Watership Down Walk | Kingsclere Circular | 50th Anniversary of Watership Down | CDWC

A 10-mile walk from Kingsclere, just outside Basingstoke, up to Watership Down, through the Sydmonton Estate and the village of Ecchinswell. During this walk, I talk mainly about Richard Adams's Watership Down.
*Also the film was directed by Martin Rosen not Michael. Apologies.
This walk is from Outdoor Active but there are lots of similar walks online. You can get a discount on the Pro version of the app with the code COOLDUDES10F
out.ac/vsswt
If you enjoyed this video, and want to help me make more, it would be really great if you joined the Cool Dudes Walking Club. There are two ways to join, each with different benefits. Firstly on the website:
cooldudeswalkingclub.com/memb...
Or go to this KZbin Channel’s main page and click join to pay a monthly amount via youtube, or both ways if you want to be really cool. All proceeds go towards making more walking videos. Thank you to everyone who has supported me.
Twitter - @dudeswalking, @mareklarwood
Instagram - @cooldudeswalkingclub
Here is the link to the main channel page to join on KZbin.
/ @cdwc
This was shot on a GoPro Hero Black 10 - amzn.to/3hBnvNX
All my gear is listed on the website.cooldudeswalkingclub.com/my-w...
Music - Mostly KZbin Audio Library
Waltz of the Flowers - Tchiakovsky
Amber - VYEN
Beth - VYEN
Bright Eyes - Marek on Keyboard

[@systemSkynet]

Years ago a friend was feeling really low and asked for a comedy movie recommendation to cheer them up. I said Watership Down was quite funny. Couple hours later I was texted all the swear words invented

[@cdwc]

It is still a great film though. I would be pleased if someone recommended it to me.

[@systemSkynet]

@@cdwc was it actually Easter that it was shown on the telly? I've only ever seen it on ITV I'm sure. I bet it was Easter

[@cdwc]

Yes it was always on an Easter for about 20 years.

[@plottracer]

I had read the book at least twice before I saw the film (saw it when it came out). I was so disappointed in it (I was 12). I've never watched it or any other adaptation of it ever since. Maybe I was harsh. I'll give it another go sometime soon. The new graphic novel is superb. 5 1/2 stars out of 5.

[@Clyde7709]

Watership down is one of my few childhood favourites that I showed to my children and they also loved it. I have recently read the book too which I highly recommend to any fan.

[@cdwc]

It is a brilliant book and the 1979 animation does it justice.

[@suelovely1954]

What an emotional rollercoaster! Horrible news re virus killing rabbits, poor things. Loved info re the book, amazed and bit sad you gave your copy as a prize, but what a treat for the winner. Shame you couldn’t get on the down and happy you made your bus stop in time and how thoughtful you didn’t want to worry the lad in front. Oh yes, and chuckling at your nieces and nephews 😂 do we need a rabbit emoji?

[@njuham]

I read the book and it had everything. Adventure, suspense, sadness, happiness, humour, the lot.

[@cdwc]

It is a fantastic novel. I try to re-read it every ten years or so.

[@jackspring7709]

When I was a child I loved the book and so I got 2 pet rabbits, one brown-grey, one black and I called them Hazel & Fiver. Many years later, when I moved to England I worked in a store in West London and Richard Briers used to shop there all the time: he was a lovely person, an absolute gentleman.

[@cdwc]

I am so glad to hear Richard Briers was nice.

[@nightheron5892]

I concur with your assessment of nostalgia, or it’s waning today in the age of instant gratification. Stay cool!

[@cdwc]

I was talking about this with a friend and trying to work out what it is we miss. I think it is the quiet of life before the internet. Also the sharing of information verbally and through books. Now you can find out everything in a few clicks or a few texts so it feels as though there is less of a need for any social interaction. I don't know, I still haven't worked it out.

[@Cam11010]

loving his drawings 😄

[@SignorAveya]

Wonderful video, thank you for sharing!

[@cdwc]

Nice one cool dude.

[@mariebryant5731]

Beetroot boy 🤣🤣🤣 brilliant sketches as always! Lovely walk........my fave film was firstly 'never ending story' but was traumatised by so many parts of that film! But then THE fave became Labyrinth and probably still is! I nearly wore out my VHS I tapped off the telly, remembered it word for word nearly 🤣 was nice as a kid to have a cool strong brunette female role model in Labyrinth instead of the 80s blonde barbie forced by society on girls!!! 🙌

[@cdwc]

I loved Labyrinth and had the soundtrack. Here is a name dropping story. I once did a job with Danny John Jules who is best known for cat in Red Dwarf and he was one of the pink things that sing Chilly Down (the ones that remove their heads).

[@mariebryant5731]

@@cdwc omg I never knew that!!!!! I remember when he was in lock stock and 2 smoking barrels and looked weird without his fangs 🤣 thanks for that, had no idea!

[@katenessjamesness8491]

I've listened to the video twice and each time, in the beginning, I mishear you as saying the rabbits don't have any "dough," and I actually think, "That's true. They carried no cash." Anyway, excellent video! Thank you for making it!

[@cdwc]

Ha. Thank you. I can't understand what I am saying half the time when I watch things back.

[@chegeny]

Thank you Marek for another excellent walk. Lisa's gift of Mini-Marek is outstanding.

[@suzannax]

Yeah, must've taken ages to make as well with all the clothes and everything

[@cdwc]

Yes it is brilliant isn't it.

[@lisaperry345]

Thankyou. 🙂He took around three weeks to make. My intention was not to freak people out by making him but I obviously have scared some people. That's the story of my life though-most people think I'm odd. 😂I think he's cute anyway.

[@chumon1992]

My favourite movie as a child was probably Lion King. Im obsessed with cats so it really fit the bill.

[@rentaghost]

Fantastic walk Marek, the scenery there looks stunning. Hampshire is one of my favourite counties. I always remember Watership Down making me incredibly sad as a child, so I've swerved it ever since. In the absence of a rabbit emoji, you'll have to have a squirrel #StayCool

[@cdwc]

I thought of doing a rabbit emoji. I have only got three left to do until I get more members on KZbin. I think one has to be a burger.

[@JonnyBarmCake]

Sorry I’m late to the party my good man. This is blinding work! I’m a bimbler myself. I wanted to do this walk and found you in my research! Im so glad I did. 🤟🤟👍🤟🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🫡

[@wdmick]

This video made my day.

[@cdwc]

Nice one cool dude. I am so glad you enjoyed it

[@SouthCoastDetecting]

Brilliant video cool dude, I don’t know it was based on a real place. Everyday is a school day. Fave animated film growing up was Disneys Robin Hood. stay cool

[@cdwc]

Robin Hood was a good one, also Sword in the Stone.

[@lobox138]

I love this video thanks for making it

[@cdwc]

Nice one. Thanks cool dude.

[@PaintballMagazine]

Giving Richard Herring a run for his money with that ventriloquism Marek.

[@cdwc]

That is a compliment. The greatest living ventriloquist!

[@Splinkvision]

I have never read it and didn't like the look of the film when I grew up so based on your recommendation I am listening to the original book and enjoying it very much on audible :-) love the channel keep up the great work

[@walksfunwithgrandad]

Best film as a kid, Swallows and Amazons and Escape to Witch Mountain.

[@cdwc]

I never saw Escape to Witch Mountain, but it has got Donald Pleasence in it. One of my favourites. His episode of Columbo is away voted the greatest of all time.

[@superdeluxesmell]

Flight of the Dragons! Now there’s a neuron that didn’t expect to get woken up ever again.

[@cdwc]

It is still in my all time top ten.

[@kek23k]

Oh gosh, I literally said outloud 'Flight of Dragons!' just before you said it. Such good memories of that film, I'm scared to watch it now in case I ruin it. James Earl Jones as the baddy!

[@cdwc]

You must watch it again. It still holds up as a classic. I rewatch my DVD every couple of years, but now my DVD players has broken I am at a loss. It is impossible to get online in the UK.

[@kek23k]

@@cdwc I will take your advice and have a re-watch asap! Just sent an email that might help :)

[@hala9175]

Stay cool, Cool Dude! 🐰🐇

[@cdwc]

[@MissNancySims]

Beautiful walk , Thanks Marek. I loved Wind in the Willows, I remember being very scared of the stoats and weasels.

[@cdwc]

The puppets of the stoats and weasels in the stop motion programme were brilliant. Very scary.

[@admiralackbar9307]

Thank you so much for making this video, I really would love to go to see the real Watership Down one day, the experience would most likely make me cry though, all those memories, and those who I have loved and lost, I ended up working in animation myself, for a while because of Watership Down, Bambi, and The Secret of NIMH, funny when you think all the animation for Watership Down was made in a building on Warren Street, in London.

[@cdwc]

It is great to hear that Watership Down inspired you to work in animation. It is such a wonderful film. I did not know it was made in Warren Street.

[@admiralackbar9307]

@@cdwc Thank you, sadly by the time I got to work in the industry, traditional 2d animation started to disappear, I was born to late, but it was fun while it lasted, Yes I heard that John Hurt was cracking jokes about it when he visited the studio.

[@squalloogal]

We were quite poor when I was little, not that I minded, we had a great time as kids playing in the bush. But because we were poor we had one book. Where the Wild Things Are was therefore my favourite. I wanted to be Max.

[@cdwc]

That book is absolutely beautiful. I remember reading it for the first time at my cousins and being captivated.

[@the_littles7928]

Fun fact: One of the senior animators in the Watership Down movie is Arthur Humberstone. He is the father of the Humberstone twins, who are one of my favourite bands - 'In the Nursery'. Check them out.

[@cdwc]

An excellent fact cool dude. Will have a look.

[@alltheteam69]

Great walk. Thanks

[@cdwc]

Nice one cool dude.

[@alanmaynard7842]

Great walk Marek. Our rabbits name was Rosie, sadly past away but gave us lots of pleasure.

[@cdwc]

My brother had a rabbit called Whisker who lived until he was about 100 (mild exaggeration).

[@alanmaynard7842]

She had a little friend Stewey the guinea pig. She treated him like her baby. They both made us laugh with their antics.

[@ExpeditionHiker]

Nice one is surprising how many walks I follow are attached to books, biggest I guess is Jane Austin on the Pilgrims Way or D.H Lawrence via Nottinghamshire Walks

[@cdwc]

My next walk is in Jane Austen country where she grew up in Steventon.

[@kristinleydigbryant8460]

So exciting. We have just arrived in the area to do this walk ourselves. Love love love the book. We’ve been listening to the audiobook with Peter Capaldi doing all the voices. A bit worried that you were disappointed

[@cdwc]

I reckon you can probably sneak through onto the training track to look at the views if no-one is there. There was a gate there, but I was not sure if it was a public footpath. It is a beautiful walk, I hope you enjoy it.

[@Barramack]

There is a gate on the top that allows you to walk down at an angle on a public footpath. If you walk a short distance off the track you can take a couple of nice pictures. I was there today on a pilgrimage from Australia.

[@stuartscott8099]

Great combination of walking and literature

[@cdwc]

Nice one cool dude

[@jacquettabanana]

Yes dude, flight of the dragons, loved that & the last unicorn, brilliant 😊

[@cdwc]

I must watch The Last Unicorn again properly.

[@welcomeautumn]

Really enjoyed this vid. Nice one 👍 The book covers you inserted were a cool touch. I searched for the illustrator of the one at 1:24....could it be Chris Thornley AKA Raid71? Glad you caught that bus home 👍

[@cdwc]

That is good information cool dude. I will look him up. Glad you enjoyed the video. I spend 90% of my walks paranoid that I am going to miss the bus.

[@LeanneModenPoet]

I was surprised to hear that the Watership Down film was directed by poet, former children's laureate and all round national treasure Michael Rosen. Turns out, it was Martin Rosen. Aw well, no harm no foul. Great video! Also, my favourite film as a child was Return to Oz. Utterly terrifying.

[@cdwc]

Oh yes, my mistake. I have added a card to correct it. Thank you. I have been meaning to watch Return to Oz again. The Wheelers were scary.

[@squalloogal]

I’ve been so unwell these last three days that this was a welcome surprise for the 10 minutes my head can focus. TY

[@cdwc]

Hope you get well soon. I have been reading bits of the Myths and Folklore book, it is so brilliant. Thank you once again.

[@Mirily]

We used to sing a slightly longer version of the Tesco clothes song... "Let's all go to Tesco's Where Marek buys his best clothes, They're rather nifty For £1.50!" Comedy genius, I know!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤷‍♀️

[@cdwc]

I hope my nieces and nephew don’t see this. A second verse would be even more traumatising.

[@Mirily]

@@cdwc if it helps, rather than it being a second verse, you just sing it instead of the La's!! ...that's not really helpful at all is it? Oh well!! 😂😁

[@sfsunday74]

It's funny. I'll make myself sound 107 but we didn't have a VCR until I was almost out of high school. We could use the one at the library. & no cable where my folks live until I was at university. So we didn't watch films over & over when I was a kid. We did go to the movie theatre a lot. Almost every week, if there was something new. & we'd watch whatever was on "Wonderful World of Disney" on Sundays. So I loved the once a year we got to see "Wizard of Oz" & "Sound of Music". I guess maybe I'd say "Jungle Book" because we had lots of the soundtracks on vinyl & that's the one my brother & I really loved the most. And I still love Hayley Mills. "Moon-spinners" is my fave of hers. It wasn't until "Star Wars" that we saw a film at the theatre more than once so I was 12. Does that count? Great walk. "Watership Down" is one of my mom's favorite books.

[@cdwc]

I remember when my Dad first brought back a VCR in the mid eighties and it was treated like a sort of god in the home. He also borrowed the work video camera one Christmas and we have the tape. I remember thinking it was a miracle you could video yourself and be on TV.

[@sfsunday74]

@@cdwc yeah - it was a big deal for us too. and cable more so, I think. I was at uni before I saw MTV. didn't have a clue what people were on about. music videos. crazy.

[@justino359]

Thanks for another great video and for the handwritten letter in the membership pack, it's been a while since I've received one of those! Mary Poppins was my favourite film as a child. Became a bit of a ritual if I was ever poorly/ skiving. Poor Mum. 🙂 Keep up the great work. 👏

[@cdwc]

Nice one dude. I didn't like Mary Poppins when I was a child, I only really appreciated it as I got older, and just how amazing Julie Andrews was in it.

[@jasonharding9490]

I think you said "Mini Marek", clearly that is "Sunglasses Hat Mini Marek". I never read the book but I can so clearly remember the cartoon, and I feel that I should mention the wonderful music in that version, composed by Angela Morley who also wrote the theme tune for Hancock's Half Hour, among other things.

[@cdwc]

Yes I should have mentioned her. I have been listening to that soundtrack all week, well what I could get on KZbin. It is magical and really elevates the film.

[@stephr7637]

A lovely relaxing vid to come home to after a trying day at work 🙂 I've always steered clear of Watership Down because after being traumatised by the mild peril in Animals of Farthing Wood as a child I now find anything with animal peril or death disproportionately upsetting. I liked your niece and nephew's song, it made me picture you conga-ing to Tesco as a family singing it.

[@cdwc]

That has given me an idea, maybe I could get money off at Tescos if I sing that song next time I get some clothes. I even wore a Tescos shirt when I went on Pointless. The costume lady took it away to iron it (they always do this). I felt so embarrassed. I said 'It is from Tescos.' She replied 'I know'.

[@stephr7637]

@@cdwc It would be rude of them not to give at least a small discount for being a loyal customer of their atelier. Also there's nothing wrong with Tesco clothes, you should wear your ensembles with a pride that borders on arrogance!

[@rjmusicltd]

Great video Marek

[@cdwc]

Thanks cool dude.

[@squalloogal]

The cartoon was wonderful. Loved the kids singing. ☺️

[@cdwc]

Bullying not singing.

[@mumblerocks77]

Wonderful video

[@cdwc]

Thanks cool dude.

[@tinfoil6150]

Your paintings are getting really good xxx I really loved the style of animation of the original Watership Down but I was a bit scared of it as a child, I think I was just really worried for the rabbits and the baddy had such a scary face!

[@cdwc]

I think it is good to be scared of stuff as a kid. I think I find the old public safety films even scarier now than I did then.

[@tinfoil6150]

@@cdwc Agreed!

[@LukaTisus]

Our teacher let us watch it in our Grade 4 class and I remember half the girls needed to go sit in the hallway because the scene with the rats scared the crap out of them. I sat through the whole thing, absolutely fascinated lol

[@ErinN43]

Every time you manage to catch the bus, I feel both thrilled and relieved. My favorite movie as a kid was probably Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure. I also loved The Wizard of Oz, but have had recurring nightmares about tornados ever since. The Great Muppet Caper is a close runner up.

[@cdwc]

I hate my bus sprints. I always think there is a better chance of me getting the bus if I stop filming and start running. If only the buses weren't every hour everywhere I go.

[@Wyowanderer]

Nice walk, Marek.

[@cdwc]

Thanks cool dude.

[@nature_photography_yukon]

Lovely walk and brings back memories of watching the Watership down movie, think I cried listening to Brighteyes. Sad to hear about that rabbit virus. Love seeing rabbits on the wild. Awe, hope you get more Easter eggs next year :D

[@budgieholic]

Watership down was my favorite film next to the last unicorn than the hobbit I love this book and the sequel too

[@cdwc]

It is a wonderful book cool dude.

[@JessieCori]

Oh, I loved that novel too! Lovely walk!

[@rosemoon8116]

the rabbit costume in donnie darko was inspired by watership down

[@cdwc]

That is a great film.

[@occultariaalbion7195]

Great video! I totally agree about having a statue or monument on Watership Down. You make a great argument for it.

[@cdwc]

Yes, especially when you see all the stuff they have for Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings. All Watership Down gets is an underwhelming tree and tiny plaque.

[@kristinleydigbryant8460]

Me too. Maybe we could all pitch in on an idea for it. I’d love a life-size statue with the main characters.

[@russellc8282]

Great walk and very nostalgic! The Hobbit and Watership Down very much part of my childhood!

[@cdwc]

I will do a walk in Hobbitton next.

[@bluecraig99]

So glad you caught the bus - I get stessed every time you have to run for it. My favourite kids movie is Pinchcliffe Grand Prix - a Norwegian stop motion animation from the 70s. Awesome.

[@cdwc]

I just started watching a short of the Pinchcliffe Grand Prix on youtube. It is incredible. I think it is a cut down version of the whole film so I have stopped and will try and rent it.

[@JohnBone]

Biggest villains in literature - Dan Brown, E.L. James... OK you can see where I'm going with that

[@cdwc]

I never got past the first three pages of a Dan Brown book.

[@RetroRatz]

My son Connor was named from the film Highlander!! We hope yo do a walk with you in the future!

[@cdwc]

Excellent. There can be only one!

[@cpl4]

Another cracking video Marek! Fun fact for you... Sydmonton Court is the home of Andrew Lloyd Webber!

[@cdwc]

I wish I had sung my Bright Eyes rendition a bit louder. I could have gotten some work!

[@RandomTrinidadian]

"Lets all go to Tescos, where Marek buys his best clothes.. la la la.... la la la... " It is kinda funny 😁

[@cdwc]

[@Hedge_witch]

I always loved Watership Down as a kid, but also the other animated film of a Richard Adams novel, The Plague Dogs. I recommend that book/film to anyone who loves Watership Down. Other than that it was Labyrinth, Willow, The Dark Crystal and The Yellow Submarine 💛

[@cdwc]

I started watching The Plague Dogs once. I must try it again. Al the films you mention are great. I had the Labyrinth soundtrack on CD.

[@saikonakoshi4334]

What a lovely walk!

[@cdwc]

Thanks cool dude.

[@Natalie-mu3ye]

Love the sketch, and the piano playing My favourite movie as a younger kid might've been Aladdin, we watched it so many times. Watched it again recently and aspects of it are definitely racist, but at least Robin Williams as the Genie is still wonderful. He was such a big part of my 90s childhood (Jumanji, Mrs Doubtfire, Hook, even Flubber), it was really shocking when we lost him

[@cdwc]

I feel pretty old now. I remember giving away free pots of flubber when I had to do the Kids Club one summer at Harbour Lights Cinema in Southampton.

[@Niac022]

Totally needed this today. Found out I may lose my hearing in my left permanently due to the pandemic that will not be named. Your videos are so chill. My favorite movie as a kid was The Black Stallion Returns but I had forgotten about it over the years till just last year I found a bluray copy in one of the used stores I frequent! I didn't even know it had been put on bluray but I found out it was limited to just 3000 copies! A very cool and nostalgic pick up for roughly what would be in your currency about 15 pounds (25 cnd dollars).

[@cdwc]

Sorry to hear your news. I will keep my fingers crossed for you.

[@lisaperry345]

Oh wow, how pretty is it around there??!Lovely vid as always. 🙂 Oh my God and thankyou so much for the mention at the end-I've had a horrible day so it cheered me up loads! My fave film as a kid was the Wizard of Oz but closely followed by the Back to the future films. My mom didn't let me watch Watership down when I was a kid so I was in my 20s when I watched it for the first time. I loved the film but I cried buckets of course. Stay cool.

[@angelaryder7777]

Oh the story’s just devastating 😭 Have you seen that film with Björk in; ‘Dancer in the Dark’ ? it’s a strange but good one, only you’ll need a fair few tissues at the end(and for any mucky minds reading, it’s not THAT kind of film 😏)

[@lisaperry345]

@@angelaryder7777 No I haven't but I know what happens in it and at the end. I don't think I could cope with it. X

[@cdwc]

Back to the Future is in my all time top ten. I still remember when Michael J Fox was on Going Live or whatever it was called talking about it.

[@lisaperry345]

@@cdwc I wanted to marry MJF back then.I must have been about 5 or 6😂

[@steveharris5017]

Greetings from The Land of Smiles. Great video as always. Not literature related however my favourite villain has to be Baron Silas Greenback. My favourite movie from childhood is Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (the original with Gene Wilder). Watership Down scared the shit out of me, and I remember crying for days after watching it for the first time.

[@Natalie-mu3ye]

I liked Willy Wonka although found the 'trippy tunnel' scene very unsettling

[@cdwc]

I liked Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory too. Especially the bit when they first arrive in the land where they can eat everything. I remember hating all the kids when I was little, but thinking they were great as I got older. Gene Wilder was incredible.

[@SophiaAphrodite]

I read Watership Down every year. I am currently working on using Unreal engine to render the locations from the book and to have them all explorable as a rabbit.

[@cdwc]

That sounds really cool dude!

[@boermed]

Favourite films as a kid , Paper Tiger , The Railway Children , and The Amazing Mr Blunden .

[@cdwc]

I had not heard of Paper Tiger or the Amazing Mr Blunden. I am a bag fan of David Niven, he used to visit the Isle of Wight and the village where I live quite often.

[@boermed]

@@cdwc Paper Tiger is well worth a watch if you can find it I loved that film as a kid and pretty much any David Niven film . and The Amazing Mr Blunden with Laurence Naismith is a great little film directed by Lionel Jeffries who also Directed The railway children and was in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang a load of other great films .

[@boermed]

@@cdwc I found Paper Tiger full film on here Marek . kzbin.info/www/bejne/qnOldWOPrMuse8U

[@MoreModeratePeril]

Oh and for those who were traumatised by the film version of Watership Down, which is a staggeringly violent piece of animation, try watching The Plague Dogs also made by animator Martin Rosen. It is utterly terrifying for children filled with farmers getting shot in the face with their own shotguns and dogs with electrodes coming out of their heads. The ending is staggeringly bleak and heart breaking.

[@cdwc]

I started watching it once. It was almost as bleak as Threads. I never understood people who found Watership Down traumatising or the parents who complained about it. There is much worse on TV every night.

[@philipcampo4316]

Favourite film as a child? Probably Hook, Back to the Future or Demolition Man (strange mix I know 🤣) Btw thank you for taking the time in saying hello to my beautiful lady and her mum on your way to film this episode. They were heading to Chelsea flower show. Loving your work Marek (hence the support)

[@cdwc]

Oh yes. They were very nice. I hope they had a fantastic day. I haven't seen Hook since it came out I think. I must watch it again. Thanks for your support cool dude.

[@steveburbidge875]

Brenda Parker Way is worth a look.

[@cdwc]

I had not heard of that before. It looks excellent. Thanks dude.

[@JensRandoms]

This walk had a bit of everything. Story time, a sing song, the anxiety of will you or won’t you catch the bus, and then Mini Marek! I missed the bus every single time on the IOW. My favourite film from my childhood was Who Framed Roger Rabbit. It bugs me that there isn’t a question mark in the title though

[@cdwc]

I know one day I will just miss the bus and have to wait another hour. I think the summer timetable is now in full flow on the island so it might be one bus every 45 minutes.

[@mattentwistle70]

I must have been 7 years old when my mum took me to watch it at the cinema. I remember being scared of El-ahrairah the ghostly rabbit spirit thing and blubbing my eyes out. Was quite a brutal film for littl'uns to watch. Was expecting you to have a rabbit sandwich and chocolate covered raisins for lunch

[@cdwc]

I definitely missed a trick not getting the chocolate covered raisins.

[@petesilvers5053]

Loved it as usual....you should try working in a comedy club.... always need cleaners..😄...no, really, my kind of humour....think your fantastic at these vids...best on KZbin... Pete 🇬🇧

[@cdwc]

Thanks cool dude. So glad you like the videos. Ironically I did work in comedy clubs for quite some time.

[@pauladams1829]

♡

[@cdwc]

[@-aquariuscyclingadventures2325]

Fabulous sketch,, piano playing, singing, merch & Mini Marek! Bright eyes is such a beautiful but sad song.🎵 My first favourite film was Bedknobs & Broomsticks. My older brothers took me to the cinema to see it & remembered to take me home too! 🐰

[@cdwc]

I loved the football match in Bedknobs and Broomsticks and good old Jessica Fletcher.

[@-aquariuscyclingadventures2325]

@@cdwcI used to enjoy watching Jessica Fletcher (Angela Lansbury) in Murder She Wrote, riding a bike & cracking unsolved mystery cases!

[@lolly5453]

Aww this was a lovely nostalgia filled video! I remember waiting for all the best cartoons to come on and recording them on VHS (then stressing incase someone recorded over em 😰) Loved your cartoons in this btw Marek! And great walk - I’m pleased you didn’t have to put your new raincoat to the test ☀️🌈👍🏼🐰

[@cdwc]

Thank you. I love all the cartoons that were on TV when I was a kid. I try and watch them at Christmas. I recently enjoyed the Sherlock Holmes Animated Classics on KZbin.

[@suzannax]

I had no idea Watership Down was a real place. Shame that it's private land, but nice scenery anyway. Babe the sheep pig was my favourite film.

[@cdwc]

Good old Babe. Sadly they have just given the go ahead to 1,000 homes in a place called Sandleford which was where the first warren was supposed to be. Richard Adams had protested against it his whole life. Planning permission had been turned down five times, but after a £150,000 donation to a government party it was passed.

[@suzannax]

@@cdwc Gosh, that's going to be a big blot on the landscape. A big loss for the wildlife as well. 🐰🌳

[@mr.d578]

That was a really interesting video Marek. One of the best so far I reckon. My favourite film from childhood - The Princess Bride. Which is also a film adaptation of a very enjoyable book! Sorry you were unable to get closer to the edge of the Downland on your walk dude.

[@cdwc]

I just bought that book from my local charity shop for 50p!!!! By William Goldman. Hopefully get round to reading it this year.

[@JohnLvideos]

Yes I do agree with you Marek, Highlander was the greatest film ever made . Oh and just one more thing.. Don't lose your head

[@HikingWithMartin]

Flight of Dragons is one of my favorite films, I love it you are the first person in my life that I've known of that knows it. I know that's not really relevant to the rest of the video but thank you for mentioning that.

[@cdwc]

It amazes me that it's not a widely known classic and that you can't get hold of it anywhere. We used to watch it every Easter and my brothers and I know almost all the words. For some inexplicable reason they used some terrible art for the poster cover, which is worse than any still from the film, so it looks like a terrible cutesy kids film.

[@HikingWithMartin]

@@cdwc I know It really should be right up there even the flight of dragons song sends chills up me. Its just a perfect story really and James Earl Jones really is perfectly cast. Do you have the film still? I have managed to download it I could share to you if you want it as a digital file?

[@cdwc]

@@HikingWithMartin I downloaded a 360p version I found. There was a higher quality one someone kindly sent me but it was missing the last twenty minutes.

[@HikingWithMartin]

@@cdwc Just send an email to your hotmail Marek.

[@TravellingTorunn]

Sorry about the rabbits and your lacking Easter eggs, but your drawings are really nice :-)

[@cdwc]

Thank you. Maybe I'll get more Easter eggs next year.

[@judybee]

Bright eyes, burning like fiiiii--rrrr-eee....what a smashing walk in your new Tesco 25quid Waterproof Mac for Watership Down (presumably from the Ryde Tesco where my husband once saw David Icke coming out of the loo doing up his flies?)...I digress...lovely scenery for sure & very good piano playing & sketch at the end. Fab stuff. Earliest film memory is Whistle Down the Wind with Hayley Mills & the iconic Alan Bates as ''Jesus''. 1961 I believe? It scared me. This is not the only vid of yours I've watched Marek, where my heart is in my mouth with the ''will he, won't he miss the bus'' moment! Look forward to the next one x J x

[@cdwc]

I met Alan Bates once. He was seeing Angharad Rees, a lovely lady who used to be in Poldark, who was also my girlfriend at the times Aunt (apologise for the name dropping). It was at a family do and he was asking me all about the Isle of Wight. I felt embarrassed because I thought that I should be asking him the questions as his life was far more interesting than mine.

[@judybee]

@@cdwc Ahhhh....the Poldark connection! How did you KNOW Marek that my most fave programme of all is Poldark. Watched all the first series with Robin Ellis and a total devotee to the 2nd series with Aidan! Angharad made a wonderful Demelza for sure.....so sad she died so young. Never be embarrassed by the IOW!...it's very special and my go to place.....x J x

[@cdwc]

I wasn't embarrassed about the Isle of Wight, I just wanted to ask him questions. Ha.

[@thekentishpilgrim]

You should have jumped the fence cool dude to get a better look. Yes, I am advocating criminality. I'm not sure about my favorite movie as a child but seeing Watership Down and The Flight of Dragons reminds me of how much I liked the old animated Lord of The Rings movie from 1978. Also, there was a great live action movie aimed at kids called The War of The Buttons. Anyone else see that and like it as much as I did?

[@cdwc]

I think I watched that Ralph Bakshi Lord of the Rings about 100 times. You should check out Fire & Ice. It is on KZbin!

[@chickahn]

Great, interesting video. And I loved seeing Mini Sunglasses Marek! I hope he doesn't pick on regular Mini Marek. My favourite film as a kid was the animated Star Wars *cough* inspired *cough* movie StarChaser: The Legend Of Orin. A kids movie with a horny lady robot. Because the 80s.

[@cdwc]

I just watched a trailer for Starchaser : The Legend of Orin. I laughed several times about the flagrant influence of Star Wars. Ha.

[@kraven512]

I don't remember much about 'A flight of Dragons' But I do recall being incredibly moved by it. Fav film as a kid was probably Star wars or the Great Escape.

[@cdwc]

I think you can watch it in the US on Apple. Worth checking out again.

[@victoriaevelyn3953]

i remember when i was younger id see wild rabbits with the virus Myxomatosis come to think of it its been a while since ive seen a wild rabbit they use to be a common thing growing up now not so much

[@cdwc]

It is worrying how few there are. I still haven't seen any this year!

[@MoreModeratePeril]

There were some spectacular clouds on that walk Marek. Very imposing. Shame about the restricted access to Watership Down. These things are sent to try us. With regard to the best villains in literature I'd suggest the following. Hannibal Lecter, Professor Moriarty, Captain Ahab, Sauron and Nurse Ratched. I am a child of the seventies and although Star Wars naturally played an important part in my youth, I was also impressed by any film featuring the talents of Ray Harryhausen. In fact I saw the Golden Voyage of Sinbad in 1974 while on holiday on the Isle of Wight.

[@cdwc]

Good villains calls. I thought of Moriarty after I said it. I have yet to meet Captain Ahab, I've got a second hand copy of Moby Dick on my bookshelf and have not gotten around to reading it. Is it good? Also I have only ever seen the film of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. If the book Nurse Ratched is even half as good as Louise Fletcher's performance it must be up there. I also forgot to mention Iago, but that is a play.

[@neijia78]

When my younger brother was around 5yrs old he saw a copy of Watership Down on the book shelf and insisted he was going to read it to our pet rabbits. Thankfully he was too young to read so just sat with the rabbits making up his own story and not horrifying the rabbits with tales of Myxomatosis

[@cdwc]

Ha. Good job he didn't read the real thing or the rabbits may have got some ideas about escaping.

[@garrymartin6474]

What a lovely walk . I wonder if rabbits are being usurped by hares ( an in filling the void ) they seem to be everywhere at the moment. My favourite childhood film was The Railway Children, I'd still share my sandwiches with Jenny Agutter to this day !

[@cdwc]

I am still in love with Jenny Agutter in American Werewolf in London. Although I am too old for her now.

[@anthonyhatter196]

I needed a Cool Dudes fix this week, with the added bonus of the classic adaptation of Watership Down. I loved the John Hurt version and even had that same edition of the book. Wasn't there a Germanic/Scandinavian-voiced bird in the animated version? As for other fave films, I loved the early Disney version of Robin Hood plus all those afternoon 'Tecnicolour' swashbuckling films on at a weekend. In those old films, the villains always were heavily made up and usually had facial hair. Very bizarre. Can I ask that we see more of the bus stop pieces to camera - very urban gritty. And less of the sinister mini-Marek..... CD#123

[@cdwc]

Poor Mini Marek. The bird in the film is called Kehaar (and in the book), it was voiced by Zero Mostel from The Producers, he does a sort of Italian voice, I think it was his last job before he died.

[@angelaryder7777]

The mini marek was made by a close friend of mine, and is a creation of alarming accuracy and irrational obsession. I will say though, he’s a little opinionated not to be trifled with.

[@hikingsolo]

Great walk again Marek. A shame you couldn't get closer to Watership Down itself. My favourite film as a kid was The Dragon That Wasn't (Or Was He?), a dutch animated film that you probably don't know, but apparently had an english version as well. If you're interested, you can watch the whole thing on KZbin. By the way, I saw you're on Pointless next saturday! Cheers cool dude 🐇🐉

[@cdwc]

Nice one cool dude. I have found a version on KZbin. I might watch it tonight. kzbin.info/www/bejne/lardiq2QnbhqibM Yes Pointless 7.50pm on June 11th. BBC1 of all places.

[@feetunes]

I thought the book was fantastic. Trouble is, I finished reading it literally moments before heading out the door to watch the film, when I was 11 or 12. Books are such a different thing...I remember not enjoying the film at all, because the book was so vividly in my head. I should read it again. And maybe give the film another chance. Preferably before I read the book this time. Great video, and Watership Down looked exactly how you'd hope. Shame about the lack of access.

[@cdwc]

I watched the film first, but there are very few films that are as good as the book. The Godfather is probably better than the book, also I thought Drive was a lot better than 'Driver' the book it was based on. I still think that Watership Down did a great job. The soundtrack by Angela Morley is excellent.

[@chrisvalentine8949]

You should have offered that kid a membership so he would know you weren't some weird guy stalking him.

[@cdwc]

'Hello!..... I say young man! Would you like to join my special club!?!'

[@hugadarn5700]

baron green back is a bad dude .....cool dude

[@cdwc]

A great villain.

[@davidm3569]

Never read or saw Watership Down. I think it would upset me because I like all animals. Yeah, guess I'm a big woose. As a kid I loved these books.......Stig of the dump and Professor Brainstorm. Shame you didn't get to see any rabbits.

[@cdwc]

You must watch or read it. It is so wonderful. Yes it is sad, but all the stuff online about it being upsetting got exaggerated by over protective parents in my opinion.

[@giuliadiscanno1931]

We must saves the rabbits and the hares! Ok, guys!

[@cdwc]

Exactly cool dude

[@giuliadiscanno1931]

@@cdwc Thank you

[@borkmcfink]

Excellent video, as always - but it's Martin Rosen, not Michael Rosen :)

[@cdwc]

I got mixed up. I have put a card in to explain my mistake.

[@MrJayzilla101]

And you didn’t end your walk at the Watership down pub in laverstoke? Lovely little pub and great food menu.

[@cdwc]

Alas I can only walk so far in one day cool dude. Also I had to get to Overton for my walk the next day.

[@Skunkola]

Tbf I've got some decent shirts from Tescos and their trainer socks are the best, thick but not sweat inducing.

[@cdwc]

I always use Darn Tough socks, they are ridiculously expensive but definitely help with blisters.

[@Skunkola]

@@cdwc noted👍

[@johnharker1888]

Greetings oh cool one . Really dramatic clouds looked like a movie set ,have you considered doing a little time-lapse with the landscapes? When you're having a spot of lunch , Really good drawings your definitely getting better l was obsessed with Star Wars back in 1977 when it was a real game changer

[@cdwc]

I will try and remember to do a timelapse next time if I can find a good fence post to put the GoPro on.

[@georginacox7292]

Thistles were embroidered onto the Queen's Wedding Dress.

[@cdwc]

Maybe she saw that field.

[@georginacox7292]

@@cdwc yes