Wet 'n' windy, solo wild camp; canoeing in Inverpolly, Assynt. [Cam loch and loch Veyati]

[@jonatherton]

Lovely film. Nice pace. I've fished Veyatie before. It sure can be a wild and windy place, but a heavenly part of the world.

[@WhenNaturePauls]

It really is a beautiful place. I'm keen to get back there and paddle all the way down, possible with a trip up suilven. I bet the fishing is good. Thank you for watching, Paul

[@Adventure-Outdoors]

Nice one Paul, that was a great watch, Loch Fionn will have to wait! Atb mate 👍

[@WhenNaturePauls]

Glad you enjoyed it. I reckon I would of been alright in hindsight, but I enjoyed it all the same! Take care, Paul

[@gavindavis1300]

The perfect balm; keep ‘em coming! 🙌🏻

[@WhenNaturePauls]

Balm? It sounds like a compliment 😂 I'm glad you're enjoying my videos, always nice to see people return! All the best, Paul

[@gavindavis1300]

@@WhenNaturePauls As in healing/soothing! I am indeed; binge-watching & yearning for the next trip!

[@WhenNaturePauls]

@@gavindavis1300 obviously, I was a bit slow on that one, I like the analogy (might steal it 😂) Me too

[@vincentperagine]

Inspiring content...You're really living well...Cheers!

[@WhenNaturePauls]

Thank you. At least a couple of days a month anyway 😂 All the best, Paul

[@jsgskydive1964]

Superb - thank you. Windswept Brewing - based next to RAF Lossiemouth, set up by two ex Tornado aircrew - good choice!

[@WhenNaturePauls]

They're also based next to my house 😁 and make a excellent beer 👍 Glad you enjoyed the video. All the best, Paul

[@martinoutdoors6941]

Great video this.

[@WhenNaturePauls]

Thanks, was a fun trip. I will definitely have to return to make it all the way down. Would be good to have a hike up suilven aswell. All the best, Paul

[@oddmanout98]

Just stumbled across your channel and I’m really enjoying your content. We’ve got a SilverBirch canoe too, they’re great aren’t they👍🏻. Off to watch a couple more of yours now. Thanks very much. Atb. Paul.

[@WhenNaturePauls]

Excellent, it's nice to know people are still being suggested my videos 😁 Yeah it's a great canoe, I'm really enjoying it. Glad you enjoyed the video and even happier you wanted to watch more. Happy paddling, Paul.

[@067captain]

Really enjoyed that! I have canoed Cam Loch, Veyatie and Sionasgaig a few times. The portage onto Sionasgaig is brutal! I have done the trip with my dad and son, but also a few times solo. I have only ever done it in winter - mad really! On one occasion in storm winds my dad and son were hit in their canoe by a mini tornado and were thrown into the river onto Fion Loch. I also managed to summit Suilvan on one trip, that was memorable, and a little intimidating! I have watched two otters frolicking in the bay you camped in. A truly wonderful, wild place, thanks for sharing.

[@WhenNaturePauls]

Wow , that all sounds incredible. Really eager to make it down to fion and would be amazing to get up suilven aswell. Didn't see any otters or tracks unfortunately, did see an osprey which was nice. Thanks for watching, I'm glad you enjoyed it, Paul

[@rialobran]

Loch Fion has been there since the last ice age, it can wait a little longer to have you visit. Cracking video as always, love Indy's Beatle cut hair do 😉

[@WhenNaturePauls]

Cheers Si. Exactly, it is not going anywhere 👍 😂 Better hair than me, It's like that eight days a week! Take care mate.

[@donaldbuttery7128]

First time at Ur channel nice

[@WhenNaturePauls]

Thank you Donald, happy to have you 😁

[@martinoutdoors6941]

Fantastic trip Paul. Loved your set up. What was the ash collector under your firebox where did you get that or did you make it??

[@WhenNaturePauls]

Thanks Martin👍 The ash collector is all part of the same stove, it also helps prevent scorching the ground, made by boundless voyage (there is a link in the description) Only used it a few times, but good so far and a little lighter than my old one 👍 All the best, Paul

[@tim_butcher]

Hey Paul, I’m enjoying your vids. Would be great if you did one on things to consider for dogs on canoes. I’m getting a new puppy and would love bring him on canoe trips.

[@WhenNaturePauls]

Hey Tim glad you're enjoying them. That could be a good idea 👍 The breed of dog can make a big difference, always good to introduce them early though, mine was far from perfect the first time he came 😅 A PFD is definitely needed even if they are great swimmers, the handle makes it so much easier getting them back in the boat. They'll also need something to sit on in the boat that keeps them out of the water and offers some insulation. Good luck, Paul

[@EzeAdventurer]

True adventure my friend. Really enjoyable video well done! Love the camp set up, good carving skills too and most of all, good decision making. See you soon brother!

[@WhenNaturePauls]

Cheers Eze, perhaps you can join me on my next attempt 😁 be good to tie it in with a hike up suilven.

[@EzeAdventurer]

@@WhenNaturePauls Yeah would love to brother !!! Love the idea of hiking up suliven too

[@pedrohernandez-gs6lb]

amazing video one question what breed is your dog?

[@WhenNaturePauls]

Thank you. He is a springer spaniel. All the best, Paul

[@bencollyer2296]

Hi mate what are the boots your wearing

[@WhenNaturePauls]

Hanwag tatra ii. Really enjoy them, goretex, vibram sole, super comfy

[@WhenNaturePauls]

Just looked, I was wearing my Solomon speed cross, they are my running shoes, I probably took them to save space, but I wouldn't recommend them for this though, great for running but actually super slippery on wet rock.

[@WhenNaturePauls]

Unless you mean on the water. In which case they were a cheap walking trainer from mountain warehouse (£12 if I remember 😂) not surprisingly didn't last long at all. I now wear palm gradient portage boot on the water which are excellent!

[@bencollyer2296]

Thanks Paul for replying just watching another of your vids right know I mean on the water.

[@bencollyer2296]

Are they waterproof?it says they’ve got neoprene. What are you doing to protect your feet must be cold if your feet get wet. I’m new to canoeing got mine at start of the year been to the wye a few times this summer going again end of the month.but I’ve got the bug and want to get geared up for winter. After watching you canoeing the royal Dee that’s on mine and my friends list to do next year. Thanks Ben

[@AntSurviveTheNight]

A lovely adventure Paul, shame you had to cut it short and the weather wasn't too helpful to you pal but you always have a smile on your face matey. That portage looked tough but you cleared it with ease man. Cracking as always and great camera work, thank you 👍

[@WhenNaturePauls]

Thank you Ant. Yeah, not much we can do about the weather 🥲 I still enjoyed it though and gives me a good excuse to go back 😂 Was only a short portage but a few interesting obstacles. Cheers for watching Ant, hope you are well, Paul

[@manvbees]

Awesome video. I recently bought a canoe and want to do similar adventures with my partner and dog. Hope my spaniel is as chilled as yours!

[@WhenNaturePauls]

Awesome, a great investment. I wouldn't describe him as chilled, he is good in the boat, not always so good on land 😂 Thanks for watching, I'm glad you enjoyed it. happy tripping, Paul and Indy.

[@freedomofabird]

Cracking film

[@WhenNaturePauls]

Thank you, I appreciate the encouragement.

[@JamesFleming888]

Fantastic video. Great camp site and set up. Good call not to go on up the Loch. Cheers.

[@WhenNaturePauls]

Cheers James as you know the wind is make or break on the Scottish lochs. Doesn't help the weather reports get it wrong so often. Thanks for watching, Paul

[@frdrckcole]

Epic as always. I see you're putting the peli case and spot device to good use. Five and half weeks to go buddy.

[@WhenNaturePauls]

😂 Whoop whoop! Spot and peli case functioning well cheers Fred. 🇨🇦🍁🛶😄 Still owe you for the spot 👍

[@Adventuristic89]

Lovely video paul! That wind seemed relentless! Stunning location tho. Wee indie the trooper loving life 👌

[@WhenNaturePauls]

Cheers mate👍 The wind was a bit of a game changer unfortunately, but still enjoyed it. Indy always loving being outdoors 😄 Thanks for watching, Paul

[@weekendwithbevoblog2171]

Enjoyed the video immensely. Wise choice to cut short the outward leg given the weather.

[@WhenNaturePauls]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it 😁 In hindsight I reckon I would of got back before the weather kicked it, but not worth the risk, would of been a very difficult recovery if I'd got pinned down the far side of the lochs. All the best, Paul

[@RickTOutdoorAdventure1969]

Nice film Paul, great footage as always and lovely solo trip with man's best friend 👍 Cheers Rick n Billydog

[@WhenNaturePauls]

Thanks Rick 👍 Looking forward to watching your latest video tonight! All the best, Paul

[@RickTOutdoorAdventure1969]

@@WhenNaturePauls Cheers Paul 🙂👍

[@captainlandslide9874]

I’m loving your videos so far, awesome work. And awesome places too. Assynt is a wild place and really requires a certain level of testicular fortitude to take on any expedition, as well as plan flexibility!

[@WhenNaturePauls]

Thank you very much, I'm glad you're enjoying my videos and returning. It's a really tricky place, often I have to cancel trips as the wind is too high. I expect it's only a matter of time before I'm pinned at the wrong end of a loch 😂 the weather is so changeable and the forecast often wrong. All the best, Paul.

[@captainlandslide9874]

Yes indeed well as long as you’re prepared for that eventuality- even if that means being tent-bound for a day or two- that’s all good! Unfortunately it’s the problem there- unpredictable and often fierce weather, or lovely calm conditions… and clouds of effing midges 😤🤣. Where are you from by the way? Be interesting to know how far you travel to get there 😉

[@jenniferwinfield7263]

Did you have to seek permission from the Inverpolly Estate or are you allowed to wild camp and canoe on the lochs.

[@WhenNaturePauls]

Wild camping is legal in Scotland thanks to the land reform act, but it must be done with respect to locals, the environment and within the laws of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code (easy enough to find online) There're a few exceptions where wild camping is not allowed such as around parts Loch Lomond, due to the amount of people visiting the area. All the best, Paul

[@jenniferwinfield7263]

Thank you so much for that information Paul. Best wishes Jennifer

[@DanExploresAI]

Great video! Thank you

[@WhenNaturePauls]

Thank you, I appreciate it. Take care, Paul

[@roberts.1744]

very good vid. I´ll visit scotland in 3 weeks by motorbike and i really looking forward to see this beautiful country. Many Greetings from Germany.

[@WhenNaturePauls]

Awesome! It's beautiful, especially when the weather is pleasant. But don't forget your waterproofs and bug repellent 😂 Are you taking a tent?

[@roberts.1744]

@@WhenNaturePauls yes, I take a tent. Thanks for your Tip😂👍

[@WhenNaturePauls]

@@roberts.1744 Awesome, have a safe trip

[@brian_ward_outdoors]

I'm sure your aware of the two suggested 'potential' portages from Veyatie and Fionn into Sionascaig. I reckon that's a pretty hard-core trip but definitely something I want to attempt at some point.

[@WhenNaturePauls]

Would be awesome to tie them all in together, plus a hike up suilven! Just finding the time to do it.

[@brian_ward_outdoors]

@@WhenNaturePauls getting up to Scotland to paddle at all is a challenge for me. I'm guessing that you must live there or at least near? We have just booked up to do the Spey in October next year though which I'm very excited about.

[@WhenNaturePauls]

@@brian_ward_outdoorsyeah, I'm just a couple of miles down the road from Spey bay. You'll have an awesome time. I've not yet paddle all the Spey, but definitely on the cards. Have fun, Paul

[@stephanehouziaux278]

Hello, what was the strength of the wind in this video when you arrived in Loch Veyatie? In fact my question is with what headwind do you think you cannot move forward?

[@WhenNaturePauls]

From memory it was forecast as winds of 12mph gusts of 20mph but the wind speeds on the lochs tend to do what they want. Ideally I'd look for winds in single figures and gusts no higher than 15mph. But sometimes the wind can channel down and be considerably worse on open water of the Scottish lochs. My last video, on the last day was supposed to be gusts of 24mph which is pushing it a little, but it was definitely stronger, lucky for me it was a tail wind (which I was expecting) or I wouldn't of made it back. Obviously it also depends on experience aswell. Hope that helps, Paul.

[@stephanehouziaux278]

@@WhenNaturePauls Thank you for that detailed answer. At the beginning of the week, in Zeeland I found myself alone with a Prospector 16 unable to return to my car. The headwind that had risen at the end of the day turned the canoe and carried me away. I docked at rushes. Informative experience!

[@WhenNaturePauls]

@@stephanehouziaux278 your welcome. It can really catch you out and the weather on Scotlands west coast is hard to predict. Personally I wouldnt go on an overnight trip with a return journey into a head wind over 18mph gust as it could be worse come the morning (unless I have a plan b). Also be sure to trim the canoe with all the weight in the direction of the wind. All the best Paul

[@EzeAdventurer]

yeeeeeeeaaaahhhh budddddy new adventure! 8 mins in and enjoying it! editing is getting better and better ! Indie is such a rockstar.

[@WhenNaturePauls]

😂 Cheers Eze, he is much better on camera then me

[@rjf-p5l]

Very inspirational ❤️

[@WhenNaturePauls]

Thank you 😊 Glad you enjoyed it. Take care, Paul

[@DanOpdal]

Thank you for sharing your adventure! Cheers!

[@WhenNaturePauls]

Thanks Dan as always. Glad you're enjoying them. Take care, Paul

[@DanOpdal]

@@WhenNaturePauls You're very welcome! You take care too!

[@fraserkyle72]

Love it

[@WhenNaturePauls]

Thank you, happy you enjoyed it!

[@wendingourway]

Truly a fantastic adventure! Know I wouldn't be able to handle it, but sure is great watching! Love it! Bruce and Otis

[@WhenNaturePauls]

The wind can be so challenging, not much you can do about it unfortunately. Happy you enjoyed it though 😊 Take care mate, Paul

[@WelshGallivanter]

Great adventure Paul, thanks for taking us along 👍🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@WhenNaturePauls]

Thank you for watching! It was a trip I'd been meaning to do for a long time All the best, Paul

[@christrickett3291]

I've seen people portaging by putting wheels on the canoe, is this taboo for a real tough-as-nails canoeist or just not something you prefer to do?

[@WhenNaturePauls]

😂 I have a canoe trolley they are great, but no good over rough terrain

[@davidmoore2699]

I really appreciate your videos. Thanks for sharing your adventures

[@WhenNaturePauls]

Cheers David, I appreciate your appreciation and happy to share. All the best, Paul

[@damienmayne7205]

Oh, one more thing, get yourself a double blade paddle for those headwinds. It's hard work but you'll get where you need to be...eventually!!

[@WhenNaturePauls]

I do have a double blade, but I rarely take it, perhaps I should. I find a really effective j stroke works almost as well for me, plus this canoe is a little on the wide side. But yeah you're probably right.

[@lauriebloggs8391]

Your films/trips are something apart, thank you

[@WhenNaturePauls]

Thanks Laurie, I'm hoping that's a good thing 😂 take care, Paul

[@charver1]

Another excellent video Paul. Sadly as always Indy is the star of the show!!

[@WhenNaturePauls]

😂 thank you, he was unusually well behaved on this trip. All the best Paul

[@charver1]

@@WhenNaturePauls particularly enjoyed him trying to exit the tent. There’s a door there Indy!!

[@WhenNaturePauls]

@@charver1always thinks he knows best 😂 took him so long to realise I had to edit some out!

[@EzeAdventurer]

sick bannock bud! I want a lesson

[@WhenNaturePauls]

This one didn't quite go right to be honest (a little too toasted) but it filled a hole. Definitely going to take some four on our next trip 👍

[@jimmysqueezyronin5623]

Great vids. Very inspiring! I've just started canoe camping -nothing as epic as yours....but early days😃

[@WhenNaturePauls]

Thank you Jimmy, glad you enjoyed it 😁 Awesome, best way to go camping I reckon 👍 Hope you have some great adventures, Paul

[@damienmayne7205]

A class wee adventure, indeed. And a nice lesson in how to use the wood burner, since I finally got myself one. Cheers for that.

[@WhenNaturePauls]

A little stick stove is ideal for solo trips, free fuel, efficient and still benefit from the warmth, best of luck with yours and thanks for watching, Paul