What I love about you guys is that you’re living the dream that everyone who loves the outdoors aspire to . While I’ve always walked and explored the outdoors you make me wish I’d done even more ! Now in my 60s your films take me back and maybe I should have worked less and explored more. Keep on doing what you do. You’re a great couple , very inspiring
I live in the Isle Of Harris it’s beautiful, I never get tired of passing the beaches on my way to school every morning... hope you enjoyed your visit on Harris x
Wow...this was so incredibly gorgeous. I love moody weather like this. It makes me feel alive and grateful. It reminds me of the power of mother nature. Thank you for sharing 💙
Good to see Lewis again with new eyes. We first came to the Outer Hebrides in 2004 and drove from the Butt of Lewis down to Vatersay camping all the way. Loved it so much that we moved to Lewis in 2010 and have been here ever since. You get used to the beauty on your doorstep and, like anywhere, you begin to take it for granted and lose that wonderment of the first experience but it is still an incredible place to live. I'll look out for you in May!
I’ve been to the Outer Hebrides a number of times and I adore them. I think you capture the beauty and remoteness perfectly. Love the music too. Can’t wait for my next visit in May next year.
Beautiful. Thank you for sharing. I spent a few months working out there in the mid 80s with the RAF at Stornaway. We used to maintain the radio transmitter at Aird Uig spending 2.5 day shifts and watching the lighthouse on the Flannan islands and reporting its status. I must get back there for some camping and cycling.
Through her videos, I think she makes bad weather and rainy days so beautiful to watch and to she shows that you shouldn't be stopped by weather. (of course she says that's it could be really hard to deal with cold but still she does it !) Love the vibes of her videos !
Another great one! Liked that you highlighted in this vid that "vamping" is not always glamorous. Agree, that this island looked amazing in both conditions - overcast/sunny! Thanks for sharing.
This time next year, If people keep watching your channel, you will probably have a van conversion sponsor to show there van off. Your video's are amazing so ill be amazed if you haven' got one. keep going as you are as you inspire a lot of people
Just loved the van life chat! I have a Fiat Ducati lwb van and having the space, a heater, loo and shower make all the difference to van life. I love chilling out when it's bad weather outside but can fully understand how different it must be in your van. Great for weekends but more challenging for longer periods. Another lovely video guys. Thanks.
Yes for sure! To live in I think a big van would be ideal. Ours is great for summer weekend trips but does get more challenging for longer trips in bad weather. I still love being outside all the time though 😌
We had a Peugeot Boxer mini bus that my husband converted which we put a wood burner in. It was the best thing ever!! Even in the winter we had to open the sliding door as it got so warm, lovely
I absolutely love your videos. This one is just magical, the views, the music, just wonderful. You look so relaxed as well. I would really love to visit Lewis and Harris - ever since reading “The Lewis Trilogy” by Peter May. In one of the books the story is woven around the true and very tragic story of the HMY Iolaire which sank within sight of Stornoway harbour on 1st January 1920 carrying soldiers who were returning home after WW1. There is a memorial on the cliffs above the harbour that I’d really like to visit. Looking forward to seeing Skye next time. Thank you again for your wonderful and inspiring vlogs.
Another great video, Athena. They keep getting better and they make me smile. Here in Tennessee fall is full swing, and the trees are vibrant with color. We camped last week and had a gray day of rain. Like you say here in this video, it's an amazing thing when the sun comes out and the landscape comes alive. I do like your "small" van. We haul a popup camper, that takes some work. However 4 days in the wilderness helps the soul and it's well worth the work. I look forward to the next video. :-)
Hi, word of caution about van wood burners. I put one in.. lovely, BUT have to follow regulations.. fireboard at the back, stove pipe two times it's own distance from walls, make sure bed clothes are boxed in or something so duvet won't fall on it at night. Police don't like them, but if you can state these guidelines they will let it go. Also... don't put the pipe through the roof.. this is just personal opinion. It will rattle and rattle til you get a widened hole and all the silicon fell off.. then it will rain into your van and into the stove. It's cosy cosy lovely to have a burner, but personally I would try to not fit a stovepipe vertically ( one of those if I were to do it again comments)
Another delightful short film, thanks for sharing. I'm also really liking your soundtracks. That Ryvoli song East was completely new to me and its a beautiful tune. Thanks again.
Beautiful video as always. I love the way you capture the beauty in everything, not just the stunning beaches and scenery, but in cooking simple delicious food, drinking tea, taking a moment to appreciate what is around you. I think you are so talented. Look forward to next video, thank you for sharing.
Callanish is a strange other-worldly place first recorded by Hecataeus in early 4BC as "The Temple of Apollo" located on the Island of Hyperboria. Every 18.6 years depending on where you are standing the Moon moves between the stones, it's a mystical experience. Ps....this Christmas we will have a Christmas Star, Jupiter and Saturn merge together their combined brightness appearing as one. This happens on 21st Dec at dusk look SW, sadly they set at 6.30pm so fingers crossed for a clear night. The last time this took place was July 1623.
Athena, I love joining you and Harvey and Oslo on your travels and hikes. I am discovering some new beautiful places, vicariously, here in British Columbia. Thank you for taking us along. Oh, and your photography and video production are first class!
Yep, it's been a wet and sometimes windy couple of weeks. Next time you will have to visit the North end of Lewis, it's very different to Uig, but has it's own attractions, and a couple of fantastic beaches.
Love it! My papa lived in a cottage right next to where the ferry docks in Leverburgh. Its now a restaurant called The Anchorage. Looking forward to heading back up next year.
Thank you, it was great to see the Uig sea cliffs and the Screaming Geo in particular with it fabulous little bothy, it been quite a few years since I last climbed there but you’ve brought back some great memories and made me smile.
Just found your site, love the videos. Years ago we went to Benbecula to visit my son who was in the services there. What an amazing place, we loved it.
I’m always so excited when you post a new video. You’re my favorite channel on here. Always wonderful narration, scenery, music. Living vicariously through your posts over here in Oklahoma.
Brilliantly done Vloc u guys.. very informative 🏴 booked the same trip July23rd 2023 Uig Harris and more of the north once again. Beautiful place . Glad you both enjoyed the trip. ❤
Hi Athena, great video series, thank you for sharing. Hats off to you for travelling in such a small van and seeing the beauty of the outer Hebrides through some miserable weather. The next time you go look out for a period of high pressure coming in to settle off the Atlantic. May is a good time for this although nothing is guaranteed. Having visited the Outer Hebrides many times there is so much to see and admire, indeed you could spend two weeks just on the beaches of South West Harris alone. Best Wishes.
Really enjoying your content. I know this is a older video, but don't have much time to watch being out and about myself. Yours is one of a few I sub to. Thanks. James.
Fantastic film as always 👌. I agree with your comments about van life. We had a 1971 VW camper for a few years and it was tiny. When the weather was good it was fantastic, but in the wet it was hard logistically to get the beds organised etc. Having said that I wouldn't have missed having it for the world - great memories made 😀
Use to live on Isle of Lewis for 12 years, so nice to see the roads where I have been driving hundreds of times. Also last beach in the video used to be my favourite. Thank you for such a lovely memories!
Very honest view on the over romantisiation of van life. I think it happens with many different outdoor activities to be honest. Embrace the suck, the good times will make up for it.
We went to Harris/Lewis last July and had very similar conditions and I SO appreciate the realistic take on van life - the first time we took ours on a trip in the rain with two big dogs we wondered what we were doing wrong! It’s still great, but it’s not all unicorns and rainbows and I think the van life aesthetic usually portrays that!
That was absolutely sublime, Athena, thank you. Although I chose Uist to be home, Harris and Lewis do offer so much more in terms of hills and mountains. I would love to go exploring the North Harris Hills. Thanks to you I have been out twice this week walking in the hills - hopefully the vlog will be out in a few weeks and of course you are name checked ;) Fingers crossed you make it back in May and that our paths might cross. Thanks a lot, Andrew
That was lovely, I have been to some of the places shown on this video, including Cliff. I do recommend going back in the second half of June. When you go on from Cliff you come to a small hamlet called Valtos. The machair there is yellow, with marsh marigolds, flag iris and buttercups and it was stunning. Going on round the loop there is a long curved beach, though it rained when we were there. The machair on Harris was out of this world, but I can't remember the name of that location. Harris is an island I would like to go back to. Take care and stay safe.
When you go back, check out Tolsta and Garry beaches (right beside each other), and Port Stoth beach (just outside the car park at Butt of Lewis lighthouse) which is a gorgeous wee beach cove
My parents and I did a two week trip from Lewis down to Barra back in May 2003, and the weather was pretty great - only one or two days had bad weather, though some of the nights were extremely windy (one of the nights we were wild camping up at the Butt of Lewis next to the lighthouse, and the wind overnight was strong enough to collapse one of the tents, even though we were sheltered by the wall surrounding the lighthouse). As my parents moved to Lewis 7/8 years ago, I've been up fairly regularly since then, but the weather has never been as good as it was that first trip - I've typically been up in autumn/winter, so May should give you better prospects!
You have to be a month in the Hebridies to get a few sunny, calm days. These days. Spring & autumn now usually have the best of it, if less actual heat..
Me and my family were going to go to Harris & Lewis this Summer just gone but couldn’t unfortunately because of the situation. Gutted! I hope we can go next year, fingers crossed 🤞🏻 It looks absolutely stunning
I was born in and live in London Thank you for a wonderful video I can't speak for the other thirteen million in our city but you have just made this Hubble citizen a better place than it was before
Althena, I loved this video and have always wanted to visit Lewis & Harris. This has really inspired me! Will enjoy researching a trip and some guide books you mentioned. I loved all your hiking gear and will look into that too..Thank you so much Sweetie.. I shall be catching up on all your adventures over the next few days. Take care x
As we have come to expect with your video nothing short of spectacular, and honest. I can sit and literally watch the waves for hours they are mesmerising, even though the weather wasn’t the best. I have recently returned from a trip around Central Qld and some of the ocean views were brilliant and our weather is really good at the moment. Always look forward to your next video please stay safe in these crazy times . Cheers from Australia 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺❤️
I spent the first week in August staying in one of the huts at Kneep (just next to Cliff Beach) run by the couple that also run the Scallop Shack you went to! Small world!!! You captured the atmosphere of the place perfectly, but I'm too old for a van, sadly...
Fantastic location whatever the weather. Very refreshing to here people that fit in with the environment and like to embrace the elements instead of rocking up in a giant iceberg van that is to big and heavy for the small roads/ tracks and never venturing out unless it’s to a shop. 🙏 thanks
I was in Scotland this summer just gone and visited Harris and Lewis and it was lovely to re-live it a little again watching this video. We too went to Mangersta Beach, but went on one of the 2 sunny days we had all trip so crazy to see it as blustery as what it was. I look forward to watching you in Skye as we went there too. Curious to know what hike you want to do there - the Quairaing was my favourite ❤️
Thanks for sharing your adventures it was great to see Harris & Lewis, I have been lucky enough to visit the islands many times over the years and recognise the spots you visited you need to go back cos there are loads of amazing places on the islands you have yet to vist. I hope those scallops were as good as the ones I had there last visit, I cant wait till May next year when I get to visit the islands again myself.
I live in Lewis and and when weather is good it can be picturesque and beautiful not so in bad weather but interesting to hear from a non island perspective love these videos just recently found them on you tube will watch more
I have a question, have you ever been to Glen Affric, Scotland? I’m looking at a picture of it now that is featured on Bing today. It’s absolutely beautiful, and looks like a great place to hike and camp...
Flipping grand!! So enjoyed!! Thank for this wonderful relaxing video of the beauty of Scotland!🏴 my grandmother told me so much about about shores that touch the hills and mountains. The rain shall come and the wind will blow and clouds cover the grassy hills and stone the sandy beaches and ocean waves will call you home. For Charlotte Sinclair.
Great scenery, great drone coverage, Iam glad ye got some good days what a amazing place, thanks for sharing how come yer not on telly with own show, I drive a small van myself but to have 3seats up front and have a larger van would be ideal especially cooking which can't be much fun with high winds and rain reaching in everywhere, but to be postive ye show what can done with your van so we'll done folks stay safe, happy anniversary 😊🎉❤️😎
Great video and really well put together. I like how you tell the real story and don't just make it all look perfect all the time. Thank you for giving us a glimpse into these wonderful islands. Wayne (t5_travels)
My fav of all the Islands I’ve visited ...missed it this year down to restrictions but will be back 2021. Like you Guys I was in a smaller van a Caddy ..however this year I spoiled myself and converted a LWB Vivaro . Loving your vlogs , videography and music ....
Know exactly what you mean about van camping often being over romanticised. Our van is cosy enough, but you still need to be happy sharing a very small space, and your gear is always everywhere 😁 That said, it's still brilliant!
Hello intrepid explorers, nice views as usual and I bet fantastic clean iodised air but for a moment I suffered with cold and dampness from just watching you 2 taking your surf gear off outside in that freezing and damp looking day by the beach. Van living this time of the year would probably not be a good idea for me lol
Amazing video. We're currently converting our van for a trip to the Hebrides next May, this video (and others of the trip) has definitely got me aching to get completed.
Amazing vlog series! Love all the amazing landscape shots, hope to explore the Scottish islands for myself one day. Vanlife is definitely not all perfect park ups with epic views and great weather all the time, much less perfect surf conditions too, but you 100% appreciate it more when you do get those days!
brings back good memories of my summer road trip to Harris We spend a week in a converted crofters cottage and it was not enough time - but the 1.5 hour drive to the nearest pub doh`!
Your van is small and not very posh but I would not fancy an extended tour round the remoter parts of Scotland in the sort of motorised grundy-bin the size of a bus that some people, generally older and reasonably wealthy couples have, because the sheer bulk of the thing makes it awkward to manage on narrow and winding roads. I expect you could fit a diesel heater in your van as they are quite small. I couldn't see whether you have a leisure battery so you don't run any risk of draining the van battery and needing a jump start. I recently made a bed-platform for my car as the luggage area with the back seats down is over six feet long. It has a folding lid for the bedding to live inside during the day. Now I know I get a comfortable sleep in there I am looking forward to more longer trips next spring.
On behalf of all islanders PLEASE don't come here. We have been inundated with ignorant travellers from all over the country who, unfairly, put us all at risk. You're more than welcome any other time but we're in the middle of a pandemic and the feeling of resentment to reckless tourists is growing.
Loved this Athena, thank you for being real regarding van life. If you get down to Cornwall can recommend the Hidden Hut for good food, it does get a bit crowded in the summer months though so best avoided then! It’s on a beautiful sandy beach x
Hey, amazing video thanks for the inspiration. We are all booked to go in April 😀 could I ask where the ladies headband at the end is from please ? Keep up the great videos 😀
Hi mate. Have you ever thought of asking the Scottish Tourist Board to promote the islands ? Could be a nice little earner & they'd be lucky to have you on board. Fabulous video - look how many comments intimate you're making people want to visit for themselves. Loved the spindrift at Cliff Beach. Billy Connolly on this 'World Tour of Scotland' years ago danced naked round the Callanish stones - glad Harvey wasn't inspired to do the same lol. Can't wait for my favourite place next - Skye. xx
Thanks Michael! I would love to work with some tourism boards, that would honestly be amazing. Let me know if you know anyone who works there 😉😉 it’s a slightly difficult time with COVID to get work like that I think but maybe one day! For now just perfecting my skills 😊
Another beautiful video Athena, and well said about the highs, and particularly, the lows of van life. Mine decided to blow up last weekend, definitely a low point haha
One more thing, I really like the hiking videos of the mountains there in the UK. They may not be as high as the Smokies, but they are just as beautiful...
Yes we definitely only just touched on how much there is to see and do there! We were on a longer trip around the Hebrides so didn’t have loads of time to dedicate just to this island. Hopefully we can come back and see more though 😌
Loved this video, no wonder our 10 week old Siberian Husky puppy call Harris is so wild! His brother and sister Skye and Iona are both as bad! Keep up the great work I would only say show some of these fantastic views for a little longer on your videos.
What I love about you guys is that you’re living the dream that everyone who loves the outdoors aspire to . While I’ve always walked and explored the outdoors you make me wish I’d done even more ! Now in my 60s your films take me back and maybe I should have worked less and explored more. Keep on doing what you do. You’re a great couple , very inspiring
I live in the Isle Of Harris it’s beautiful, I never get tired of passing the beaches on my way to school every morning... hope you enjoyed your visit on Harris x
Am I the only one that jumps for joy when sh uploads a video
No 😃
Me tooooo! 🙋♀️
I'm happy to see them as they come...
Wow...this was so incredibly gorgeous. I love moody weather like this. It makes me feel alive and grateful. It reminds me of the power of mother nature. Thank you for sharing 💙
Good to see Lewis again with new eyes. We first came to the Outer Hebrides in 2004 and drove from the Butt of Lewis down to Vatersay camping all the way. Loved it so much that we moved to Lewis in 2010 and have been here ever since. You get used to the beauty on your doorstep and, like anywhere, you begin to take it for granted and lose that wonderment of the first experience but it is still an incredible place to live. I'll look out for you in May!
I’ve been to the Outer Hebrides a number of times and I adore them. I think you capture the beauty and remoteness perfectly. Love the music too. Can’t wait for my next visit in May next year.
I saved watching this for 24 hours to enjoy on my new TV. First thing I've watched on it. So glad I did, brilliant photography! Thank you 😁
Thank you!! Glad it still looks good on the big screen 😀
Beautiful. Thank you for sharing. I spent a few months working out there in the mid 80s with the RAF at Stornaway. We used to maintain the radio transmitter at Aird Uig spending 2.5 day shifts and watching the lighthouse on the Flannan islands and reporting its status. I must get back there for some camping and cycling.
Through her videos, I think she makes bad weather and rainy days so beautiful to watch and to she shows that you shouldn't be stopped by weather. (of course she says that's it could be really hard to deal with cold but still she does it !) Love the vibes of her videos !
Another great one! Liked that you highlighted in this vid that "vamping" is not always glamorous. Agree, that this island looked amazing in both conditions - overcast/sunny! Thanks for sharing.
I don't know why but I started crying at this video. You are living the life I one day hope to live. Love your videos :)
@Myth Tree What? I don't understand what you're getting at??
This time next year, If people keep watching your channel, you will probably have a van conversion sponsor to show there van off.
Your video's are amazing so ill be amazed if you haven' got one.
keep going as you are as you inspire a lot of people
Enjoyed watching this while recovering post night shifts with a poorly puppy to look after. Thank you for a little escapism!
Hope your puppy is ok Hannah ..
@@jstanders6973 Thanks- he is a lot brighter today.
Just loved the van life chat! I have a Fiat Ducati lwb van and having the space, a heater, loo and shower make all the difference to van life. I love chilling out when it's bad weather outside but can fully understand how different it must be in your van. Great for weekends but more challenging for longer periods. Another lovely video guys. Thanks.
Yes for sure! To live in I think a big van would be ideal. Ours is great for summer weekend trips but does get more challenging for longer trips in bad weather. I still love being outside all the time though 😌
We had a Peugeot Boxer mini bus that my husband converted which we put a wood burner in. It was the best thing ever!! Even in the winter we had to open the sliding door as it got so warm, lovely
I absolutely love your videos. This one is just magical, the views, the music, just wonderful. You look so relaxed as well. I would really love to visit Lewis and Harris - ever since reading “The Lewis Trilogy” by Peter May. In one of the books the story is woven around the true and very tragic story of the HMY Iolaire which sank within sight of Stornoway harbour on 1st January 1920 carrying soldiers who were returning home after WW1. There is a memorial on the cliffs above the harbour that I’d really like to visit. Looking forward to seeing Skye next time. Thank you again for your wonderful and inspiring vlogs.
Another great video, Athena. They keep getting better and they make me smile. Here in Tennessee fall is full swing, and the trees are vibrant with color. We camped last week and had a gray day of rain. Like you say here in this video, it's an amazing thing when the sun comes out and the landscape comes alive. I do like your "small" van. We haul a popup camper, that takes some work. However 4 days in the wilderness helps the soul and it's well worth the work. I look forward to the next video. :-)
Hi, word of caution about van wood burners. I put one in.. lovely, BUT have to follow regulations.. fireboard at the back, stove pipe two times it's own distance from walls, make sure bed clothes are boxed in or something so duvet won't fall on it at night. Police don't like them, but if you can state these guidelines they will let it go. Also... don't put the pipe through the roof.. this is just personal opinion. It will rattle and rattle til you get a widened hole and all the silicon fell off.. then it will rain into your van and into the stove. It's cosy cosy lovely to have a burner, but personally I would try to not fit a stovepipe vertically ( one of those if I were to do it again comments)
Another delightful short film, thanks for sharing. I'm also really liking your soundtracks. That Ryvoli song East was completely new to me and its a beautiful tune. Thanks again.
My home island (Isle of Lewis, born in Stornoway) - always lovely to see it featured in someone's YT videos - makes me homesick every time.
Beautiful video as always. I love the way you capture the beauty in everything, not just the stunning beaches and scenery, but in cooking simple delicious food, drinking tea, taking a moment to appreciate what is around you. I think you are so talented. Look forward to next video, thank you for sharing.
Thanks so much ☺️
Callanish is a strange other-worldly place first recorded by Hecataeus in early 4BC as "The Temple of Apollo" located on the Island of Hyperboria. Every 18.6 years depending on where you are standing the Moon moves between the stones, it's a mystical experience. Ps....this Christmas we will have a Christmas Star, Jupiter and Saturn merge together their combined brightness appearing as one. This happens on 21st Dec at dusk look SW, sadly they set at 6.30pm so fingers crossed for a clear night. The last time this took place was July 1623.
Wow that sounds amazing! Thank you for sharing ☺️
Nick this sounds magical. Thank you..
Athena, I love joining you and Harvey and Oslo on your travels and hikes. I am discovering some new beautiful places, vicariously, here in British Columbia. Thank you for taking us along. Oh, and your photography and video production are first class!
These pictures are soooo beautiful! Thanks a lot for capturing this part of our beautiful world!
Yep, it's been a wet and sometimes windy couple of weeks. Next time you will have to visit the North end of Lewis, it's very different to Uig, but has it's own attractions, and a couple of fantastic beaches.
Love it! My papa lived in a cottage right next to where the ferry docks in Leverburgh. Its now a restaurant called The Anchorage. Looking forward to heading back up next year.
Ah amazing! Hope you enjoy your trip up 😀
Thank you, it was great to see the Uig sea cliffs and the Screaming Geo in particular with it fabulous little bothy, it been quite a few years since I last climbed there but you’ve brought back some great memories and made me smile.
Just found your site, love the videos. Years ago we went to Benbecula to visit my son who was in the services there. What an amazing place, we loved it.
Beautiful, loved this series of vlogs, def want to make a trip in our van to surf and wander. Cheers
I’m always so excited when you post a new video. You’re my favorite channel on here. Always wonderful narration, scenery, music. Living vicariously through your posts over here in Oklahoma.
Thank you! That’s so kind 😀
Couldn't agree more. Athena inspired me to get outside more with my camera and, like you, I'm always so excited when she posts! x
Brilliantly done Vloc u guys.. very informative 🏴 booked the same trip July23rd 2023 Uig Harris and more of the north once again. Beautiful place . Glad you both enjoyed the trip. ❤
Hi Athena, great video series, thank you for sharing. Hats off to you for travelling in such a small van and seeing the beauty of the outer Hebrides through some miserable weather. The next time you go look out for a period of high pressure coming in to settle off the Atlantic. May is a good time for this although nothing is guaranteed. Having visited the Outer Hebrides many times there is so much to see and admire, indeed you could spend two weeks just on the beaches of South West Harris alone. Best Wishes.
Really enjoying your content. I know this is a older video, but don't have much time to watch being out and about myself. Yours is one of a few I sub to. Thanks. James.
Fantastic film as always 👌. I agree with your comments about van life. We had a 1971 VW camper for a few years and it was tiny. When the weather was good it was fantastic, but in the wet it was hard logistically to get the beds organised etc. Having said that I wouldn't have missed having it for the world - great memories made 😀
Use to live on Isle of Lewis for 12 years, so nice to see the roads where I have been driving hundreds of times. Also last beach in the video used to be my favourite. Thank you for such a lovely memories!
Very honest view on the over romantisiation of van life. I think it happens with many different outdoor activities to be honest. Embrace the suck, the good times will make up for it.
it is indeed a beautiful place, thanks for sharing.
stunning landscape and beautiful music to go with it
Lovely video once again, great to watch whilst chilling out with a proper coffee on a Saturday morning🙂
The filming, editing and presenting is so good. Wow. 👍🙂
Such a beautiful video, Athena! Beautifully shot and edited! Awesome work!
We went to Harris/Lewis last July and had very similar conditions and I SO appreciate the realistic take on van life - the first time we took ours on a trip in the rain with two big dogs we wondered what we were doing wrong! It’s still great, but it’s not all unicorns and rainbows and I think the van life aesthetic usually portrays that!
Yeah totally agree! Like I say it’s still great, but there are definitely elements of discomfort that aren’t always seen on social media 🙂
That was absolutely sublime, Athena, thank you. Although I chose Uist to be home, Harris and Lewis do offer so much more in terms of hills and mountains. I would love to go exploring the North Harris Hills. Thanks to you I have been out twice this week walking in the hills - hopefully the vlog will be out in a few weeks and of course you are name checked ;) Fingers crossed you make it back in May and that our paths might cross. Thanks a lot, Andrew
That was lovely, I have been to some of the places shown on this video, including Cliff. I do recommend going back in the second half of June. When you go on from Cliff you come to a small hamlet called Valtos. The machair there is yellow, with marsh marigolds, flag iris and buttercups and it was stunning. Going on round the loop there is a long curved beach, though it rained when we were there. The machair on Harris was out of this world, but I can't remember the name of that location. Harris is an island I would like to go back to. Take care and stay safe.
When you go back, check out Tolsta and Garry beaches (right beside each other), and Port Stoth beach (just outside the car park at Butt of Lewis lighthouse) which is a gorgeous wee beach cove
My parents and I did a two week trip from Lewis down to Barra back in May 2003, and the weather was pretty great - only one or two days had bad weather, though some of the nights were extremely windy (one of the nights we were wild camping up at the Butt of Lewis next to the lighthouse, and the wind overnight was strong enough to collapse one of the tents, even though we were sheltered by the wall surrounding the lighthouse). As my parents moved to Lewis 7/8 years ago, I've been up fairly regularly since then, but the weather has never been as good as it was that first trip - I've typically been up in autumn/winter, so May should give you better prospects!
You have to be a month in the Hebridies to get a few sunny, calm days. These days. Spring & autumn now usually have the best of it, if less actual heat..
Me and my family were going to go to Harris & Lewis this Summer just gone but couldn’t unfortunately because of the situation. Gutted! I hope we can go next year, fingers crossed 🤞🏻 It looks absolutely stunning
I was born in and live in London Thank you for a wonderful video I can't speak for the other thirteen million in our city but you have just made this Hubble citizen a better place than it was before
Thank you so much and so glad you can enjoy it from the city ☺️
I loooove these videos, thank you so much for creating them and sharing
Your filming and these views are stunning 👌 so beautiful x
God it’s so beautiful there! You’re living my dream, I’d love to get a van and travel around Scotland a bit. Glad you guys had such a nice time!
Althena, I loved this video and have always wanted to visit Lewis & Harris. This has really inspired me! Will enjoy researching a trip and some guide books you mentioned. I loved all your hiking gear and will look into that too..Thank you so much Sweetie.. I shall be catching up on all your adventures over the next few days. Take care x
Very nicely done. Lovely and calming.
As we have come to expect with your video nothing short of spectacular, and honest. I can sit and literally watch the waves for hours they are mesmerising, even though the weather wasn’t the best. I have recently returned from a trip around Central Qld and some of the ocean views were brilliant and our weather is really good at the moment. Always look forward to your next video please stay safe in these crazy times . Cheers from Australia 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺❤️
I spent the first week in August staying in one of the huts at Kneep (just next to Cliff Beach) run by the couple that also run the Scallop Shack you went to! Small world!!! You captured the atmosphere of the place perfectly, but I'm too old for a van, sadly...
Ah yes we passed them a few times!! Hope you enjoyed your stay 😀
I’m really enjoying your videos! The scenery reminds me of Northern California where I lived for many years.
Fantastic location whatever the weather. Very refreshing to here people that fit in with the environment and like to embrace the elements instead of rocking up in a giant iceberg van that is to big and heavy for the small roads/ tracks and never venturing out unless it’s to a shop. 🙏 thanks
I was in Scotland this summer just gone and visited Harris and Lewis and it was lovely to re-live it a little again watching this video. We too went to Mangersta Beach, but went on one of the 2 sunny days we had all trip so crazy to see it as blustery as what it was. I look forward to watching you in Skye as we went there too. Curious to know what hike you want to do there - the Quairaing was my favourite ❤️
We only had one day on Skye I’m afraid so didn’t manage any big hikes! The hike we want to do is a multi-day right across the island 😀
Thanks for sharing your adventures it was great to see Harris & Lewis, I have been lucky enough to visit the islands many times over the years and recognise the spots you visited you need to go back cos there are loads of amazing places on the islands you have yet to vist.
I hope those scallops were as good as the ones I had there last visit, I cant wait till May next year when I get to visit the islands again myself.
I live in Lewis and and when weather is good it can be picturesque and beautiful not so in bad weather but interesting to hear from a non island perspective love these videos just recently found them on you tube will watch more
I have a question, have you ever been to Glen Affric, Scotland? I’m looking at a picture of it now that is featured on Bing today. It’s absolutely beautiful, and looks like a great place to hike and camp...
Flipping grand!! So enjoyed!! Thank for this wonderful relaxing video of the beauty of Scotland!🏴 my grandmother told me so much about about shores that touch the hills and mountains. The rain shall come and the wind will blow and clouds cover the grassy hills and stone the sandy beaches and ocean waves will call you home. For Charlotte Sinclair.
Superb. Weather and all. Loved it.
Truely beautiful scenery. Great vlog and Amazing photography!
Thanks so much!
Great scenery, great drone coverage, Iam glad ye got some good days what a amazing place, thanks for sharing how come yer not on telly with own show, I drive a small van myself but to have 3seats up front and have a larger van would be ideal especially cooking which can't be much fun with high winds and rain reaching in everywhere, but to be postive ye show what can done with your van so we'll done folks stay safe, happy anniversary 😊🎉❤️😎
Great video and really well put together. I like how you tell the real story and don't just make it all look perfect all the time. Thank you for giving us a glimpse into these wonderful islands. Wayne (t5_travels)
My fav of all the Islands I’ve visited ...missed it this year down to restrictions but will be back 2021. Like you Guys I was in a smaller van a Caddy ..however this year I spoiled myself and converted a LWB Vivaro . Loving your vlogs , videography and music ....
Know exactly what you mean about van camping often being over romanticised. Our van is cosy enough, but you still need to be happy sharing a very small space, and your gear is always everywhere 😁 That said, it's still brilliant!
Haha yes exactly! It’s always a mess, covered in sand and dirt and definitely not as perfect as social media makes it look 😂
@@RambleFamily ...and when you add Oslo into the equation 😊
Beautiful video, absolutely love the music over it.
Beautiful. Quite simply, beautiful!
Have you ever done a video on how you kitted out your van? Would be great to see how you did it and with what gear.
We haven’t yet but will do at some point!
Yep a wood burner is the best surfing accessory in the winter !
I lived in Ness in the North of Lewis for about 5 years. May is probably the best time to visit,
You and Harvey make a super couple. I wish you both a fabulous life together.
We had the same van and the same problem so are looking to get a bigger van great video 😎😁
Hello intrepid explorers, nice views as usual and I bet fantastic clean iodised air but for a moment I suffered with cold and dampness from just watching you 2 taking your surf gear off outside in that freezing and damp looking day by the beach. Van living this time of the year would probably not be a good idea for me lol
Amazing video. We're currently converting our van for a trip to the Hebrides next May, this video (and others of the trip) has definitely got me aching to get completed.
Amazing vlog series! Love all the amazing landscape shots, hope to explore the Scottish islands for myself one day.
Vanlife is definitely not all perfect park ups with epic views and great weather all the time, much less perfect surf conditions too, but you 100% appreciate it more when you do get those days!
You’ve made me want to go there! Beautifully put together video. 💕What a stunning place.👍🏻😊
Thank you! It’s so beautiful there 🙂
Great watching this. I've forwarded to my daughter in New Zealand who has just brought a small camper van.
brings back good memories of my summer road trip to Harris We spend a week in a converted crofters cottage and it was not enough time - but the 1.5 hour drive to the nearest pub doh`!
Isle of Harris is just so beautiful.
Your van is small and not very posh but I would not fancy an extended tour round the remoter parts of Scotland in the sort of motorised grundy-bin the size of a bus that some people, generally older and reasonably wealthy couples have, because the sheer bulk of the thing makes it awkward to manage on narrow and winding roads. I expect you could fit a diesel heater in your van as they are quite small. I couldn't see whether you have a leisure battery so you don't run any risk of draining the van battery and needing a jump start. I recently made a bed-platform for my car as the luggage area with the back seats down is over six feet long. It has a folding lid for the bedding to live inside during the day. Now I know I get a comfortable sleep in there I am looking forward to more longer trips next spring.
Your cold, damp, sandy bed in the van sounds like ours at home living with 2 dogs at the beach 😂
On behalf of all islanders PLEASE don't come here. We have been inundated with ignorant travellers from all over the country who, unfairly, put us all at risk. You're more than welcome any other time but we're in the middle of a pandemic and the feeling of resentment to reckless tourists is growing.
Hi Thanks Great video . What a place.
Lovely film and photography.
Loved this Athena, thank you for being real regarding van life. If you get down to Cornwall can recommend the Hidden Hut for good food, it does get a bit crowded in the summer months though so best avoided then! It’s on a beautiful sandy beach x
17:42 This deserves an award.
Hey, amazing video thanks for the inspiration. We are all booked to go in April 😀 could I ask where the ladies headband at the end is from please ? Keep up the great videos 😀
Hi mate. Have you ever thought of asking the Scottish Tourist Board to promote the islands ? Could be a nice little earner & they'd be lucky to have you on board. Fabulous video - look how many comments intimate you're making people want to visit for themselves. Loved the spindrift at Cliff Beach. Billy Connolly on this 'World Tour of Scotland' years ago danced naked round the Callanish stones - glad Harvey wasn't inspired to do the same lol. Can't wait for my favourite place next - Skye. xx
Thanks Michael! I would love to work with some tourism boards, that would honestly be amazing. Let me know if you know anyone who works there 😉😉 it’s a slightly difficult time with COVID to get work like that I think but maybe one day! For now just perfecting my skills 😊
Chat to Kinging it as they has just done a brilliant promotion for Aberdeen on UA-cam
Billy Connolly was in Orkney not in Callanish
You definitely should write a camping recipe book!
Another beautiful video Athena, and well said about the highs, and particularly, the lows of van life. Mine decided to blow up last weekend, definitely a low point haha
Thanks Tom!! Hope your van is ok 😊
One more thing, I really like the hiking videos of the mountains there in the UK. They may not be as high as the Smokies, but they are just as beautiful...
Fyi, they only visited around a fifth of the stuff there is to do there, both adventure based and culturally, well worth a visit
Yes we definitely only just touched on how much there is to see and do there! We were on a longer trip around the Hebrides so didn’t have loads of time to dedicate just to this island. Hopefully we can come back and see more though 😌
@@RambleFamily great video nevertheless!
Loved watching this. I live in lewis and nice hearing about my home place.
Loved this video, no wonder our 10 week old Siberian Husky puppy call Harris is so wild! His brother and sister Skye and Iona are both as bad! Keep up the great work I would only say show some of these fantastic views for a little longer on your videos.
Ah another bloody wonderful video....
great video,cant wait for the next one