I have so much respect for your stamina, sense of humour and sense of adventure. I really appreciate the effort you put into producing these video's so that we can all come along on your journey .... Brilliant. Thank you from NSW, Australia
This made wonderful viewing. Aberdeen was where I was born and not famed for good weather so you either got lucky or planned well. I made the train journey in reverse when I moved from Scotland to Hertfordshire in the summer of ‘66. Eng had just won the World Cup 😂🎉
Glad you liked it, thanks for the comment. I'd like to claim credit for the weather because the reputation had reached down here but, like you, I've no idea how I got so lucky. I'll be heading back up to Scotland when I get a chance but not sure currently when that'll be.
I am just astonished that anyone would even conceive of cycling in a single day from Aberdeen to Loch Hourn, let alone manage it - your stamina is mindblowing. And that after a night on the sleeper - nobody sleeps well on that, surely? Not me anyway. You were extremely lucky with weather, wind and midges. As I type this I'm looking out the window across to the mouth of Loch Hourn - and it's so hot this afternoon I thought twice about cycling 2kms to the shop! I certainly wouldn't ever cycle on the A82 or A86. Amaziing video, I'm in awe!
"You were extremely lucky with weather, wind and midges" - YES! I was, wasn't I? :) So you're typing that looking at the mouth of Loch Hourn, and I'm typing this back in London - I'm seriously jealous of you where you are right now, I'd ride back in an instant if I could! Put it down to beginner's luck or whatever but those big A roads you mention weren't so bad. Tell you what, though - what is it with the mad motorhome drivers who overtake cyclists on blind bends on the little roads? I saw a couple of drivers coming the other way who had to slam their brakes on to avoid sudden death. Really scary.
Corker of a trip. I could see how much you enjoyed it. Long old way though. Thx for posting. Your trips are slightly unusual which is great as it gives me ideas; not necessarily your routes but how to think about the routes I could do. Many thx. Great content 🎉
Yes, that was a stand-out trip for me. I'm keen to explore more of Scotland, when time and money allow. There were so few other cyclists up there, it felt quite undiscovered. Thanks for the comment!
Nice idea, I'll do that at some point. Thanks! I did loads of riding over the last month or so, now things are falling apart in the house a bit so I'll need to stay home a few weekends before getting back on the road again...
You're not wrong there, Brian! I was a bit amazed that I saw hardly any other cyclists out at all - maybe one or two on day 2. It's a heaven still waiting to be discovered, is what I came away thinking.
Dave, this was my first time up there and I was blown away, I'll definitely be back but it's not cheap to get there - do you have any tips? From what I saw, I'll be trying to explore more of the west coast in particular but if you have any recommendations, I'm keen to hear!
Yep, that was a nice one for sure. I'll make it back there at some point but it's not cheap to get to Scotland from down here, which was partly why I wanted to do a video on it, because I'd been looking at the map and wondering for a very long time so I bet others are doing the same. I've got some ideas for future routes, too...
That was beautyful. Thanks for sharing this quick but gigantic adventure. The trees where you were attaching your hammock to looked like a mysterious place, like something happend in the ancient times 😃. Its not fair to show so many spots🤩 where the people long for to go😉. Liebe Grüße und danke für das tolle Video🙋♀
Yes, that was a pretty special spot, somebody must have planted that circle of trees for a reason like that, there's no other possible explanation. And I loved the way the landscape changed as that tiny road found its way towards the sea. By the end, it felt like the moon or another planet, it was just great. Glad you liked it and thanks for watching again!
Well, you took the word right out of my mouth 'midges'! I have been planning to cycle from Belfast to Inverness (there is a small boat crossing from Ballycastle to Campbeltown). I'm concerned about the midges. Seems they can be quite intolerable. Great footage and a nice jersey!
Ah, you've spotted the ferry from Ballycastle too! Yes, it opens up various possibilities, doesn't it? I've been looking at getting off at Islay and seeing what I can explore up that way but sadly no time for such a trip this year, it's going to have to wait a bit. Midges: I did get a few bites this time, but only when standing around, not when riding at all. I'd have been fine if I'd had a pair of joggers to pull on as soon as I'd stopped. Good luck with your Inverness plan, that sounds great. Thanks for watching.
Thanks Bob, yes the scenery up there was stunning. I'd love to get back there but it's going to have to wait a while because it's not cheap to get there. Happy riding yourself!
I'm fascinated by the distance you ride in a day, your mental and physical stamina must be tested to the limit. I enjoy watching your rides but realise even if I was much younger it wouldn't be for me. I ride slow and get to know the area rather than ride fast and see it flash past. This isn't a criticism, we all get pleasure from cycling in different ways. Thanks for sharing your trip.
Thanks for your comment, Colin. No, I don't think I test myself to the limit at all actually, maybe I'm just used to it by now but there are loads of people out there who ride much further and faster than me. I'm really interested in what you say about speed, and this is definitely something I wonder about. Because you're right, I like the whole world-flashing-past feel (and try to capture something like that, along with the slower bits). But I also wonder about going much, much slower. The other means of transport I really love is canoeing, have you ever tried that? It's fabulous, and really nice and slow (on flat water, at any rate) and you can go for such a long way, carrying food for days if needed. Thanks so much for commenting, happy riding!
@@londoncenturies Thanks for your reply, My comment wasn't critical, more admiration of your efforts. I have canoed and loved it, only day trips never camping though. I was a sailing dinghy sailor. I loved the slowish pace and the silence. Only gave up when I got too slow and creaky to duck under the boom😀.
Thanks! Yes, I reckon you’re right there. And with the wind, too. It gave me an appetite to go back for sure. Strange lack of other cyclists up there. Happy riding yourself!
Another fantastic vlog👊🏼👍🏼👏🏼👏🏼 really enjoy your adventures. I, also, would like to express my gratitude for you taking the time to share your journey with us!!! Wow, what a beautiful area to cycle through 🚴🏼♂️🚴🏼♂️🚴🏼♂️ views for days. Hey, which carradice bag do you use🤔 is it the same for all of your adventures? Again, Thank you so much. Look forward to the next time you post!! ✌🏼, Rob
Cheers Rob, very glad you're enjoying the videos. Saddlebags: I've got two, a big one (not actually Carradice but basically the same thing) and a very big one (made by Carradice). The very big one manages to keep me going for two weeks if I pack light, or can just about squeeze in the sleeping bag/hammock/woolly socks and hat for overnight camp.
I really enjoy watching your videos and I would love to have the time to do this kind of thing. How on earth do you manage to get the time away from family and work (and life in general?) to do so many big rides?
Jason you just identified the biggest difficulties. It’s not easy and my family are very understanding (plus my kids are teenagers now and don’t need us around much; and we live in a flat that doesn’t need as much DIY as a house and there’s no garden). But even with all those things I really pushed it this year!!
Another amazing adventure mate, totally stunning views. On another note, the jersey your wearing by chance do you remember were you purchased it ? Wouldn’t mind getting myself one. Many thanks, and looking forward to your next vlog 👏🏻👏🏻👍🏻
Glad you liked it Michael. That jersey is quite an old one - 10 years? - and it was from Rapha. It was a 'peace race' edition and the arms unbutton, which is fairly handy.
Hi Ricardo, it's an old one from Rapha, probably getting on for 10 years ago now. It was called a Peace Race Jersey as I recall. Mine's showing its age if you look close up but I like to get my money's worth out of gear so probably a year or two left in it yet.
Sure thing, the GPX files are on Strava as 2 separate rides, link here: www.strava.com/activities/9070502858 Let me know how the ride goes for you Simon
I have so much respect for your stamina, sense of humour and sense of adventure. I really appreciate the effort you put into producing these video's so that we can all come along on your journey .... Brilliant. Thank you from NSW, Australia
Thanks MP, glad you're enjoying the vids and thanks for continuing to watch!
This made wonderful viewing. Aberdeen was where I was born and not famed for good weather so you either got lucky or planned well. I made the train journey in reverse when I moved from Scotland to Hertfordshire in the summer of ‘66. Eng had just won the World Cup 😂🎉
Glad you liked it, thanks for the comment. I'd like to claim credit for the weather because the reputation had reached down here but, like you, I've no idea how I got so lucky. I'll be heading back up to Scotland when I get a chance but not sure currently when that'll be.
I am just astonished that anyone would even conceive of cycling in a single day from Aberdeen to Loch Hourn, let alone manage it - your stamina is mindblowing. And that after a night on the sleeper - nobody sleeps well on that, surely? Not me anyway. You were extremely lucky with weather, wind and midges. As I type this I'm looking out the window across to the mouth of Loch Hourn - and it's so hot this afternoon I thought twice about cycling 2kms to the shop! I certainly wouldn't ever cycle on the A82 or A86. Amaziing video, I'm in awe!
"You were extremely lucky with weather, wind and midges" - YES! I was, wasn't I? :)
So you're typing that looking at the mouth of Loch Hourn, and I'm typing this back in London - I'm seriously jealous of you where you are right now, I'd ride back in an instant if I could! Put it down to beginner's luck or whatever but those big A roads you mention weren't so bad. Tell you what, though - what is it with the mad motorhome drivers who overtake cyclists on blind bends on the little roads? I saw a couple of drivers coming the other way who had to slam their brakes on to avoid sudden death. Really scary.
Corker of a trip. I could see how much you enjoyed it. Long old way though. Thx for posting. Your trips are slightly unusual which is great as it gives me ideas; not necessarily your routes but how to think about the routes I could do. Many thx. Great content 🎉
Yes, that was a stand-out trip for me. I'm keen to explore more of Scotland, when time and money allow. There were so few other cyclists up there, it felt quite undiscovered. Thanks for the comment!
That looked a hoot. Show us your camping gear in more detail. You never look like you carry a lot of kit. Really enjoyed the ride along..
Nice idea, I'll do that at some point. Thanks! I did loads of riding over the last month or so, now things are falling apart in the house a bit so I'll need to stay home a few weekends before getting back on the road again...
Another incredible ride and well captured! you are on a roll having the stamina and fitness to keep going!
Stunning scenery and weather. That road across the tops of the moors is cycling heaven!
You're not wrong there, Brian! I was a bit amazed that I saw hardly any other cyclists out at all - maybe one or two on day 2. It's a heaven still waiting to be discovered, is what I came away thinking.
What a route and what weather! Post the GPX
Yes I think I got very lucky there!! You're welcome to grab the GPX off my Strava, it's here: www.strava.com/athletes/418219
Here's a link Theo: www.strava.com/activities/9070502858
"Yeah... great... I'll go this way then" made me chuckle
😀 thanks for watching, Tim
Fabulous video and views we're out of this world. Scotland certainly is a beautiful place. I'm lucky my job takes me all over the Highlands. 👍
Dave, this was my first time up there and I was blown away, I'll definitely be back but it's not cheap to get there - do you have any tips? From what I saw, I'll be trying to explore more of the west coast in particular but if you have any recommendations, I'm keen to hear!
A stunning route. Thanks for another great video.
Yep, that was a nice one for sure. I'll make it back there at some point but it's not cheap to get to Scotland from down here, which was partly why I wanted to do a video on it, because I'd been looking at the map and wondering for a very long time so I bet others are doing the same. I've got some ideas for future routes, too...
What stunning scenery. Well done
Cheers Steve, thanks for watching
That was beautyful. Thanks for sharing this quick but gigantic adventure. The trees where you were attaching your hammock to looked like a mysterious place, like something happend in the ancient times 😃. Its not fair to show so many spots🤩 where the people long for to go😉. Liebe Grüße und danke für das tolle Video🙋♀
Yes, that was a pretty special spot, somebody must have planted that circle of trees for a reason like that, there's no other possible explanation. And I loved the way the landscape changed as that tiny road found its way towards the sea. By the end, it felt like the moon or another planet, it was just great. Glad you liked it and thanks for watching again!
Great watching your adventure as always. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for watching Peter!
Well, you took the word right out of my mouth 'midges'! I have been planning to cycle from Belfast to Inverness (there is a small boat crossing from Ballycastle to Campbeltown). I'm concerned about the midges. Seems they can be quite intolerable. Great footage and a nice jersey!
Ah, you've spotted the ferry from Ballycastle too! Yes, it opens up various possibilities, doesn't it? I've been looking at getting off at Islay and seeing what I can explore up that way but sadly no time for such a trip this year, it's going to have to wait a bit. Midges: I did get a few bites this time, but only when standing around, not when riding at all. I'd have been fine if I'd had a pair of joggers to pull on as soon as I'd stopped. Good luck with your Inverness plan, that sounds great. Thanks for watching.
Another fabulous adventure with some amazing scenery 👍.
I liked the new cap too 😉
Thanks Bob, yes the scenery up there was stunning. I'd love to get back there but it's going to have to wait a while because it's not cheap to get there. Happy riding yourself!
I'm fascinated by the distance you ride in a day, your mental and physical stamina must be tested to the limit.
I enjoy watching your rides but realise even if I was much younger it wouldn't be for me. I ride slow and get to know the area rather than ride fast and see it flash past. This isn't a criticism, we all get pleasure from cycling in different ways.
Thanks for sharing your trip.
Thanks for your comment, Colin. No, I don't think I test myself to the limit at all actually, maybe I'm just used to it by now but there are loads of people out there who ride much further and faster than me. I'm really interested in what you say about speed, and this is definitely something I wonder about. Because you're right, I like the whole world-flashing-past feel (and try to capture something like that, along with the slower bits). But I also wonder about going much, much slower. The other means of transport I really love is canoeing, have you ever tried that? It's fabulous, and really nice and slow (on flat water, at any rate) and you can go for such a long way, carrying food for days if needed. Thanks so much for commenting, happy riding!
@@londoncenturies Thanks for your reply, My comment wasn't critical, more admiration of your efforts. I have canoed and loved it, only day trips never camping though.
I was a sailing dinghy sailor. I loved the slowish pace and the silence. Only gave up when I got too slow and creaky to duck under the boom😀.
Nice one. Looks like you got really lucky with both weather and midges!
Thanks! Yes, I reckon you’re right there. And with the wind, too. It gave me an appetite to go back for sure. Strange lack of other cyclists up there. Happy riding yourself!
Well done! Interesting to watch
Cheers! thanks for watching. Happy riding yourself
Another fantastic vlog👊🏼👍🏼👏🏼👏🏼 really enjoy your adventures. I, also, would like to express my gratitude for you taking the time to share your journey with us!!! Wow, what a beautiful area to cycle through 🚴🏼♂️🚴🏼♂️🚴🏼♂️ views for days. Hey, which carradice bag do you use🤔 is it the same for all of your adventures? Again, Thank you so much. Look forward to the next time you post!! ✌🏼, Rob
Cheers Rob, very glad you're enjoying the videos. Saddlebags: I've got two, a big one (not actually Carradice but basically the same thing) and a very big one (made by Carradice). The very big one manages to keep me going for two weeks if I pack light, or can just about squeeze in the sleeping bag/hammock/woolly socks and hat for overnight camp.
I really enjoy watching your videos and I would love to have the time to do this kind of thing. How on earth do you manage to get the time away from family and work (and life in general?) to do so many big rides?
Jason you just identified the biggest difficulties. It’s not easy and my family are very understanding (plus my kids are teenagers now and don’t need us around much; and we live in a flat that doesn’t need as much DIY as a house and there’s no garden). But even with all those things I really pushed it this year!!
Another amazing adventure mate, totally stunning views. On another note, the jersey your wearing by chance do you remember were you purchased it ? Wouldn’t mind getting myself one. Many thanks, and looking forward to your next vlog 👏🏻👏🏻👍🏻
Glad you liked it Michael. That jersey is quite an old one - 10 years? - and it was from Rapha. It was a 'peace race' edition and the arms unbutton, which is fairly handy.
@@londoncenturies many thanks
I love that Jersey! Where'd ya get it?
Hi Ricardo, it's an old one from Rapha, probably getting on for 10 years ago now. It was called a Peace Race Jersey as I recall. Mine's showing its age if you look close up but I like to get my money's worth out of gear so probably a year or two left in it yet.
Wow new 🧢👍
Thanks for watching again! :)
What a route. Do you have the GPX file? I have a week off at the end of August and I'm looking for an adventure. That looked about perfect.
Sure thing, the GPX files are on Strava as 2 separate rides, link here: www.strava.com/activities/9070502858 Let me know how the ride goes for you Simon
Hi, What make is that cycling top? The burnt orangey one with sleeve buttons?
It's an old Rapha one, Peace Race jersey I think they called it. But it's probably 10 years old or so. I like to get my money's worth out of gear!