Check out my FREE “Survival Checklist” to help you prepare for any adventure: www.tomlanghorne.com/survival-checklist659944 SIGN UP to my NEWSLETTER and join the tribe of likeminded souls embracing survival training for the art of living: www.tomlanghorne.com/
Imagine being lost in the highlands at night and you just stumble upon this guy, alone, and he tells you to sit down, offers you a warm drink, tells you stories and eventually sings and plays some ancient tune until you finally drift off to sleep. And awaken on the morrow to find him mysteriously gone having left no trace.
Twenty some years ago, when I was a younger man , I was participating with a living history group. Our purpose was to recreate the look and character of Native Americans and French in America 1750-1765. Clothing, camp, tools, weapons, trade supplies, etc. Some of the guys in the group had played background parts in popular movies before. So.... what happened ? We had a chance to go on an overnight trek through a national forest. In the Midwest USA. Not a huge one like out west but big enough. After a day in the woods hiking and playing war with another history group, all in full authentic garb & gear, we settled down to camp for the night. March 16, mind you. This was a carry it in on your back only event. And leave no trace behind in the forest. We had special permission from the DNR to camp here. We’re talking uncut virgin forest 🌳. Good sized trees in here. Rolling hills landscape. As evening came on the bravest rolled out on the ground with a canvas tarp and wool trade blankets. Next a couple of fellows put up a tiny canvas tent that was made like a french soldiers of that time period. Of course they were kidded a lot by the more experienced guys. One more musket raid on the British camp at dusk just for fun. Then bedtime. I turned down the invitation to go on this one as I was constructing a brush hut lean to just below the ridge of the hilltop they had selected for a campsite. A quick second invite by the head of the group I had to decline and then a few questions about my activity. I told them the wind direction was a sign of rain and also the tree falls on the top of the rise were evidence that the area was hit hard by wind in storms here. Thats why I was making my place to stay the night away from their camp. With disappointing comments they left me to my business of using bark strips that shed off dead trees easily over a pole construction. A thick layer of leaves and duff from the woods floor over that topped with dead sticks and branches to hold down in wind. Filled the inside with the ever abundant brown leaves 🍁 to make bedding and clear a fireplace simultaneously in front. Firewood was everywhere. This was an untouched area. Poles and branches were laying around nearby and using the old Indian method of laying a 25’ bare pole or two across the fire they are cut in half then pushed into the fire 🔥 as the ends burn shorter. Star fire it’s called. Well, there I was sleeping until about 1:00 am. Rain came quickly in the dark with a cold harsh wind. The tall skinny trees , still bare of leaves, rattled and clacked overhead. Threatening to fall on us any moment. Normally we won’t set camp under trees but in this forest everywhere is under trees. Men began to rustle around in the camp just over the crest. They were getting the full blast of the weather. Soon their fire was not seen anymore and the Forbidden modern flashlights 🔦 came out. ( I was told to bring only 18th century items) A brief moment the rain stopped and I was out building up my fire 🔥. But.... before I could get a few extra trees drug into camp it began blowing a sideways freezing rain. Wet ice plastered everything. The poles were so slick and branchless I had difficulty pulling them in. But soon I was done and back under my elk skin robe. Yes with the hair on. Laying on my canvas over the thick pile of dry leaves for my mattress. As the storm continued to blow camp one disappeared. I thought they had oilskin tarps over a pole to makeshift shelter or something. But as it turned out they had hiked out the five miles in the dark, in the rain with flashlights. The guys in the little tent were quiet and I couldn’t see anyone. An hour passed and it was kinda cold. I was still dry but it’s a small world in a little squirrel nest like that. Then I heard a voice. Yes cutting through the wind and noise I was sure I heard it. I thought it was my friends from the tent. “ Hello the camp” “Anyone there ?” I answered back. Carefully the stranger approached. I did not recognise him other than he was dressed as an eastern long hunter in English clothes. He came closer slowly and carefully on the now icy 🥶 floor of the woods. “ May I stand next to your fire if I keep it going with wood , sir ?” He asked. Through chattering teeth and so blue I thought he was going to die standing there. YES. I said. He stood over that campfire 🔥 a leg on each side with flames actually going up under his coattails and the steam rolling off of him like a freight train. In awhile he was able to converse. Dryer now and the fire logged high we made room inside my den . A brief introduction revealed that he’s was in fact from the British camp and had been there since six that morning. Remember we’re now like 3:00 am. All day and most of the night he’d been outside. During the days activities he’d gotten lost. More or less his group thought it a trick or lesson to invite guest then ditch them in the woods to teach them a lesson and also make themselves feel superior. On a side note that happened to me too on our side but I’m not lost that easily and had found my way into our camp earlier that evening. Another reason I was camping a short distance from those guys. Anyway....... I fed him some venison jerky and shared cool drinking water. And some trail mix nuts. Most gracious and back to normal now he talked of the recent events. He thanked me most genuinely for the hospitality and asked if I had done this before. Noting not a drop came through the roof. And how the heat came in from the fire while the smoke passed overhead. And the heavy wind blast skimmed just over the top edge of the hill leaving us snug and much more protected. Well, I hadn’t ever been there in that place before but I had been an experienced woodsman for years. Childhood fascination playing in woods that grew into this living history activities, Some for education and public display, others for fun and personal experience. He spoke of the things he’d learned in life from books and experience. He’d read the classics and mentioned Henry David Thoreau. This was no dummy. Getting lost can happen to anyone. He’d been on his own since that afternoon. All night until the rain. He had planned on picking up the trail or hearing a shot fired in the morning. Once it rained he had begun walking the trail figuring it would go out somewhere by morning. He stumbled into the area I was and saw the firelight. He said that he was so cold when he got into my camp he didn’t know it. That he believes he was in hypothermic shock stages. I agree. He was cold blue and couldn’t talk well at all. Well, we dozed off for a nap. I did anyway and finally the grey dawn appeared. He was ready to go. He now had his bearings and would take the trail out. The storm was nearly over. Just the March wind. He couldn’t thank me enough and swore I had probably saved his life or at least saved him from being carried out and a case of pneumonia. I fell asleep and was until the first guys..... the hot shots.... They were back from their cars where they’d spent the rest of the night. “Get up sleepy head” Ha ! They’ll never understand. My friends from the little tent were soaked and had a wet camp rolled up and packed. Ready to go. Some young guys carried their stuff out for them. I put out my fire , which was mostly ashes now, and under jeers of sleeping late from the car campers I packed in a moment or two. A nice hike out and off to the town for hot coffee for everyone But me. I can’t stand the stuff. Still had some water left. Made some good friends that trip and I think lost a few. 👍🏻. So that’s a true story of my own experience and hopefully you enjoyed it. Thanks
When I was 12, I went as a highlander to a Halloween party. I made a bonnet out of a little beret I found, and a plaid out of a 3 yard sheet of thin flannel, with a dress shirt. Even made a targe out of a plywood round piece, fo leather, and a bunch of brass pins.
I've just realised why I like this video so much. Too many "outdoor specialists" post overnighters, where you could get away with just lying down on some leaves and then going home in the morning. This is true survival - no, true outdoors living. Making and striking camp, carrying the basics and foraging the rest, these are the actual skills people would need if things went pear-shaped. Thanks for this.
Unfortunately his foragings are way sparser than they used to be according to history. He's making it alright, but if he had say a dozen people traveling in a group, most of them would be going hungry. This used to be completely feasible. Now, I love this channel too. Don't get me wrong, it's so important to gain firsthand practical knowledge. But this both ain't possible in most places, and really isn't applicable in a pear-shaped scenario. It's a good video, but if you're applying this knowledge to some cataclysm, take it with a grain of salt. If things go pear shaped as you say, these already damaged ecosystems would collapse under the weight of the new human predators who would eat anything that moves, and even old carrion. Some folks would even start eating each-other if they're able to. Hunting an empty forest might be a bad idea when someone else considers you prey. These skills would be very useful a year or two after a cataclysm. But only once the population stops plummeting, will nature have the ability to feed us again. Until then, figure out how to mixed-crop farm so you don't need fertilizers. Outside of a massive, expensive, slowly deteriorating food stockpile, farming is really the only thing that will keep you fed from a 'prepper' point of view
@Derek Anon: I disagree, that deer in the video has enough meat to feed 30 people for a week. Even people in history had to barter and trade for what they needed. It’s impossible for one person, or 100 people to get everything they need from their immediate surroundings. But with more people in a group, they can spread out further and get more of what they need, either by foraging, manufacturing, building, or by contacting other groups and trading. So in some ways it’s easier with more people to survive off the land. Also on larger groups there will be people dedicated to medicine and health, increasing efficiency and productivity. A lone traveller can survive well, as long as they don’t fall foul of some mishap or other and then they’re completely screwed. In a group there’s better resilience to mishaps and dangers and avoidance of them. I rest my case.
@@Grimpy970 Stupidity will kill off more people than hunger in a SHTF scenario.. I'm sure after all the dumba$$e$ kill themselves off after civilization falls there will be plenty of food
@No Thanks Meat doesn't actually rot as fast as you think. There are long traditions of skinning a carcass and then hanging it under shelter for months (being allowed to dry like that keeps bacteria from taking hold and causing rot). What makes meat rot so fast in the modern age is the number of hands handling it, the repeated freezing/thawing that accompanies professional processing, and even the quality of the meat. Now, if a couple of months isn't long enough or weather/camp conditions don't permit hanging, you can always salt, smoke, or jerk the meat. And additionally, it takes less collective energy when hunting as a group. You are right that excessive meat is dangerous, which is why it's important to include the gatherer part of "hunter-gatherer." We saw a little of that going on here. I'm with you in saying that this isn't possible everywhere and many areas would collapse if forced to suddenly support a huge population ... I also think it would take more than a year or two to undo the damage that would happen, or has already happened. But I believe there's a lot of value in people gaining this kind of experience and sharing it. In our modern world we can lose perspective on what really matters. We get bogged down with all the stuff people shove down our throats. And if push comes to shove, I believe humanity will break down into tribes again, gathering around people with this kind of knowledge.
What impressed me most about this journey is how much time and effort went into keeping it historical. From the way the food was packaged to the bag made of cured sheepskin: It is a real treat to watch.
That is the [point, to understand how our ancestors did things and how they were connected to the land and each other.... to actually feel the NEED for the land and each person, something that is missing or lost in translation in our modern tech world.
Well done. When i was young i once walked 600 miles in 3 months. Modern boots, living in a surplus military pancho. I spent much of a northern winter in a wikiup, ate moose, canned fiddle heads, beans, etc.. I'm old and not well now. I longed to be with you and greatly admired your strength and resilience. Well done
"Fandabidozi No5, smell like your ancestors".....I nearly fell over laughing. FANTASTIC video, showing the sometimes harsh reality of life in the highlands. Next time go a wee bit north close to Beauly/Cannich.....the scenery is stunning, as is the shinty.
@@CameronSmith-fh2rb I live north of the Arctic Circle and one year I took a plane south on the winter solstice to see family, and got to see the sunrise while were still technically too far north to see the sun but could see it anyway because of the altitude. It was *beautiful,* in that peculiar “I’m seeing something that should be impossible” kind of way.
I appreciate that he's doing these videos on the Highlands. I wonder if there is a movement to reforest the highlands? Why are just 400 or so people own all of the land? Does not seem right.
@@WhiteDragon689 When I was over there, there was quite a movement for it. Several people told me that the red deer were preventing reforestation because there are so many of them and they are so hungry for baby trees. There was something of a movement at the time to reintroduce wolves so they could control the red deer so the trees could grow back. I suggested to one gent that it might be simpler to let people hunt them, and he looked at me like I was from another planet, and said the landowners wouldn't allow it. This was all about 20 years ago, and I suspect a lot has changed since then. But still, the UK and Wyoming really are different worlds. I don't know what would work over there.
@@whistlingbadger I looked at some videos on the subject and part of it have been reforested successfully. I suppose they are trying to figure out the best way to do it. Having 400 people owning all the land does not seem right to me though and needs to be corrected by the government.
This isn't merely recreating history, it's living life the way it was meant to be lived. Encouraging people to get out there and meet the world is one of the most important things that can be done right now, good job man.
@Dylyn Floyd there's no need to be worried about wasps and bees generally (unless you are allergic to stings). Out in the open air they are not a problem usually, being too busy trying to get a feed and a mate! Wasp nests under the eaves of a home are more of an issue (most folk like to have nests removed). Removing a nest would annoy them! best left to a professional. Otherwise, nature is there for us to enjoy - not be constantly fearful of. Sure, you have to watch where you sit when the grasses are in flower - if someone sat on me i would be inclined to bite them too!
Grand idea but with todays population, it'd all be trampled into oblivion and polluted beyond words in a heartbeat. The huge western US parks are having that very issue: soo many people stampeding all over the trails--and off of them--creating massive erosion issues. Then there's the issue of stupid humans and the idiocy they commit by expecting Nature to be and respond like their backyards. The only way the land will remain beautiful is if humans never touch it--and you know that will never happen.
Imagine what the wasps and bees think about you. At least bees make honey and are 100% harmless unless you really p*** them off. Wasps are a bit of a pain, but there’s many ways to overcome them. Use your wits and a bit of imagination and treat them with respect and they don’t tend to bother you, unless of course there’s some tasty food involved, then they can be extremely annoying. But nothing that a good clap of your hands and a stamp of your boot won’t solve.
Huge respect for you that you stayed the course, and that you kept incredibly authentic. This especially includes not giving into the temptation of seeking shelter in the tent and other modern aids. Huge respect for our brilliant ancestors too. Ar lámh dheis Dé go raibh a h-anamnacha.
Think I’ve found one of my new favourite RUclipsrs. Ancient heritage ✅ outdoors ✅ one of the best accents in the world ✅ one of the most beautiful countries ✅
How do hikers and tourists react when they bump into an ancient highlander on there walk? Been thinking that since I started watching your videos, must lead to some hilarious interactions.
@@bjornopitz6561 If the police arrest him they have to document everything he's wearing and carrying. They'll just look, say to themselves "Nope, didn't see that." and head the other way. They don't want all that paperwork and it probably would be come under the "carrying for work" exception.
That was a great film. Sometimes, seeing you walking across the hills it was like seeing a living ghost. I thought dressed like that you fitted so perfectly into the landscape. Unlike folks dressed in modern gore tex gear, you looked like you belonged - even to the getting wet and cold! Wonderful stuff.
It caught me off-guard the little message clarifying that the sword wasn't real. It so surreal that something so benign as a sword is treated as an unacceptable thing to carry with you.
been homeless quite a few times in my life an have had to use my wits to survive i have slept rough comfortably in snow!my folks are scots an i used to be schooled there i had one book on pictish magic,which starts with a survival initiation using the same tools you do,this is my favourite new channel,i luckily live in the mountains of north wales now but even living in the smoke people forget how close they are to a deep forest,as a practitioner of jo do ans sword its like you made this site just for me,sir you are a warrior poet an a better man than i,have you made a book on scottish bushcraft yet please please send me one!!!!
Achingly beautiful, this.. we longed to be with him on this journey.. We are Scottish and live in Michigan.. this made us so homesick.. although we have never been to our ancestral homeland.. We loved this video.. so beautifully filmed.. best part was when Tom thanked the sun for warmth.. Worst part was feeling his pain as he walked on those battered shoes.. Thank you for this beautiful video.. Slan mo charaid… William and Jen 💜💙🌻🌹
It seems to me that these days we are losing touch with our roots. And a tree with no roots cannot live. These things that you're doing, we need them desperately. I cannot even explain how important this is, and seeing this film you made, and your determination to know your ancestors genuinely brings a tear to my eye.
Thank you to all everyone who collaborated to make this film possible! Find MUSIC CREDITS and their links in video description. As well as links to Fin's Channel and Peter the Tanner who helped me with my backpack and food-pouches :) Enjoy
amazing trip. makes me wish I had taken that long trek I always felt the need for when I was younger. LOL, being 50 now, the arthritis and the bad knees would surely make a 4 day trek take 2 weeks probably.
You are definitely made of stern stuff Tom , I hope that whisky and venison was a real treat. Great video mate and thanks for sharing your adventures :-).
I’m most impressed that you did it in those shoes. I believe it’s actually much better for us to wear shoes with no support and little padding, but it takes time to get used to, and those roads would be tough even for people back then. Also people who are outside a lot get much more used to cold and bad weather, and back then they were tough. So this would have been a piece of cake for them, but for modern people? Anyway, good job pulling it off.
High on my bucket is a trip to the Isle of Skye. It is where my ancestors emigrated from in 1852 during the potato famine. They made the 103 day voyage to Australia on a ship called Ontario which was making its maiden voyage. Upon arrival they went to a place called Grafton, New South Wales where they farmed and lived in a hut with a dirt floor and bark walls - they were tough and resilient - I have found their headstones and all but one of them lived into their 80s. I would love to see the place they left from to get a greater appreciation of their lives and who they were.
I'd never heard cianalas before. We have a similar word in welsh: hiraeth. I feel it when I think of my youth, my school friends or hear old Welsh songs. Thanks for the great video.
Watching this and seeing the portion with the forest I can now see why my ancestors settled in the Appalachian mountains after immigrating to the New World in the late 1600's and early 1700's. Absolutely great video, keep up the good work!
I’m from Appalachia aswell except most of my ancestors were native Irishmen. My surname is Doherty. They came over during the 1700s possibly to escape the penal laws
I can see a king telling the highland people “Look I’m building roads for my solders to come in and put down any uprisings, so be glad for it” while the people just wanted to be left to themselves. Also the roads would put holes in their only affordable shoes forcing people to switch to expensive boots.
I've got no idea how this is in my recommended, don't watch the genre and haven't watched something like this recently either. That said, ty RUclips for recommending it to me. I'll give it a watch now!
if the kilt was part of my ancestral culture i would never wear anything else it's SUCH a beautiful piece of history i'm very happy it has remained into the modern era :D
It’s the culture of Scotland and more of the truth! I’m not an American Scott’s! Swedish and German, just a melting pot of Love! with roots for my Ancestors there! I’m born in California during the Vietnam war in 71., my understanding of the World as a kid! California Catholics! 🙏❤️🦦😇, we can become a native unless we ensure the cultural values! I’m respectful of yours! 👊
I can't even imagine doing a multi day expedition in those shoes. I can't even imagine doing a 1 hour walk! One of the things I have noticed when I've gone on on big multi days walks is how little I eat. Small breakfast and an evening meal is all you really need to walk 15 miles a day.
Well done Tom, your hardy! To my shame as a Mackenzie of Gairloch, I have never done that walk. I hope Fin is in better health. I look forward to more of your videos as they are fantastic 💕
I’m from Clan Douglas. My ancestor is Sir James Douglas ‘the Black’. America is the same, no where man hasn’t touched. Scotland is beautiful. Thank you for this.
When I was studying zoology at Dundee Uni about 15 years ago, we did a transect of Caledonian forests in Scotland. Very few and far between and usually now quite small in size. It's sad to think that this type of forest blanketed a great deal of Scotland before it was cut down for timber and grazing land.
@@spencersanderson1894 How far do you want to take the "re-wilding"? There's a rich landowner in the North (an incomer, of course) who wants to reintroduce wolves. His neighbours aren't so keen. Nor anyone who has sheep, I imagine.
@@faithlesshound5621 as far as it needs to go to help restore broken ecosystems, humans and wolves can co-exist, it will take a bit of give and take on both sides but it can be done. Schemes can be put in place for a loss of livestock, plus there is an over abundance of deer in the uk, so much so man have to intervene and cull them, it would be great if we had an apex predator that did that for us. I think people are too scared of wolves and that comes down to a lot of Hollywood movies giving wolves a bad perception, they would much rather stay away from humans if possible. But no need to worry because I doubt we will see wolves in the UK in our lifetime. Also rewilding is a great tool for keeping people on the land, remember we still have to farm and rewilding is also about farming with nature in mind, there’s lots of opportunities that come with rewilding certain areas and farms being more friendly to nature, it’s had a great impact on rural communities around Europe and other places. By bringing in opportunities of different types of work. Also remember we don’t want to rewild every single part of the uk, just some parts that need it.
Being someone who also teaches on ancient Scottish clothing and weaponry I applaud you in having done your research exceedingly well and in presenting it in a down to earth fashion, expelling the many and various myths of our history along the way. It's passion, like yours, that should be taught in our schools, but alas as our curriculum is governed by Westminster I fear our children will never learn of the knowledge that we own. I also own many of the items that you have in your kit, walking any great distance in a pair of leather brogans isn't for the faint hearted, let alone sleeping in the heather in a breacan an fhéilidh. Bless you on your journey and peace be with you. :-)
Nice outfit mate. I appreciate and understand Scottish culture in a much more profound way now, thanks to you and your talented filmmaker. Absolutely brilliant!
Love this, so wonderful! My Canadian heart almost leapt out of my chest when I saw you lay down for your second night with your bag of food next to your head. "The bears!" I think. "Food items must be kept far from camp....so as not....to attract.....bears......" So, something to keep in mind in case you feel like trying this in North America lol.
While there are bears in continental Europe, we don't have to worry about black bears (the bear species responsible for the most attacks in North America) or grizzly bears (which are more aggressive than other brown bears, perhaps because their range overlaps with that of the North-American black bear).
your ending speech was perfect to be honest, the past was rough - people lived to a ripe old age of 30, we shouldn't return to that era, but we should also be aware of how they survived and adapt that to our own lives and day to day.
The life expectancy at birth was _really_ skewed by high infant and child mortality. If you reached 20 you had a _much_ greater chance of living to old age. The other two factors driving down the life expectancy were violent death (arguments tended to escalate to fights a lot faster than today, and punishments tended to be either financial or physical, rather than imprisonment) and death related to pregnancy and childbirth.
Fandabi Dozi, Sir, You and your associated partners in this video/film project have done yourselves proud. In my opinion the production quality and the subject matter none other than excellent. Thank you very much for all of the work and the time spent in its creation. I am from North America. Many here in N. America call what you did “Trecking”. I am also interested in experimental archaeology (E A) . I also dabble in the 18th century subject, but with a N. American twist. I also poke about with early 19th century (N. American) and prehistory experiments.
Mate, I'm an Aussie who spent my youth camping rough in the semi desert bush around Broken Hill. It's true, it is a very unforgiving and harsh place,... But I'm in awe of you mate!! Your replica kit, and your Knowledge on their construction and use is amazing. You are a wealth of information! Last but not least, you're made of bloody tuff stuff,... I'm extremely impressed.
Simply marvellous. I love the pacing, the interplay of music and scenery, the introspection. The best thing you've done yet. You should be very pleased with this. 💚
Once you have spent a long, cold, sleepless night in the wild; you start to understand why the ancients worshiped the sun. Shout out to all the soldiers, foresters, shepherds, and other folks of the wilderness that share this truth.
In the Arctic Circle we still celebrate the return of the Sun every year. It might not be a huge celebration these days (particularly because most places don’t get time off to do so), but it’s still an important part of our lives. Ask anyone up here when the Sun returns where they live, and they probably know the date (17th of January in my village), and though the only place where the children actually get the rest of the day off is Vardø, the occasion is generally marked in some way, taking time out of the usual schedule to, for example, hike to the top of a hill to be able to see the Sun a little bit earlier.
When I did a hike from Comrie to Kingussie (with modern gear and sleeping in a tent) I found a wee swig of whiskey really warmed the bones on those rainy days - and I'm more an ale than spirits person. Also I had the best spring water ever , filtered through that soil, running down the hill, crystal clear - was amazing. Another thing I learnt was the terrain is not to be underestimated. Lots on hills.
Love your channel's direction and attitude. Someone has to keep it going, the history. We're all becoming bland "grey" countries with no identity. Scotland's a fantastic place with great, honest people. Keep the history alive!
I just finished watching this Amazing journey . Simply Awesome my friend .the Best thing I've seen with out a doubt .keep going strong and keep being true to who you are. Great job .🤠
Thank you sir ! This is definitely 35 minutes of my life that were educational, enjoyable, and a representation of the toughness needed just to survive in that time period. Your down to earth manner and your humbleness was truly refreshing. I'm American with a long lineage from Ireland. I was able to visit there for 15 days in 2013. I was truly both impressed and proud as much as I could have been, thinking about how much we simply take for granted in this day and age. If I may use a popular American phrase, I consider you a true bad ass for undertaking this journey. I'm proud to have subscribed to your channel, and look forward to the next notification. In all seriousness my friend, Thank You !
Interesting that the Scottish Highlands at one time was a forest. The inhabitants and Roman occupation all eventually cut all the trees down for forts, houses, carts, farmland, and firewood. Now the deer help keep any new tree growth from happening. Would be nice if the UK enacted a reforestation of the Scottish Highlands. I am sure the people and the peoples children and grandchildren would find this effort to be GOOD!
@@michellepeoplelikeyoumurde8373 Not sure where you received your information from but there are much less trees in Scotland and less and less each day. Contact your representatives and get the word out to all your friends to recover the woodlands and habitats of Scotland as they once were.
It clicked in about 20 mins you're talking about my ancestors, too (I'm American, but we came over from Falkirk between 1895-1905). That's pretty awesome, man. Fantastic work.
This is absolutely brilliant, every bit of it -- preparation, score, videography, narration... all of it. It's clear this was a labor of love. Thank you for sharing your journey.
Heart felt thank you. As a Duncan I eagerly took it all in. You are a tough Scott, and your love for your ancestry came through! Nice fix for your footwear, lovely land. Much appreciation from These United States.
Nothing can stop your oatcake fueled power haha! Utterly beautiful journey, mate, you're a big hero to me, and inspire like little else! Keep doing what you do!
I have now seen why people didn’t live to ripe old ages back in the day . My brother and I used to go feral during the school summer holidays and it was liberating . I have never lost that thirst for adventure . Thanks for sharing your adventure too
I'm a true son of the Sonoran desert.arizona USA. I've taken many Solo treks into the wilds using minimal gear however modern. Greatly enjoyed this video and saw many similarly relatable aspects. Total props man!🤠
I don't have a connection to Scotland myself, but I loved this just the same. I've camped alone in the forest before, far away from anybody else, and it's hard to describe how it feels or what exactly it is that I'm craving when I want to do so again. You've done a wonderful job describing these things. It's also valuable to learn survival skills from those who had to use these things for everyday life; not just the gear, but also how to think, and what to do.
Absolutely incredible! As an American with an Irish mother and Scottish family (My Unca Sandy), this was amazing. Thank you for all the hard work in making this.
Often ppl used hay or a "footcloth" of fabric that you fold in a certain way to ease the stress on their feet. Moss is actually pretty hard so better to use grass. Very much enjoyed the video!
Apparently the Romans favoured a certain plant (which I can't now remember the name of) and I think they actually introduced it to Britain for this purpose, for soldiers to put in their sandals to ease their discomfort. But when watching him wear out those deerskin shoes on the modern track, I was thinking that there simply wouldn't have been such a tough and abrasive surface to walk on hundreds of years ago, and that these historical forms of footwear aren't suited for modern surfaces. That's just the opinion of a layman though, I haven't worn any sort of traditional footwear before.
It occurred to me he should pad his shoes as soon as he stepped onto the road. Romans were the road builders so they must have had some method not just to save the wearers' feet but the soles of the shoes themselves. With less friction from a rigid foot, the leather sole would incur less abrasion in certain spots and sort of flex and stretch over the gravel.
I am a McKenzie living in North America for many, many generations on my fathers side and a few on my Moms. I live in Canada now and was born here as were my parents and their parents. There is a similarity between our Countries in many ways. The climate in BC, at least in the southern coastal region where I live has a similar climate. There are areas in BC that have a similar terrain. We also have desert and extreme cold. I feel a kinship though with Scotland and have an affection for it though Canada is my home. I have visited Scotland only once sadly. I loved it. I enjoy very much watching this series and will continue. Thank you. ❤
How much do I love this, Tom... thank you for taking your “young” grandmother along... this feels so much like home. Much love, lad. Stay safe...❤️❤️🙏🙏 You are a treasure... thank you
Also, when I joined the US Army infantry, I found right away that all the training I had put myself through all my childhood to become a warrior someday TOTALLY WORKED. Tracking, sneaking, stalking, mind-set, survival skills, bushcraft, and especially the shooting and martial arts I practiced every day of my young life. Archery may have been THE MOST important skill I had, which thoroughly and INSTANTLY translated into firearms proficiency, because I already had a long and intimate relationship with trajectory and windage. Training myself as a child, riding my bicycle like a horse with no hands, shooting my bow at targets while moving, converted directly into shooting from a vehicle*. And I would say, the MOST important thing about being an archer, is that if you run out of bullets, you can always make a bow and some arrows and stay in the fight to survive or escape. When I went to combatives school, every judo move I ever practiced from a book I read in the library, or wing chun, or karate, etc, etc, WORKED. The training and conditioning I put myself through all my childhood completely worked. But really, it only makes sense doesn't it? "Practice makes perfect". In other words, from my infantry background, everything I see you doing is real and still works today in the field and modern battlefield. Keep up the good work! And keep the fire inside you, because so many people NEED what you are telling them! God Bless!!
Good to hear about the reforestation efforts. Being a NE US person--used to large green forested mountains--the moors and breasides look just so stark. Keep on planting!
honestly just trying to imagine how these men of old would have walked and talked is heartwarming in a sense. this video is just making me feel the history and the legacy of our ancestors. Fuckin beautiful mate
Utterly brilliant. Informative, entertaining and thought-provoking. Midge repellents, for example. I tried one using bog myrtle and the midges just had a good laugh but it seemed to repel ticks. Also, costs. Given how much time you must have put into preparing your gear, taking the labour into account, is the best modern equipment actually cheaper?
As a descendant of lowland Scots (clan Armstrong) I would absolutely love to be able to experience a small measure of what was day to day survival for my ancestors! Mad respect for what you do and document! Cheers from Tucson Arizona USA!
Check out my FREE “Survival Checklist” to help you prepare for any adventure: www.tomlanghorne.com/survival-checklist659944
SIGN UP to my NEWSLETTER and join the tribe of likeminded souls embracing survival training for the art of living: www.tomlanghorne.com/
Imagine being lost in the highlands at night and you just stumble upon this guy, alone, and he tells you to sit down, offers you a warm drink, tells you stories and eventually sings and plays some ancient tune until you finally drift off to sleep. And awaken on the morrow to find him mysteriously gone having left no trace.
Like when Rincewind and Twoflower stumbled on Cohen the Barbarian in The Light Fantastic?
@@rozniyusof2859 I've not read that but I do plan on reading Discworld.
Ah... the wondering Highlander...
I was involved in that type of situation myself. Will tell the story if anyone cares
Twenty some years ago, when I was a younger man , I was participating with a living history group. Our purpose was to recreate the look and character of Native Americans and French in America 1750-1765.
Clothing, camp, tools, weapons, trade supplies, etc.
Some of the guys in the group had played background parts in popular movies before.
So.... what happened ?
We had a chance to go on an overnight trek through a national forest. In the Midwest USA. Not a huge one like out west but big enough.
After a day in the woods hiking and playing war with another history group, all in full authentic garb & gear, we settled down to camp for the night. March 16, mind you.
This was a carry it in on your back only event. And leave no trace behind in the forest.
We had special permission from the DNR to camp here.
We’re talking uncut virgin forest 🌳. Good sized trees in here. Rolling hills landscape.
As evening came on the bravest rolled out on the ground with a canvas tarp and wool trade blankets. Next a couple of fellows put up a tiny canvas tent that was made like a french soldiers of that time period.
Of course they were kidded a lot by the more experienced guys.
One more musket raid on the British camp at dusk just for fun. Then bedtime.
I turned down the invitation to go on this one as I was constructing a brush hut lean to just below the ridge of the hilltop they had selected for a campsite.
A quick second invite by the head of the group I had to decline and then a few questions about my activity.
I told them the wind direction was a sign of rain and also the tree falls on the top of the rise were evidence that the area was hit hard by wind in storms here. Thats why I was making my place to stay the night away from their camp.
With disappointing comments they left me to my business of using bark strips that shed off dead trees easily over a pole construction. A thick layer of leaves and duff from the woods floor over that topped with dead sticks and branches to hold down in wind.
Filled the inside with the ever abundant brown leaves 🍁 to make bedding and clear a fireplace simultaneously in front.
Firewood was everywhere. This was an untouched area. Poles and branches were laying around nearby and using the old Indian method of laying a 25’ bare pole or two across the fire they are cut in half then pushed into the fire 🔥 as the ends burn shorter. Star fire it’s called.
Well, there I was sleeping until about 1:00 am. Rain came quickly in the dark with a cold harsh wind. The tall skinny trees , still bare of leaves, rattled and clacked overhead.
Threatening to fall on us any moment. Normally we won’t set camp under trees but in this forest everywhere is under trees. Men began to rustle around in the camp just over the crest. They were getting the full blast of the weather.
Soon their fire was not seen anymore and the Forbidden modern flashlights 🔦 came out.
( I was told to bring only 18th century items)
A brief moment the rain stopped and I was out building up my fire 🔥. But.... before I could get a few extra trees drug into camp it began blowing a sideways freezing rain. Wet ice plastered everything. The poles were so slick and branchless I had difficulty pulling them in.
But soon I was done and back under my elk skin robe.
Yes with the hair on.
Laying on my canvas over the thick pile of dry leaves for my mattress.
As the storm continued to blow camp one disappeared. I thought they had oilskin tarps over a pole to makeshift shelter or something. But as it turned out they had hiked out the five miles in the dark, in the rain with flashlights.
The guys in the little tent were quiet and I couldn’t see anyone.
An hour passed and it was kinda cold. I was still dry but it’s a small world in a little squirrel nest like that.
Then I heard a voice. Yes cutting through the wind and noise I was sure I heard it. I thought it was my friends from the tent. “ Hello the camp”
“Anyone there ?”
I answered back.
Carefully the stranger approached. I did not recognise him other than he was dressed as an eastern long hunter in English clothes.
He came closer slowly and carefully on the now icy 🥶 floor of the woods.
“ May I stand next to your fire if I keep it going with wood , sir ?”
He asked. Through chattering teeth and so blue I thought he was going to die standing there.
YES. I said. He stood over that campfire 🔥 a leg on each side with flames actually going up under his coattails and the steam rolling off of him like a freight train.
In awhile he was able to converse. Dryer now and the fire logged high we made room inside my den .
A brief introduction revealed that he’s was in fact from the British camp and had been there since six that morning.
Remember we’re now like 3:00
am. All day and most of the night he’d been outside.
During the days activities he’d gotten lost. More or less his group thought it a trick or lesson to invite guest then ditch them in the woods to teach them a lesson and also make themselves feel superior.
On a side note that happened to me too on our side but I’m not lost that easily and had found my way into our camp earlier that evening. Another reason I was camping a short distance from those guys.
Anyway.......
I fed him some venison jerky and shared cool drinking water.
And some trail mix nuts.
Most gracious and back to normal now he talked of the recent events.
He thanked me most genuinely for the hospitality and asked if I had done this before. Noting not a drop came through the roof. And how the heat came in from the fire while the smoke passed overhead.
And the heavy wind blast skimmed just over the top edge of the hill leaving us snug and much more protected.
Well, I hadn’t ever been there in that place before but I had been an experienced woodsman for years. Childhood fascination playing in woods that grew into this living history activities,
Some for education and public display, others for fun and personal experience.
He spoke of the things he’d learned in life from books and experience. He’d read the classics and mentioned Henry David Thoreau.
This was no dummy. Getting lost can happen to anyone.
He’d been on his own since that afternoon. All night until the rain.
He had planned on picking up the trail or hearing a shot fired in the morning.
Once it rained he had begun walking the trail figuring it would go out somewhere by morning. He stumbled into the area I was and saw the firelight.
He said that he was so cold when he got into my camp he didn’t know it. That he believes he was in hypothermic shock stages. I agree. He was cold blue and couldn’t talk well at all.
Well, we dozed off for a nap.
I did anyway and finally the grey dawn appeared.
He was ready to go. He now had his bearings and would take the trail out. The storm was nearly over. Just the March wind. He couldn’t thank me enough and swore I had probably saved his life or at least saved him from being carried out and a case of pneumonia.
I fell asleep and was until the first guys..... the hot shots....
They were back from their cars where they’d spent the rest of the night.
“Get up sleepy head”
Ha ! They’ll never understand.
My friends from the little tent were soaked and had a wet camp rolled up and packed.
Ready to go. Some young guys carried their stuff out for them.
I put out my fire , which was mostly ashes now, and under jeers of sleeping late from the car campers I packed in a moment or two.
A nice hike out and off to the town for hot coffee for everyone
But me. I can’t stand the stuff.
Still had some water left.
Made some good friends that trip and I think lost a few.
👍🏻. So that’s a true story of my own experience and hopefully you enjoyed it. Thanks
When I was 12, I went as a highlander to a Halloween party. I made a bonnet out of a little beret I found, and a plaid out of a 3 yard sheet of thin flannel, with a dress shirt.
Even made a targe out of a plywood round piece, fo leather, and a bunch of brass pins.
When you said oh sun give me your warmth... reminded me of why long ancestors worship the sun so much.
This was more Outdoors than 99% of the Outdoor channels. Respect, this was impressive.
I've just realised why I like this video so much. Too many "outdoor specialists" post overnighters, where you could get away with just lying down on some leaves and then going home in the morning. This is true survival - no, true outdoors living. Making and striking camp, carrying the basics and foraging the rest, these are the actual skills people would need if things went pear-shaped. Thanks for this.
Unfortunately his foragings are way sparser than they used to be according to history. He's making it alright, but if he had say a dozen people traveling in a group, most of them would be going hungry. This used to be completely feasible.
Now, I love this channel too. Don't get me wrong, it's so important to gain firsthand practical knowledge. But this both ain't possible in most places, and really isn't applicable in a pear-shaped scenario. It's a good video, but if you're applying this knowledge to some cataclysm, take it with a grain of salt.
If things go pear shaped as you say, these already damaged ecosystems would collapse under the weight of the new human predators who would eat anything that moves, and even old carrion. Some folks would even start eating each-other if they're able to. Hunting an empty forest might be a bad idea when someone else considers you prey.
These skills would be very useful a year or two after a cataclysm. But only once the population stops plummeting, will nature have the ability to feed us again.
Until then, figure out how to mixed-crop farm so you don't need fertilizers. Outside of a massive, expensive, slowly deteriorating food stockpile, farming is really the only thing that will keep you fed from a 'prepper' point of view
@Derek Anon: I disagree, that deer in the video has enough meat to feed 30 people for a week. Even people in history had to barter and trade for what they needed. It’s impossible for one person, or 100 people to get everything they need from their immediate surroundings. But with more people in a group, they can spread out further and get more of what they need, either by foraging, manufacturing, building, or by contacting other groups and trading. So in some ways it’s easier with more people to survive off the land. Also on larger groups there will be people dedicated to medicine and health, increasing efficiency and productivity.
A lone traveller can survive well, as long as they don’t fall foul of some mishap or other and then they’re completely screwed. In a group there’s better resilience to mishaps and dangers and avoidance of them.
I rest my case.
@@Grimpy970 Stupidity will kill off more people than hunger in a SHTF scenario.. I'm sure after all the dumba$$e$ kill themselves off after civilization falls there will be plenty of food
@No Thanks Meat doesn't actually rot as fast as you think. There are long traditions of skinning a carcass and then hanging it under shelter for months (being allowed to dry like that keeps bacteria from taking hold and causing rot). What makes meat rot so fast in the modern age is the number of hands handling it, the repeated freezing/thawing that accompanies professional processing, and even the quality of the meat. Now, if a couple of months isn't long enough or weather/camp conditions don't permit hanging, you can always salt, smoke, or jerk the meat. And additionally, it takes less collective energy when hunting as a group. You are right that excessive meat is dangerous, which is why it's important to include the gatherer part of "hunter-gatherer." We saw a little of that going on here.
I'm with you in saying that this isn't possible everywhere and many areas would collapse if forced to suddenly support a huge population ... I also think it would take more than a year or two to undo the damage that would happen, or has already happened. But I believe there's a lot of value in people gaining this kind of experience and sharing it. In our modern world we can lose perspective on what really matters. We get bogged down with all the stuff people shove down our throats. And if push comes to shove, I believe humanity will break down into tribes again, gathering around people with this kind of knowledge.
Well said
What impressed me most about this journey is how much time and effort went into keeping it historical.
From the way the food was packaged to the bag made of cured sheepskin: It is a real treat to watch.
That is the [point, to understand how our ancestors did things and how they were connected to the land and each other.... to actually feel the NEED for the land and each person, something that is missing or lost in translation in our modern tech world.
Ya, I was wondering more about that sheep skin cured in some kind of swamp hole of dragnet mud water?
Well done.
When i was young i once walked 600 miles in 3 months. Modern boots, living in a surplus military pancho. I spent much of a northern winter in a wikiup, ate moose, canned fiddle heads, beans, etc.. I'm old and not well now. I longed to be with you and greatly admired your strength and resilience.
Well done
Really well done and interesting, not to mention beautifully made, lovely bit of film-making.
Are you allowed to travel by horse in the highlands?
@@PaletoB no idea, probably in some of it. would be interesting to look into.
Thanks mate! I'm a big fan of your channel too! Travel by pony was done in the Highlands if you could afford one. that would be a fun trip to d! :)
@@FandabiDozi now that's a great idea to try to do one day! I feel a collab happening in the future when the plague has diminished.
@@ModernKnight,
Glad to see you're warming up to that pilgrimage idea, of different variations.
"Fandabidozi No5, smell like your ancestors".....I nearly fell over laughing. FANTASTIC video, showing the sometimes harsh reality of life in the highlands. Next time go a wee bit north close to Beauly/Cannich.....the scenery is stunning, as is the shinty.
It's so fun to see a nerdy Scottish guy being so happy about the sunshine and his bread
... and his bud Finn...
I live in a valley in the North of Scotland. Today I saw my first bit of sun in nearly a week and almost cried 🙂 haha
@@CameronSmith-fh2rb
I live north of the Arctic Circle and one year I took a plane south on the winter solstice to see family, and got to see the sunrise while were still technically too far north to see the sun but could see it anyway because of the altitude. It was *beautiful,* in that peculiar “I’m seeing something that should be impossible” kind of way.
"Im so Highlander I use my sword as a pillow" should be a t-shirt.
I second the motion. I would wear it with a kilt
Sign me up for one.
I appreciate that he's doing these videos on the Highlands. I wonder if there is a movement to reforest the highlands? Why are just 400 or so people own all of the land? Does not seem right.
@@WhiteDragon689 When I was over there, there was quite a movement for it. Several people told me that the red deer were preventing reforestation because there are so many of them and they are so hungry for baby trees. There was something of a movement at the time to reintroduce wolves so they could control the red deer so the trees could grow back. I suggested to one gent that it might be simpler to let people hunt them, and he looked at me like I was from another planet, and said the landowners wouldn't allow it.
This was all about 20 years ago, and I suspect a lot has changed since then. But still, the UK and Wyoming really are different worlds. I don't know what would work over there.
@@whistlingbadger I looked at some videos on the subject and part of it have been reforested successfully. I suppose they are trying to figure out the best way to do it. Having 400 people owning all the land does not seem right to me though and needs to be corrected by the government.
This isn't merely recreating history, it's living life the way it was meant to be lived. Encouraging people to get out there and meet the world is one of the most important things that can be done right now, good job man.
For sure. I love living in urbanised areas but almost everybody there could do with a bit of humility through exposing themselves to nature like this.
@Dylyn Floyd there's no need to be worried about wasps and bees generally (unless you are allergic to stings). Out in the open air they are not a problem usually, being too busy trying to get a feed and a mate! Wasp nests under the eaves of a home are more of an issue (most folk like to have nests removed). Removing a nest would annoy them! best left to a professional. Otherwise, nature is there for us to enjoy - not be constantly fearful of. Sure, you have to watch where you sit when the grasses are in flower - if someone sat on me i would be inclined to bite them too!
Grand idea but with todays population, it'd all be trampled into oblivion and polluted beyond words in a heartbeat. The huge western US parks are having that very issue: soo many people stampeding all over the trails--and off of them--creating massive erosion issues. Then there's the issue of stupid humans and the idiocy they commit by expecting Nature to be and respond like their backyards. The only way the land will remain beautiful is if humans never touch it--and you know that will never happen.
Imagine what the wasps and bees think about you. At least bees make honey and are 100% harmless unless you really p*** them off. Wasps are a bit of a pain, but there’s many ways to overcome them. Use your wits and a bit of imagination and treat them with respect and they don’t tend to bother you, unless of course there’s some tasty food involved, then they can be extremely annoying. But nothing that a good clap of your hands and a stamp of your boot won’t solve.
Huge respect for you that you stayed the course, and that you kept incredibly authentic. This especially includes not giving into the temptation of seeking shelter in the tent and other modern aids.
Huge respect for our brilliant ancestors too.
Ar lámh dheis Dé go raibh a h-anamnacha.
Think I’ve found one of my new favourite RUclipsrs. Ancient heritage ✅ outdoors ✅ one of the best accents in the world ✅ one of the most beautiful countries ✅
How do hikers and tourists react when they bump into an ancient highlander on there walk? Been thinking that since I started watching your videos, must lead to some hilarious interactions.
Most people just look a bit shocked and say hi and keep walking. I had a couple people stop and talk to me and ask questions. :)
@@FandabiDozi how visibly did you carry the broadsword? :-)
@@bjornopitz6561 "did you just call it a skirt?"
@@bjornopitz6561 If the police arrest him they have to document everything he's wearing and carrying. They'll just look, say to themselves "Nope, didn't see that." and head the other way. They don't want all that paperwork and it probably would be come under the "carrying for work" exception.
He obviously says hi Tom from fandabidozi here
We need an Irish version of this channel. The UK has so much to offer.
That was a great film. Sometimes, seeing you walking across the hills it was like seeing a living ghost. I thought dressed like that you fitted so perfectly into the landscape. Unlike folks dressed in modern gore tex gear, you looked like you belonged - even to the getting wet and cold! Wonderful stuff.
It caught me off-guard the little message clarifying that the sword wasn't real. It so surreal that something so benign as a sword is treated as an unacceptable thing to carry with you.
Nothing is benign in the hands of some of the teenagers in this land. :(
been homeless quite a few times in my life an have had to use my wits to survive i have slept rough comfortably in snow!my folks are scots an i used to be schooled there i had one book on pictish magic,which starts with a survival initiation using the same tools you do,this is my favourite new channel,i luckily live in the mountains of north wales now but even living in the smoke people forget how close they are to a deep forest,as a practitioner of jo do ans sword its like you made this site just for me,sir you are a warrior poet an a better man than i,have you made a book on scottish bushcraft yet please please send me one!!!!
Achingly beautiful, this.. we longed to be with him on this journey..
We are Scottish and live in Michigan.. this made us so homesick.. although we have never been to our ancestral homeland..
We loved this video.. so beautifully filmed.. best part was when Tom thanked the sun for warmth..
Worst part was feeling his pain as he walked on those battered shoes..
Thank you for this beautiful video..
Slan mo charaid…
William and Jen
💜💙🌻🌹
This is wonderful. Thank you so much, from San Diego, California, USA.
It seems to me that these days we are losing touch with our roots. And a tree with no roots cannot live. These things that you're doing, we need them desperately. I cannot even explain how important this is, and seeing this film you made, and your determination to know your ancestors genuinely brings a tear to my eye.
Thank you to all everyone who collaborated to make this film possible! Find MUSIC CREDITS and their links in video description. As well as links to Fin's Channel and Peter the Tanner who helped me with my backpack and food-pouches :) Enjoy
Please include subtitles for translation!!!
Beautiful land , I hope to visit some day . Reminds me of the sub alpine zones here in the north east USA
Thanks
amazing trip. makes me wish I had taken that long trek I always felt the need for when I was younger. LOL, being 50 now, the arthritis and the bad knees would surely make a 4 day trek take 2 weeks probably.
Hey just wondering where did you get your tam o shanter? Also great vid you should do another like it
BRO, HOW IS SCOTLAND SO BEAUTIFUL!!!
You are definitely made of stern stuff Tom , I hope that whisky and venison was a real treat. Great video mate and thanks for sharing your adventures :-).
I’m most impressed that you did it in those shoes. I believe it’s actually much better for us to wear shoes with no support and little padding, but it takes time to get used to, and those roads would be tough even for people back then. Also people who are outside a lot get much more used to cold and bad weather, and back then they were tough. So this would have been a piece of cake for them, but for modern people? Anyway, good job pulling it off.
High on my bucket is a trip to the Isle of Skye. It is where my ancestors emigrated from in 1852 during the potato famine. They made the 103 day voyage to Australia on a ship called Ontario which was making its maiden voyage. Upon arrival they went to a place called Grafton, New South Wales where they farmed and lived in a hut with a dirt floor and bark walls - they were tough and resilient - I have found their headstones and all but one of them lived into their 80s. I would love to see the place they left from to get a greater appreciation of their lives and who they were.
Great family story. Thanks for sharing!
That looks like something I would enjoy doing, but even if Hell froze over I still wouldn't leave my boots behind!!!
I'd never heard cianalas before. We have a similar word in welsh: hiraeth. I feel it when I think of my youth, my school friends or hear old Welsh songs. Thanks for the great video.
The music, editing, humor, and whole journey to relive a bygone era is truly amazing! Hats off to you!
Watching this and seeing the portion with the forest I can now see why my ancestors settled in the Appalachian mountains after immigrating to the New World in the late 1600's and early 1700's. Absolutely great video, keep up the good work!
I was just about to say the very same thing, I'm in Se Ky and the landscape is so similiar to the highlands.
Agreed!
I’m from Appalachia aswell except most of my ancestors were native Irishmen. My surname is Doherty. They came over during the 1700s possibly to escape the penal laws
@@vestty5802 hehehehehe you said penal
@@billwilliamson9842 lmao
I can see a king telling the highland people “Look I’m building roads for my solders to come in and put down any uprisings, so be glad for it” while the people just wanted to be left to themselves. Also the roads would put holes in their only affordable shoes forcing people to switch to expensive boots.
"Smells like history."
Awesome video, my friend, great work. Really impressive.
I think the old folk would be proud of you. 😊
I've got no idea how this is in my recommended, don't watch the genre and haven't watched something like this recently either. That said, ty RUclips for recommending it to me. I'll give it a watch now!
Tom and his videos are quite amazing.
if the kilt was part of my ancestral culture i would never wear anything else it's SUCH a beautiful piece of history i'm very happy it has remained into the modern era :D
Who cares if it's part of your culture everyone's allowed to wear it. Cultural appropriation is BS anyway.
Did I just see you make a sole for your shoe at 28:09 ? Legit cool af
It’s the culture of Scotland and more of the truth! I’m not an American Scott’s! Swedish and German, just a melting pot of Love! with roots for my Ancestors there! I’m born in California during the Vietnam war in 71., my understanding of the World as a kid! California Catholics! 🙏❤️🦦😇, we can become a native unless we ensure the cultural values! I’m respectful of yours! 👊
I can't even imagine doing a multi day expedition in those shoes. I can't even imagine doing a 1 hour walk! One of the things I have noticed when I've gone on on big multi days walks is how little I eat. Small breakfast and an evening meal is all you really need to walk 15 miles a day.
when i saw how many views this has i was a little outraged. this is amazing and deserves so much more exposure
Well done Tom, your hardy! To my shame as a Mackenzie of Gairloch, I have never done that walk. I hope Fin is in better health. I look forward to more of your videos as they are fantastic 💕
I’m from Clan Douglas. My ancestor is Sir James Douglas ‘the Black’. America is the same, no where man hasn’t touched. Scotland is beautiful. Thank you for this.
That’s a lowland clan
When I was studying zoology at Dundee Uni about 15 years ago, we did a transect of Caledonian forests in Scotland. Very few and far between and usually now quite small in size. It's sad to think that this type of forest blanketed a great deal of Scotland before it was cut down for timber and grazing land.
Aye, a shame for sure, luckily it hasn’t taken away the beauty of her tho eh? Her land is still as beautiful as ever
Good thing is nothing is permanent and one day those forests might return!
It is so sad, but big respects to the people who are doing their utmost to make the highlands what they once were.
@@spencersanderson1894 How far do you want to take the "re-wilding"? There's a rich landowner in the North (an incomer, of course) who wants to reintroduce wolves. His neighbours aren't so keen. Nor anyone who has sheep, I imagine.
@@faithlesshound5621 as far as it needs to go to help restore broken ecosystems, humans and wolves can co-exist, it will take a bit of give and take on both sides but it can be done. Schemes can be put in place for a loss of livestock, plus there is an over abundance of deer in the uk, so much so man have to intervene and cull them, it would be great if we had an apex predator that did that for us. I think people are too scared of wolves and that comes down to a lot of Hollywood movies giving wolves a bad perception, they would much rather stay away from humans if possible. But no need to worry because I doubt we will see wolves in the UK in our lifetime. Also rewilding is a great tool for keeping people on the land, remember we still have to farm and rewilding is also about farming with nature in mind, there’s lots of opportunities that come with rewilding certain areas and farms being more friendly to nature, it’s had a great impact on rural communities around Europe and other places. By bringing in opportunities of different types of work. Also remember we don’t want to rewild every single part of the uk, just some parts that need it.
Being someone who also teaches on ancient Scottish clothing and weaponry I applaud you in having done your research exceedingly well and in presenting it in a down to earth fashion, expelling the many and various myths of our history along the way. It's passion, like yours, that should be taught in our schools, but alas as our curriculum is governed by Westminster I fear our children will never learn of the knowledge that we own.
I also own many of the items that you have in your kit, walking any great distance in a pair of leather brogans isn't for the faint hearted, let alone sleeping in the heather in a breacan an fhéilidh. Bless you on your journey and peace be with you. :-)
Nice outfit mate. I appreciate and understand Scottish culture in a much more profound way now, thanks to you and your talented filmmaker. Absolutely brilliant!
I would NOT be down for camping at The Lake of The Shivering, no matter the time of the year, haha. What an amazing experience, though.
Love this, so wonderful!
My Canadian heart almost leapt out of my chest when I saw you lay down for your second night with your bag of food next to your head. "The bears!" I think. "Food items must be kept far from camp....so as not....to attract.....bears......"
So, something to keep in mind in case you feel like trying this in North America lol.
Wild bears have not been found in Britain for a thousand years or more.
@@faithlesshound5621 yes, I know. But it is second nature to Canadians to be super bear conscious....because bears
While there are bears in continental Europe, we don't have to worry about black bears (the bear species responsible for the most attacks in North America) or grizzly bears (which are more aggressive than other brown bears, perhaps because their range overlaps with that of the North-American black bear).
Please I need a full version
Excellent film!
As a retired reactor: Respect to you for not using anything "modern" - apart from the necessary GoPro.
your ending speech was perfect to be honest, the past was rough - people lived to a ripe old age of 30, we shouldn't return to that era, but we should also be aware of how they survived and adapt that to our own lives and day to day.
The life expectancy at birth was _really_ skewed by high infant and child mortality. If you reached 20 you had a _much_ greater chance of living to old age. The other two factors driving down the life expectancy were violent death (arguments tended to escalate to fights a lot faster than today, and punishments tended to be either financial or physical, rather than imprisonment) and death related to pregnancy and childbirth.
Fandabi Dozi, Sir, You and your associated partners in this video/film project have done yourselves proud. In my opinion the production quality and the subject matter none other than excellent. Thank you very much for all of the work and the time spent in its creation.
I am from North America. Many here in N. America call what you did “Trecking”. I am also interested in experimental archaeology (E A) . I also dabble in the 18th century subject, but with a N. American twist. I also poke about with early 19th century (N. American) and prehistory experiments.
Your cheerful and friendly voice means that you don't sound that hard but you're a diamond in many ways.
Lovely stuff. I'm glad the music was a perfect accompaniment to help bolster the feeling of this epic journey and tale. Sláinte!
Thanks for sharing it man! Went perfect with the mystical moorland! :D
What is the music?
@@myrmidonesantipodes6982 There's a couple of tracks here used in the Background from my first album "Bard and Skald".
Mate, I'm an Aussie who spent my youth camping rough in the semi desert bush around Broken Hill. It's true, it is a very unforgiving and harsh place,... But I'm in awe of you mate!!
Your replica kit, and your Knowledge on their construction and use is amazing. You are a wealth of information! Last but not least, you're made of bloody tuff stuff,... I'm extremely impressed.
This just makes me wanna skip the waiting period between now and my next camping trip. This was really well made.
Yup same here
Wow what an adventure, a cracking vid it was a pleasure to share in the journey
I’ve been super excited to watch this, i only found you a couple of days ago but im super interested in this
Welcome to the channel! Hope you enjoy it! :D
Simply marvellous. I love the pacing, the interplay of music and scenery, the introspection. The best thing you've done yet. You should be very pleased with this. 💚
Once you have spent a long, cold, sleepless night in the wild; you start to understand why the ancients worshiped the sun.
Shout out to all the soldiers, foresters, shepherds, and other folks of the wilderness that share this truth.
One night I was outside and I have never been so grateful when the sun came
Sun worship is satanic don't do it! JESUS IS THE ONE TRUE GOD!
In the Arctic Circle we still celebrate the return of the Sun every year. It might not be a huge celebration these days (particularly because most places don’t get time off to do so), but it’s still an important part of our lives. Ask anyone up here when the Sun returns where they live, and they probably know the date (17th of January in my village), and though the only place where the children actually get the rest of the day off is Vardø, the occasion is generally marked in some way, taking time out of the usual schedule to, for example, hike to the top of a hill to be able to see the Sun a little bit earlier.
When I did a hike from Comrie to Kingussie (with modern gear and sleeping in a tent) I found a wee swig of whiskey really warmed the bones on those rainy days - and I'm more an ale than spirits person. Also I had the best spring water ever , filtered through that soil, running down the hill, crystal clear - was amazing. Another thing I learnt was the terrain is not to be underestimated. Lots on hills.
Fantastic, thanks. You have Cianalas... in Wales we call it Hiraeth. Kindred peoples
For me this was probably the BEST short film on showing our profound personal connection with the landscape of our ancestors, THANK YOU
This was absolutely GLORIOUS! I find it hard to articulate how this video effected me, wistful and longing and peaceful all rolled into one
I haven’t even watched this yet and I already know it should have 10 times the views.
Love your channel's direction and attitude. Someone has to keep it going, the history. We're all becoming bland "grey" countries with no identity. Scotland's a fantastic place with great, honest people. Keep the history alive!
Wonderful. Entranced
27:07
Was that „Will ye go, Lassie, go“? I could swear I know that melody
Belvie it was
Sounded like it to me.
It sure was!
I just finished watching this Amazing journey . Simply Awesome my friend .the Best thing I've seen with out a doubt .keep going strong and keep being true to who you are. Great job .🤠
Thank you sir ! This is definitely 35 minutes of my life that were educational, enjoyable, and a representation of the toughness needed just to survive in that time period. Your down to earth manner and your humbleness was truly refreshing. I'm American with a long lineage from Ireland. I was able to visit there for 15 days in 2013. I was truly both impressed and proud as much as I could have been, thinking about how much we simply take for granted in this day and age. If I may use a popular American phrase, I consider you a true bad ass for undertaking this journey. I'm proud to have subscribed to your channel, and look forward to the next notification. In all seriousness my friend, Thank You !
I am grateful to have been able to travel along virtually with you through ancestral Highlands . Looking forward to discovering more from our past!
Not only have you endured and documented this magnificent feat, you also wrote and recorded a song to go with it. Unreal.
Interesting that the Scottish Highlands at one time was a forest. The inhabitants and Roman occupation all eventually cut all the trees down for forts, houses, carts, farmland, and firewood. Now the deer help keep any new tree growth from happening. Would be nice if the UK enacted a reforestation of the Scottish Highlands. I am sure the people and the peoples children and grandchildren would find this effort to be GOOD!
There are just asmany trees in scotlandas there was at the time of Wallace
@@michellepeoplelikeyoumurde8373 Not sure where you received your information from but there are much less trees in Scotland and less and less each day. Contact your representatives and get the word out to all your friends to recover the woodlands and habitats of Scotland as they once were.
The Scottish Highlands were deforested and the people who lived there displaced in the 18th and 19th century Highland Clearance.
Read ‘Reforesting Scotland’ magazine.
The Scottish Highlands are absolutely beautiful. Just added a visit to them to the old bucket list! Thank you for making this wonderful video
It clicked in about 20 mins you're talking about my ancestors, too (I'm American, but we came over from Falkirk between 1895-1905). That's pretty awesome, man. Fantastic work.
This is absolutely brilliant, every bit of it -- preparation, score, videography, narration... all of it. It's clear this was a labor of love. Thank you for sharing your journey.
Heart felt thank you. As a Duncan I eagerly took it all in. You are a tough Scott, and your love for your ancestry came through! Nice fix for your footwear, lovely land. Much appreciation from These United States.
Nothing can stop your oatcake fueled power haha! Utterly beautiful journey, mate, you're a big hero to me, and inspire like little else! Keep doing what you do!
I have now seen why people didn’t live to ripe old ages back in the day . My brother and I used to go feral during the school summer holidays and it was liberating . I have never lost that thirst for adventure . Thanks for sharing your adventure too
Thanks for
1.Using traditional music instead of some piano.
2.Not using too much music at all, and allowing us to hear they sounds as you heard them.
I'm a true son of the Sonoran desert.arizona USA. I've taken many Solo treks into the wilds using minimal gear however modern. Greatly enjoyed this video and saw many similarly relatable aspects.
Total props man!🤠
I don't have a connection to Scotland myself, but I loved this just the same. I've camped alone in the forest before, far away from anybody else, and it's hard to describe how it feels or what exactly it is that I'm craving when I want to do so again. You've done a wonderful job describing these things. It's also valuable to learn survival skills from those who had to use these things for everyday life; not just the gear, but also how to think, and what to do.
What a privilege to go with you on your journey. Beautiful land.
Absolutely incredible! As an American with an Irish mother and Scottish family (My Unca Sandy), this was amazing. Thank you for all the hard work in making this.
Superb. Thank you!
Often ppl used hay or a "footcloth" of fabric that you fold in a certain way to ease the stress on their feet. Moss is actually pretty hard so better to use grass. Very much enjoyed the video!
Here is an example by two countrymen of mine of how to use the footcloth: ruclips.net/video/pPjhVuAQ0os/видео.html&ab_channel=tetontodd1
Apparently the Romans favoured a certain plant (which I can't now remember the name of) and I think they actually introduced it to Britain for this purpose, for soldiers to put in their sandals to ease their discomfort. But when watching him wear out those deerskin shoes on the modern track, I was thinking that there simply wouldn't have been such a tough and abrasive surface to walk on hundreds of years ago, and that these historical forms of footwear aren't suited for modern surfaces. That's just the opinion of a layman though, I haven't worn any sort of traditional footwear before.
It occurred to me he should pad his shoes as soon as he stepped onto the road. Romans were the road builders so they must have had some method not just to save the wearers' feet but the soles of the shoes themselves. With less friction from a rigid foot, the leather sole would incur less abrasion in certain spots and sort of flex and stretch over the gravel.
@@BijoudeBexar The Romans used hobnails on the soles of their sandals.
Check how the 'espadrille' is made...this could be used as a sole IN your shoe.At least its good, time wise...
I am a McKenzie living in North America for many, many generations on my fathers side and a few on my Moms. I live in Canada now and was born here as were my parents and their parents. There is a similarity between our Countries in many ways. The climate in BC, at least in the southern coastal region where I live has a similar climate. There are areas in BC that have a similar terrain. We also have desert and extreme cold. I feel a kinship though with Scotland and have an affection for it though Canada is my home. I have visited Scotland only once sadly. I loved it. I enjoy very much watching this series and will continue. Thank you. ❤
How much do I love this, Tom... thank you for taking your “young” grandmother along... this feels so much like home. Much love, lad. Stay safe...❤️❤️🙏🙏 You are a treasure... thank you
Also, when I joined the US Army infantry, I found right away that all the training I had put myself through all my childhood to become a warrior someday TOTALLY WORKED.
Tracking, sneaking, stalking, mind-set, survival skills, bushcraft, and especially the shooting and martial arts I practiced every day of my young life.
Archery may have been THE MOST important skill I had, which thoroughly and INSTANTLY translated into firearms proficiency, because I already had a long and intimate relationship with trajectory and windage. Training myself as a child, riding my bicycle like a horse with no hands, shooting my bow at targets while moving, converted directly into shooting from a vehicle*. And I would say, the MOST important thing about being an archer, is that if you run out of bullets, you can always make a bow and some arrows and stay in the fight to survive or escape.
When I went to combatives school, every judo move I ever practiced from a book I read in the library, or wing chun, or karate, etc, etc, WORKED.
The training and conditioning I put myself through all my childhood completely worked. But really, it only makes sense doesn't it? "Practice makes perfect".
In other words, from my infantry background, everything I see you doing is real and still works today in the field and modern battlefield.
Keep up the good work! And keep the fire inside you, because so many people NEED what you are telling them!
God Bless!!
Lets go, been hyped for this since it appeared .
Me too. been waiting all week. Great end to my week working in a factory. Oh to get away from it all.
Good to hear about the reforestation efforts. Being a NE US person--used to large green forested mountains--the moors and breasides look just so stark. Keep on planting!
Thank you Tom, this is inspirational. I haven't been to Scotland since I was a child, feeling a bit homesick now.
Ceanalas...
honestly just trying to imagine how these men of old would have walked and talked is heartwarming in a sense. this video is just making me feel the history and the legacy of our ancestors. Fuckin beautiful mate
Down to the Gehenna or up to the throne
He travels the fastest who travels alone.
Rudyard Kipling
Nice bro. Put that in my vocabulary
Your guy Fabio is a good friend of mine. Was so happy when he told me he was working with you.
Soo glad this has been put up, what a fantastic idea for a video the whole channel is great but this topic is especially interesting 😃
👍👍👍👍👍 Loved it. Thanks for doing this and sharing it.
Utterly brilliant. Informative, entertaining and thought-provoking. Midge repellents, for example. I tried one using bog myrtle and the midges just had a good laugh but it seemed to repel ticks. Also, costs. Given how much time you must have put into preparing your gear, taking the labour into account, is the best modern equipment actually cheaper?
Make it out of spruce sap next time
@@Wildwestwrangler
Spruces don't have sap, they have sticky resin.
As a descendant of lowland Scots (clan Armstrong) I would absolutely love to be able to experience a small measure of what was day to day survival for my ancestors! Mad respect for what you do and document! Cheers from Tucson Arizona USA!
Incredible! I’m working toward this, except hopefully no fireless, rain-soaked nights. Much respect there.