Thanks for being so honest and transparent, it was really interesting to find out more about your life style. I did wonder how you supported yourself between hikes I thought you might be in IT, I never would have thought it would be Calligraphy but that’s so great to be able to be involved in something creative. I’m not a hiker but I really enjoy your videos with Otto, it’s great seeing all the stunning beautiful scenery and how overcome all the challenges you face. You are very brave to make those changes to your lifestyle and so pleased it has worked for you. I look,forward to watching more hiking videos in 2025.
My wife and I love the way you interact with your viewers....we think the Dales Way in Yorkshire would be ideal for you and Otto in the winter ...it is about 84 miles and it is a really interesting walk.
Great video Elli. I live just a few miles from the Southern Upland Way. For that trail, timing is everything. You need to go when the western end has dried up a bit, but ideally before midges, which are diabolical around Glentrool. So keep an eye on our weather, if it’s a dry winter ha ha, then even as early as April, or wait into May if it’s wetter. June is often lovely, but camping gets more challenging, unless you stay high and windy. August is the rainy month around here! I’ll look out for you and Otto on the trail and best of luck with all your exciting plans. I hope to head to the Skye trail myself too.
Thank you for sharing an insight 0n how you work and hike. Best wishes for all you hiking in 2025 fingers crossed for much better weather this year. Might even bump into you on the S.U.W. 🤗🥾🏴
Love your videos, very genuine and enjoyable to watch. Always look forward to new ones being posted 😊 You should definitely do a Dartmoor one as it feels so remote. Saying this, we managed to have a vegan fry up at a cafe called Fox Tor cafe so worth passing by if you can. Just be careful of the cows as they roam free (we were surrounded in our tent at night, luckily they were jusr curious because of our dog but it was very scary to wake up to!). Look forward to watching your next adventures 🙂. Our next one is Coast to Coast, largely inspired by yiur experience! ❤
I've loved watching your hikes this year, thank you for creating such good quality videos. Your plans for next year sound exciting. Wishing you and Otto the very best for 2025 💚
Shakespear way is a good hike fairly flat and plenty of Pubs /shops on route but still rural. North Downs way and South Downs Way will also be good for decent infrastructure.
I think the Pembrokeshire coast path is the best one and similar to the south west coast path. In Wales also the Brecons way (if weather ok!). Also in England the south downs way. You have already done the most popular routes I can think of. In Europe the Chamonix to Zermatt hiking trail was very good , much bigger mountains...
Thanks for being so honest. I love your videos, Otto is a star. I've done calligraphy for years so I know you will never get rich from that. Best wishes for 2025.
Happy hiking in 2025, Elli! Hi from NZ! I've been watching your videos since Otto and your John O'Groats to Lands End hike. I always enjoy your videos and appreciate the effort you put in. They're always very inciteful and honest. As someone who hopes to do some long walks in the UK at some point, i find your videos incredibly useful but you also have such a genuinely down-to-earth approach that makes them so relatable to watch.
Your plans sound really interesting for next year Eli, I'll also be doing the Southern Upland Way so i'm looking forward to watching your journey. Happy New Year to you both 😊
I love hiking in Scotland at all times of the year. However, in winter it's either wild camping or B&Bs in bigger places. Campsites are almost all closed. Even on the WHW basically everything is closed including hotels and cafes. You would need to be wild camping and restock at bigger places.
Hi been watching your video for a few months now and think your fantastic, always smiling even though the tuff times. I'm just wondering if you would ever do group hikes as another way of making income?. Keep making your Videos makes an old man smile 😃
Well done Elli, interesting video as always. You have a lovely relaxed and open style, that makes it a pleasure to follow your travels. I have enjoyed so many of your videos since I discovered them in mid-2024. Best wishes for 2025.
Elli, Have you considered combining your interests to create some more income? There must be a related market for commercial art that you're well placed to cater for: postcards, brochures & leaflets, travel guides...
January will be tough in Scotland as very cold. The Northumberland coastal path is lovely but the campsites are seasonal. Further south and warmer weather will be the Cotswold way, the South Downs way or the Ridgeway. I would imagine wild camping would be ok in January on the last two if you choose the leeward side of the hills.
Thank you for the suggestions, really appreciate them :) I'm not going to Scotland in January, the drive up there is a bit too long and yep, definitely too tough conditions :)
I did the Northumberland Coast Path last February with my dog and I camped at The Barn at Beal which is open all year and it has fantastic showers. I used the bus to ferry myself up and down the coast. It is a great path just try and do it when you will have the tide out during the day so you can walk along the beach for most of it.
@@fionafidler4030 That is good to know. I am planning on doing it in July and have found some campsites but hadn't though about staying in the same one and taking the bus. i know there is a bus but just assumed it wouldn't be very frequent. I am planning on staying at the Barn at Beal for two or even three nights so that I can go out to Lindisfarne/Holy Island for the day. I worry a little though about leaving my stuff in campsites.....
@@sarahscott-ze1th I have used buses and trains to allow me to camp in one spot for a few days on quite a few trails and I have never had anything stolen or damaged. Have fun on Lindisfarne and do walk across the sands as it is a great experience. Use a guide if you are worried doing it alone.
@@fionafidler4030 That is reassuring, thanks. I have walked lots of long distance trails but always stayed in B and B's but I just cannot afford that moving forward. Until recently, I ran the D of E at school so, have camped loads but never for more than one night in the same place and not often on public sites.
Happy new year to you and Otto! Thanks for this vid. Did you say you were intending to do some hiking in the UK in January? You really really like mud don't you?! :) I think you might struggle with finding open campsites at this time of year, though some of the main trails like the Ridgeway might have some stuff? Also if you're thinking of Dartmoor later in the year you could try the Two Moors Way which goes from Dartmoor to Exmoor and is another coast to coast. Whatever you do, I'm looking forward to seeing more of your videos
Wow, your 2025 content is going to be incredible!! 😀 Really looking forward to seeing all these hikes & the beautiful scenery! You must be feeling super excited for the year ahead!!
Thats awesome future plans Elli, Pct is a dream to try for anybody and soooo scary haha...anyway, when its comes to Southern Upland Way, I need to tell you that maybe better not to do it just now with your dog! Ive done section of it from the end Cockburnspath to just before Peebles so about 100km and I had a very close encounter with the cows abiut 3 times and super scary even as a grown guy😅😊 I never had that before doing other trails in Scotland and I also done quite alot. Once they sourounded me and I had to go back to the closer woods and run forward quickly, the other time I had to jump/climb the stone wall and jump into the other field to walk forward and it was not easy, third time I was also walking and suddenly from far away the whole herd of cows spotted me a runner towards me and they are super fast when they want to be...lucky they were a bit scared of me tok and I could past them, they run away...but I dont like cows anymore after all that haha😂....no way you should go there with your dog, they will attack you, it happens every year here for dog walkers. So Skye or Hibberdian Way better maybe. Atb Ellie.
Hi Elli. Another great video and I promise I was listening to you but I could not take my eyes off Otto 😂. I even thought you might have a stuffed version of him as he didn’t move. lol. I am so grateful for your videos because you inspired me to walk the South West Coastal Path. To be honest, I had never heard of the walk (living in Oz) and whilst I did not complete it, I will return to it. So, keep the videos up please and I will be one of the first to purchase a T/shirt of Otto when you advertise them. ❤. All the best for 2025 🎉 and I hope our paths cross again walking/cycling. x
Thank you so much for answering all these questions. I love all your videos and you are an inspiration. I love to walk, and following you is so much fun. Wishing you a Happy New Year and looking forward to your next videos.
Think your channel is brilliant. Basically going to places I can't go as I can't drive and the cost of train travel on top of accommodation is very high. My hiking area is the Shropshire Hills which I definitely recommend coming too, it's a beautiful area
Thank you for being so honest and giving so much detail. I wish you and your channel every success in 2025, and Otto too of course. The Cotswold Way is about 100 miles and so is the South Downs Way, I'm not sure how much of the accommodation would be open in winter time though. I hope you manage to do some through hikes during the winter as I don't want to have to wait until spring time to follow another one of your adventures. Happy New Year.
Happy new year to you Elli. (And whatever his name is). 😂 I take my hat off to your boyfriend, he must be one very understanding guy to see you go away for weeks on end. Here's to great hiking in 2025. I retire in 6 weeks time, and one of my first ports of call is going to be the Knoydart. You'll have to bring the good man out on a hike one day!! Cheers, Ozzy. X
Wow, what a great line-up, Elli, even if you only manage a few The Southern Upland Way is my highlight - it might need timing to avoid the midges. The less mountainous areas of France really intrigue me - the GR70 looks interesting.
Happy New Year Elli and Otto! I'm glad to be here following along with you enjoying the scenery and adventure and your candid commentary. You also really exemplify what it means to care for a dog and prioritize their needs and consent and I appreciate that so much 💛
Another insightful and refreshingly frank video, Elli! Thanks for all your inspiration and helpful suggestions in this video and elsewhere! Happy to leave a comment and wish you and Otto well for 2025!
Leaving a comment as requested :) I always enjoy seeing your videos. I first came across your channel when you were doing the LEJOG walk - and it's just possible I may get to do it myself within a year or two. As well as the Dales Way, another route through Yorkshire is the Lady Anne's Way, which I'm doing this Easter.
Theres also the south coast walk which has a surprising amount of elevation. Or in the lake dstrict you could do the wainwrights.....there about 5 books (i think)that splits the 214 mountains in to 5 regions. A few of my friends have spent a week doing each of the 5 books, ticking off the wainrights as they go. I did them over 18 months.
A Happy New Year to you and Otto! I found your channel this year and it is one of my favorites. I look forward to each new video that you put out. Thank you so much for bringing me to places I would not experience otherwise.
You are definitely part of the inspiration for me getting out hiking and wild camping this year, I've got my new pack and most of the gear I need, just going out for day hikes at the moment to get used to carrying it. I've walked a couple of sections of the Pennine Way after watching your videos that included it! 👍
Thankyou Elli for answering all those question, including mine. I think the best bit is, understanding that you and Otto are very happy in your lives and that the happiness came from taking a risk in the beginning, working to achieve your goals, being appreciative, and having jolly good fun! I'm going to enjoy your 2025 hikes. Take care, M.
Happy New Year! Thanks for this video and answering so many questions - it's very interesting to have a glimpse behind the scenes. Your 2025 plans sound good - really looking forward to the videos.
You might want to look into the South Downs Way in England. That is like ~100miles / 160-170km on the South Coast of England. It runs between Eastbourne and Winchester. I did the trail wild camping (just be smart about the spot you choose) in 5 days. There are some villages around the trail where you can get food / water - unfortunately, there is no water source on trail really.
Elli you have such a lovely spirit, and are quite capable of achieving your ultimate goal of living off the proceeds of your hiking experiences. If opportunities present whereby you can earn from promoting gear you could do that with a clear conscience. Someone once told me that in life opportunities come along every day - you just have to watch out for them. And the happiness that you have found through your channel and hiking is a blessing and you should hold onto it, and promote it to a wider audience. I think that you have the capability of a great career involving hiking. Sheffield South Yorkshire.
Happy new year to you and little Otto. He's a wee sweetheart.. love to follow your hikes & they are helping me a lot to plan my routes. I've decided to plan the TGO for nxt year after watching your trip . Hope to explore this summer of some of the areas. Stumbled on you after you did the coast to coast route as I had just done it in may/ june. xx
Love the vids. Just spent a few days hiking from caldbeck to keswick, borrowdale to langdale up to new year (lakes). Not enough distance for of your hikes though! Ever tried offas dyke path in wales? Havent seen all your vids so apologies if u have. Hoping to do what you are later this year. Might try around the canary islands and maderia. Warm regards. Sheffield. England.
Delighted that you are coming back to Scotland. I was wondering if you might walk the Southern Upland Way. It is very varied with some great sections. As I live nearby, I can walk sections easily when time permits. I'll look forward to hearing your comments in due course! Have you thought of walking the Cape Wrath Trail? It is a serious challenge, starting at Fort William and heading North to the far North-West corner of Scotland, about 200 miles long and more challenging the further North that you walk, where there are fewer shops, services or people.... but if you walk in good weather, a truly magnificent area to walk! Happy walking Elli and Otto for the year ahead, and many thanks for your inspiring videos. :-)
Thank you for following along, I really appreciate your kind words! I'm so excited for the SUW, I loved the section Otto and I did when we hiked JoGLE. Yes, I have definitely thought about the CWT and would do it on my own (without Otto) in a heartbeat. But with Otto, I'm hesitant because of the river crossings and bogs. I would only attempt it in dry weather but obviously that's almost impossible to plan 😅😆 but definitely very high on my bucket list 🥰🥰
I really enjoy your videos Elli. Thank you for sharing so honestly and enthusiastically. I have recently learned about the Hexatrek and wonder if parts (or all) of that hike might be of interest to you - assuming it is dog friendly of course.
@@ellihikes If you asked three people what the route of the CWT is, you might get three different answers, however, the start and end points should all be the same. The route is not waymarked. The best guide book (IMO) is the Cicerone version. It is small enough to fit easily into a pocket and also shows the route variations. If I was walking it, I'd start in early-mid-May when there are long hours of day light and it is hopefully (!) midge-free, but it may still be frosty with a bit of snow at high level. A point to be aware of is melting snow might create high river levels. I walked in the area (Kintail) in early June a few years ago. Sunshine for four days and no midges! Bliss. :-)
Hello Elli, thanks for such an interesting channel, informative and fun to watch, your a natural presenter. Are you ever going to do the Cape Wrath trail in one go? I know it takes a long time and might be a bit too far for Otto in one trip? I’m a convert to Durston kit now thanks to your channel, hope they give you a commission 😉!
Thank you for the kind words and for following along :) I've done several bits of the CWT and would do it in one go in a heartbeat on my own. But I'm hesitant with Otto... not because of the length, that would be fine for him but because of the boggy terrain and potentially sketchy river crossings etc. I would only think about an attempt in very settled, dry conditions which are of course almost impossible to predict or plan....
@ Totally understand that, I’ve done the most northern sections only, over a number of years, and admit to having some”moments “ due to the very unpredictable weather, including a ripped tent and bent poles. Hats off to Otto, I wish my bonkers terrier was as well behaved as him, I have to leave him behind to avoid causing mayhem throughout the highlands. Good luck for your walks this year, looking forward to the stories to come.
I have a question about your Garmin in reach 2. I don't really understand the subscription. I see that you can get a flex where you can just pay for a duration of time but have to pay £4.99 each month to keep the account active. Or you can just pay for a duration of time then cancel without a fee. However, there is a £40 odd registration fee so, if you cancel after a month and then later pay for another month, do you have to pay for registration again. I can't seem to find the answers and I know that you have one. I don't need to use it all the time, just during the school holidays as I am a teacher. If anyone else has one, feel free to comment. I did see someone in the US activate the SOS and a helicopter came for her but she now has thousands of dollars of bills, which I assume we would not have to pay in the UK as mountain rescue is free.......
## Hiker names ## A question NOT for Elli. I believe that the hikers on US main trails receive their Hiker names from OTHER hikers (not choosing their own). So, what trail name are we going to give Elli??
Blimey, what do you reckon? There's a guy I also follow: Good Bloke Outdoors, who is an absolute blast. Like Elli, down to earth and says it like it is. So, as a start, Good Girl Outdoors? Cheers, Ozzy.
Alles Gute für die kommenden Projekte. 🥰🐕🌞👍👍
Thanks for being so honest and transparent, it was really interesting to find out more about your life style. I did wonder how you supported yourself between hikes I thought you might be in IT, I never would have thought it would be Calligraphy but that’s so great to be able to be involved in something creative. I’m not a hiker but I really enjoy your videos with Otto, it’s great seeing all the stunning beautiful scenery and how overcome all the challenges you face. You are very brave to make those changes to your lifestyle and so pleased it has worked for you. I look,forward to watching more hiking videos in 2025.
You and Otto are amazing! Your videos are interesting, refreshing and I look forward to each and every one of them!
My wife and I love the way you interact with your viewers....we think the Dales Way in Yorkshire would be ideal for you and Otto in the winter ...it is about 84 miles and it is a really interesting walk.
She’s lovely isn’t she? Otto is also so precious ❤
I love your dedication to Otto and how you think about him and his welfare. I wish you,your partner and Otto a happy 2025.
Hadrians Wall might be interesting some day. If so, consider East to West.
Agreed - fabulous scenery and fascinating history
Thank you for sharing your hikes and adventures. Great to see you both thro your videos.
All the very best to you all for 2025.
I love watching your adventures with Otto- I love the great outdoors but cannot walk very far so it is lovely to go on adventures with you 😁
Thank you for sharing your adventure 2024. Hope to see you both in 2025 soon......❤
Thanks
The cambrian way in Wales is good especially the Snowdonia section. Why have you only 7.32K subscribers? You should have so much more.
Great video Elli. I live just a few miles from the Southern Upland Way. For that trail, timing is everything. You need to go when the western end has dried up a bit, but ideally before midges, which are diabolical around Glentrool. So keep an eye on our weather, if it’s a dry winter ha ha, then even as early as April, or wait into May if it’s wetter. June is often lovely, but camping gets more challenging, unless you stay high and windy. August is the rainy month around here! I’ll look out for you and Otto on the trail and best of luck with all your exciting plans. I hope to head to the Skye trail myself too.
Happy 2025 and thanks for your always inspiring content Elli and Otto
Thank you for sharing an insight 0n how you work and hike. Best wishes for all you hiking in 2025 fingers crossed for much better weather this year. Might even bump into you on the S.U.W. 🤗🥾🏴
Love your videos, very genuine and enjoyable to watch. Always look forward to new ones being posted 😊 You should definitely do a Dartmoor one as it feels so remote. Saying this, we managed to have a vegan fry up at a cafe called Fox Tor cafe so worth passing by if you can. Just be careful of the cows as they roam free (we were surrounded in our tent at night, luckily they were jusr curious because of our dog but it was very scary to wake up to!). Look forward to watching your next adventures 🙂. Our next one is Coast to Coast, largely inspired by yiur experience! ❤
I've loved watching your hikes this year, thank you for creating such good quality videos. Your plans for next year sound exciting. Wishing you and Otto the very best for 2025 💚
Shakespear way is a good hike fairly flat and plenty of Pubs /shops on route but still rural. North Downs way and South Downs Way will also be good for decent infrastructure.
Happy New Year to you and Otto 🎊🎉... Wishing you an enjoyable year walking with your lovely Otto 🙏🐾🥰😘🤗
I think the Pembrokeshire coast path is the best one and similar to the south west coast path. In Wales also the Brecons way (if weather ok!). Also in England the south downs way. You have already done the most popular routes I can think of.
In Europe the Chamonix to Zermatt hiking trail was very good , much bigger mountains...
Keep it up Elli, your adventures are fantastic to watch and Otto is a star.
I’ve just bought you a coffee. 😊
Thank you Elli and otto for your excellent videos ❤
Thanks for being so honest. I love your videos, Otto is a star. I've done calligraphy for years so I know you will never get rich from that.
Best wishes for 2025.
Thank you for sharing, I love your videos and love hiking too!!
Another one in Wales is the new St Cadfan pilgrimage way. It's also on the coast. I don't think there are (m)any videos on it yet.
Another very useful video! Thanks for answering all these questions!
Happy hiking in 2025, Elli! Hi from NZ! I've been watching your videos since Otto and your John O'Groats to Lands End hike. I always enjoy your videos and appreciate the effort you put in. They're always very inciteful and honest. As someone who hopes to do some long walks in the UK at some point, i find your videos incredibly useful but you also have such a genuinely down-to-earth approach that makes them so relatable to watch.
Your plans sound really interesting for next year Eli, I'll also be doing the Southern Upland Way so i'm looking forward to watching your journey. Happy New Year to you both 😊
I love hiking in Scotland at all times of the year. However, in winter it's either wild camping or B&Bs in bigger places. Campsites are almost all closed. Even on the WHW basically everything is closed including hotels and cafes. You would need to be wild camping and restock at bigger places.
Happy new year Elli and Otto, looking forward to following your hikes this year. Can't wait to do my 1st thru hike on the SWCP this year 😊
Hi been watching your video for a few months now and think your fantastic, always smiling even though the tuff times. I'm just wondering if you would ever do group hikes as another way of making income?. Keep making your Videos makes an old man smile 😃
Cleveland way takes a week. Half inland, half on the coast.
I enjoyed this episode, thank you.
Well done Elli, interesting video as always. You have a lovely relaxed and open style, that makes it a pleasure to follow your travels. I have enjoyed so many of your videos since I discovered them in mid-2024. Best wishes for 2025.
Elli,
Have you considered combining your interests to create some more income? There must be a related market for commercial art that you're well placed to cater for: postcards, brochures & leaflets, travel guides...
January will be tough in Scotland as very cold. The Northumberland coastal path is lovely but the campsites are seasonal. Further south and warmer weather will be the Cotswold way, the South Downs way or the Ridgeway. I would imagine wild camping would be ok in January on the last two if you choose the leeward side of the hills.
Thank you for the suggestions, really appreciate them :) I'm not going to Scotland in January, the drive up there is a bit too long and yep, definitely too tough conditions :)
I did the Northumberland Coast Path last February with my dog and I camped at The Barn at Beal which is open all year and it has fantastic showers. I used the bus to ferry myself up and down the coast. It is a great path just try and do it when you will have the tide out during the day so you can walk along the beach for most of it.
@@fionafidler4030 That is good to know. I am planning on doing it in July and have found some campsites but hadn't though about staying in the same one and taking the bus. i know there is a bus but just assumed it wouldn't be very frequent. I am planning on staying at the Barn at Beal for two or even three nights so that I can go out to Lindisfarne/Holy Island for the day. I worry a little though about leaving my stuff in campsites.....
@@sarahscott-ze1th I have used buses and trains to allow me to camp in one spot for a few days on quite a few trails and I have never had anything stolen or damaged. Have fun on Lindisfarne and do walk across the sands as it is a great experience. Use a guide if you are worried doing it alone.
@@fionafidler4030 That is reassuring, thanks. I have walked lots of long distance trails but always stayed in B and B's but I just cannot afford that moving forward. Until recently, I ran the D of E at school so, have camped loads but never for more than one night in the same place and not often on public sites.
Just found you and find you so lovely and your doggie ahhh sweet ❤
Your videos are great and fun to watch. Thank you.
Thank you so much, I really appreciate you following along!
Consider the Dales High Way as well. A wonderful 90 mile hike that has a bit more about it than the Dales Way (including the Howgill Fells).
That's what I actually meant, just realised that the two are different trails :)
Happy new year to you and Otto! Thanks for this vid. Did you say you were intending to do some hiking in the UK in January? You really really like mud don't you?! :) I think you might struggle with finding open campsites at this time of year, though some of the main trails like the Ridgeway might have some stuff?
Also if you're thinking of Dartmoor later in the year you could try the Two Moors Way which goes from Dartmoor to Exmoor and is another coast to coast. Whatever you do, I'm looking forward to seeing more of your videos
Such a lovely job ❤
Wow, your 2025 content is going to be incredible!! 😀 Really looking forward to seeing all these hikes & the beautiful scenery! You must be feeling super excited for the year ahead!!
Thanks for such an interesting video Elli! Looking forward to your 2025 hikes
Thats awesome future plans Elli, Pct is a dream to try for anybody and soooo scary haha...anyway, when its comes to Southern Upland Way, I need to tell you that maybe better not to do it just now with your dog! Ive done section of it from the end Cockburnspath to just before Peebles so about 100km and I had a very close encounter with the cows abiut 3 times and super scary even as a grown guy😅😊 I never had that before doing other trails in Scotland and I also done quite alot. Once they sourounded me and I had to go back to the closer woods and run forward quickly, the other time I had to jump/climb the stone wall and jump into the other field to walk forward and it was not easy, third time I was also walking and suddenly from far away the whole herd of cows spotted me a runner towards me and they are super fast when they want to be...lucky they were a bit scared of me tok and I could past them, they run away...but I dont like cows anymore after all that haha😂....no way you should go there with your dog, they will attack you, it happens every year here for dog walkers. So Skye or Hibberdian Way better maybe. Atb Ellie.
Great vlog Ellie. There are so many trails across the UK . Loads of camping in snowdonia and planning on exploring myself this year
Snowdonia slate trail is worth checking out
@ yea this is what I’m planning on doing! Fingers crossed
Hi Elli. Another great video and I promise I was listening to you but I could not take my eyes off Otto 😂. I even thought you might have a stuffed version of him as he didn’t move. lol. I am so grateful for your videos because you inspired me to walk the South West Coastal Path. To be honest, I had never heard of the walk (living in Oz) and whilst I did not complete it, I will return to it. So, keep the videos up please and I will be one of the first to purchase a T/shirt of Otto when you advertise them. ❤. All the best for 2025 🎉 and I hope our paths cross again walking/cycling. x
Thank you so much for answering all these questions. I love all your videos and you are an inspiration. I love to walk, and following you is so much fun. Wishing you a Happy New Year and looking forward to your next videos.
Think your channel is brilliant. Basically going to places I can't go as I can't drive and the cost of train travel on top of accommodation is very high. My hiking area is the Shropshire Hills which I definitely recommend coming too, it's a beautiful area
And just joined your channel and bought you a coffee. Happy New year and look forward to your future videos
Or there is the Beacons Way in South Wales, 100 miles east/west across the Brecon Beacons.
Thank you for being so honest and giving so much detail. I wish you and your channel every success in 2025, and Otto too of course. The Cotswold Way is about 100 miles and so is the South Downs Way, I'm not sure how much of the accommodation would be open in winter time though. I hope you manage to do some through hikes during the winter as I don't want to have to wait until spring time to follow another one of your adventures. Happy New Year.
Happy new year to you Elli. (And whatever his name is). 😂 I take my hat off to your boyfriend, he must be one very understanding guy to see you go away for weeks on end. Here's to great hiking in 2025. I retire in 6 weeks time, and one of my first ports of call is going to be the Knoydart. You'll have to bring the good man out on a hike one day!! Cheers, Ozzy. X
Wow, what a great line-up, Elli, even if you only manage a few
The Southern Upland Way is my highlight - it might need timing to avoid the midges.
The less mountainous areas of France really intrigue me - the GR70 looks interesting.
Happy New Year Elli and Otto! I'm glad to be here following along with you enjoying the scenery and adventure and your candid commentary. You also really exemplify what it means to care for a dog and prioritize their needs and consent and I appreciate that so much 💛
Another insightful and refreshingly frank video, Elli! Thanks for all your inspiration and helpful suggestions in this video and elsewhere! Happy to leave a comment and wish you and Otto well for 2025!
Leaving a comment as requested :) I always enjoy seeing your videos. I first came across your channel when you were doing the LEJOG walk - and it's just possible I may get to do it myself within a year or two. As well as the Dales Way, another route through Yorkshire is the Lady Anne's Way, which I'm doing this Easter.
Theres also the south coast walk which has a surprising amount of elevation. Or in the lake dstrict you could do the wainwrights.....there about 5 books (i think)that splits the 214 mountains in to 5 regions. A few of my friends have spent a week doing each of the 5 books, ticking off the wainrights as they go. I did them over 18 months.
A Happy New Year to you and Otto! I found your channel this year and it is one of my favorites. I look forward to each new video that you put out. Thank you so much for bringing me to places I would not experience otherwise.
You are definitely part of the inspiration for me getting out hiking and wild camping this year, I've got my new pack and most of the gear I need, just going out for day hikes at the moment to get used to carrying it. I've walked a couple of sections of the Pennine Way after watching your videos that included it! 👍
Thankyou Elli for answering all those question, including mine. I think the best bit is, understanding that you and Otto are very happy in your lives and that the happiness came from taking a risk in the beginning, working to achieve your goals, being appreciative, and having jolly good fun! I'm going to enjoy your 2025 hikes. Take care, M.
Happy New Year! Thanks for this video and answering so many questions - it's very interesting to have a glimpse behind the scenes. Your 2025 plans sound good - really looking forward to the videos.
Happy & healthy New Year to you Elli & to little Otto. Looking forward to following your adventures in 2025 xx
Keep hiking. Love to Otto x
You might want to look into the South Downs Way in England. That is like ~100miles / 160-170km on the South Coast of England. It runs between Eastbourne and Winchester. I did the trail wild camping (just be smart about the spot you choose) in 5 days. There are some villages around the trail where you can get food / water - unfortunately, there is no water source on trail really.
Otto and I already hiked the SDW in summer of 2022 (before I did videos) and really enjoyed it 😊🥰
Elli you have such a lovely spirit, and are quite capable of achieving your ultimate goal of living off the proceeds of your hiking experiences. If opportunities present whereby you can earn from promoting gear you could do that with a clear conscience. Someone once told me that in life opportunities come along every day - you just have to watch out for them. And the happiness that you have found through your channel and hiking is a blessing and you should hold onto it, and promote it to a wider audience. I think that you have the capability of a great career involving hiking. Sheffield South Yorkshire.
Great video Elli, very candid, thank you for doing what you do. Happy new year to you and Otto and best of luck for 2025!
Happy new year to you and little Otto. He's a wee sweetheart.. love to follow your hikes & they are helping me a lot to plan my routes. I've decided to plan the TGO for nxt year after watching your trip . Hope to explore this summer of some of the areas. Stumbled on you after you did the coast to coast route as I had just done it in may/ june. xx
Waited so long for a new video! ❤❤❤ Loved it!! Thank you so much!❤❤❤❤
Love the vids. Just spent a few days hiking from caldbeck to keswick, borrowdale to langdale up to new year (lakes). Not enough distance for of your hikes though! Ever tried offas dyke path in wales? Havent seen all your vids so apologies if u have. Hoping to do what you are later this year. Might try around the canary islands and maderia. Warm regards. Sheffield. England.
Delighted that you are coming back to Scotland. I was wondering if you might walk the Southern Upland Way. It is very varied with some great sections. As I live nearby, I can walk sections easily when time permits. I'll look forward to hearing your comments in due course!
Have you thought of walking the Cape Wrath Trail? It is a serious challenge, starting at Fort William and heading North to the far North-West corner of Scotland, about 200 miles long and more challenging the further North that you walk, where there are fewer shops, services or people.... but if you walk in good weather, a truly magnificent area to walk!
Happy walking Elli and Otto for the year ahead, and many thanks for your inspiring videos. :-)
Thank you for following along, I really appreciate your kind words! I'm so excited for the SUW, I loved the section Otto and I did when we hiked JoGLE. Yes, I have definitely thought about the CWT and would do it on my own (without Otto) in a heartbeat. But with Otto, I'm hesitant because of the river crossings and bogs. I would only attempt it in dry weather but obviously that's almost impossible to plan 😅😆 but definitely very high on my bucket list 🥰🥰
I really enjoy your videos Elli. Thank you for sharing so honestly and enthusiastically. I have recently learned about the Hexatrek and wonder if parts (or all) of that hike might be of interest to you - assuming it is dog friendly of course.
@@ellihikes If you asked three people what the route of the CWT is, you might get three different answers, however, the start and end points should all be the same. The route is not waymarked.
The best guide book (IMO) is the Cicerone version. It is small enough to fit easily into a pocket and also shows the route variations.
If I was walking it, I'd start in early-mid-May when there are long hours of day light and it is hopefully (!) midge-free, but it may still be frosty with a bit of snow at high level. A point to be aware of is melting snow might create high river levels.
I walked in the area (Kintail) in early June a few years ago. Sunshine for four days and no midges! Bliss. :-)
Keep going
Do you have any long hikes in Germany , we love your channel
Hello Elli, thanks for such an interesting channel, informative and fun to watch, your a natural presenter. Are you ever going to do the Cape Wrath trail in one go? I know it takes a long time and might be a bit too far for Otto in one trip? I’m a convert to Durston kit now thanks to your channel, hope they give you a commission 😉!
Thank you for the kind words and for following along :) I've done several bits of the CWT and would do it in one go in a heartbeat on my own. But I'm hesitant with Otto... not because of the length, that would be fine for him but because of the boggy terrain and potentially sketchy river crossings etc. I would only think about an attempt in very settled, dry conditions which are of course almost impossible to predict or plan....
@ Totally understand that, I’ve done the most northern sections only, over a number of years, and admit to having some”moments “ due to the very unpredictable weather, including a ripped tent and bent poles. Hats off to Otto, I wish my bonkers terrier was as well behaved as him, I have to leave him behind to avoid causing mayhem throughout the highlands. Good luck for your walks this year, looking forward to the stories to come.
I have a question about your Garmin in reach 2. I don't really understand the subscription. I see that you can get a flex where you can just pay for a duration of time but have to pay £4.99 each month to keep the account active. Or you can just pay for a duration of time then cancel without a fee. However, there is a £40 odd registration fee so, if you cancel after a month and then later pay for another month, do you have to pay for registration again. I can't seem to find the answers and I know that you have one. I don't need to use it all the time, just during the school holidays as I am a teacher. If anyone else has one, feel free to comment. I did see someone in the US activate the SOS and a helicopter came for her but she now has thousands of dollars of bills, which I assume we would not have to pay in the UK as mountain rescue is free.......
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## Hiker names ##
A question NOT for Elli.
I believe that the hikers on US main trails receive their Hiker names from OTHER hikers (not choosing their own). So, what trail name are we going to give Elli??
Blimey, what do you reckon? There's a guy I also follow: Good Bloke Outdoors, who is an absolute blast. Like Elli, down to earth and says it like it is. So, as a start, Good Girl Outdoors? Cheers, Ozzy.
Why doesn't he have furniture? Get ourself a partner with a comfy sofa!! 😅
😅 moved everything to the side to get the spot with the best light 😅🤣
@@ellihikes poor Otto is thinking. stop yakking and get the crisps out!
😅