Bikepacking, A Stormy Night Out on the English Downs Tent Camping In my Storm proof Helm1 Tent :)

[@blackydon]

What a great bike camp. The sound of the rain on the tent is very therapeutic. Stay safe.

[@GrahamsGO]

You're an inspiration mate. I reckon I'm ten years younger than you and ten percent as fit. After watching your vids that will change! Keep up the great vids, love them!

[@alanoliver11]

Great video. A true outdoorsman. Lovely to see someone enjoying the simple pleasures of life.....despite the weather. 👍

[@MalcolmBuckley]

That old Ridgeway producing another great adventure Sandy. I had to watch this one twice in succession, it was pure enjoyment seeing you in your natural element. Thanks so much.

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks for watching...Twice Malcolm :) I do love the old chalk path, there's a lot of history and mystery up there!

[@MalcolmBuckley]

So when shall you write the book of that old trail? 😉 Working title...'Me & The Ridgeway'

[@WiltshireMan]

@@MalcolmBuckley I've just finished reading a book about it by a chap called Robert Mcfarlane called "The Old Straight track"

[@mikemossvancouver]

From the mid-fifties until 1970, I grew up in Chiseldon and cycled throughout the area. Since the late seventies I’ve lived on both coasts of Canada, with its own majestic vistas. But views of Liddington inevitably evoke happy childhood memories of family walks on a Sunday to the top of Liddington. You could always count on hearing a skylark or two, high above.

[@WiltshireMan]

The skylarks are still here though my hearing these days isn't so good!

[@stepheneverett6131]

Another great video Sandy.👍

[@jameskolar9655]

Well done Sandy. I enjoyed this one.

[@ElwoodBlinken]

That was a great adventure. Thanks for taking us along. Cheers from the US.

[@BjornAndreasBull-Hansen]

So nice to see you out in the countryside camping. Thanks for the video.

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks Bjorn It is good to get out into Nature:)

[@markmartin6738]

Another amazing video Sandy . Thank u kindly for sharing with us . Keep up the great work

[@LynLittle-h3p]

Thanx sandy I enjoyed your video. I had the pleasure of meeting your lovely wife couple of weeks ago on the bus. She's such a lovely lady xx❤

[@WiltshireMan]

Hi Lyn, Mandy did say she met someone on the bus, she's not been too well of late but does make use of the bus quite a lot. She likes to go shopping!!

[@LynLittle-h3p]

@WiltshireMan hope she improves .wishing u both a gd xmas.

[@LynLittle-h3p]

Happy new year to u both. Hope this year is kind to both of you xx

[@ChrisyC567]

Sandy, The man of the Land.... As it shows clearly.. Thanks for this one. ,👍🏻😉

[@RoadyPacking-CyclingAdventures]

Nice overnighter - I need to get motivated so thanks for the inspiration!!

[@kennuff2]

Hi Sandy. I have been eating peanut butter for years, at least a jar a week, I am into weight training and peanut butter is high in protein. A little tip, add a sliced banana to your peanut butter and honey wrap you will love it. All the best and thanks for the many videos, your a tough old bugger. Ken

[@dadachoski5946]

Braver man than me.. Though I do miss it from my younger more agile days.. Great video

[@kennethwalker4701]

Glad to see you made another camping video, always enjoy your adventures...rain or shine...keep them coming😊!

[@rottieshepcalibre9156]

I like them clear lense glasses 👓 👍

[@davidsutherland3689]

Another superb video I always enjoy watching hope you are doing fine

[@Bargos1968]

Thanks Sandy, love the way you make the most of even the most inhospitable time of year.

[@andrewsprason1223]

Hello from Australia, great vlog keep up the good work.

[@jonathanwatson2427]

Early Christmas for me- a new wild camp film from Sandy, plus confirmation of a classic on the way in the new year - many thanks to an inspirational Wiltshire Man 🙏👍

[@WiltshireMan]

No worries Jonathan, I shall enjoy building you a knife in the New Year:)

[@jonathanwatson2427]

@@WiltshireMan❤

[@DaveGoodman1959]

Merry Christmas Sandy to you and yours 🎄 Thank you so much for all the adventures. 🙏🎄🍻

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks Dave Merry Christmas

[@davidjackson8829]

Great camp. I always enjoy your videos. Good idea on the wraps. A banana with the peanut butter and honey wrap would be even better. Those fire pot meal are hit and miss. However I will try that one.

[@michaelkurz9067]

Great video:) from Arizona

[@MsDenver2]

Sandy you choose a good play for a stormy night looks pretty sheltered there🌨️🌬️

[@WiltshireMan]

It was a nice spot Donna, very sheltered, I only had to move 10 paces towards the path and the wind was a lot stronger

[@Huntersforge777]

Thanks for sharing sandy. Your enthusiasm is infectious. Great video👍

[@markpinnington1723]

Unreal footage Sandy....such a favourite the wet and cold camping videos you make. Loved it 🙏

[@531c]

Really enjoyed watching this Sandy. Thanks for posting and keeping me sane. BTW, some old bridleways in North Herts look very similar. We have juvenile Elm trees about 20' tall which are covered in ivy. They get blown over frequently as theyre usually dead or near dead from the dutch elm disease. I take a battery powered sabre saw and cut them out the way where possible.

[@barriewilliams5006]

Great vid sandy +fab music well done you ❤😊😊

[@anidiotonboard6539]

What an amazing sunrise. Those colours were absolutely stunning 😍

[@garphykeks]

A great video Sandy! Well played you for getting out. I'm stuck in with a head cold, so im loving your efforts vicariously 😂 KTF 🙏

[@WiltshireMan]

Ahh, thats not nice. I've had a few colds this year but the last few weeks have been feeling quite well thankfully. Hope to get out again soon hopefully before Christmas:)

[@peterking3563]

Lovely video as always beautifully filmed. Merry Christmas and Happy New year to you and your family 🎄🌲

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks Peter :) Merry Christmas to you also.

[@Daytona2]

Lovely Beech trees - my favourite tree 😊

[@jeetts59]

Such a beautiful restful video,it is such a beautiful country. Yesterday, Australia was officially the hottest place on earth with temperatures into the 50 c mark, luckily, here in Victoria it was only 39c.

[@graemeatkinson8411]

Super trip Sandy, Merry Christmas and thank you for all the tips that have made my meagre jaunts so much more enjoyable this year, Grehame (as my Christmas cards from my neighbours of 6 years Soreen and Breville like to guess)

[@Trekon2]

Lovely video and music Sandy, very splishy splashy with all the puddles and mud, what with the cold wind and rain, but very satisfying to see you tucked away in your cosy Helm 1 brewing up and enjoying your firepot meal, very enjoyable so thanks for sharing Sandy 👏👋

[@stephengomme777]

Another 1 class video sandy i really enjoyed it happy Christmas to you & the dogs & family 😊

[@leroygee2902]

Thanks Sandy, always enjoy your videos! You have so many great places to wild camp, I'm jealous. I just pour honey into the peanut butter jar and eat straigt from there. Will have to try a wrap. take care and have a great Christmas.

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks Leroy, The wrap makes it almost a meal:)

[@billcotton1551]

I hate camping myself, even in perfect weather, but I love watching you do it, Sandy. Beautiful shots of the morning.

[@WiltshireMan]

I honestly love camping Bill. I'd go out more often if I could but family, work and Dog walking commitments keep me here at home a lot!

[@barryconway]

Thanks for sharing, Mr. Wiltshire. Must try that peanut butter and honey wraps trick. Have a good holiday, sir. Hope you enjoy time with the family.

[@AtomP-l6s]

Merry Christmas to you & your family Sandy i enjoy all your video's. Remind me of UK 🎉. Dave B Thailand .

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks Dave, Merry Christmas from Good Ol England!!

[@TheCoopsvids]

Nice one Sandy another great night out thanks for taking us along have a great Christmas to you and the family my mate. Atb Coops 👍🏻🎄🍻

[@francismccrossan1669]

Nice to see you again sandy to see you nice back out on your bike doing a winter 🏕 looks abit muddy and trees 🌳 looking abit bear and dull bit the video very good not long before it's the shorter day and then getting abit lighter and back on to spring hope you enjoyed making the video and keeping safe hope you and your family have a very very nice Christmas and a good start of the new year stay healthy blessed be

[@colinstares6207]

Great video Sandy, I see you cycled through the edge of park north/south estates and passed what we as kids called the Big hill and the lakes, I am old enough to remember before Eldene and Dorcan where built, these where our play areas when growing up and Upper Snods hill farm was still being farmed 😊, we also used to spend loads of time at Coate water and Chiseldon, Hodson woods. That was a lovely camp spot you found and I especially liked the dawn time lapse video section. Seasons greetings to you and yours 👍😎

[@WiltshireMan]

That was my route Colin, there is a nice path that runs between the parks and Eldene

[@wandawarthog5724]

Lovely video. 😊

[@JC-sl4hk]

Love your videos Sandy 👍👍👍. Stay safe, warm and well . Judy🇨🇦 🇨🇦 🎅🏻🍷🎅🏻

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks Judy, it was nice to get out :)

[@FenTour]

Lovely adventure Sandy, that treeline of Beaches was beautiful. One of my sons is thinking about backpacking in the spring and asked me about a tent, mine are too big but recon a Helm 1 like yours on this adventure would be perfect so have encouraged him to get watching your channel. Anyway after the wind and rain looks like you had the most wonderful sunrise for your return home… cheers.

[@WiltshireMan]

Hi Martyn When it comes to tents and hiking, light is right. The Helm is a little heavy but it is also quite robust and thats another part of the equation, light tents aren't always the most robust.It all depends where your adventures take you. If it high ground or the moors where the weather is unpredictable get a tent that will weather a storm. Another part of the equation is price....You get what you pay for!!!

[@Martycycleman]

Many thanks Sandy, have a great Christmas

[@WiltshireMan]

You too Marty

[@hartley383]

You can just tell how good a night like that is for the soul. Lovely Sandy. 👍🏻

[@WiltshireMan]

There is a feeling of freedom when heading out for even a simple camp like this:)

[@perisharries2816]

Well done Wiltshire Man for producing another inspiring video.

[@pootlingalong8928]

Thanks for taking us along, I’ll be watching for a second time straight away, your films are superb 👍🏻. Love to hear rain on a tent 🏕️ 🎄

[@WiltshireMan]

Hahaa Thanks. Every view helps the dreaded algorithm but I'm glad you enjoyed the video:)

[@stevetaylor8446]

You're 100% on the rain on yhe tent Sandy...I don't last five minutes watching a good movie, it would be quicker still if I were listening to the rain. Glad you're getting to enjoy those coffee bags...I'll have dime more to you soon 👍

[@WiltshireMan]

Its good therapy to hear the rain and the wind Steve, and the smell of coffee in the morning just rounds things off nicely :)

[@angelanicholls9647]

I'm glad you have that heater Sandy, 🔥, I hope you were warm enough out in that weather.? ❄️ 🌧☔️I'm glad you remembered your gloves this time. Now get home. Chill out, grab a beer 🍺, a mince pie 🥧 and have a lovely Christmas 🎄 to you & your family. 🎅 ❤❤❤

[@soniadowney7427]

Here's my critique...no music ..just nature😊

[@cameronlewington3005]

Good to see you Sandy, I love the ‘wild country’ tents ( got three) dry n stable in the wind and rain! Love to Mandy and Ann/ Lewis……Cam 👍🏻

[@WiltshireMan]

I think the represent great value and rugged tents Cam

[@rebeccadees2300]

I’ve been following Lost Lakes for quite awhile. Love his videos.

[@jonbartlett9438]

Have a merry Xmas and thanks for posting entertaining videos through 2024.

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks John I'm glad you have enjoyed them

[@stewartpeter7845]

YEP a muddy and tricky bike ride sandy but you make it look easy.. LOVE the wind and rain wild camps great vid as always 😊

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks 👍All the cycling has given me strong legs

[@AllanOakley-k9e]

Wow Sandy what an awesome job filming,thought I was going to get wet feet when you biked through the puddles, full credit to you

[@campfire52]

The storm gave you a good shot but your equipment appeared to have handled it quite well Sandy. My guess is you were probably one of only a very, very few people camping out in that storm. Your determination and dedication is very impressive. You embrace the outdoors even when Mother Nature is throwing the tough challenges at you. Your love of the outdoors gives you the strength and determination to enjoy a large part of the winter months and extend your time in nature. Thank you for sharing this time with us my friend. See you on the next one.

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks Terry, there is something "Elemental" about camping in rough weather. I do enjoy it:)

[@ralphwelsman9989]

I do love that spot where the random plastic resin park bench is. Had many a night there, but you are right; in that spot those beech trees with the help of a winter storm could ruin your evening. I did like your use of the small metal table to place your trangia etc on. Very practical.

[@WiltshireMan]

Hi Ralph, The little table works great, keeps the heat away from the ground sheet or footprint. You can find the table on Amazon for not a lot of money, search for Boundless voyage. The beech woods upon the Downs are beautiful.

[@anfieldroadlayoutintheloft5204]

great camp out vlog thanks for great vlog

[@greybrawn]

Thanks Sandy another great video showing the beauty of this island we call home

[@FlyingHaggisFilms]

A really nice edit Sandy from the Ridgeway storm chaser. Music was brilliant and of course the Solstice hand movements 😅 Harry

[@killj802]

Excellent Sandy, have a great Christmas mate and thank you for bringing us along on your adventures. Hope 2025 is a great year for outdoor pursuits.

[@WiltshireMan]

I shall try my best to make 2025 a better year thats for sure. Hopefully more adventures:)

[@Chucky-b7v]

Great video Sandy. I love the fact that you show and explain the history of the areas that you are travelling through as well. Thank you for that. Love your set up and after finally arriving there after getting through all of those fallen trees.

[@WiltshireMan]

It was a bit of a struggle along the Ridgeway with all the fallen tree's I must admit. Thanks for watching Chucky

[@HomeInBeing]

Looks cold but so pretty..glad you bring it 😊

[@wandering_not_lost]

A very enjoyable video Sandy, thank you.

[@no_excuses]

Great adventure Sandy👍I wonder how many people have been on the Ridgeway over the years. I hope you and family have a lovely Christmas and I will see you in the New Year..

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks for watching Keri, The Ridgeway would have been one of the busiest route in the distant past as it is always passable in wet weather, however all the lower ground would have been swamp and bog and thicket (I'm talking before humans started farming). Countless millions have no doubt trod along it me being one:)

[@hutchinsonsadventures4678]

Awesome trip Sandy. thanks for taking us along mate.

[@BeercanBushcraft]

Such a cracking video Sandy mate 👍 What a gorgeous bit of landscape Cheers and all the best to you and yours 👍 🍻 🍻 🍻

[@WiltshireMan]

Its lovely to be upon the Ridgeway even in bad weather. Didn't hear any owls on this one though

[@BeercanBushcraft]

@WiltshireMan 🦉 🦉 🦉 🦉 good 😉

[@paulbennett1881]

Great to find a local KZbinr who goes to so many of the places I've been to. I'm over in Liden, and love to get out into the countryside on that side of Swindon. The Curly Wurly bridge should get more recognition! 😁

[@WiltshireMan]

Hi Paul, Yes the Curly Wurly bridge has often been my way out of town, it's a great land mark for sure

[@peter236uk1]

Great video Sandy. I will see you in the New Year all being well all the best have a great Christmas and best wishes to Mandy thanks mate

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks for watching Pete, I may try and make the effort and get upto the Bruce Pollard rally and the Dragon, Your welcome here anytime too :)

[@SallyCurrell]

Great vlog. Looked so cosy in your tent. Have a lovely Christmas to you and your family. Xx

[@duskhunter3803]

Hi Sandy, thank you so much for all your content this year. Merry Christmas to you and Mandy and the children. Keep it up! Dusky.

[@jwoodzman]

Another inspirational video Sandy and thank you so much ❤🙏🔥

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks for watching Johnno :)

[@wimbon1959]

nice video Sandy.....i see youre joy of camping in that kind of weather....man will always be boys,and that is great!! thanks for shearing it with us!!! Wim😘

[@WiltshireMan]

This is true, Wim, I hope I can remain young at heart as I get older

[@morganmarty]

Thank you for taking us with you Sandy, great video, I wish you and your family a very merry Christmas.

[@WiltshireMan]

Best wishes to you for Christmas too

[@benhikescamps]

Very enjoyable video Sandy in the trusty Helm Compact 1. 👍

[@WiltshireMan]

The Helm 1 is a great tent for the money

[@benhikescamps]

@ totally. Had mine for a while. Great value.

[@pjgtech]

Nice video mate, thank you. You have a lovely Xmas and new year, all the best... 8-)

[@WiltshireMan]

Thaknks and Merry Christmas:)

[@jackyhaddon6036]

Just love watching your adventures. Not brave enough to try it myself so thank you for sharing your films with us.

[@simonwiltshire]

That looks like a great little tent, i might have to get myself one of them, cheers sandy great video.

[@alisdar1234]

Love your videos Sandy. You make it all seem possible. Probably some of my many wild camps have been down to watching you🙂

[@marleneruddell9395]

Thank you for sharing your trip with us, much appreciated ❤

[@StewartHowson-e3t]

Another great video Sandy. What an experience.

[@mischef18]

Quite a few years ago we had peanutbutter and honey premixed in a jar but was not a fan, much preferred honey and banana sandwich. Enjoyed your overnighter bro. Safe travels over the silly season and Merry Christmas. Ken.

[@WiltshireMan]

Merry Christmas Ken:)

[@kevinsmith-kz1kd]

Thank you for another video Sandy. Have a merry Christmas from my house to yours. And have a great 2025.

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks Kevin and the same to you too :)

[@peterrobertson8141]

Another great camp Sandy. We seem to be in a constant procession of storms these days. Fortunately I love the sound of rain on the tent. Unfortunately, not managing to get out as Liz had a shoulder replacement recently and still needs constant help. Happy Christmas to you both.🥃🥃🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@WiltshireMan]

Merry Christmas and best wishes to Liz for a good recovery

[@timwalter7874]

Thanks for that. I left Salisbury in 1978, been in Australia ever since. Interesting show....cheers!

[@And337go]

Great Video Sandy, enjoyed them all this year, would like to say thanks for all the routes, the ideas, above all the inspiration, wish you a very Happy Christmas & prosperous 2025!

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks Andy, It has been a good year in lots of ways. All the best to you for Christmas and the New year too

[@larrywade9041]

A big thumbs up from this side of the world(U.S.) mate! That was a right proper video. Your going to put MGM out of business if you keep putting merchandise like that out. They'll be sending a hit squad out after you. I liked the wrap with peanut butter & honey. I'll remember that one . Have a beautiful day! Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!! Cheers!!! Illinois, USA

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks Larry, I do enjoy making my little films. All the best for Christmas

[@glynntipper9354]

Thankyou for another brilliant video stunning scenery, a merry Christmas to you and your family, keep up the good work.

[@davebarney3369]

I knew we’d bump in to each other eventually. We had a brief chat outside McDonald’s. Nice to meet you. Great video, as always. Cheers, Dave.

[@WiltshireMan]

Cheers Dave and thanks for stopping to say hello :)

[@tracymcgregor459]

You’re much braver than me, going out in that weather, but it looks like you really enjoyed it. Have a great Christmas and I wish you and your family a happy and healthy 2025. Thank you for sharing your adventures, they’ve really helped cheer me up during what has been a difficult year. I’m looking forward to seeing your travels in the months to come.❤

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks Tracy, I hope next year will be better for you and many others. Best wishes for Christmas

[@johnpawson7400]

Splendid video, that was a nice sheltered spot to camp in the storm, and what a beautiful dawn.

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks John, Wishing you a Merry Christmas:)

[@dieselbushcraft1299]

Excellent camp Sandy, there’s nothing more comforting than being tucked up warm listening to the weather outside. Have a great Christmas and ATB for 2025 with more adventures along the way.

[@WiltshireMan]

Spot on Andy. All the best to you and yours for Christmas

[@Oldie-onhisfoldie]

Another great watch, Really enjoyed as I do all your adventures, Love the bike, now adays I ride my Brompton as I can step through not as agile as I was, love the Brompton though. I wish you and your family a very happy and healthy Christmas and new year. Hope you have many more adventures to share. Happy pedaling ‼️

[@acimbobby]

You always look for that natural adventure with Nature. Amazing you actually cycled there you are still keeping fit I think. Hope all is good and wifey is ok. Enjoyed this video very much, thanks.

[@bolleolympus]

It's exiting to camp in bad weather, espesially in winter! Maby wake up in the morning with a half meter of snow on the tent roof.👌👌❤❤🌹🌹🌷🌷👍👍😊😊

[@WiltshireMan]

Not much snow in the UK though Bolle, some years we don't get any

[@martinnewman8819]

Great, another camp out video, really enjoy these. The Ridgeway is a place I have spent many hours on, especially up by Wayland and Uffingham lovely area. Always good to see you out and about Sandy, keeps me itching to go when I get the chance. Keep the videos coming Sandy, your an inspiration bud. Best regards to one and all in the house of the Wiltshire Man. Regards Moose

[@hArtyTruffle]

Wonderful ambience Sandy. Thanks 🍻🎄

[@WiltshireMan]

I loved listening to the storm, glad my tent was pitched in a sheltered spot though:)

[@hArtyTruffle]

@ I thought the same when the storm was roaring. Good spot that 👍🏼 I have rain on a tent as one of my sleep aids. Some with thunder. Sends me off in no time. So peaceful 👌🏼🌞

[@Terrylyon1979]

Great video sandy keep them coming great inspiration for me to get out and about more and enjoy life

[@MoeElliot]

another great video! i really look forward to these