This should be on the BBC! You pick some great routes, well researched as usual. I like the drone shots, used to set the scene, just the right amount. Thanks for taking the time to film your exploration. Steve.
Thank you Steve, iv'e had the drone almost a year now but this is the first trail iv'e taken it on. It's a heavy bit of kit with the extra batteries so been put off in the past but it is so worth that extra weight, it handles the wind really well, really impressed with it. Definitely taking it again. This trail was wonderful, so much to explore and only half way so really looking forward to returning. Cheers Steve mate.
Jim Holden Crafty Veggie beat me to it. But this is like a BBC feature. In fact I’d say better. Really, really good. I was so absorbed in that the time just flew by.
You are very welcome, from the research to getting out and then re living the adventure through the edit, just total joy so the pleasure was all mine but with out you guys there would be no point so Thank you as always for watching.
Thank you, i went back in November to complete this trail. Started in Frome and again walked to Wells but carried on to Glastonbury Tor. A fitting end to a magical trail. ATVB for the new year.
Thank you Steve, really wanted to do this trail justice mate, such a special area. I felt high on life walking this one..just stunning down there. Thanks again mate.
Just watching for the third time before heading to Uphill on Saturday. We're camping in Cheddar Saturday night and on to the Cathedral Sunday. Just following along on the map and realised how far off the WMW you go to find some of the interesting bits! Will have to come back and do some more exploring, if I try and add an extra 5 miles to Saturday the boys will lynch me! Thanks for the inspiration.
Good to be back Steven, fabulous trail this one, i just love being out exploring this beautiful land with all it's wonderful history. Thanks as always for watching mate.
Yes had to drop out for a while Jon, i was getting a bit worried myself, didn't think i was ever going to get back out. Loved it mate and wont be leaving it that long again for sure. Cheers mate.
Great video some lovely footage, great place the mendips try to spend as much time as possible there exploring, can relate to crooks peek has that real mountain feel, crazy to think that wavering down trig is actually higher, wild camped up on cheddar gorge last year amazing experience in itself definitely going to try this route after watching your video, keep them coming great inspiration. Take care cheers mike
Such a unique county Somerset with the levels and splendid Mendips. The views were awesome right into Wales and down into the west country, really looking forward to getting back now. Cheers mate and thank you for watching.
Happy Christmas to you and your family Jim. I hope we see a little more of you in the new year to enjoy your fabulous videos. Have a wonderful Christmas and New year . Mandy x
Morning Mandy, and a very Happy Christmas to you as well. Lets hope that 2020 is your year. The follow up to this video is now complete. The East Mendip Way will be up this weekend. It ends with a beautiful sunset from Glastonbury Tor. A wonderful autumn walk through Somerset last month. Taken an age to get together, but i wanted it to be right. Next year i am hoping to get out much more than this year, been a busy one. Thank you for your message Mandy and ATVB. Jim.
What a stunning starting point and lovely old Norman Church. Nice to see you using drone footage in small bursts along the way, very effective. Nice 'Pointed Hill' and funny enough, I worked at a place called Crook for 8 years. Watched up to the cave at 20 minutes as I have to go out, I was play part 2 later, cheers Alan
Great gorge view indeed and a gorgeous gorge lol! I loved the your tent all lite up in the night with the sound of the owl in the woods and later, the sun rising in the morning. Not too bloody keen on that herd of bullocks mind, I hate the bloody things. Great watch Jim and apart from a couple of blips, great weather as well, cheers Alan
With Cheddar Gorge at the centre of this walk i knew it had to be a good one but to be honest it took me by surprise just how beautiful it was, every section blew me away. So much really interesting history just couldn't get it all into the vid. The cave is famous for being Britain's oldest cemetery, fifty skeletons were excavated along with all the ceremonial artifacts dating back ten thousand years. Proper keen to get back now Alan, the next section isn't quite as dramatic, more woodland and villages but a good walk for the Autumn colour. Thanks as always for watching mate, really appreciate it.
Somerset has been largely over looked by me in the past and to be honest didn't expect what i found. A land steeped in atmosphere and history and felt completely swept up in it all, a real connection was born and can't wait to return for the next section. A very different walk to this through lots of woodland and chocolate box villages so will wait for the Autumn colour to emerge. Thank you so much for watching Eric really appreciate it.
At last your back. I've missed your films I was thrilled to get the notification . Wow what filming !! Just beautiful and loved the music would love to know the artists . Hope the new baby is keeping you all on your toes and your daughter is well. So good to have you back you get better and better x
Evening Amanda, i had such a busy spell before this trip, really hurt not getting out but nothing i could do but get on with it. I was due to do this walk at the end of May but as you know my daughter was due mid June and didn't want me out on the trail in case the baby came early so my time out was used working, the baby was ten days late and is now a bundle of joy three months old. How time fly's. The music is from the web site Audio Network and you can stream all the music from there, the titles are in the description. Hope you are well Amanda and getting closer to getting out yourself. Thanks as always for watching. Jim.
@@JimHolden I'm still waiting for that call Jim so still housebound and really looking forward to all your walks. Glad to hear all is well with the family , there's nothing like a new baby to make you see life with new eyes.
Stay strong Amanda your time will come. I am planning to get back to Somerset for the next section in a few weeks, it's mostly woodland walking so a great time to do it with the colours of Autumn.
@@JimHolden oh that sounds perfect I love woodland , can't wait for that. I want to go to the new forest when I'm well there's something magical about that ancient place and woodland gives me the same feeling. Thanks Jim I'm staying positive and hopeful .
@@JimHolden Jim how do I find a song that you played in your video . I've been on audio network and freemusicarchives but with so artist name or song title I can't find it. It's the female singing to guitar a haunting song part of the lyric is (extended skies suspended time it's magical I'm home I'm home. .... If you can help I would appreciate it. Hope you and yours are all well.
Marvel is a great word Andy, looking out at those levels from the Mendips just blew me away, never tired of it and the hills were a joy to explore. Fantastic area, really looking forward to getting back. Cheers mate.
Another great video Jim ,superb ..So much Joy in your videos...only home today from a week in the South Hams re walking some of coastpath also walked some of the 2MW
Sounds like you had a good one Alan, i'm still buzzin after this walk, got a busy month coming up but after that i'm off out again, heading back to Somerset and do the next section, can't wait. Thanks for watching mate.
Thank you Donald, yes a truly beautiful area and a real joy to just get out there for a few days exploring it. Really appreciate your comment and of course for watching.
Thank you Ant, really appreciate that mate, a real heavy work load from May to August kept me from the hills, proper hurt but nothing i could do but head down and dream of the Mendips. Thanks again Ant.
What a fantastic video. I grow up in that area and it was great to see all the places you visited again where I used to scuff around as a kid. Living in the states, now but it great and can't thank you enough for bring back all those childhood memories. Thanks again....
thank you so very much, for sharing this wonderful adventure beautifully shot and factually fascinating.. I am planning to do this next weekend , the last days of September.. looks like rain maybe my companion !!!.. thanks again, loved every step.
Thank you Anne, i enjoyed this walk more than most, don't get me wrong i love every walk but this one was special. It's known as the ceremonial county for it's energy and cheesy as it sounds i felt it, getting lost in the history of the area. Really hope this weather gets better for you, the views south over the levels are so dramatic, can't be missed. Hope all goes well and thanks again for watching.
@@JimHolden Thank you for your encouraging and thoughtful words, it did rain quite a lot, but not before shipham ,,, the views are exquisite, and very far reaching, Stunning, truly wonderful ..!! this area has been home for many years, but seldom has she looked so majestic. the leaves beginning to golden and the hum of bees, stocking up for the season to come.. see you on the trail .. thanks again.
The scenery on this trail was beautiful but it was the history that got me, proper felt like an historic walk, stuff from every century going back thousands of years, a real joy to walk. Thank you for watching.
Great stuff Jim & great to see you back out mate hope you're doing well you certainly look it..looks a great route that with some stunning scenery & places to visit,those neolithic burial mounds & circles well they're just fantastic to see aren't they absolutely love all that stuff.your'e right with all that limestone & the hills names & where they originate from it's amazing,cheddar gorge is a place weve not visited yet but it is so similar to winnats pass in the peak district it's unreal,they're amazing places.had to have a little chuckle as you nearly legged your'e self up in that bramble or what ever it was as you climbed over that style.sorry mate lol...as always Jim & i always say cracking stuff & great camera work it truly is,the drone work too is spot on & gives a great different perspective to things.tfs Jim..Andy.
Hiya Andy mate, a wonderful trail this one, i miss the Lakes and the high country of the north, but just can't get up as often as i'd like so made a conscious decision to explore the southern counties more, not that represented on YT but there's great walking down here and the more i research the more history i'm finding. Can't wait to get back here and do the next section, more woodland valleys and villages but lots of interesting stuff to visit. It starts with a fantastic iron age hill fort and finishes at Glastonbury Tor, well that's the walk i'm planning, again i'll be getting off trail to get the most out of it. Thanks as always Andy for watching, really appreciate it mate.
Hi Jim have been watching your videos on mendip way and Gower They are great I love sommerset although I have not yet wild camped there.Your videos are great and Im still watching...and I want to visit Chedder gorge Atb and thanks for the great videos you now have a new follower
Thank you Girl Gone Wild really appreciate you popin by. Somerset is wonderful, once this weather cheers up i'll be back to do the East Way. Next week some time and i'm proper looking forward to it. Thanks again and ATB. Jim.
Thank you so much Mike, when i first got the drone i dreamed of using it on every hike but the extra weight at my age became a factor, the four extra batteries weigh a ton but when i saw the results it will be with me on the next one as well. The fly down the gorge still gives me goose flesh. Fabulous hike and can't wait till i get back. Thanks again mate.
I watched a lot of your videos earlier this year when I lost my job and was a bit out of sorts. Happy I did. Was really keenly looking out for your next adventure. Always brings me joy and inspiration. Just wanted to say thanks mate. Top bloke.
Thank you Andrew, i can't tell you what it means to get comments like this, really pleased the channel kept you going through a tough time. Hope things have turned a corner for you now. I'll be back to Somerset soon for the next section, proper looking forward to it. Thanks again mate.
Class reply, yes mate, I took the camper (old T4) down to Cornwall in early June with a fresh perspective after watching and being inspired by your videos and had a great time. Went to Carn Euny, Boscawen-Un and Chycauster to name a few; had them all to myself with the dog. Magical times. But - needed that inspiration to get off my backside and do it and you definitely gave me that mate. Your enthusiasm for what you do on the channel is infectious and massively inspiring. Hope you enjoy your next trip to Somerset, not far from where I am - love it down this way. All the best mate, a true gent.
Nothing like a rd trip to Cornwall Andrew, some wonderful ancient sites down that way, and to have them to yourself is special. Hope the old T4 is running well, i still have my old type 25 but not been on the rd for five years now. My son is going to take it and do it up for the kids, be great to see it up and running again. Didn't mean to neglect it but the motor home is a dream. Take care mate and all the best to you as well.
Thank you Anthony, this trail was a joy to walk, only planned two days but decided to get off trail and give it a proper explore, loved it mate and can't wait to get back.
Thank you Malcolm it was great to finally get back out after such a long lay off. The thought of this walk kept me sane through a real tough run of work, can't wait to get back for the next section. Cheers mate.
Hello, Jim, so good to see you. It's like meeting back up with an old friend, yet we've never met. I showed some friends around Weston and Clevedon the other week, the first time I've been back in around thirty or more years. They asked me about the "jutty out" bit that is Brean Down: coincidence. Walking with you is like a breath of fresh air and fills me with motivation and positive vibes. Living on Dartmoor, I'm on there as much as possible, but you've filled me with a new appreciation of home - Gloucestershire and Somersetshire. Thank you so much and stay healthy and well... Mike T.
Morning Mike, really appreciate your words, thank you. I get asked all the time about walking solo, for me it's the only way to go but never feel alone. There is always a connection..to nature, to friends past present and future, that's the magic of this YT community and i'm always aware of that so no such thing as being alone. Such a wonderful trail this. If i'm honest day one was painful but then the joy came as it always does and i had a spring in my step, just didn't want it to end. Somerset feels like my spiritual home now and will be back in a couple of weeks to complete the way from Wells to Frome..can't wait. Give my love to Dartmoor, an area neglected by me but on my list to explore again one day.
Yes sure am Jim, and i aint leaving it that long again, thought i was going mad back in June with a full diary of work to complete before i could get out. Hope to be back in Somerset before xmas for the next section, that will make a beautiful Autumn walk, lots of woodland. Thanks for watching Jim.
Great video. Gonna do the West Mendip in a couple week's time over two days and cant wait! Hope it is well-marked because I always get lost on these marked trails.
It's an easy trail to follow Alistair, well marked with good paths. To answer your other question, yes I wondered off trail to explore the caves but I couldn't understand why the trail skirts round the highest point on the Mendips so took a big old diversion to see the caves and get back on track over Black Down. One of my favourite walks this followed by the East Mendips, another classic, very different but equal in beauty. Good luck mate, hope you have a good one.
@@JimHolden Deleted the question after watching on your video. That's good to hear, then. The Black Down-Cheddar section is the one part of the route I'm familiar with, so won't get lost there at least! Thanks.
Just watched this - oh my! That is one wonderful place. I loved seeing the Tor at Glastonbury at the end of the video and those goats! :-D. What a place to enjoy a midnight garden too. The drone footage was fantastic over the barrows at Priddy which I didn't know existed. And as for the witches - as a Master Herbalist and being a Druid, along with living in East Anglia I may have been one to be hanged under Mathew Hopkins' dirty deeds. Fantastic video!
So good to get out again Jason, a real tough run of work kept me grounded for too long this summer, talk about cabin fever, thought it was never going to happen. Cheers mate and thanks for watching.
Great to get back out Steve, work was proper doing my head in, just couldn't get on top of it for ages. Stunning trail this one and only half way so really looking forward to getting back to complete the next section, be nice this side of xmas..we'll see. Thanks for watching mate.
Thank you so much Anthony. Really wanted to do this trail justice with it's beauty and history, had to be selective though..just too much to include, a wonderful area and can't wait to return. Cheers mate.
I've notice this range of hills lots of times, going to and coming back from Devon and Cornwall via the M5 on holiday. Always wondered what it was like up there, I've been missing out big time, thanks for showing us the mendips. Quality film as always jim, well put together and lots of information, most enjoyable. Thanks for sharing!!!
Me too Wayne, finally got round to exploring the area and it kinda took me by surprise. I knew it would be a great trail to do but it blew me away, totally caught up in the history of the levels, back to when they were flooded, when Glastonbury was an island, King Arthur and all that. I,m planning to get back in a few weeks for the next section. Thanks mate always appreciate.you watching.
Congratulations on a very well presented and produced video. BBC standard. I have lived in a very short walking distance of the West Mendip Way for 25 years (between Wells and Cheddar) and haven’t made it to a few of the places you showcased. Easiest ‘subscribe’ decision for years.
Thank you Stu mate, yes a hell of a trail, kinda had an instinct about this one and did plan to walk it last year but couldn't get it together, top of the list for this year though, looking forward to the next section now, hopefully before xmas if i can. Cheers mate.
The transition from the green lit tunnel to your green lit tent was genius. As ever Jim you show how hiking/outdoor videos should be made, narrated and shot with an eye for the history and landscape. As for the Mendips, I often drift off to a bygone age when they were the border between Wessex (England) and Dumnonia (Cornwall) for a few hundred years when I'm up there. The first and last but not the least of the South West hills.
More like a happy accident to be honest Si, but it did make me smile when it happened, thanks mate. Really interesting and so obvious now that you mention it, with the flooded levels it was a natural border as well separating two lands, that's what made this walk for me, proper tuned in to vibes down there. Heading back in a few weeks for the next section. Thanks for watching Si really appreciate it mate.
Was seeing if there are any decent wildcamping opportunities in the area, and you've shown that the famous gorge is definitely one! (Was worried it might be patrolled like some Peak District areas ...) thanks for the info :D
When I saw this I said, 'aahh Jim.' Good to see you back mate. And I tell you what you've excelled yourself on this one. This was full of wonder, ambiance and spirit. It felt like you just wanted to keep walking for whatever surprise lay around the next splendid view or historic monument. There was bags in it. Loved it Jim from end to end mate. All the best out there. Here's to the East next time around. Mark
Morning Mark mate, the plan originally was to spend the third day walking down from Wells to Glastonbury and finish at the Tor, but really wanted to make the most of these hills exploring off the trail. It was a big ask to get to Wells in two days anyway and great to have that freedom to just do what came naturally. I had a fantastic time and can't wait to get back. This was my only outing through my month on the rd Mark, i started this walk a couple of weeks earlier but turned my ankle after a couple of miles while walking in the rain, the forecast was bad for the next few days so gladly pulled the plug till my ankle was better, so glad i didn't force it. The month went by so quick and i'm now on my way out to work again dreaming of my next trip. Thanks as always Mark really appreciate you watching.
Literally got you on binge watch Jim the last few weeks I think you’re channel is brilliant and definitely an inspiration mate gonna definitely do a few of your walks and wild camps but probably not Chesil beach 🥵keep up the good work brilliant mate
What a great video! I'm local to these places and you've captured them perfectly. You were lucky to get a peaceful night on top of the Gorge, sadly the local boyracers love to treat that road as a racetrack at night.
I fell in love with Somerset during and after this trip Shirley. Just blew me away, the views the history but it was the atmosphere that got me. Coming back to check the Quantocks out soon, proper looking forward to it. Thank you for watching, really appreciate it..
I did wonder where you'd got to with this one, Jim. I know the trail very well - although you've taught me a few lessons on the history! Always good to see it through another person's eyes and I like the way you did it your way: starting at Brean Down, climbing to Beacon Batch, exploring more of Priddy and wild camping on a spot I'd personally earmarked for my own wild camp one day! ;-) I hope it's not too long before you're back to follow the East Mendip Way. Where the River Axe divides Brean Down and Uphill, there was once a ferry crossing (possibly before my time). I've seen recent plans for a continuous coastal path heading all the way to the Severn Bridges... Sadly, it bypasses this issue following the Brean Down Cycleway, which you probably walked yourself. I can imagine some viewing Brean as only an optional detour and tragically, not bothering to venture out and explore. I look forward to seeing more from you when the time comes. All the best, Jim.
Evening Olly mate, i thought of you often on this walk and regret not giving you a shout but to be honest this was my second attempt at it, having turned my ankle just a couple of miles in and having to pull the plug. Didn't think it would happen but after a couple of weeks felt as good as new so just went for it but this time decided to do Brean Down first, hell of a walk round but so worth it. My own for the night before a fantastic time out on the Mendips. The time with my foot up gave me plenty of time to research the area, full of history from every century, just way too much to talk about on camera. Hope to be back for the next section soon and can't wait Olly, love it round there. These southern counties need exploring. Thanks for watching mate.
Hiya Lisa, overall yes the Mendip society have done a great job with the way markers but not all are obvious. I always follow the OS route but be aware that the OS skips the wonderful Cheddar Gorge can't understand it but it does and finding the route out of Cheddar is a bit tricky so be prepared for that. The beauty of the OS map though is you can get off trail and explore more, and this trail is full of stuff just over the hill or round the corner so for me thats better than just relying on the way markers. Good luck Lisa and thanks for watching.
I was awaiting your next adventure and WOW, was it worth waiting for. You again excelled yourself with the route, the scenery, the editing, the music, it makes me just so nostalgic for the Old Country. The Drone footage is fantastic, but do pray tell, how are you operating it, through telepathy as I cannot see you holding the controls. I don't often use this word as it is overrated, but in your case, I will make an exception - AWESOME. Take a Bow Young Man, you earned it. This channel needs far more subscribers by the thousands.
Thank you so much for that, really appreciate your wonderful comment, i sometimes think " i would walk these trails without a camera, just to be out" but in all honesty it's really about the connection with like minded souls like yourself. Showing the beauty of this land with the sometimes dark history and trails like this are full of history, proper felt it on this one as well. Planning my return at the moment for the next section, really looking forward to it. The drone takes a bit of practice to work one handed down by my side, but feel iv'e finally cracked it, taken nearly a year though but it will be coming with me from now on, love the results. Thanks again. Jim.
Hello, this is the first video of yours I’ve come across and the first of any sort of hiking and wild camping I’ve seen, and now I’m so curious! I don’t suppose you’d mind making a video explaining the basics of this? Like, how do you travel to a start point and travel home again? How do you charge your devices?what’s your packing list? how do you research these trips? How do you know where to go? How do you pick camping spots? I’m sorry for all these (basic) questions, I suppose I’m just so intrigued! Also, I love how you’ve filmed this video, it’s beautiful and I really love the way you’ve interspersed the history in the video
Well hello there Rainiepie, lots of questions and most of the info could easily be sourced on here, loads of channels with great info for starting up. Me personally, well not really my thing, sorry. The one question I can answer is charging, on a walk like this I carry at least four spare batteries for each camera, it's only the phone that I struggle with, but most of the time I'm happy to let it die. I appreciate your interest and would of course highly recommend and encourage you to follow your instincts and go for it. Good luck.
Thanks Boyd, yes it was a while mate, started to get worried myself, such a busy summer just couldn't get away but dreamed of this trail. Turned out better than i expected as well, so dramatic, loved the energy down there. Cheers mate.
Just as an afterthought wanted to recommend a book called 'The Making of the British Landscape' by Nicholas Crane. He explains as far as is possible the barrows and all the other earthworks from thousands of years ago.
Thanks for that Joe, i like Nicholas Crane, ill look out for that. North and Ashen hill where very impressive, both rows mirrored each other with the massive Priddy rings in the next field awesome sight.
Yes the Mavic Air Mark a lovely bit of kit. Wasn't so sure when i got it last year but i'm getting used to it now, love the results for sure, it was carrying that extra weight that bothered me, four extra batteries ...but so worth it. Thanks for watching Mark.
Thank you David, it's the Mavic Air and kinda ruins the scene stood there controlling it so did a fly by and took it back so i could control it down by my side, took a bit of practice but i'm getting there. Thanks again for watching really appreciate it.
What a superb trip mate! I love Somerset. The Gorge is in fact very Gorg! Can I ask, what size is your rucksack and what does it typically weigh on your trip!? Also, what drone do you use? Thanks for sharing your beautiful experiences! ATB JD
Thank you JD, i was hoping to do this walk last summer but couldn't find the time back then. Top of the list for this year, just had to get rid of a load of work first. This trail goes on for another twenty miles all the way to Frome, i was never going to do that section but really wanted to carry on south to Glastonbury Tor, decided to make the most of this walk instead exploring Black Down and North Hill, both off the WMW. My pack i never really weigh just go off how it feels but it had to be close to 30lb the drone batteries weighed the most but i only carried 1 ltr of water and very little food to make up for it. This trail had plenty of cafes pubs and shops so was never going to go hungry. The drone is the Mavic Air and it's so worth the extra weight. Cheers mate.
Great vid as usual Jim. Out of interest I was watching one of your films with my wife and we both tried to place your accent. I appreciate you’ve lived in Hampshire for some time, but I expect you originate from up north?
I was born and raised in Lancashire Jon. We moved down to Hampshire when i was 17 so i never forget my roots but do consider this as home. Thanks for watching.
Jim Holden Thanks for replying Jim. In all honesty when I was trying to place your accent I was thinking you sound similar to an old mate of mine I knew in the RAF. He was from Rawtenstall. Keep up the good work Jim, much appreciated.
Somerset has been over looked by me in the past but i'd seen those hills many times while passing through on the M5 and knew i would explore them one day. Really took me by surprise, just didn't expect it to be quite so wild and beautiful. Looking forward to getting back now. My tent is the OEX Evolution two man, got it half price last winter and used it all this year. I like the weight and space it brings. I have several one man tents but need that extra space. Thanks for watching mate really appreciate it.
Hiya Paul, such a busy time for me through summer, always is, but this year proper busy and i was getting a bit worried myself, got there though and absolutely loved my time in Somerset, planning my return to complete this trail..just got a load more work before i can, so head down and i'll be there at the end of this month. Thanks as always mate really appreciate you watching.
Work getting in the way of life again Jim ! I planned a 3 day week to make more time for the outdoors but it hasn’t happened yet. Hopefully will be out before the end of October. Just got to select a destination. Thanks again Jim.
I think it was John Lennon that said "Life is what you miss when you are busy doing other things" and that's so true. Iv'e made a conscious decision to start chasing time instead of money..life is too short but getting that work life balance is hard.
Jim, as you know I have encyclopaedic knowledge of your oeuvre 🤓 and can safely say I’ve never seen you so happy on camera. To my mind, Somerset was all rolling hills and chocolate-box hamlets. Who knew there was such drama? And who better to light it up in glory and claim it on camera? Well done my friend. I’m glad you got the drone out. It’s next-level. A beautiful edit, music, composition. I admire the creativity and drive but above all else, I admire that you can still bomb up hills after a pint.
Thank you Phillipa, i felt a new lease of life and freedom on this walk. Having the time to just take it all in even change my plans half way through, spending the three days on the Mendips instead of getting to Wells at the end of day two so i could get to Glastonbury Tor to finish. Doing that meant sticking to the path and keeping a pace, not really me, preferring to explore off trail at a suitable pace for my ageing knees. These hills are full of drama for sure, looking out over the levels watching the rain clouds moving in, a real joy to be there. Thanks as always for your support Phillipa, means the world.
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Wonderful video. I'll be doing this walk myself soon, so great to have a sneak preview. Thanks
This should be on the BBC! You pick some great routes, well researched as usual. I like the drone shots, used to set the scene, just the right amount. Thanks for taking the time to film your exploration. Steve.
Thank you Steve, iv'e had the drone almost a year now but this is the first trail iv'e taken it on. It's a heavy bit of kit with the extra batteries so been put off in the past but it is so worth that extra weight, it handles the wind really well, really impressed with it. Definitely taking it again. This trail was wonderful, so much to explore and only half way so really looking forward to returning. Cheers Steve mate.
Jim Holden Crafty Veggie beat me to it. But this is like a BBC feature. In fact I’d say better. Really, really good. I was so absorbed in that the time just flew by.
Thanks for taking us along Jim enjoyed it very much .
You are very welcome, from the research to getting out and then re living the adventure through the edit, just total joy so the pleasure was all mine but with out you guys there would be no point so Thank you as always for watching.
Really enjoyable video. I will certainly be doing this walk later this year.
Avalins Cave is amazing but the amazing thing is all them cars have passed it and probably don't even know it's there excellent vid Jim.
Thanks for the the reminder that , despite all the Brexit bollocks , we still are fortunate to live in such a fantastic country.
Exactly Joe, wouldn't want to have lived back then. This land is beautiful and we are so lucky to have the freedom to roam. Thanks for watching mate.
Beautiful hike!
Thank you, i went back in November to complete this trail. Started in Frome and again walked to Wells but carried on to Glastonbury Tor. A fitting end to a magical trail. ATVB for the new year.
Hello Jim. Another good video and very interesting. Your commentary through out the video is great. Really enjoyed watching. Thanks Steve.
Thank you Steve, really wanted to do this trail justice mate, such a special area. I felt high on life walking this one..just stunning down there. Thanks again mate.
@@JimHolden Can't wait for the next one.
Just watching for the third time before heading to Uphill on Saturday. We're camping in Cheddar Saturday night and on to the Cathedral Sunday. Just following along on the map and realised how far off the WMW you go to find some of the interesting bits! Will have to come back and do some more exploring, if I try and add an extra 5 miles to Saturday the boys will lynch me! Thanks for the inspiration.
Good to have you back on my TV again Jim 👍📺
Good to be back Steven, fabulous trail this one, i just love being out exploring this beautiful land with all it's wonderful history. Thanks as always for watching mate.
I was beginning to get worried Jim, my commutes have been pretty boring lately without your videos, great to have you back
Yes had to drop out for a while Jon, i was getting a bit worried myself, didn't think i was ever going to get back out. Loved it mate and wont be leaving it that long again for sure. Cheers mate.
Fantastic film as always Jim thanks for taking the time & effort to make it regards Mick
Thank you Mick, loved the trail and loved making the vid, i get to re live the adventure while editing. Cheers mate and Thanks for watching.
Great video some lovely footage, great place the mendips try to spend as much time as possible there exploring, can relate to crooks peek has that real mountain feel, crazy to think that wavering down trig is actually higher, wild camped up on cheddar gorge last year amazing experience in itself definitely going to try this route after watching your video, keep them coming great inspiration. Take care cheers mike
Good to see you back, Jim and in my home county too! brilliant as always mate thankyou
Such a unique county Somerset with the levels and splendid Mendips. The views were awesome right into Wales and down into the west country, really looking forward to getting back now. Cheers mate and thank you for watching.
Happy Christmas to you and your family Jim. I hope we see a little more of you in the new year to enjoy your fabulous videos. Have a wonderful Christmas and New year . Mandy x
Morning Mandy, and a very Happy Christmas to you as well. Lets hope that 2020 is your year.
The follow up to this video is now complete. The East Mendip Way will be up this weekend. It ends with a beautiful sunset from Glastonbury Tor. A wonderful autumn walk through Somerset last month. Taken an age to get together, but i wanted it to be right. Next year i am hoping to get out much more than this year, been a busy one. Thank you for your message Mandy and ATVB. Jim.
What a stunning starting point and lovely old Norman Church. Nice to see you using drone footage in small bursts along the way, very effective. Nice 'Pointed Hill' and funny enough, I worked at a place called Crook for 8 years. Watched up to the cave at 20 minutes as I have to go out, I was play part 2 later, cheers Alan
Great gorge view indeed and a gorgeous gorge lol! I loved the your tent all lite up in the night with the sound of the owl in the woods and later, the sun rising in the morning. Not too bloody keen on that herd of bullocks mind, I hate the bloody things. Great watch Jim and apart from a couple of blips, great weather as well, cheers Alan
With Cheddar Gorge at the centre of this walk i knew it had to be a good one but to be honest it took me by surprise just how beautiful it was, every section blew me away. So much really interesting history just couldn't get it all into the vid. The cave is famous for being Britain's oldest cemetery, fifty skeletons were excavated along with all the ceremonial artifacts dating back ten thousand years. Proper keen to get back now Alan, the next section isn't quite as dramatic, more woodland and villages but a good walk for the Autumn colour. Thanks as always for watching mate, really appreciate it.
Blown away by this one Mr. Holden, a truly beautiful and mesmerising portrayal of the place. Great to see you again!
Somerset has been largely over looked by me in the past and to be honest didn't expect what i found. A land steeped in atmosphere and history and felt completely swept up in it all, a real connection was born and can't wait to return for the next section. A very different walk to this through lots of woodland and chocolate box villages so will wait for the Autumn colour to emerge. Thank you so much for watching Eric really appreciate it.
Watched this with my family at lunchtime during Corona lockdown. Brilliant film. Thank you.
At last your back. I've missed your films I was thrilled to get the notification . Wow what filming !! Just beautiful and loved the music would love to know the artists . Hope the new baby is keeping you all on your toes and your daughter is well. So good to have you back you get better and better x
Evening Amanda, i had such a busy spell before this trip, really hurt not getting out but nothing i could do but get on with it. I was due to do this walk at the end of May but as you know my daughter was due mid June and didn't want me out on the trail in case the baby came early so my time out was used working, the baby was ten days late and is now a bundle of joy three months old. How time fly's. The music is from the web site Audio Network and you can stream all the music from there, the titles are in the description. Hope you are well Amanda and getting closer to getting out yourself. Thanks as always for watching. Jim.
@@JimHolden I'm still waiting for that call Jim so still housebound and really looking forward to all your walks. Glad to hear all is well with the family , there's nothing like a new baby to make you see life with new eyes.
Stay strong Amanda your time will come. I am planning to get back to Somerset for the next section in a few weeks, it's mostly woodland walking so a great time to do it with the colours of Autumn.
@@JimHolden oh that sounds perfect I love woodland , can't wait for that. I want to go to the new forest when I'm well there's something magical about that ancient place and woodland gives me the same feeling. Thanks Jim I'm staying positive and hopeful .
@@JimHolden Jim how do I find a song that you played in your video . I've been on audio network and freemusicarchives but with so artist name or song title I can't find it. It's the female singing to guitar a haunting song part of the lyric is (extended skies suspended time it's magical I'm home I'm home. .... If you can help I would appreciate it. Hope you and yours are all well.
Always an absolute pleasure to watch a video of yours.. thanks for sharing.
This channel wouldn't exist without you guys so thank you so much for watching, humbled by the fantastic comments.
Thanks Jim, the area where i grew up, scouted, caved and do as do now, marvel. Thank you for posting.
Marvel is a great word Andy, looking out at those levels from the Mendips just blew me away, never tired of it and the hills were a joy to explore. Fantastic area, really looking forward to getting back. Cheers mate.
Another great video Jim ,superb ..So much Joy in your videos...only home today from a week in the South Hams re walking some of coastpath also walked some of the 2MW
Sounds like you had a good one Alan, i'm still buzzin after this walk, got a busy month coming up but after that i'm off out again, heading back to Somerset and do the next section, can't wait. Thanks for watching mate.
This is a fantastic really well made video of a beautiful area. Your enthusiasm for the trail, and narrative, only adds to it.
Thank you Donald, yes a truly beautiful area and a real joy to just get out there for a few days exploring it. Really appreciate your comment and of course for watching.
GreT to see you back out on the hills
It was great to get out Richard, can't quite believe how long it was since my last big walk back in April. Thanks for watching mate.
Such a charming video. I grew up in Shipham and your video really took me down memory lane
Fantastic to see you back Jim, I’ve very much missed your videos buddy, this one certainly didn’t disappoint mate, wonderful trip. Cheers, Ant.
Thank you Ant, really appreciate that mate, a real heavy work load from May to August kept me from the hills, proper hurt but nothing i could do but head down and dream of the Mendips. Thanks again Ant.
Jim Holden hopefully it’s eased off for you now pal 👍
What a fantastic video. I grow up in that area and it was great to see all the places you visited again where I used to scuff around as a kid. Living in the states, now but it great and can't thank you enough for bring back all those childhood memories. Thanks again....
That was another great video Jim. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The countryside looked splendid.
Thank you so much. Love Somerset and i was back there last month to complete this trail. Just finished the edit so hope to get it up before Christmas.
Great video. I live in Weston-super-Mare and have always thought about camping on crook Peak and brean down but wasn't sure if I would get disturbed.
Loved everything about it, the scenery, your presentation, and the music.
thanks for sharing the amazing view
Thank you for watching.
Fantastic Jim what a great walk very interesting man . Great history. Cheers man ⛺️👍
Thank you Alan, only half way so itching to get back now to finish the next section. Cheers mate.
thank you so very much, for sharing this wonderful adventure beautifully shot and factually fascinating.. I am planning to do this next weekend , the last days of September.. looks like rain maybe my companion !!!.. thanks again, loved every step.
Thank you Anne, i enjoyed this walk more than most, don't get me wrong i love every walk but this one was special. It's known as the ceremonial county for it's energy and cheesy as it sounds i felt it, getting lost in the history of the area. Really hope this weather gets better for you, the views south over the levels are so dramatic, can't be missed. Hope all goes well and thanks again for watching.
@@JimHolden Thank you for your encouraging and thoughtful words, it did rain quite a lot, but not before shipham ,,, the views are exquisite, and very far reaching, Stunning, truly wonderful ..!! this area has been home for many years, but seldom has she looked so majestic. the leaves beginning to golden and the hum of bees, stocking up for the season to come.. see you on the trail .. thanks again.
Great vlog Jim, actually watched this for the second time. Just as good second time around. Hope to see some new content soon, much appreciated.
Nice one Jim....hopefully see you back on the Isle of Wight one day.
Yes it's been a while Laurence for sure, love it over there so may plan a return for next year. Thank you mate for watching.
That pint outside the Queens looked a good un Jim!!
A cracking pint John, mind you it's always tempting to have a second, but the walk may have finished there if I'd succumbed. Cheers.
Good man, great film that...cheers for all the great stuff you put out.
Loved the commentary and your outlook on the route. Cheers
The scenery on this trail was beautiful but it was the history that got me, proper felt like an historic walk, stuff from every century going back thousands of years, a real joy to walk. Thank you for watching.
Great stuff Jim & great to see you back out mate hope you're doing well you certainly look it..looks a great route that with some stunning scenery & places to visit,those neolithic burial mounds & circles well they're just fantastic to see aren't they absolutely love all that stuff.your'e right with all that limestone & the hills names & where they originate from it's amazing,cheddar gorge is a place weve not visited yet but it is so similar to winnats pass in the peak district it's unreal,they're amazing places.had to have a little chuckle as you nearly legged your'e self up in that bramble or what ever it was as you climbed over that style.sorry mate lol...as always Jim & i always say cracking stuff & great camera work it truly is,the drone work too is spot on & gives a great different perspective to things.tfs Jim..Andy.
Hiya Andy mate, a wonderful trail this one, i miss the Lakes and the high country of the north, but just can't get up as often as i'd like so made a conscious decision to explore the southern counties more, not that represented on YT but there's great walking down here and the more i research the more history i'm finding. Can't wait to get back here and do the next section, more woodland valleys and villages but lots of interesting stuff to visit. It starts with a fantastic iron age hill fort and finishes at Glastonbury Tor, well that's the walk i'm planning, again i'll be getting off trail to get the most out of it. Thanks as always Andy for watching, really appreciate it mate.
Hi Jim have been watching your videos on mendip way and Gower They are great I love sommerset although I have not yet wild camped there.Your videos are great and Im still watching...and I want to visit Chedder gorge Atb and thanks for the great videos you now have a new follower
Thank you Girl Gone Wild really appreciate you popin by. Somerset is wonderful, once this weather cheers up i'll be back to do the East Way. Next week some time and i'm proper looking forward to it. Thanks again and ATB. Jim.
Great adventure Jim, good to have you back ATB Phil 👍
Thanks Phil, great to get back out after such a long lay off. Cheers mate.
Fantastic. Thanks Jim
Thanks David.
Grew up exploring these hills, you’ve done them pure justice in this awesome video Jim!
Another superb watch, Jim, the drone footage takes your videos to a new level of expertise very enjoyable indeed. Looking forward to the next one.
Thank you so much Mike, when i first got the drone i dreamed of using it on every hike but the extra weight at my age became a factor, the four extra batteries weigh a ton but when i saw the results it will be with me on the next one as well. The fly down the gorge still gives me goose flesh. Fabulous hike and can't wait till i get back. Thanks again mate.
I watched a lot of your videos earlier this year when I lost my job and was a bit out of sorts. Happy I did. Was really keenly looking out for your next adventure. Always brings me joy and inspiration. Just wanted to say thanks mate. Top bloke.
Thank you Andrew, i can't tell you what it means to get comments like this, really pleased the channel kept you going through a tough time. Hope things have turned a corner for you now. I'll be back to Somerset soon for the next section, proper looking forward to it. Thanks again mate.
Class reply, yes mate, I took the camper (old T4) down to Cornwall in early June with a fresh perspective after watching and being inspired by your videos and had a great time. Went to Carn Euny, Boscawen-Un and Chycauster to name a few; had them all to myself with the dog. Magical times. But - needed that inspiration to get off my backside and do it and you definitely gave me that mate. Your enthusiasm for what you do on the channel is infectious and massively inspiring. Hope you enjoy your next trip to Somerset, not far from where I am - love it down this way. All the best mate, a true gent.
Nothing like a rd trip to Cornwall Andrew, some wonderful ancient sites down that way, and to have them to yourself is special. Hope the old T4 is running well, i still have my old type 25 but not been on the rd for five years now. My son is going to take it and do it up for the kids, be great to see it up and running again. Didn't mean to neglect it but the motor home is a dream. Take care mate and all the best to you as well.
Awesome Jim 5* Really Enjoyable Video , Nice To See You Back
Thank you Anthony, this trail was a joy to walk, only planned two days but decided to get off trail and give it a proper explore, loved it mate and can't wait to get back.
Just discovered your channel & subbed straight away. This is a very professional looking video. Very well executed. 😊😊
Thank you Martin, really appreciate that and glad you enjoyed the vid. Cheers.
Welcome back Jim, it's been a long summer without your vids. A pleasure to get immersed in them again. Very informative and very well done.
Thank you Malcolm it was great to finally get back out after such a long lay off. The thought of this walk kept me sane through a real tough run of work, can't wait to get back for the next section. Cheers mate.
Hello, Jim, so good to see you. It's like meeting back up with an old friend, yet we've never met. I showed some friends around Weston and Clevedon the other week, the first time I've been back in around thirty or more years. They asked me about the "jutty out" bit that is Brean Down: coincidence. Walking with you is like a breath of fresh air and fills me with motivation and positive vibes. Living on Dartmoor, I'm on there as much as possible, but you've filled me with a new appreciation of home - Gloucestershire and Somersetshire. Thank you so much and stay healthy and well... Mike T.
Morning Mike, really appreciate your words, thank you. I get asked all the time about walking solo, for me it's the only way to go but never feel alone. There is always a connection..to nature, to friends past present and future, that's the magic of this YT community and i'm always aware of that so no such thing as being alone. Such a wonderful trail this. If i'm honest day one was painful but then the joy came as it always does and i had a spring in my step, just didn't want it to end. Somerset feels like my spiritual home now and will be back in a couple of weeks to complete the way from Wells to Frome..can't wait. Give my love to Dartmoor, an area neglected by me but on my list to explore again one day.
HE’S BACK !!!!!!! YES!’
Yes sure am Jim, and i aint leaving it that long again, thought i was going mad back in June with a full diary of work to complete before i could get out. Hope to be back in Somerset before xmas for the next section, that will make a beautiful Autumn walk, lots of woodland. Thanks for watching Jim.
Great stuff Jim. Absolutely wonderful. If your videos were on the BBC I'd gladly pay the licence fee.
Great video. Gonna do the West Mendip in a couple week's time over two days and cant wait! Hope it is well-marked because I always get lost on these marked trails.
It's an easy trail to follow Alistair, well marked with good paths. To answer your other question, yes I wondered off trail to explore the caves but I couldn't understand why the trail skirts round the highest point on the Mendips so took a big old diversion to see the caves and get back on track over Black Down. One of my favourite walks this followed by the East Mendips, another classic, very different but equal in beauty. Good luck mate, hope you have a good one.
@@JimHolden Deleted the question after watching on your video. That's good to hear, then. The Black Down-Cheddar section is the one part of the route I'm familiar with, so won't get lost there at least! Thanks.
Just watched this - oh my! That is one wonderful place. I loved seeing the Tor at Glastonbury at the end of the video and those goats! :-D. What a place to enjoy a midnight garden too. The drone footage was fantastic over the barrows at Priddy which I didn't know existed. And as for the witches - as a Master Herbalist and being a Druid, along with living in East Anglia I may have been one to be hanged under Mathew Hopkins' dirty deeds. Fantastic video!
Nice to see you back on the trails and on the screen Jim😁
So good to get out again Jason, a real tough run of work kept me grounded for too long this summer, talk about cabin fever, thought it was never going to happen. Cheers mate and thanks for watching.
Good to see you back Jim, doing what you love! some beautiful scenery mate, atb Sev
Thanks Sev, nothing better than a few days exploring out in the great outdoors. Plan to get back in a few weeks to complete it. Cheers mate.
well jim u got us worried for a bit there mate. good to see you back. great video
Great to get back out Steve, work was proper doing my head in, just couldn't get on top of it for ages. Stunning trail this one and only half way so really looking forward to getting back to complete the next section, be nice this side of xmas..we'll see. Thanks for watching mate.
Outstanding as always Jim! Incredible scenery with a soundtrack and narrative as good as any documentary I’ve ever watched 👍👍👍
Thank you so much Anthony. Really wanted to do this trail justice with it's beauty and history, had to be selective though..just too much to include, a wonderful area and can't wait to return. Cheers mate.
In Cheddar Gorge today....I ‘think’ I found the spot you camped....Great views, but amazed you found somewhere suitable for your pitch ⛺️
I've notice this range of hills lots of times, going to and coming back from Devon and Cornwall via the M5 on holiday.
Always wondered what it was like up there, I've been missing out big time, thanks for showing us the mendips.
Quality film as always jim, well put together and lots of information, most enjoyable.
Thanks for sharing!!!
Me too Wayne, finally got round to exploring the area and it kinda took me by surprise. I knew it would be a great trail to do but it blew me away, totally caught up in the history of the levels, back to when they were flooded, when Glastonbury was an island, King Arthur and all that. I,m planning to get back in a few weeks for the next section. Thanks mate always appreciate.you watching.
Congratulations on a very well presented and produced video. BBC standard.
I have lived in a very short walking distance of the West Mendip Way for 25 years (between Wells and Cheddar) and haven’t made it to a few of the places you showcased.
Easiest ‘subscribe’ decision for years.
Yes Jim, been awhile... only 30 seconds in and I can tell this is gonna be a good’un 👍👏👍👏👍✌️
Thank you Stu mate, yes a hell of a trail, kinda had an instinct about this one and did plan to walk it last year but couldn't get it together, top of the list for this year though, looking forward to the next section now, hopefully before xmas if i can. Cheers mate.
The transition from the green lit tunnel to your green lit tent was genius.
As ever Jim you show how hiking/outdoor videos should be made, narrated and shot with an eye for the history and landscape.
As for the Mendips, I often drift off to a bygone age when they were the border between Wessex (England) and Dumnonia (Cornwall) for a few hundred years when I'm up there.
The first and last but not the least of the South West hills.
More like a happy accident to be honest Si, but it did make me smile when it happened, thanks mate. Really interesting and so obvious now that you mention it, with the flooded levels it was a natural border as well separating two lands, that's what made this walk for me, proper tuned in to vibes down there. Heading back in a few weeks for the next section. Thanks for watching Si really appreciate it mate.
Was seeing if there are any decent wildcamping opportunities in the area, and you've shown that the famous gorge is definitely one! (Was worried it might be patrolled like some Peak District areas ...) thanks for the info :D
Thought I would watch this again
One of my favourites of thie year
Look forward to more
Derek
Thank you so much Derek, really appreciate it mate. Going back this coming week if this rain ever stops. Cheers mate.
When I saw this I said, 'aahh Jim.' Good to see you back mate. And I tell you what you've excelled yourself on this one. This was full of wonder, ambiance and spirit. It felt like you just wanted to keep walking for whatever surprise lay around the next splendid view or historic monument. There was bags in it. Loved it Jim from end to end mate. All the best out there. Here's to the East next time around. Mark
Morning Mark mate, the plan originally was to spend the third day walking down from Wells to Glastonbury and finish at the Tor, but really wanted to make the most of these hills exploring off the trail. It was a big ask to get to Wells in two days anyway and great to have that freedom to just do what came naturally. I had a fantastic time and can't wait to get back. This was my only outing through my month on the rd Mark, i started this walk a couple of weeks earlier but turned my ankle after a couple of miles while walking in the rain, the forecast was bad for the next few days so gladly pulled the plug till my ankle was better, so glad i didn't force it. The month went by so quick and i'm now on my way out to work again dreaming of my next trip. Thanks as always Mark really appreciate you watching.
Literally got you on binge watch Jim the last few weeks I think you’re channel is brilliant and definitely an inspiration mate gonna definitely do a few of your walks and wild camps but probably not Chesil beach 🥵keep up the good work brilliant mate
What a great video! I'm local to these places and you've captured them perfectly. You were lucky to get a peaceful night on top of the Gorge, sadly the local boyracers love to treat that road as a racetrack at night.
I fell in love with Somerset during and after this trip Shirley. Just blew me away, the views the history but it was the atmosphere that got me. Coming back to check the Quantocks out soon, proper looking forward to it. Thank you for watching, really appreciate it..
I did wonder where you'd got to with this one, Jim. I know the trail very well - although you've taught me a few lessons on the history! Always good to see it through another person's eyes and I like the way you did it your way: starting at Brean Down, climbing to Beacon Batch, exploring more of Priddy and wild camping on a spot I'd personally earmarked for my own wild camp one day! ;-) I hope it's not too long before you're back to follow the East Mendip Way.
Where the River Axe divides Brean Down and Uphill, there was once a ferry crossing (possibly before my time). I've seen recent plans for a continuous coastal path heading all the way to the Severn Bridges... Sadly, it bypasses this issue following the Brean Down Cycleway, which you probably walked yourself. I can imagine some viewing Brean as only an optional detour and tragically, not bothering to venture out and explore.
I look forward to seeing more from you when the time comes. All the best, Jim.
Evening Olly mate, i thought of you often on this walk and regret not giving you a shout but to be honest this was my second attempt at it, having turned my ankle just a couple of miles in and having to pull the plug. Didn't think it would happen but after a couple of weeks felt as good as new so just went for it but this time decided to do Brean Down first, hell of a walk round but so worth it. My own for the night before a fantastic time out on the Mendips. The time with my foot up gave me plenty of time to research the area, full of history from every century, just way too much to talk about on camera. Hope to be back for the next section soon and can't wait Olly, love it round there. These southern counties need exploring. Thanks for watching mate.
Amazing scenery, beautiful trail. Is it well sign posted ? It's going on my list .
Hiya Lisa, overall yes the Mendip society have done a great job with the way markers but not all are obvious. I always follow the OS route but be aware that the OS skips the wonderful Cheddar Gorge can't understand it but it does and finding the route out of Cheddar is a bit tricky so be prepared for that. The beauty of the OS map though is you can get off trail and explore more, and this trail is full of stuff just over the hill or round the corner so for me thats better than just relying on the way markers. Good luck Lisa and thanks for watching.
I was awaiting your next adventure and WOW, was it worth waiting for. You again excelled yourself with the route, the scenery, the editing, the music, it makes me just so nostalgic for the Old Country. The Drone footage is fantastic, but do pray tell, how are you operating it, through telepathy as I cannot see you holding the controls. I don't often use this word as it is overrated, but in your case, I will make an exception - AWESOME. Take a Bow Young Man, you earned it. This channel needs far more subscribers by the thousands.
Thank you so much for that, really appreciate your wonderful comment, i sometimes think " i would walk these trails without a camera, just to be out" but in all honesty it's really about the connection with like minded souls like yourself. Showing the beauty of this land with the sometimes dark history and trails like this are full of history, proper felt it on this one as well. Planning my return at the moment for the next section, really looking forward to it.
The drone takes a bit of practice to work one handed down by my side, but feel iv'e finally cracked it, taken nearly a year though but it will be coming with me from now on, love the results. Thanks again. Jim.
Just found your UA-cam link on Instagram after you liked one of my pics, have just subbed you and look forward to future videos. ATB Dave Outdoors 👍
Thank you Dave, new to instagram but i know a great photo when i see one. Cheers mate.
Hello, this is the first video of yours I’ve come across and the first of any sort of hiking and wild camping I’ve seen, and now I’m so curious! I don’t suppose you’d mind making a video explaining the basics of this? Like, how do you travel to a start point and travel home again? How do you charge your devices?what’s your packing list? how do you research these trips? How do you know where to go? How do you pick camping spots? I’m sorry for all these (basic) questions, I suppose I’m just so intrigued! Also, I love how you’ve filmed this video, it’s beautiful and I really love the way you’ve interspersed the history in the video
Well hello there Rainiepie, lots of questions and most of the info could easily be sourced on here, loads of channels with great info for starting up. Me personally, well not really my thing, sorry. The one question I can answer is charging, on a walk like this I carry at least four spare batteries for each camera, it's only the phone that I struggle with, but most of the time I'm happy to let it die. I appreciate your interest and would of course highly recommend and encourage you to follow your instincts and go for it. Good luck.
Great video. I
Have missed you Jim. I was becoming anxious. Love the drone shots and the sound track music.; and the color green. :-)
Thanks Boyd, yes it was a while mate, started to get worried myself, such a busy summer just couldn't get away but dreamed of this trail. Turned out better than i expected as well, so dramatic, loved the energy down there. Cheers mate.
Just as an afterthought wanted to recommend a book called 'The Making of the British Landscape' by Nicholas Crane. He explains as far as is possible the barrows and all the other earthworks from thousands of years ago.
Thanks for that Joe, i like Nicholas Crane, ill look out for that. North and Ashen hill where very impressive, both rows mirrored each other with the massive Priddy rings in the next field awesome sight.
Thank you for the suggestion. I'll have to check this out myself
Great to see you back Jim and as ever great video, music and loving the drone footage - Mavic Air ?
Yes the Mavic Air Mark a lovely bit of kit. Wasn't so sure when i got it last year but i'm getting used to it now, love the results for sure, it was carrying that extra weight that bothered me, four extra batteries ...but so worth it. Thanks for watching Mark.
Lovely video Jim. What is the make of the drone you use ? I didn't even see you trying to control it . Lovely video. Fab.
Thank you David, it's the Mavic Air and kinda ruins the scene stood there controlling it so did a fly by and took it back so i could control it down by my side, took a bit of practice but i'm getting there. Thanks again for watching really appreciate it.
What a superb trip mate! I love Somerset. The Gorge is in fact very Gorg! Can I ask, what size is your rucksack and what does it typically weigh on your trip!? Also, what drone do you use? Thanks for sharing your beautiful experiences! ATB JD
Thank you JD, i was hoping to do this walk last summer but couldn't find the time back then. Top of the list for this year, just had to get rid of a load of work first. This trail goes on for another twenty miles all the way to Frome, i was never going to do that section but really wanted to carry on south to Glastonbury Tor, decided to make the most of this walk instead exploring Black Down and North Hill, both off the WMW. My pack i never really weigh just go off how it feels but it had to be close to 30lb the drone batteries weighed the most but i only carried 1 ltr of water and very little food to make up for it. This trail had plenty of cafes pubs and shops so was never going to go hungry. The drone is the Mavic Air and it's so worth the extra weight. Cheers mate.
Great vid as usual Jim. Out of interest I was watching one of your films with my wife and we both tried to place your accent. I appreciate you’ve lived in Hampshire for some time, but I expect you originate from up north?
I was born and raised in Lancashire Jon. We moved down to Hampshire when i was 17 so i never forget my roots but do consider this as home. Thanks for watching.
Jim Holden Thanks for replying Jim. In all honesty when I was trying to place your accent I was thinking you sound similar to an old mate of mine I knew in the RAF. He was from Rawtenstall. Keep up the good work Jim, much appreciated.
Suberb
A very well made video and a great route. It’s a fantastic part of the country. I may look to do this next spring.
What tent do you use?
Somerset has been over looked by me in the past but i'd seen those hills many times while passing through on the M5 and knew i would explore them one day. Really took me by surprise, just didn't expect it to be quite so wild and beautiful. Looking forward to getting back now. My tent is the OEX Evolution two man, got it half price last winter and used it all this year. I like the weight and space it brings. I have several one man tents but need that extra space. Thanks for watching mate really appreciate it.
Great to see you back Jim. I was beginning to get worried !! Always an education but most importantly, an inspiration. ATB - Paul
Hiya Paul, such a busy time for me through summer, always is, but this year proper busy and i was getting a bit worried myself, got there though and absolutely loved my time in Somerset, planning my return to complete this trail..just got a load more work before i can, so head down and i'll be there at the end of this month. Thanks as always mate really appreciate you watching.
Work getting in the way of life again Jim ! I planned a 3 day week to make more time for the outdoors but it hasn’t happened yet. Hopefully will be out before the end of October. Just got to select a destination. Thanks again Jim.
I think it was John Lennon that said "Life is what you miss when you are busy doing other things" and that's so true. Iv'e made a conscious decision to start chasing time instead of money..life is too short but getting that work life balance is hard.
It looks like you are not used to Sun becoming a lobster not Steam broiled
Not really sure what you mean but really appreciate you watching.
Jim, as you know I have encyclopaedic knowledge of your oeuvre 🤓 and can safely say I’ve never seen you so happy on camera. To my mind, Somerset was all rolling hills and chocolate-box hamlets. Who knew there was such drama? And who better to light it up in glory and claim it on camera? Well done my friend. I’m glad you got the drone out. It’s next-level. A beautiful edit, music, composition. I admire the creativity and drive but above all else, I admire that you can still bomb up hills after a pint.
Thank you Phillipa, i felt a new lease of life and freedom on this walk. Having the time to just take it all in even change my plans half way through, spending the three days on the Mendips instead of getting to Wells at the end of day two so i could get to Glastonbury Tor to finish. Doing that meant sticking to the path and keeping a pace, not really me, preferring to explore off trail at a suitable pace for my ageing knees. These hills are full of drama for sure, looking out over the levels watching the rain clouds moving in, a real joy to be there. Thanks as always for your support Phillipa, means the world.