100% as my ambition is to do my first snowy camp this winter. Big grins on your faces is like mine when in a storm! Great vid.

[@BUSHMANandBLUE]

Just pick a non windy day as that always makes it harder. Enjoy! It’s always great to experience and stretch your comfort zone.

[@ddee5999]

Hi mate awesome vid! What boots you using most regularly now in this weather?

[@BlackNuke145]

Silly question but why doesn't your tent have a floor?

[@burrianaUK]

It does in the main body of the tent.

[@benjidoowood1413]

super ace , take care and thanx

[@mickf.4958]

Great video, looks like another planet 🌍 no other humans there , maybe some other beings, as you panned your camera around when checking the tent at night , im sure I see someone or something in the distance looking over at you !!!! 😮

[@scrappy1859]

Great video 😊👌

[@margaretomahony7528]

Madhatters 🙏

[@judelinton]

Crazy! Why do you not have a fixed ground sheet to stop snow coming in

[@TheCraigy83]

bro's like taking a English Mastiff camping that basically has no concept of keeping the inside of the tent dry 😆

[@BUSHMANandBLUE]

😂 yes dogs are tough to deal with. Watch my first malham camp when blue came back covered in mud 😂

[@camping_guru_uk]

Superb guys, that Peak looked terrifying lol to me. Can I ask about your Terrex jacket, I picked up a nearly new, I mean tags still on etc one for no money at all. I wanted it as a lightweight back up really as I wear a Paramo mostly but we all know they are not really "waterproof" but it works me 95% of the time. So what's your thoughts on the Terrex, mines the light weight Paclite Gore. Cheers Gary

[@BUSHMANandBLUE]

Yes that’s the same as mine. I paid £39 so it’s amazing for that price. Perfect as a lightweight outer. The zip seems a bit feeble but it’s been fine so far.

[@camping_guru_uk]

@@BUSHMANandBLUE cheers, that's about what I paid so yeah I didn't think I could go wrong for that. Give Blue a scratch behind the ears for me 😀

[@remyd1984]

cracking vid mate! looked tough going coming down!!! is the USWE pocket compatible with any bag ie osprey? cheers pal

[@adge_ventures4915]

Top class Al......great that you got down safe and well 😊 Inherently flawed design the old Keb, same with the terra nova vault duo. The big stuff is too much for it. Stay safe and well mate, Adge

[@BUSHMANandBLUE]

Yeah it was really the fact that there was no soil to put in a peg so hard to get the peg inline with the poles (which this tent needs I’d say). Even with failed guys I was impressed the poles didn’t snap. Bit of a faffy tent though like you say👊

[@adge_ventures4915]

​@@BUSHMANandBLUE In fairness there were contributing factors which were against it. Get yourself a kuiu storm star Al. I've had a few and they're brilliant.......you'd test it beyond anyone previous 😁

[@BUSHMANandBLUE]

😂 I’d definitely test it although saying you’ve ’had a few’ doesn’t seem like it’s tough😂. I’ll have to get one. If you get bored I’ll buy yours since you have way too many tents😂. Cheers Adge

[@adge_ventures4915]

​@@BUSHMANandBLUEnah, I'm a swapper and changer who can't afford to keep them all 😂 Toughest was the Crux X2 storm, then the alpkit kangri ( weirdly ) and then the kuiu. Go fill your boots 😂

[@BUSHMANandBLUE]

😂 I’m still in search of the perfect tent… it’s a myth although you probably know more than anyone else out there.

[@curtholt9798]

I know you like your ales but I would highly recommend trying henry Weston’s cider i live close to the main factory its a lovely tasting cider and 3x bottles is enough to get anyone tipsy 😂

[@shantishanti1949]

After all that trekking have the bears you want !!

[@charliebyrd1806]

Cold good! That's what you get for not taking blue! He could have snuggled your feet.

[@xix94]

Epic video by the way

Bier, sehr cool! Und Essen.. was hat es gegeben?

[@hultagertrude6905]

Great work lads!

[@ofthenearfuture]

This was absolutely intense and epic... but easy to understand how people get caught out and die in the highlands in the winter.

[@andye222]

We had plenty of kit with us and catered to the conditions. For me personally, this is something I’ve been working up to and started wild camping during the summer months a few years ago. Just built my kit up over time which enables me to get out and enjoy all conditions.

[@ofthenearfuture]

@@andye222 For sure, like the overused adage says, there's no such thing as bad weather only unsuitable kit. I live in the Canadian Rockies and enjoy hiking and backcountry camping here, and went through the same, took a few years before I got to the point of camping in the snow. I am still not prepared for -30C winters though, but I'm not really sad about that haha

[@andye222]

@@ofthenearfutureCanadian Rockies! That has to be a bucket list type of camp for us. I can only imagine how amazing it must be 👍

[@ofthenearfuture]

@@andye222 Yeah it is amazing, and I'm really lucky to live a few hours from world famous places. But being born and raised here it just feels normal haha, it can be easy to take for granted. It's maybe a bit ironic, but I'm actually in the process of moving to Edinburgh, and am really looking forward to exploring a new landscape and hiking and camping in Scotland!

[@paulenedinning5166]

​@@ofthenearfuture You'll be more than welcome in Scotland 😊 I've sisters who emigrated to Vancouver 50yrs ago , been to Canada a couple of times it's absolutley an amazing country the ppl are lovely too!! Highlight of our mum & dads holiday was when they went to the Rockies , my dad always said you aint seen nothing until you've been 😂to the Rockies !!!!

[@grahamritchie8118]

Stan my english bull terrier missed seeing blue but I'm pleased you didn't take him on this adventure.

[@larasoutdooradventures5685]

Wow crazy but can see the excitement, great video as ever, the scenery looks beautiful. Very brave!! Glad you both made it back safe Ps Andy is a bit of alright 🙂

[@BUSHMANandBLUE]

😂 he’s a catch but caught by an incredible woman!

[@larasoutdooradventures5685]

@ yes I expected so. Great video 🙂

[@andye222]

@@BUSHMANandBLUEcompletely agree Al ❤

[@sgillespie9028]

Was up Ben Vrackie at the same time. Guy lines pinging out but I wasn’t risking getting out the tent. Thought I was going to die 😂

[@BUSHMANandBLUE]

Yes we had no soil to insert pegs but luckily the tent is pretty solid alone. Nice to experience it👊

[@BigD-ex7jt]

How did you get on with the adidas terrex jacket? Can you put a link as I can only find it on a search in womens sizes. Cheers

[@panchomcsporran2083]

Andy's not as quick on his feet as blue, and he's not nearly as cute and cuddly.

[@aileencotswoldtrekker6876]

loved the video, a great experience

[@awesomecitizen8460]

I would at least have to have a heater buddy or something

[@AndyBasnett]

Top viewing as usual and that’s up there with your best 👍🏻

[@BENTWOONEZERO]

No poles used by either, shocked !

[@BUSHMANandBLUE]

There is a fine line between help and hinderance in this case they would have been dangerous so they stayed in the bag.

[@BENTWOONEZERO]

@@BUSHMANandBLUE I have always used 1pole in snow, helps with balance and to check depth of snow.

[@TrevsOutdoorsandWellbeing]

That’s as close to the artic I think you’ll get 😂 if you had snow pegs do you think the tent would of stood Better

[@jakesy2569]

You can make emergency satellite calls from iphones now

[@eddyarundale1566]

👋🏼

[@MsDenver2]

Alcohol in them wheather conditions you obviously want to get hypothermia, much better hot food and hot drinks?

[@MrNightworker5]

👍👍👍

[@markiaapplin1911]

top maniacs

[@James_and_Laura]

Fantastic video Al 👍 Some pretty epic conditions those! Great beer reviews too 😂😂

[@BUSHMANandBLUE]

4 different cans and literally all tasted the same! 😂😂😂

[@James_and_Laura]

@BUSHMANandBLUE 🤣🤣

[@Deliquescentinsight]

Where is Blue?

[@pklucky43]

Brilliant adventure... Well done to you and Mr Bump, for making it through the night in extreme conditions 🙌👍

[@andye222]

Mr Bump. I’ll take that. Can’t not really can I 😂😂

[@sueevansProoovviitt]

Alan, doesn't drunking alcohol *lower* your body tempreture!?

[@BUSHMANandBLUE]

I’d say it raises mine but luckily it wasn’t that cold up there.

[@ruperttristanblythe7512]

Not really but it can seriously affect your spelling

[@JustMe-dd5ou]

You don’t come to Scotland for an easy time of it. 😂 I’m a Brit and I’ve lived on the north coast of Scotland for 20 years.

[@RaeBlake-b7h]

Pure talent you are the best

[@trickofthetrail]

Awesome video mate. Perfect conditions for a fun snowy wild camp. 😁The Keb Dome is a proper beast. Well filmed as usual. 👍

[@BUSHMANandBLUE]

It was quite impressive considering the guys came out and none of the poles snapped.

[@Rooksfoot]

Awesome mate...

[@Markmfc007]

These epic winter snow adventures are the best cheers mate

[@richardh615]

Why no w poles, better in high winds? Also much more serious beer up a mountain in Scotland, what’s wrong with the real drink? Malt is best haha. Good vid anyway.

[@briankirkup]

Some adventure that one Allen great video. Well done. Stay safe. B. K.