Wow, found this today going through a dark moment in my life. The South Downs and Southern England's countryside in general is somehow spiritual to me, deep in my soul. Nothing cheers me like these fair green lands. Tolkien based The Shire, and Hobbiton, on the villages and rolling hills of Hampshire, Surrey and Oxfordshire, apparently. I can believe it. Your choice of music here is exquisite sir. This nearly made me cry. I hope you are well. Half my family hail from the North...Burnley. Your accent reminds me of them, haha. Superb video. Thank you fellow wayfarer of these fine lands!
The Shires absolutely inspired Tolkien and I'm sure his great adventure was conceived during the great war, perceiving the darkness spreading over the world. A wonderful story that captured my imagination as a boy. These days I live here, amongst these downs and like you I'm filled with spirit as I walk and explore England's finest landscape. This Is literally on my doorstep and at the time was a bit of a left field as the channel was about mountains coastal paths and other far flung areas, as I just love the adventure of exploring a new area but that all came to an end early in 2020. Sadly we have to deal with the cards that are played, so over the last couple of years decided to stay closer to home and if I'm honest I'd kind of taken this area for granted. A different kind of adventure, but was soon inspired by the history that is everywhere. The ancient trails all linked together on the old ridge roads that are way older than the Roman period. We live in a magical land, full of secrets that I really want to understand moving forward. Thank you for watching my friend, really appreciate you being here and sorry to here you are going through a dark period. Take care.
@@JimHolden Agreed, it is a truly magical land. I grew up in Fareham, and would ride my bike North a bit and be in Boarhunt and 100 acres wood area. Living in Portsmouth now, but hoping to move back into the nearby green lands. It's everything to me, these downs! Thanks again mate, best wishes, and if I ever see you out on the trails I'll be sure to say hello. Thanks again for the lovely vids.
That actually made me cry. I dont know if it was the music, or the darling birds singing their hearts out , or the thoughts of those young troops , but it got to me. That beautiful place is on my bucket list I hope to cycle the trail. Thank you so much Jim , my only complaint is I could have watched more. Just lovely
Evening Amanda, sorry it made you cry, to be honest iv'e shed a few tears over the last few weeks and it's no wonder with whats going on out there. But to be honest i think that's the whole point to this, sharing these walks, and experiences. It's just about connecting on an emotional level. The bird song was so loud and beautiful though, but it cracked me up. It seemed like every time i spoke to the camera they would all have a go, great to record but it felt a bit like i was being shouted at. It's been quiet up there for weeks now so maybe they had forgot about us all...stuck in doors. Fantastic though, this whole walk was and i'd been doing this route for weeks, kinda knew i was going to get the camera out, but wanted the wild flowers and perfect weather and that's what i got. You would love to cycle this trail Amanda, it links up the villages round there all within a couple of miles of each other. Thanks as always for watching and take care.
@@JimHolden You made me giggle yesterday talking about those beautiful birds being so loud when you were talking... I thought they sounded so loud because of your microphone...... I've read a few articles recently about how much the wildlife is thriving at the moment so clearly mother earth is loving lockdown......I watched this video again this morning and it was almost like meditation watching it. I also watched the previous video again ( self isolation- social distancing before the storm ) and I can honestly say these are two of my favourite films. Some of the images are breathtaking to me. Thank you for sharing your love and affection that you have for nature . It really comes across that the only reason you do this is because you love it so much. I personally think you are one of the best on RUclips and my top choice every time,, you have filled me with such emotions watching your videos. I can't wait untill im well enough to get out .....My first trip is definitely going to be Meon Valley trail . Take care Jim can't wait for the next one x
Thank you Amanda, that means such a lot to me. This YT thing is a funny one really...took me a while to fully understand what i was actually doing here. I started out with bushcraft in the woods, then bushcraft on the trail, but the bushcraft community is massive and new kids on the block get stick or completely ignored so moved on and just stuck with the trail. The thing is you don't have to be an expert in loving the great outdoors, it's just there and doesn't need us in any way, other than to simply enjoy it's wonderful beauty. My addiction is the connection, it sounds simple but it's not always easy, only coming when the mind is right or rather when the mind is absent, just absorbing an energy, that lasts. It's only then i feel truly part of it and that's what i want to convey, hoping that some like minded souls out there get it. You clearly do Amanda as with others on here. So for me that is incredibly rewarding and allows me to continue to share.
@@JimHolden Ive seen your change and love where your at now. I definitely get it and definitely feel it. You are unique on RUclips because your not trying to sell yourself just trying to share something awesome.. We can see you taking a breath and feeling alive , it comes across on your vids. It's very special 😊
Simply breath taking Jim. The haunting music in the background suits the scenery so well.. It sort of says we are just fleeting souls that past by. Our presence is just a spec on the timeline. We come and go but the ground and hills carry on the same as ever!. 👍
Nice to see your local area here Jim, there’s so many gorgeous spots in the U.K and this is one of them. Lovely rivers, hillsides and a fort. What more could you ask for. Thanks mate, look after yourself and see you on the next one. Cheers, Ant 👍
That's it Ant, the perfect circular and i knew i was going to film it as soon as the bluebells came out. Love it down there mate and i appreciate it more now as well. Take care.
Thank you Colin, i had to get the camera out for this walk mate. I'd been walking this route since day one of the lock down, and over the weeks watched spring appear, utterly stunning so had to capture it. I thought maybe i'd get a bit of stick but as always from you guys, all positive so may do another if this carries on much longer. Thanks again mate and take care.
Yes it's a bit bonkers out there for sure and i was just going to do a simple meditation style vid, "don't mention the C word" kinda thing, but whats going on is way too big not mention it. But it's meant to relax to, so thank you for watching and take care.
Yes i get it Ste, hard to put into words just how we need this, the woodland..open space, nature. This year the impact is instant, just a short walk through the trees listening to bird song echoing and all the worry just drops away. I was sat by the river watching the trout swim by and forgot all about whats going on out there, for me that's the magic that can happen once re connected. Thanks for watching Ste and take care.
You are so fit and knowledgeable and such and best "wanders editor" with atmosphere in it! Pleasure to watch another movie You're simply the best Jim!!!! :)
inform us,educate us and enjoy yourself-a great combination ,Jim. I love your stuff.I'm just a simple northerner,who loves anything green that grows out of the ground.Yearning to spend some of the summer in s.w.england and n.w. scotland
Thanks for taking the time yet again Jim to cheer us all up, unfortunately I’m a key worker so can only walk the dog a the minute, but oh my lord am I missing my hill walking . Thanks again for another delightful video Jim atb 👍🇬🇧👍🇬🇧👍
Being a key worker Ed, it's you that gets the thanks and lots of them. I'm thankful i get a chance to thank you personally. All i'm doing here is fun, joy... with lots of rest in between heading back down these beautiful lanes for more. No risk at all, ok i may trip up and bang my big daft head every now and then. Unlike you guys who have to deal with something unknown with all the documented consequences. I'm just listening to the VE remembrance on the radio and it's no wonder they are comparing whats happening, with the war time spirit, it's because we are all together like back then, rooting for you. The mountains and hills, not a bad distraction, thinking of them days and dreaming of more to come, sooner rather than later mate. But they aren't going anywhere and nature is healing it's self in our absence. So i'm made up you enjoyed the vid and i'll wish you and all key workers well. Take care Ed.
Jim you've always got a beautiful blend of wisdom and actual useful information for us. This was a fabulous walk mate proving that virtue lay in our back yard for sure. No need to swan off to exotic locations all the time nature is right here and now. Loved the stories about the soldiers. Wow what a mission. They must have listened to the same natural chorus as you. Progress was made then and I agree progress is probably being made now. Good going - wonderful stuff. All the best as always. Mark
This whole area was used to prepare for D Day, from Sussex to Dorset crammed with troops and supplies. My brothers lad found a belt of bullets once, down in the New forest. Must have been forty of them all strung together. He probably still has them somewhere, never considered handing them in, but it just goes to show that sixty years later still stuff there under the gorse or heather. Time just fly's Mark but very little changes, so i'm hoping for more balance after all this is over. Iv'e just heard on the radio the stats of carbon in the atmosphere since this started and it's way down. The only good news through this, lets hope the powers that be have learned and start to put the planet first. Anyway, good to hear from you Mark and yes our back yard has the same magic as the honey spots, we just have to open our eyes. This walk i have done many times but for some reason it felt like a new trail to me. Having the camera and looking closer maybe or just this wonderful time of year. Much more likely my mind though, just felt more open, more appreciative and thankful but i was so aware of nature, thriving right in front of me and that fills me with hope. Thanks as always my friend.
@@JimHolden Wow, a belt of bullets Jim. We know what they were meant for it's just the signature of time there. That must have been a buzz to find. That's interesting about the carbon reduction - yeah I feel the change in the atmosphere and am heartened by it and like you see that halting of pace or activity, which you called an opportunity for progress. Very true - it's know wonder your heart was so much more receptive to nature. Perhaps that's happened with many because a different thought and or vibration is being broadcast. We're all connected to that - the gates have been opened. Yeah there's a great chance here. I can see why you feel hope. Well, Jim really good to see you vibed up and connecting again. Peace.
One word Jim.. Stunning ! And a few more. I have friends of my partner who live in that area and have briefly wandered some of the beautiful Meon . Seeing your excellent ( as always ) film I realise I really need to explore more ! Thank you for sharing .
Thank you Martyn, yes the current situation has forced us all to explore closer to home. My local walks were just a means to stay fit, always thinking adventure was up a mountain or along a coastal path but things have changed and i really appreciate these day walks now. Such a stunning time of year though with lots to see out there. Take care mate.
Was liking being in a spa listening to meditation music. Fantastic sights and commentary too mate. Last time you made a video of the hill it inspired me to go and visit it, even found the spot you camped. Cheers Buddy.
That's some Doorstep Jim! Absolutely wonderful, let's hope with this 'deviation from the norm' real progress of our bogged down society will appear. stay safe and see you on the other side, hopefully with that 615 mile walk eh!! all the best, Sev ;-)
Hiya Sev mate. Not sure about the big one but i'm seriously thinking of doing the SDW as soon as i can. Maybe do it in reverse and get my daughter to pick me up from Eastbourne once done. It would make sense as i just don't think we would be that welcome in other National parks like Snowdonia or the Lakes, even Cornwall is talking about staying shut actively discouraging people from heading there too soon. On this walk i spoke to a couple of lads actually walking the SDW, full packs on and not a care in the world, i asked them if they had been self isolating and they said that's why they had hit the trail, hard to argue against it but they just didn't care about the big picture and all that. For me things need to change before i pack the tent and head out, hopefully not much longer now. We can hope for real progress Sev but in truth i'm a bit sceptical as money is king in this mess of a world and the powers that be are only there because of it. But this is a real positive start to real change, i heard on the radio this morning that carbon levels have dropped massively so this is the route to slow climate change, even reverse it. We can hope. Thanks as always mate.
Many thanks for a lovely film Jim. I’ve stumbled across your vids during Lockdown and I reckon I’ve found you just at the right time. Watching and absorbing nature is a great healer and I hope quite a few of us have reconnected with our countryside in a positive way through these strange times. I’ve especially enjoyed all your films in the Lakes. Although I live and work in East Yorkshire, my heart and spiritual home is always the Lakes. Keep up the good work and stay safe.
Another smashing film Jim, thanks so very much for this - just watched it for second time now and enjoyed it even more this time. Like you i'm appreciating being blessed to live with rural walks close by that I can adapt to avoid going through farm yards etc. Hope you can post something else soon - it would be very welcome. Cheers.
Morning Sarah so pleased you enjoyed it. I'd never really appreciated this area before lock down, but i have developed a real love for it now. Looking with new eyes, i somehow felt that adventure-freedom only came on a mountain or distant coastal path but this was here all the time. Just editing my latest walk, three of my favourite hills, and yes it's all local. Thanks for watching Sarah, and take care out there.
Beautiful, Jim, spoken as a city dweller whose ambitions are temporarily constrained to the wild woods of North London and the Heath. I know those sparkling Hampshire chalk streams well. They’re like something from a fairy tale. This looks like the ultimate social distancing to me, so I hope this will be the first of the Lockdown Diaries. Stay safe my friend.
Thank you Phillipa, really nice to hear from you. Ultimate social distancing for sure and right up my street, being so unsociable but i'll respect the rules and stay close to home. I just may start that lockdown diary, as there are so many beautiful walks round here...as you know. Hope all is well with you up in the big city. Take care and thanks again.
Thank you Paul, yes got a bit fed up with sitting it out so my local walks got further and further, then spring emerged and felt i had to get the camera out. Glad i did as this was a perfect day and proper sorted me out. Really pleased you liked it, i may do another soon, depends on how long this madness continues, hopefully not too much longer. Take care mate.
The commute may be a thing of the past Jon. Just can't see how it would work with social distancing, specially in London with a hundred on a double decker and the bursting underground not to mention the train or the platform for that matter. We'll have to see what unfolds over the next few months. Working from home is safe, i have two kids doing it and neither want to go back to that. Take care Jon and thanks as always.
That was one real clear river, wish they were all like that and nice to have a national trail on your doorstep, that looked and sounded fantastic. One thing we have really missed this year is the bluebells, something we look forward too every year and although we have a woodland across the road from us - no bluebells unfortunately. I used to be a fan of the Mothers of Invention when I was a young 'un, one of the many American bands like The Doors and Jefferson Airplane I used to love back then. That was a great daily walk Jim, real peaceful and almost had it all to yourself. Take care buddy, cheers Alan
Thanks Alan, good to hear from you mate and yes proper clear the river Meon, but it's short only 21 miles long before it runs into the sea. It's source is a natural spring...couldn't get my head round it at first as that's a lot of water pouring out of a spring. But down here all the water comes from underground natural reservoirs and this is like an overflow kinda thing. Stunning though Alan, with lots of bluebells this year unlike up your way. Gone now but the Hawthorn blossom this year is bonkers, full of it. Windy today so it's like confetti in the wind. Lost all my work since this started mate so getting out here most days keeps me sane, and keeps me positive. Hope you and Mrs Metalman are keeping well Alan and like me looking forward to going further afield once this storm clears. Take care.
I did see a kingfisher Shirley, as fast as a jet but his colour catching the sunlight caught my attention. First one for decades, but it's well known for them down the Meon. Beautiful area made even better with spring in bloom, the bird song but the only down side is the busy road over the river...still, can't have it all. Thanks for watching and take care.
The weather was stunning for the first few weeks, when i did this walk it hadn't rained at all since the leaves and flowers grew, so everything was fresh and new, as close to perfect as iv'e seen it. We are the lucky ones through this Alan, being out the way. Hope all's well in beautiful Cornwall. Thanks mate and take care.
That was superb Jim. thank you for taking us to the Meon Valley. All of that great filming and editing. I used to drive friends to the Meon valley from Bognor to show them it. I've never seen it looking so resplendent as in your video though. Well done again.
Morning David, hope all is well with you despite whats going on in the world. Such a beautiful area round here, sadly you are never that far from a road, all seem busy as well. Only A roads but they are out of the way so people drive fast through them, also you have the echo being in a valley. A few weeks ago they were all so quiet but got busier over time, back to normal now. I wasn't going to use any music on this one, just a chat and bird song but that sound kept coming in to break the mood. Didn't spoil it for me though, i had a fantastic day, and i think the gentle music worked in drowning out the car noise. Take care David and thanks for watching.
Thanks Jim, it did come across as the most peaceful parts of the Meon area to me. Your videos can be really calming. I hope your doing okay in your self. With health etc. mental health is important in those valleys.
You are very welcome Jude, it was a pure joy taking the camera with me on this one. The most perfect time of year with Bluebells and Birdsong. A magical day.
That was great Jim! Love your positive attitude to all that is going on and wise words. So nice this time of year with the new growth and fresh green, new beginnings. Hidden jems close to home, thanks for taking us along a sharing with us all. Best wishes to you Jim 👍
Evening Gillian, can't say iv'e been that positive really, although by the time i got out to do this i had got my head round it. Seeing nature in all it's glory after isolating for weeks filled me with positivity and i just hope that now we can make changes, bit more balance. We should be living more in tune with our world, maybe this is our chance. Thanks as always Gill for watching.
Great video Jim. Great camera work. Old Winchester Hill is one of my most favourite chill out spots. Once I'm over Portsdown Hill and into the Hampshire countryside I'm in my element.
I guess you are over in Portsmouth then Rob. The views from the top of Portsdown hill always crack me up, one way the big old city with ships in and out, motorways and noise then you turn round and the sweetest country side ever. Such opposites almost like going back in time walking down some of the old lanes. Love it round here, may even cross paths one day mate.
@@JimHolden that's what I like about the car park next to The Churchillian. The view of the concrete jungle then turn 180 degrees it's rolling fields. When I work Saturdays I buy a Micks Monster bacon roll and tea before and drive from viewpoint to The Churchillian car park to enjoy it. The view much more serene. obviously before the lockdown. You never know, our selfie sticks may walk into each other one day.
Yes keeping safe Mike, not hard round here mate i can go for days without even seeing anyone and never come into contact, so all good. Looking forward to things changing now though....not looking forward to going back to work, kinda got used to this chill out life. Thanks Mike.
It links some beautiful villages Mark, iv's seen people walk there shopping up there so it's useful for the locals to safely access the next village. It used to run from Alton down to Fareham, about 35 miles but there are only ten miles or so left now. Lucky to live close by. Thanks for watching and take care.
There’s a word for the feeling when watching these vids but it hasn’t been discovered yet! Didn’t know you lived so close. All the best mate. 100% look forward to the next one
Calming to the point of near tranquillisation? Yes, thanks so much Jim. And a tip from one fan to another, if you've not already done so, I strongly recommend reading Zappa's autobiography: 'The Real Frank Zappa Book'.
Yes i have that book, read it when it first came out. The best by far though was Ben Watson's The Negative Dialects of Poodle Play. Not as much about Frank but his music, the old conceptual continuity. A real good read but a long one, almost an enciclopedia of his work. Story has it that when Ben got in touch for permission Frank invited him over to read sections and yes he gave permission. You may have it, if not it's highly recommended. Thanks mate and take care.
@@JimHolden Great - thanks Jim. I've not read that but will check it out for sure. Also there is 'Zappa the Hard Way' - though not such an easy read :-) My other great love at the time was Tull and I've been going back to revisit and see if my love was misplaced. I've only now come to realize just what an awesome band they were (past tense) and what a stunning guitarist Martin Barr was/is. Zappa could have well used him for a quiet guitar master. Today is the day NZ finds out if we are out of lockdown. Desperate to get out into the forest!
Inspirational, loved every second of it. I had you down as living Up North. My old Army stomping ground on the Hampshire, Wiltshire borders in Tidworth and later I lived in Andover for a a while. Looking forward to seeing more of your local area. In the meanwhile, keep safe.
First moved to Portsmouth Robert when i was 17 back in 79. It was a very different city back then with navy ships from around the world using the old dockyard. Busy place and not a good time if i'm honest. We moved down as a family, our mum is from here so she wanted to return after the divorce. A tough place to come and find work for a teenager. But it's all good and Hampshire has been my home over two thirds of my life now, but i'm glad i now live out the way and have all this close by. If this continues for much longer i'll probably get out again round here, start a lockdown diary, loads more cracking walks i'd like to share. Thanks as always Robert and take care.
Thanks Anthony, it's mad isn't it, all this on my door step and i'm chasing all over the place for adventure, who would have thought? But to be honest i'd been doing this circular to keep my legs strong, two three times a week since lockdown and knew once spring finally sprung i was going to get the camera out, beautiful part of the world that i now appreciate much more. Hope all's well with you and yours mate. Take care.
A good Trout fishing river, world renowned for it, as are most of the other south of England chalk rivers/streams. Bloody expensive though Jim, a days fishing there will cost you an arm and a leg, unlike the Test and the Itchen etc etc, there’s no free stretches on that one, ( I know ). Thanks again old son and look after yourself regards this bloody awful horrible virus, Jimmie, James in London.....
I was watching the trout jumping and splashing about, even saw a king fisher shoot by, fast as you like but his colour caught the sunlight so i could recognise him. I just missed a big old Heron, flew off while i was getting the camera ready, i was kicking myself for not filming any of this, but i was there to relax, re connect after all this isolation and worry and it worked a treat. Never done any fishing, ever. I would take my son when he was young but never got into it myself, i would read my book while he would get frustrated with nothing biting or his gear getting tangled. Always a good day by the river though, the sound of running water and bird song takes some beating for sure. Thanks as always James and take care mate.
Grest job as always Jim , another beautiful walk. Weather looks great. I only spent a small amount of time in Hampshire last year when I flew from Rennes to Southampton then hired a car to go down to Cornwall. Your accent doesn't sound like you're from Hampshire. Cheers mate Randall
Yes my accent blows my cover a bit, Hampshire has been home since i was seventeen. We moved here as a family after mum and dads divorce, mum is from here so got a foot in each camp. A beautiful county full of footpaths and national trails, i may carry on exploring closer to home when things relax a bit. Just can't see things going back to how they were, not for a while anyway. Thanks for watching Randall and take care.
Thank you, really appreciate that. I think we are all feeling the pinch of the lock down by now so just wanted to capture and share this beautiful time of year. Love spring with all the bird song and wild flowers also the baby lambs and what about the old Herdwick's up on the fort. Hard as nails, i saw one with a broken leg, an old injury but she was still feeding well and looked at peace, an inspiration of hardship. Take care.
Thank you Malcolm really appreciate that mate. To be honest i was a bit nervous of sharing this one, with all that's going on, but this time of year is so special i couldn't miss it. I'm just planning another local walk as it may be a while before we can head out further afield. Take care mate and thanks again.
Thanks Derek, i do feel for you mate and consider myself proper lucky to live out here with all this on my door step. Take care mate and fingers crossed things will get better very soon.
It was so good to get out on this micro adventure Alan. I'd been walking down by the river for weeks thinking the Old hill was just too far, maybe against the rules but at the end of the day this is the best sort of social distancing there is. Hoping things start to relax a bit and we can all go a bit further afield soon....fingers crossed. Thanks mate.
Thanks Ed, I have a diverse bunch of videos up so I’m sure you’ll find something of interest. Good to meet you yesterday and really good to have you here. Cheers mate.
Morning Andrew, yes a lot of wild garlic, bluebells and bird song as well. Such a stunning time of year this, well a couple of weeks back for me. Love it just before a full canopy, lots of sunlight coming through the trees. The emergence of spring is such a magic time and felt much more this year after all the isolating and worry. Still, we may get back to some sort of normal soon so that'll be good. Take care mate and thanks for watching.
Bless you Andrew and thank you so much for your hard work, being a key worker. Your efforts and the health workers never goes unnoticed by us...the people you serve, it's about time the powers that be start to reward you properly. Wickham is the start of the trail, ends at West Meon but links a bunch of villages. Iv'e been back out there today, stayed out late to catch the sunset. Fantastic day. Thanks again mate and take care out there.
Jim Holden hi Jim, many thanks but what I do is insignificant compared with what our friends in the NHS are doing, it’s an incredible effort to save lives when putting themselves at great risk - they are the ones who deserve our thanks. I’ve never been prouder to be part of our isles and never wanted to explore more. Your videos give great inspiration during these tough times.
Glorious, Jim Glorious. the perfect tonic for the soul, and a beautifully shot and most colourful river side walk.. we do live in such a wonderful place. was the lone sheep on the hill a Hampshire by per chance ? ATVB my friend. and thank you as always for a beautiful trip
Not too sure what bread the lone sheep was Scott, but there was a few random ones up there along with the Herdwick's. Maybe it's a safe place to put them if injured i don't know. Yes England's green and pleasant land for sure, but i'd never really valued this area much before....you know in that previous life before lock down when we where free to roam and explore far off places. But now i see it so differently, understand just how lucky i am to have it on my door step. Taking the camera with me last week was so good for my spirits as well. Kinda getting to me a bit, with spring in the air and the beauty it brings, felt wrong not to film it. Thanks as always mate.
@@JimHolden As I live on the Somerset levels , I understand... Spring birdsong and the hedgerows bursting into life, the lambs in the fields behind our home. and the wonderful quiet of the lanes. Stay safe my friend
I was born just south of Preston, in Chorley Howard. Been living in Hampshire since i was seventeen. I am a proud Lancastrian and never forget my roots but feel very much at home down here.
Yes a Lancashire lad and proper proud of it but Hampshire has been good to me and my Mother is from down here so i always say "i have a foot in each camp" but feel more like a nomad, a southern softy up north and a northerner down here. Probably why i feel so at home out on the trail, exploring. Thanks for watching Gordon.
@@JimHolden I will not dwell on this aspect any further, other than to say that I am originally from Lancashire myself hence the reason I picked up on the obvioius.
Wow, found this today going through a dark moment in my life. The South Downs and Southern England's countryside in general is somehow spiritual to me, deep in my soul. Nothing cheers me like these fair green lands. Tolkien based The Shire, and Hobbiton, on the villages and rolling hills of Hampshire, Surrey and Oxfordshire, apparently. I can believe it. Your choice of music here is exquisite sir. This nearly made me cry. I hope you are well. Half my family hail from the North...Burnley. Your accent reminds me of them, haha. Superb video. Thank you fellow wayfarer of these fine lands!
The Shires absolutely inspired Tolkien and I'm sure his great adventure was conceived during the great war, perceiving the darkness spreading over the world. A wonderful story that captured my imagination as a boy. These days I live here, amongst these downs and like you I'm filled with spirit as I walk and explore England's finest landscape. This Is literally on my doorstep and at the time was a bit of a left field as the channel was about mountains coastal paths and other far flung areas, as I just love the adventure of exploring a new area but that all came to an end early in 2020. Sadly we have to deal with the cards that are played, so over the last couple of years decided to stay closer to home and if I'm honest I'd kind of taken this area for granted. A different kind of adventure, but was soon inspired by the history that is everywhere. The ancient trails all linked together on the old ridge roads that are way older than the Roman period. We live in a magical land, full of secrets that I really want to understand moving forward. Thank you for watching my friend, really appreciate you being here and sorry to here you are going through a dark period. Take care.
@@JimHolden Agreed, it is a truly magical land. I grew up in Fareham, and would ride my bike North a bit and be in Boarhunt and 100 acres wood area. Living in Portsmouth now, but hoping to move back into the nearby green lands. It's everything to me, these downs! Thanks again mate, best wishes, and if I ever see you out on the trails I'll be sure to say hello. Thanks again for the lovely vids.
That actually made me cry. I dont know if it was the music, or the darling birds singing their hearts out , or the thoughts of those young troops , but it got to me. That beautiful place is on my bucket list I hope to cycle the trail. Thank you so much Jim , my only complaint is I could have watched more. Just lovely
Evening Amanda, sorry it made you cry, to be honest iv'e shed a few tears over the last few weeks and it's no wonder with whats going on out there. But to be honest i think that's the whole point to this, sharing these walks, and experiences. It's just about connecting on an emotional level. The bird song was so loud and beautiful though, but it cracked me up. It seemed like every time i spoke to the camera they would all have a go, great to record but it felt a bit like i was being shouted at. It's been quiet up there for weeks now so maybe they had forgot about us all...stuck in doors. Fantastic though, this whole walk was and i'd been doing this route for weeks, kinda knew i was going to get the camera out, but wanted the wild flowers and perfect weather and that's what i got. You would love to cycle this trail Amanda, it links up the villages round there all within a couple of miles of each other.
Thanks as always for watching and take care.
@@JimHolden You made me giggle yesterday talking about those beautiful birds being so loud when you were talking... I thought they sounded so loud because of your microphone...... I've read a few articles recently about how much the wildlife is thriving at the moment so clearly mother earth is loving lockdown......I watched this video again this morning and it was almost like meditation watching it. I also watched the previous video again ( self isolation- social distancing before the storm ) and I can honestly say these are two of my favourite films. Some of the images are breathtaking to me. Thank you for sharing your love and affection that you have for nature . It really comes across that the only reason you do this is because you love it so much. I personally think you are one of the best on RUclips and my top choice every time,, you have filled me with such emotions watching your videos. I can't wait untill im well enough to get out .....My first trip is definitely going to be Meon Valley trail . Take care Jim can't wait for the next one x
Thank you Amanda, that means such a lot to me. This YT thing is a funny one really...took me a while to fully understand what i was actually doing here. I started out with bushcraft in the woods, then bushcraft on the trail, but the bushcraft community is massive and new kids on the block get stick or completely ignored so moved on and just stuck with the trail. The thing is you don't have to be an expert in loving the great outdoors, it's just there and doesn't need us in any way, other than to simply enjoy it's wonderful beauty. My addiction is the connection, it sounds simple but it's not always easy, only coming when the mind is right or rather when the mind is absent, just absorbing an energy, that lasts. It's only then i feel truly part of it and that's what i want to convey, hoping that some like minded souls out there get it. You clearly do Amanda as with others on here. So for me that is incredibly rewarding and allows me to continue to share.
@@JimHolden Ive seen your change and love where your at now. I definitely get it and definitely feel it. You are unique on RUclips because your not trying to sell yourself just trying to share something awesome.. We can see you taking a breath and feeling alive , it comes across on your vids. It's very special 😊
Simply breath taking Jim. The haunting music in the background suits the scenery so well..
It sort of says we are just fleeting souls that past by.
Our presence is just a spec on the timeline.
We come and go but the ground and hills carry on the same as ever!. 👍
Nice to see your local area here Jim, there’s so many gorgeous spots in the U.K and this is one of them.
Lovely rivers, hillsides and a fort. What more could you ask for. Thanks mate, look after yourself and see you on the next one. Cheers, Ant 👍
That's it Ant, the perfect circular and i knew i was going to film it as soon as the bluebells came out. Love it down there mate and i appreciate it more now as well. Take care.
Me encantó el vídeo, fué un deleite ver esos paisajes, le hizo falta la compañía de un lindo perrito 👋🏻🇲🇽
just a breath of fresh air, great walk and as always great editing and filming... cheers Jim
Thank you Colin, i had to get the camera out for this walk mate. I'd been walking this route since day one of the lock down, and over the weeks watched spring appear, utterly stunning so had to capture it. I thought maybe i'd get a bit of stick but as always from you guys, all positive so may do another if this carries on much longer. Thanks again mate and take care.
Thanks for your wonderful videos Jim.....They are well appreciated. Obviously a lot of work goes into them..Thank you
You got one beautiful front yard Holden. Thank you.
David
Beautifully put together....VERY much appreciated, especially in current conditions.
Yes it's a bit bonkers out there for sure and i was just going to do a simple meditation style vid, "don't mention the C word" kinda thing, but whats going on is way too big not mention it. But it's meant to relax to, so thank you for watching and take care.
You get IT, you get the good that the countryside can give, especially in these times. Hats off to your thrill of life's pleasures bud 👍
Yes i get it Ste, hard to put into words just how we need this, the woodland..open space, nature. This year the impact is instant, just a short walk through the trees listening to bird song echoing and all the worry just drops away. I was sat by the river watching the trout swim by and forgot all about whats going on out there, for me that's the magic that can happen once re connected. Thanks for watching Ste and take care.
You are so fit and knowledgeable and such and best "wanders editor" with atmosphere in it!
Pleasure to watch another movie
You're simply the best Jim!!!! :)
inform us,educate us and enjoy yourself-a great combination ,Jim. I love your stuff.I'm just a simple northerner,who loves anything green that grows out of the ground.Yearning to spend some of the summer in s.w.england and n.w. scotland
Thanks for taking the time yet again Jim to cheer us all up, unfortunately I’m a key worker so can only walk the dog a the minute, but oh my lord am I missing my hill walking . Thanks again for another delightful video Jim atb 👍🇬🇧👍🇬🇧👍
Being a key worker Ed, it's you that gets the thanks and lots of them. I'm thankful i get a chance to thank you personally. All i'm doing here is fun, joy... with lots of rest in between heading back down these beautiful lanes for more. No risk at all, ok i may trip up and bang my big daft head every now and then. Unlike you guys who have to deal with something unknown with all the documented consequences. I'm just listening to the VE remembrance on the radio and it's no wonder they are comparing whats happening, with the war time spirit, it's because we are all together like back then, rooting for you. The mountains and hills, not a bad distraction, thinking of them days and dreaming of more to come, sooner rather than later mate. But they aren't going anywhere and nature is healing it's self in our absence.
So i'm made up you enjoyed the vid and i'll wish you and all key workers well. Take care Ed.
Thanks Jim means a lot mate 👍
Jim you've always got a beautiful blend of wisdom and actual useful information for us. This was a fabulous walk mate proving that virtue lay in our back yard for sure. No need to swan off to exotic locations all the time nature is right here and now. Loved the stories about the soldiers. Wow what a mission. They must have listened to the same natural chorus as you. Progress was made then and I agree progress is probably being made now. Good going - wonderful stuff. All the best as always. Mark
This whole area was used to prepare for D Day, from Sussex to Dorset crammed with troops and supplies. My brothers lad found a belt of bullets once, down in the New forest. Must have been forty of them all strung together. He probably still has them somewhere, never considered handing them in, but it just goes to show that sixty years later still stuff there under the gorse or heather. Time just fly's Mark but very little changes, so i'm hoping for more balance after all this is over. Iv'e just heard on the radio the stats of carbon in the atmosphere since this started and it's way down. The only good news through this, lets hope the powers that be have learned and start to put the planet first. Anyway, good to hear from you Mark and yes our back yard has the same magic as the honey spots, we just have to open our eyes. This walk i have done many times but for some reason it felt like a new trail to me. Having the camera and looking closer maybe or just this wonderful time of year. Much more likely my mind though, just felt more open, more appreciative and thankful but i was so aware of nature, thriving right in front of me and that fills me with hope. Thanks as always my friend.
@@JimHolden Wow, a belt of bullets Jim. We know what they were meant for it's just the signature of time there. That must have been a buzz to find. That's interesting about the carbon reduction - yeah I feel the change in the atmosphere and am heartened by it and like you see that halting of pace or activity, which you called an opportunity for progress. Very true - it's know wonder your heart was so much more receptive to nature. Perhaps that's happened with many because a different thought and or vibration is being broadcast. We're all connected to that - the gates have been opened. Yeah there's a great chance here. I can see why you feel hope. Well, Jim really good to see you vibed up and connecting again. Peace.
One word Jim.. Stunning ! And a few more. I have friends of my partner who live in that area and have briefly wandered some of the beautiful Meon . Seeing your excellent ( as always ) film I realise I really need to explore more ! Thank you for sharing .
Thank you Martyn, yes the current situation has forced us all to explore closer to home. My local walks were just a means to stay fit, always thinking adventure was up a mountain or along a coastal path but things have changed and i really appreciate these day walks now. Such a stunning time of year though with lots to see out there. Take care mate.
Hi Jim this video has made my day🏴
So appreciate your videos Jim. We heading out here tomorrow. Hopefully we will see the lessor spotted Jim there :-)))
Was liking being in a spa listening to meditation music. Fantastic sights and commentary too mate. Last time you made a video of the hill it inspired me to go and visit it, even found the spot you camped. Cheers Buddy.
That's some Doorstep Jim! Absolutely wonderful, let's hope with this 'deviation from the norm' real progress of our bogged down society will appear. stay safe and see you on the other side, hopefully with that 615 mile walk eh!! all the best, Sev ;-)
Hiya Sev mate. Not sure about the big one but i'm seriously thinking of doing the SDW as soon as i can. Maybe do it in reverse and get my daughter to pick me up from Eastbourne once done. It would make sense as i just don't think we would be that welcome in other National parks like Snowdonia or the Lakes, even Cornwall is talking about staying shut actively discouraging people from heading there too soon. On this walk i spoke to a couple of lads actually walking the SDW, full packs on and not a care in the world, i asked them if they had been self isolating and they said that's why they had hit the trail, hard to argue against it but they just didn't care about the big picture and all that. For me things need to change before i pack the tent and head out, hopefully not much longer now.
We can hope for real progress Sev but in truth i'm a bit sceptical as money is king in this mess of a world and the powers that be are only there because of it. But this is a real positive start to real change, i heard on the radio this morning that carbon levels have dropped massively so this is the route to slow climate change, even reverse it. We can hope. Thanks as always mate.
Many thanks for a lovely film Jim. I’ve stumbled across your vids during Lockdown and I reckon I’ve found you just at the right time. Watching and absorbing nature is a great healer and I hope quite a few of us have reconnected with our countryside in a positive way through these strange times. I’ve especially enjoyed all your films in the Lakes. Although I live and work in East Yorkshire, my heart and spiritual home is always the Lakes. Keep up the good work and stay safe.
Another smashing film Jim, thanks so very much for this - just watched it for second time now and enjoyed it even more this time. Like you i'm appreciating being blessed to live with rural walks close by that I can adapt to avoid going through farm yards etc. Hope you can post something else soon - it would be very welcome. Cheers.
Morning Sarah so pleased you enjoyed it. I'd never really appreciated this area before lock down, but i have developed a real love for it now. Looking with new eyes, i somehow felt that adventure-freedom only came on a mountain or distant coastal path but this was here all the time. Just editing my latest walk, three of my favourite hills, and yes it's all local. Thanks for watching Sarah, and take care out there.
Beautiful, Jim, spoken as a city dweller whose ambitions are temporarily constrained to the wild woods of North London and the Heath. I know those sparkling Hampshire chalk streams well. They’re like something from a fairy tale. This looks like the ultimate social distancing to me, so I hope this will be the first of the Lockdown Diaries. Stay safe my friend.
Thank you Phillipa, really nice to hear from you. Ultimate social distancing for sure and right up my street, being so unsociable but i'll respect the rules and stay close to home. I just may start that lockdown diary, as there are so many beautiful walks round here...as you know. Hope all is well with you up in the big city. Take care and thanks again.
Nice one Jim - thanks for the video. Great to see you out and about in the sunshine returning a bit of normality in difficult times. ATB - Paul
Thank you Paul, yes got a bit fed up with sitting it out so my local walks got further and further, then spring emerged and felt i had to get the camera out. Glad i did as this was a perfect day and proper sorted me out. Really pleased you liked it, i may do another soon, depends on how long this madness continues, hopefully not too much longer. Take care mate.
Brightening my day Jim as always, even whilst i'm not commuting!! stay well buddy and many thanks for the distraction from my works laptop :-)
The commute may be a thing of the past Jon. Just can't see how it would work with social distancing, specially in London with a hundred on a double decker and the bursting underground not to mention the train or the platform for that matter. We'll have to see what unfolds over the next few months. Working from home is safe, i have two kids doing it and neither want to go back to that. Take care Jon and thanks as always.
That was one real clear river, wish they were all like that and nice to have a national trail on your doorstep, that looked and sounded fantastic. One thing we have really missed this year is the bluebells, something we look forward too every year and although we have a woodland across the road from us - no bluebells unfortunately. I used to be a fan of the Mothers of Invention when I was a young 'un, one of the many American bands like The Doors and Jefferson Airplane I used to love back then. That was a great daily walk Jim, real peaceful and almost had it all to yourself. Take care buddy, cheers Alan
Thanks Alan, good to hear from you mate and yes proper clear the river Meon, but it's short only 21 miles long before it runs into the sea. It's source is a natural spring...couldn't get my head round it at first as that's a lot of water pouring out of a spring. But down here all the water comes from underground natural reservoirs and this is like an overflow kinda thing. Stunning though Alan, with lots of bluebells this year unlike up your way. Gone now but the Hawthorn blossom this year is bonkers, full of it. Windy today so it's like confetti in the wind. Lost all my work since this started mate so getting out here most days keeps me sane, and keeps me positive. Hope you and Mrs Metalman are keeping well Alan and like me looking forward to going further afield once this storm clears. Take care.
Enjoyed that. What a gorgeous place, especially the woodland and river. Bet there's a few Kingfishers along there. Oh yes, cheddars are a must!
I did see a kingfisher Shirley, as fast as a jet but his colour catching the sunlight caught my attention. First one for decades, but it's well known for them down the Meon. Beautiful area made even better with spring in bloom, the bird song but the only down side is the busy road over the river...still, can't have it all. Thanks for watching and take care.
Yet another great watch Jim .. been so lucky with the weather during the lockdown so far . Also feel so blessed to live here in Cornwall .
The weather was stunning for the first few weeks, when i did this walk it hadn't rained at all since the leaves and flowers grew, so everything was fresh and new, as close to perfect as iv'e seen it. We are the lucky ones through this Alan, being out the way. Hope all's well in beautiful Cornwall. Thanks mate and take care.
That was superb Jim. thank you for taking us to the Meon Valley. All of that great filming and editing. I used to drive friends to the Meon valley from Bognor to show them it. I've never seen it looking so resplendent as in your video though. Well done again.
Morning David, hope all is well with you despite whats going on in the world. Such a beautiful area round here, sadly you are never that far from a road, all seem busy as well. Only A roads but they are out of the way so people drive fast through them, also you have the echo being in a valley. A few weeks ago they were all so quiet but got busier over time, back to normal now. I wasn't going to use any music on this one, just a chat and bird song but that sound kept coming in to break the mood. Didn't spoil it for me though, i had a fantastic day, and i think the gentle music worked in drowning out the car noise. Take care David and thanks for watching.
Thanks Jim, it did come across as the most peaceful parts of the Meon area to me. Your videos can be really calming. I hope your doing okay in your self. With health etc. mental health is important in those valleys.
Lovely thank you.
You are very welcome Jude, it was a pure joy taking the camera with me on this one. The most perfect time of year with Bluebells and Birdsong. A magical day.
That was great Jim! Love your positive attitude to all that is going on and wise words. So nice this time of year with the new growth and fresh green, new beginnings. Hidden jems close to home, thanks for taking us along a sharing with us all. Best wishes to you Jim 👍
Evening Gillian, can't say iv'e been that positive really, although by the time i got out to do this i had got my head round it. Seeing nature in all it's glory after isolating for weeks filled me with positivity and i just hope that now we can make changes, bit more balance. We should be living more in tune with our world, maybe this is our chance. Thanks as always Gill for watching.
Great video Jim. Great camera work. Old Winchester Hill is one of my most favourite chill out spots. Once I'm over Portsdown Hill and into the Hampshire countryside I'm in my element.
I guess you are over in Portsmouth then Rob. The views from the top of Portsdown hill always crack me up, one way the big old city with ships in and out, motorways and noise then you turn round and the sweetest country side ever. Such opposites almost like going back in time walking down some of the old lanes. Love it round here, may even cross paths one day mate.
@@JimHolden that's what I like about the car park next to The Churchillian. The view of the concrete jungle then turn 180 degrees it's rolling fields. When I work Saturdays I buy a Micks Monster bacon roll and tea before and drive from viewpoint to The Churchillian car park to enjoy it. The view much more serene. obviously before the lockdown. You never know, our selfie sticks may walk into each other one day.
Another enjoyable and informative video Jim, hope you are keeping safe.
Yes keeping safe Mike, not hard round here mate i can go for days without even seeing anyone and never come into contact, so all good. Looking forward to things changing now though....not looking forward to going back to work, kinda got used to this chill out life. Thanks Mike.
Nice one Jim. Cycled the Meon Valley Trail a few years ago. Lovely area.
It links some beautiful villages Mark, iv's seen people walk there shopping up there so it's useful for the locals to safely access the next village. It used to run from Alton down to Fareham, about 35 miles but there are only ten miles or so left now. Lucky to live close by. Thanks for watching and take care.
There’s a word for the feeling when watching these vids but it hasn’t been discovered yet! Didn’t know you lived so close. All the best mate. 100% look forward to the next one
Calming to the point of near tranquillisation? Yes, thanks so much Jim. And a tip from one fan to another, if you've not already done so, I strongly recommend reading Zappa's autobiography: 'The Real Frank Zappa Book'.
Yes i have that book, read it when it first came out. The best by far though was Ben Watson's The Negative Dialects of Poodle Play. Not as much about Frank but his music, the old conceptual continuity. A real good read but a long one, almost an enciclopedia of his work. Story has it that when Ben got in touch for permission Frank invited him over to read sections and yes he gave permission. You may have it, if not it's highly recommended. Thanks mate and take care.
@@JimHolden Great - thanks Jim. I've not read that but will check it out for sure. Also there is 'Zappa the Hard Way' - though not such an easy read :-) My other great love at the time was Tull and I've been going back to revisit and see if my love was misplaced. I've only now come to realize just what an awesome band they were (past tense) and what a stunning guitarist Martin Barr was/is. Zappa could have well used him for a quiet guitar master. Today is the day NZ finds out if we are out of lockdown. Desperate to get out into the forest!
Webpoodle this channel is such a nice place to be. Thanks for the tips both Jim and Webpoodle. What a fine country we all live in
Inspirational, loved every second of it. I had you down as living Up North. My old Army stomping ground on the Hampshire, Wiltshire borders in Tidworth and later I lived in Andover for a a while. Looking forward to seeing more of your local area. In the meanwhile, keep safe.
First moved to Portsmouth Robert when i was 17 back in 79. It was a very different city back then with navy ships from around the world using the old dockyard. Busy place and not a good time if i'm honest. We moved down as a family, our mum is from here so she wanted to return after the divorce. A tough place to come and find work for a teenager. But it's all good and Hampshire has been my home over two thirds of my life now, but i'm glad i now live out the way and have all this close by. If this continues for much longer i'll probably get out again round here, start a lockdown diary, loads more cracking walks i'd like to share. Thanks as always Robert and take care.
Inspirational and entertaining as always Jim. Thanks for sharing your walk and showing us what a beautiful part of the world Hampshire really is.👍👍👍
Thanks Anthony, it's mad isn't it, all this on my door step and i'm chasing all over the place for adventure, who would have thought? But to be honest i'd been doing this circular to keep my legs strong, two three times a week since lockdown and knew once spring finally sprung i was going to get the camera out, beautiful part of the world that i now appreciate much more. Hope all's well with you and yours mate. Take care.
A good Trout fishing river, world renowned for it, as are most of the other south of England chalk rivers/streams. Bloody expensive though Jim, a days fishing there will cost you an arm and a leg, unlike the Test and the Itchen etc etc, there’s no free stretches on that one, ( I know ). Thanks again old son and look after yourself regards this bloody awful horrible virus, Jimmie, James in London.....
I was watching the trout jumping and splashing about, even saw a king fisher shoot by, fast as you like but his colour caught the sunlight so i could recognise him. I just missed a big old Heron, flew off while i was getting the camera ready, i was kicking myself for not filming any of this, but i was there to relax, re connect after all this isolation and worry and it worked a treat. Never done any fishing, ever. I would take my son when he was young but never got into it myself, i would read my book while he would get frustrated with nothing biting or his gear getting tangled. Always a good day by the river though, the sound of running water and bird song takes some beating for sure. Thanks as always James and take care mate.
Grest job as always Jim , another beautiful walk. Weather looks great. I only spent a small amount of time in Hampshire last year when I flew from Rennes to Southampton then hired a car to go down to Cornwall.
Your accent doesn't sound like you're from Hampshire.
Cheers mate
Randall
Yes my accent blows my cover a bit, Hampshire has been home since i was seventeen. We moved here as a family after mum and dads divorce, mum is from here so got a foot in each camp. A beautiful county full of footpaths and national trails, i may carry on exploring closer to home when things relax a bit. Just can't see things going back to how they were, not for a while anyway. Thanks for watching Randall and take care.
Hey Jim, I've been watching your videos for the last couple of years now and they're always a pleasure to watch... Really enjoyed this one.
Thank you, really appreciate that. I think we are all feeling the pinch of the lock down by now so just wanted to capture and share this beautiful time of year. Love spring with all the bird song and wild flowers also the baby lambs and what about the old Herdwick's up on the fort. Hard as nails, i saw one with a broken leg, an old injury but she was still feeding well and looked at peace, an inspiration of hardship. Take care.
Exceptional as always Jim, such a boost in these reztrictive times. Thanks for everything and keep safe.
Thank you Malcolm really appreciate that mate. To be honest i was a bit nervous of sharing this one, with all that's going on, but this time of year is so special i couldn't miss it. I'm just planning another local walk as it may be a while before we can head out further afield. Take care mate and thanks again.
Thanks Jim
Just what the doctor ordered for those of us not living near open country side.
Derek
Thanks Derek, i do feel for you mate and consider myself proper lucky to live out here with all this on my door step. Take care mate and fingers crossed things will get better very soon.
Great stuff Jim 👍⛺️
It was so good to get out on this micro adventure Alan. I'd been walking down by the river for weeks thinking the Old hill was just too far, maybe against the rules but at the end of the day this is the best sort of social distancing there is. Hoping things start to relax a bit and we can all go a bit further afield soon....fingers crossed. Thanks mate.
2:15 Looks like St. Clairs Meadow
Indeed it is Monty, and my latest camp I just mentioned is there as well, under the Willow tree. Cheers mate.
Brilliant....take the drone next time.😃😃😃
I did think about it but to be honest i was a bit worried about even taking the camera with whats going on so don't want to push it. Thanks mate.
Good watch bud, think we found a new channel, Edd 😀
Thanks Ed, I have a diverse bunch of videos up so I’m sure you’ll find something of interest. Good to meet you yesterday and really good to have you here. Cheers mate.
07:59 that’s a lot of wild garlic!
Morning Andrew, yes a lot of wild garlic, bluebells and bird song as well. Such a stunning time of year this, well a couple of weeks back for me. Love it just before a full canopy, lots of sunlight coming through the trees. The emergence of spring is such a magic time and felt much more this year after all the isolating and worry. Still, we may get back to some sort of normal soon so that'll be good. Take care mate and thanks for watching.
Bless you Andrew and thank you so much for your hard work, being a key worker. Your efforts and the health workers never goes unnoticed by us...the people you serve, it's about time the powers that be start to reward you properly.
Wickham is the start of the trail, ends at West Meon but links a bunch of villages. Iv'e been back out there today, stayed out late to catch the sunset. Fantastic day. Thanks again mate and take care out there.
Jim Holden hi Jim, many thanks but what I do is insignificant compared with what our friends in the NHS are doing, it’s an incredible effort to save lives when putting themselves at great risk - they are the ones who deserve our thanks. I’ve never been prouder to be part of our isles and never wanted to explore more. Your videos give great inspiration during these tough times.
Glorious, Jim Glorious. the perfect tonic for the soul, and a beautifully shot and most colourful river side walk.. we do live in such a wonderful place. was the lone sheep on the hill a Hampshire by per chance ? ATVB my friend. and thank you as always for a beautiful trip
Not too sure what bread the lone sheep was Scott, but there was a few random ones up there along with the Herdwick's. Maybe it's a safe place to put them if injured i don't know. Yes England's green and pleasant land for sure, but i'd never really valued this area much before....you know in that previous life before lock down when we where free to roam and explore far off places. But now i see it so differently, understand just how lucky i am to have it on my door step. Taking the camera with me last week was so good for my spirits as well. Kinda getting to me a bit, with spring in the air and the beauty it brings, felt wrong not to film it.
Thanks as always mate.
@@JimHolden As I live on the Somerset levels , I understand... Spring birdsong and the hedgerows bursting into life, the lambs in the fields behind our home. and the wonderful quiet of the lanes. Stay safe my friend
Hello Jim .just wondering where are you from originally? I detect an east lancs accent. .am I right?
I was born just south of Preston, in Chorley Howard. Been living in Hampshire since i was seventeen. I am a proud Lancastrian and never forget my roots but feel very much at home down here.
Well, you may have lived in Hampshire for a decade or two, but your accent betrays the fact that you origially hail from Lancashire.
Yes a Lancashire lad and proper proud of it but Hampshire has been good to me and my Mother is from down here so i always say "i have a foot in each camp" but feel more like a nomad, a southern softy up north and a northerner down here. Probably why i feel so at home out on the trail, exploring. Thanks for watching Gordon.
@@JimHolden I will not dwell on this aspect any further, other than to say that I am originally from Lancashire myself hence the reason I picked up on the obvioius.