Hi Duncan - I can understand why - I guess it’s pretty accessible from the Taynuilt route - some fine beaches . Thankfully I did not see any remnants for idiot campers thankfully but could imagine some could get here and leave a mess :( so sad when I see this Thanks for watching Atb Murray
Fantastic trip Murray. Certainly admire your grit & determination under such difficult conditions. You always make such interesting & entertaining films. Keep them coming!! 🥳😊
Another beauty. I only get a few weeks a year in Yorkshire and an occasional visit to the Yorkshire Dales so thanks for sharing these great experiences in Scotland which I will probably not have time to follow. Such a pleasure to experience them vicariously. Thankyou.
Loved this Murray :) can't believe you found a way after Glen Etive lough !!! Awesome, can't believe you havnt covered every inch of Scotland..u deserve a knighthood from your King :) Merky. I'm off to do the spine penine way for days so your video was timely :) thank you....
We very much enjoyed watching this, Friday night viewing saved for the big screen 🤩. What a place Loch etive is, one of our favourite places we have been lucky enough to visit, just stunning. We struggled to walk the 'paths' around it though, must have been hard work with the bike! Pretty epic camping spot, you held your nerve with that tide! 😮😂 🌊 🏕. Bringing beer is never to be regretted, we did enjoy the story of the ultra lighter and his 6 pack though 😂. Another great adventure, thanks for taking us along Murray 😊👍
Amazing adventure Murray. I never regret keeping your videos on my Watch Later list! When I was still in school (some time ago!) me and my mate decided we would take our bikes around Loch Etive (from Taynuilt up and around to Bonawe)....it was a trip we haven't forgotten....mostly for the reasons you experienced! Once those tracks end it's all a bit of a nightmare! 🙂
Haha - i am glad someone else has experienced the nightmare that is the path less jungle around Loch Etive !! Lol absolute nightmare - mind you - it wouldn’t have been as much of an adventure if it was easy easy!!lol Thanks for watching jules - really looking forward to catching up on the Dartmoor videos - the ones i have seen are broadcast quality Speak soon Murray
@@ScotlandsMountains thanks for your comment on my Dartmoor videos. As a producer of broadcast quality content yourself, it means a lot to me for you to say that. And I least know you don't mind a longer form video!! 🙂
@@jbairdexp having watched a few already I know how much effort you must have dedicated to doing this project - a major project and it will be there for ever for people top appreciated Jules :)
Took me a few days to watch the vid, but wow was it worth it. You probably don't want to see another fern for a while! One of the things I found really neat was the fact that you had to be around so many people, and then once you reached the beach your footprints were the only ones there. Solitude. Close call on where you decided to pitch your tent. Okay, so that "interesting" bridge you had to cross? You mean the one single plank of wood? lol! But above all else Murray, THE VIEWS, MY GOSH, THE VIEWS. I've told you before I don't mind telling you when one of your vids brings tears to my eyes, and this is one of those occasions. Husband enjoyed seeing it too. The word stunning doesn't do it justice, and there's just no way to thank you enough for taking the time to use the drone, set everything up, etc. Oh! And thanks for the rec re the gators, too. But there's one question that remains. You mentioned coffee and chocolate. If you say the chocolate was the Twix with white chocolate, this will be my face --> 😮😂
Murry, fabulous Video. I have walked, cycled around Loch Etive, a few times. Having lived in Connel for a few years it was on my doorstep. We cycled to Ardmaddy from Inverawe through Glen Kinglass in pretty much very wet conditions. Eventually arriving at Kingshouse and giving two lads who weren't enjoying it encouragement, telling them "its about 14 miles down Glen Etive all down hill.....😂😂 Into a headwind, hailstones as big as marbles....saw us off the bikes heading in a ditch.... Eventually, getting to our destination for the night, which was a bothy/scout hut.... Throughly enjoyed it. Your video, brought back so many happy memories of an area that I love and miss. Thank you again for the time it takes in making, editing and putting these videos out there.... 👍
Ah brilliant - glad I am not the only one my one to have experienced the “freewheel” into the driving rain 😂😂 hope you enjoyed the video :) Thanks for watching ATB Murray
What an epic journey that was wow .energy sapping I bet A wonderful adventure . Your videos are getting better all the time your a t v presenter in the making ha ..keep them coming .😊
I'm driving up to Strath next month Murray, taking my family as we've booked a holiday home. It's quite a drive from Barnsley but I'm looking forward to exploring Strath and Ullapool and the surrounding area. Another fantastic video and not a moment too soon as I'm very excited to get back to God's own country! God bless🙏
That was some expedition .....Beautiful scenery great photography and scenes of the Buachaille too....always a treat for me❤.Thanks for keeping me sane and supplied with a weekly dose of Scottish mountains xxxx Much appreciated😊😊😊😊😊😊😊
Nice wee adventure Murray 🚴 Squeeky bum time with the water rising. Nice to see the area SW of Loch Etive & Glen Kinglass. Never been in that area. Never knew there was a bothy there too.
Fantastic journey Murray. Love the longer videos as they provide more time for us to appreciate the journey and the beautiful landscapes Scotland has. ATB.
Hi Murray, great video as usual. Fellow Scarp 1 owner here, and I was wondering how you attach it to your bike? Was thinking of giving bikepacking a go soon
Re waterproof socks and gaiters, a cheap but good alternative I tried are boot liners, sold as military style, which have worked really well. Love your videos.
What a brilliant adventure Murray. Epic journey. What you didn't have in ascent, you had in bracken toil. The isolation of the route looked amazing and the judgement needed worth the effort. Thanks so much for sharing
Absolutely superb Murray, I watch your video usually on Sunday to brighten my evening but a bit late this week, its just such a lovely decent funny and lovely scenery, thank you for sharing it all with us, have a great week, another great video thank you x
Superb stuff. This trip had a bit of everything. Love me a video that has a bothy in it. You mentioned the old oak Forrest and rain forest. You may know about this but if not there’s a channel called The Highland woodsman. Most of his videos are him wild camping and a focus is on the old and ancient woodlands of Scotland particularly the north west highlands. It’s a great channel especially in regards to gaining knowledge and awareness of the ancient woodlands of the north west highlands Cheers
Absolutely love your videos. Really enjoyed this long format with so many details, was captivated the whole time. Can't imagine how much work it is to edit these videos and film while you go. How the heck did you do this trip in 13 hours total travel time and film everything. So incredible, really a blessing that you do this for others to see!
Wow! Absolutely gorgeous film. Your positive, generous attitude no matter what, makes viewing everything you do so enjoyable. Can never thank you enough, Murray. XXXX (4 of us)
Absolutely brilliant video Murray. That slog across the bog, rocks and beaches looked an absolute killer. You’re a fit lad without a doubt. Respect and VBW 👍
Hi Murray what an amazing adventure nothing phases you what a great determination you have to enjoy Scotland outdoors, an amazing part of the country with terrific scenery rain or sun thank you for allowing us to join you. Take care 👍🏴
Brilliant. Thankyou. I canoed on Loch Etive whilst camping with S of "Glen Blaven". Hadn't realised how scarily deep the Loch is until I studied the contour lines.
About 40 minutes in and enjoying very much. Brings back memories of walking a similar route along Loch Etive back in the 90's. Had the worst midge experience of my life camped at the head of Loch Etive. Thanks for all you do Murray. ☺️
You're absolutely right about the multi liter dry bags, they won't work if there's even a heavy rain. They should keep things dry inside your pack, but sure don't. May not even be splash resistant. Excellent videos and I love that you show the maps. Tides at the coastline are always earlier than farther inland. Used to do a lot of canoe camping in Florida and Arkansas.
Ah thats good to know, I kinda thought the tide may be delayed due to the water spilling in through the narrows etc etc :) I agree about the "dry sacks" my big thick ones are great but the smaller thinner ones maybe are not as water proof as they claim to be!!lol thanks for watching ATB Murray
Excellent Murray, I was in Glencoe on Monday , went up Stob Coire Raineach and Stob Dubh, not too bad for a 60 year old, look forward to your next adventure.
A very ambitious expedition. But such a great video once again. Glen Etive is spectacular and you showed it off very well. Been a long time since I have been down there. Mid week might be quieter. In the area in September so your video has spurred me on to have another look. Once again thank you for the time you spend creating such great footage,
Great video, Murray of a tough trek with the bike. I'll echo what Peak and PaddleUK says about the tides. There's also the element that if there's been a low pressure out to the west or passing through, that raises the tide higher than the stated high tide metres. Also if there's been lots of rain, you've got the rain running off the hills as well, all adding to the volume of water. In your soggy shoes, I'd look for the high tide mark and then go at least 2m higher if you can!
Thanks Irene - not sure I could’ve got any further away due to the jungl of ferns !!lol and there was also debris in there from storms i reckon - glad I didn’t get swept away though - ‘twas a tough but fun trip :) Thanks for watching Murray
Such a beautiful Glen! You always chuckle and see the funny side in the most challenging circumstances, whilst praising the beauty around you. You’re totally brilliant 🤩.
Well that was different Murray, still great, but in a different way! The rising tide reminded me of two surreal experiences many years ago. The first was camping on a beach on the Dorset coast when I was at Uni in the 1970s. The cliffs bounced the sound of the rising tide all around us, so we kept having to get out of the tents throughout the night to check we weren't about to be drowned! Then in the 80s while wild camping in Glencoe I came back from my walk to find a nearby tent had been engulfed by the rising River Coe! I collected the sodden tent and all the gear in it, and the kind staff at the old NTS visitor centre let me hang it up in a storeroom while I waited for it's owners to return to give them the bad news :(
I was certainly glad my tent didn't float away like the one you saved in Glen Coe (although I was a bit worried at one point!!lol thanks for watching ATB Murray
Another excellent video thanks Murray. It certainly didn't look like a walk in the park for you and while the weather did its best to dampen your spirits, you produced a quality production. Brilliant photography highlighting amazing scenery. Thanks for taking us along on your adventure.
Thanks Folks - I must admit , it was a hard push down the side of Loch Etive!!lol Not sure I would rush back to do it (unless in a boat!!lol) thanks for watching ATB Murray
Tide times are different in different places along the coast because water takes time to move from place to place! :) The area around the Falls of Lora near the end of the loch further complicate tidal timings on Loch Etive because of the geographic features there which cause the loch to take longer to flood than surrounding coastal areas. As such you need to adjust tide timings from nearby ports to account for this!
Wonderful filming of a difficult journey - and my goodness I don't know how you held your nerve when the Loch was getting ever closer to the tent and in the end you decided not to move! Really enjoyed this Murray and thanks for sharing such an interesting atmosphericv video.
Thanks Sue - in answer to your question about holding my nerve - my answer would be the beer helped 😂😂 however I was close to moving the tent !!!! 😂 Thanks for watching M
Loved the video Murray, the wee spot where you had a 'bite t eat' by Kings House is one of our picnic stops near The Cauldron falls. I avoid the Glen Etive road in the Summer it's just as you say, sometimes worse. I think Glen Kinglas goes up to Butter Bridge? Such lovely scenery on your trip. Thanks for taking us along Murray....Alioban ❤❤
Its a lovely spot (the cauldron falls - not Glen Etive road!!lol), you are correct Glen Kinglas goes up by Abyssinia bothy - the one I was on has an extra S (Glen Kinglass) I think :)) thanks for watching ATB Murray
Fantastic video, Murray. The scenery was superb, as always. I just love the mountains and glens. I will be driving thru Glencoe in August. When I see those magnificent hills, I will think of you and the many adventures you have taken me to. Safe travels, cheers. 🥰
Love the long-form videos Murray, your time working on these is really appreciated. Any chance of a co-lab with James on his @ScottishMunroJourney before he finishes them all? You’d both break the Munro internet..! 🏴🏴😀😀
The reference point for tides here is likely Oban, and the water from the rising tide has to flow through considerable restrictions at the falls of Lora and again at the Taynuilt narrows, as well as cover the distance up the loch. The West coast is so intricate with lochs and islands the tidal flows can be incredibly complex, sometimes with multiple high and low tides in one cycle, not just the simple in out pattern. A couple of years back I had to wait 2 hours after high tide at the head of Loch Tarbert on Jura before the flow reversed and I could get out of the pool down the channel in my sailing canoe
That's a great warning about the tide - I didn't even realise that Loch Etive was tidal. I've been planning a walking expedition with a camp on that beach - when I finally get round to doing it, I will stay well back from the beach!
Judging by the date Murray gives, he was camping over the highest spring tides in June so the waterline would be higher than normal. I camp on these beaches several times a year and they're fab, although I'm normally there on a flat calm, frosty, winter night, with a hot tent and some uisge beatha for company. Boat (from Taynuilt) or kayak (from head of loch) is the best way in, or hike the track from Taynuilt as Murray suggests. Over the years I've met a handful of walkers following Murray's route, and most were suffering more than he appeared to be🙂 It's easier to hike the opposite bank of the loch but there are fewer sandy beaches to camp on and generally more midges due to the woods - but definitely worth a hike outside midge season.
@@natalieminnis I can fully understand your aversion to long, cold and dark nights but I'm just paranoid about midges really, as they simply can't get enough of me. Keeps the rest of the family amused (and relatively bite free) but being the sacrificial goat/lamb covered in large, itchy, lumps has little to recommend it! However I actually camped at almost the same spot just a couple of weeks ago and kept the beasties at bay with a mildly smoky cooking fire, so summer camping in comfort is certainly possible - but I did have a boat available, ready to make a quick getaway. September might be a decent compromise between midge hell and winter darkness🙂Either way, Etive is beautiful!
@@Corkwing-DougK Oh dear - I wonder if your blood type is O pos? I recently heard that this is the midge's favourite treat, which may explain why they go for me too. I make up my own midge lotion from essential oils: bog myrtle, vetivert and citronella. It does keep the midges away (but the clegs seem to like it).
What a great journey. Thanks for sharing. I have looked at the Glen Kinglas route many times. The tidal narrows at Connel (Falls of Lora) have a very significant effect delaying the tidal flow in both directions. Similar situations occur in many Scottish lochs.
Superb Murray, Some beautiful views and some stunning footage. I thought we were about to see, a Sea to Summit Lilo 😂 Really enjoyed this one. Cheers, Gary B
Hi Murray, what a fantastic adventure, looked tough at times though. I was getting nervous for you though as the waves were getting closer. 🤣 All the very best Dave 😀⛰🥾🏴🏕️🚵♂️
Have to admire your stamina Murray first day was not easy but thoroughly enjoyed watching your trials and tribulations. Worried you were going to be flooded out when you pitched your tent by the loch it was touch and go. Second day much better for you and the scenery was just wonderful. Glad you made it back in one piece. Looking forward to your next adventure.
I wild camped by Loch Etive at the western end of Glen Kinglas one September and didn’t realise it was a spring tide. We were up in woodland but I woke at 5am to find the sea coming in under the fly sheet so had to rapidly pack down and move on. I used to live by Loch Etive and the section North of the pinch point at Bonawe was always hours behind the waters down by Connel Bridge where I stayed.
Cracking ride Murray. I've had a similar route planned in for a multi-day hike for a few years now.. must do it... I'm hopeful of summer finishing on a high, it's been quite a challenge this year... Quite different from our camp earlier in the year.. Great ride out and Thank you for sharing your adventure... 😎😎😎
Always a great watch and its good to see you bike packing it give a different perspective and like you said you can cover way more ground than if you was to do something like this on foot
Weed... The weed line is your guide 😉 Fantastic trip and video 😍 PS: If I could reccomend something for the bike; a simple 12 inch "Handlebar Extender" (usually for sat-nav mounts and such) - mounted downwards, allowes to attach realy bulky items safely and protecting cables as well. They are well below £10 on internet and great alternative to fancy overpriced handlebar racks.
Looked like a great adventure Murray and as you said the bike saved you a lot of time. I really liked the return route back to the car from the Bothy. The views were certainly impressive. Nice to see the quieter side of what is a busy area with the west highland way and the Glen Etive Road being nearby. Good effort Murray. ATB Gaz
cheers Gaz - yeah the bike allows more ground to be covered with the extra benefit of it carrying alot of the weight(including beer!)lol thanks for watching ATB Murray
As ever, stunning scenery, when the weather allows you to see it. I haven't visted Glen Etive for a while, but noticed a few recent videos have mentioned "getting the Skyfall shot", so that might explain why so many cars are wandering down there now. It's not a great road for any volume of traffic.
Brilliant fantastic views especially of Ben Cruchan worth the effort but I love the islands so can’t wait for your island adventure hope it’s Rum I am a big fan of the island backpack there many times cheers
Bravo Murray, that was rough but beautiful, as always great camera work! As a sailor never thought about high tide in a loch, good question, will have to research that...
Wow what an adventure Murray. Outstanding scenery all the way. What a nightmare having to push the bike over the bog and the rocks to the beach. Thank goodness the tide didn't come any closer. I remembered the spot you camped on from a video a few weeks ago. Well done mate, that was a hard one. Catch you on the next one. Atb, Tim.
Great journey. I’m luckily enough in the highlands now and haven’t been down to Glencoe in ages. Think I would struggle with how busy it is these days. Might venture down in the winter. For your camera on the clip a shower cap makes a great cover 👍🏻
Excellent video as always Murray! - Looked (and felt!) very familiar 😁... I remember all to well the 'shove of despair' down the loch side.. well worth the reward in the end though.. Loved the upper reaches of Glen Kinglass as well, all in all a fantastic adventure and so glad you got better weather on day 2, you were taking a bit of a beating out there on the first day! - ATB Tom
Loving this episode Murray, I was up a couple of weeks back with my uncle and the weather was awful we didn’t get a great lot in but still had a great weekend, first time visiting Loch Etive and I was amazed, Ben Starav is on my List on along with Ben Cruachan!! Thanks for the inspiration as always 🫡
That was my thoughts too - but had sprayed my permethrin on before leaving :) wouldn’t fancy those ferns in next few months as they will have grown higher now !! Lol
Just watching this I had to admire your stamina - as soon as I realised you were taking a bike down the east side of Etive, schadenfreude took over. Speaks volumes for my character I know, but I've met several hikers who struggled with that section, let alone a poor cyclist with a chunky bike🙂 I camp on Etive several times a year, often literally 20 metres round the corner from where you were and it's an amazing place, especially on a still, frosty winter's morning with ice forming on the loch. Just as a curiosity, where you were it is often possible to drink the water straight from the loch, particularly in the winter and spring, as freshwater layers lie on top of the denser saltwater - there's still a hint of salt but it's still drinkable, particularly in a well deserved coffee🙂Best tidal reference is Bonawe rather than Oban (roughly Oban +90 minutes), and Etive is a place with a 5 hour flood tide and 7 hour ebb, courtesy of the narrows at Connel. One of my favourite places.
ah - brilliant - its a great spot , Ardmaddy :) nice info about the seawater and freshwater :) (and about the tide times - makes everything more clear now and I wont panic if in the same position with the tent floating away down the llch !!lol thanks for watching ATB Murray
Great video as always, i so like the solo journeys that little more ... just wondering sure ive watch a kit list video but not sure if you said what deone you shoot the epic vistas on
Absolutely stunning 😍 thank you Murray, epic video. Scotland at its most lovely. The seaweed line stayed intact...is that the first beep I've ever heard in one of your vids?
I'll need to investigate this as a few people have mentioned this (I think it was a site called magic seaweed I was using if memory serves me right:)) thanks for watching ATB Murray
@@ScotlandsMountains Did the Hammer as my very first Trad Lead, I took pitches 1, & 5, then fell off the path heading back to the car at the wet spot! that hurt a lot.
@@ScotlandsMountains yeah.. I've regularly fished the Loch and I believe the difference is due to a combination of the narrows at the bridge and the natural structure on the sea floor at the bridge causing the tide to slow, it does cause some spectacular effects, try looking for some videos about the 'Falls of Lora'. Really impressive the power of the sea.
One of those rare channels where you always click "like" first and then watch the vid.
Yep that's me too😅
Absolutely!
Me too
Thank you 🙏. Not sure all the videos are worthy tho 😂 really appreciate your support though - very much appreciated
Thanks for watching
ATB
Murray
Yes! It's a sure bet.
Epic trip, stunning footage, brilliant editing - another congrats Murray!
Brilliant Murray. Fair play for going thru hell to get to your own wee paradise. Cracking watch as usual. Had a little chuckle at midgeageddon 😂
Absolutely stunning. Your videos inspire me and many others to get out into the hills. Thank you so much Murray 👍
Always a pleasure to watch,used to camp down there every year then it became to popular and many untidy visitors left their mark ❤🏴❤
Hi Duncan - I can understand why - I guess it’s pretty accessible from the Taynuilt route - some fine beaches . Thankfully I did not see any remnants for idiot campers thankfully but could imagine some could get here and leave a mess :( so sad when I see this
Thanks for watching
Atb
Murray
That was superb Murray. Such breathtaking vistas that make every hard yard a guilty pleasure. Marvelous 😊
Well done Murray, great effort there.
Fantastic trip Murray. Certainly admire your grit & determination under such difficult conditions. You always make such interesting & entertaining films. Keep them coming!! 🥳😊
Thanks Marilyn - Twas a fun trip :)
Thanks for watching
Murray
Another beauty. I only get a few weeks a year in Yorkshire and an occasional visit to the Yorkshire Dales so thanks for sharing these great experiences in Scotland which I will probably not have time to follow. Such a pleasure to experience them vicariously. Thankyou.
Awesome once again Murray, what more can I say. x
Loved this Murray :) can't believe you found a way after Glen Etive lough !!! Awesome, can't believe you havnt covered every inch of Scotland..u deserve a knighthood from your King :) Merky. I'm off to do the spine penine way for days so your video was timely :) thank you....
Have fun and hope the weather is good for your trip Merky :)
We very much enjoyed watching this, Friday night viewing saved for the big screen 🤩. What a place Loch etive is, one of our favourite places we have been lucky enough to visit, just stunning. We struggled to walk the 'paths' around it though, must have been hard work with the bike! Pretty epic camping spot, you held your nerve with that tide! 😮😂 🌊 🏕. Bringing beer is never to be regretted, we did enjoy the story of the ultra lighter and his 6 pack though 😂. Another great adventure, thanks for taking us along Murray 😊👍
Amazing adventure Murray. I never regret keeping your videos on my Watch Later list! When I was still in school (some time ago!) me and my mate decided we would take our bikes around Loch Etive (from Taynuilt up and around to Bonawe)....it was a trip we haven't forgotten....mostly for the reasons you experienced! Once those tracks end it's all a bit of a nightmare! 🙂
Haha - i am glad someone else has experienced the nightmare that is the path less jungle around Loch Etive !! Lol absolute nightmare - mind you - it wouldn’t have been as much of an adventure if it was easy easy!!lol
Thanks for watching jules - really looking forward to catching up on the Dartmoor videos - the ones i have seen are broadcast quality
Speak soon
Murray
@@ScotlandsMountains thanks for your comment on my Dartmoor videos. As a producer of broadcast quality content yourself, it means a lot to me for you to say that. And I least know you don't mind a longer form video!! 🙂
@@jbairdexp having watched a few already I know how much effort you must have dedicated to doing this project - a major project and it will be there for ever for people top appreciated Jules :)
Took me a few days to watch the vid, but wow was it worth it. You probably don't want to see another fern for a while! One of the things I found really neat was the fact that you had to be around so many people, and then once you reached the beach your footprints were the only ones there. Solitude. Close call on where you decided to pitch your tent. Okay, so that "interesting" bridge you had to cross? You mean the one single plank of wood? lol! But above all else Murray, THE VIEWS, MY GOSH, THE VIEWS. I've told you before I don't mind telling you when one of your vids brings tears to my eyes, and this is one of those occasions. Husband enjoyed seeing it too. The word stunning doesn't do it justice, and there's just no way to thank you enough for taking the time to use the drone, set everything up, etc. Oh! And thanks for the rec re the gators, too. But there's one question that remains. You mentioned coffee and chocolate. If you say the chocolate was the Twix with white chocolate, this will be my face --> 😮😂
🙏ps the white chocolate twix is amazing 🤩
@@ScotlandsMountains I'm rolling, them's fightin' words! 🤣
Murry, fabulous Video.
I have walked, cycled around Loch Etive, a few times. Having lived in Connel for a few years it was on my doorstep. We cycled to Ardmaddy from Inverawe through Glen Kinglass in pretty much very wet conditions. Eventually arriving at Kingshouse and giving two lads who weren't enjoying it encouragement, telling them "its about 14 miles down Glen Etive all down hill.....😂😂
Into a headwind, hailstones as big as marbles....saw us off the bikes heading in a ditch....
Eventually, getting to our destination for the night, which was a bothy/scout hut....
Throughly enjoyed it.
Your video, brought back so many happy memories of an area that I love and miss.
Thank you again for the time it takes in making, editing and putting these videos out there....
👍
Ah brilliant - glad I am not the only one my one to have experienced the “freewheel” into the driving rain 😂😂 hope you enjoyed the video :)
Thanks for watching
ATB
Murray
What an epic journey that was wow .energy sapping I bet
A wonderful adventure .
Your videos are getting better all the time your a t v presenter in the making ha ..keep them coming .😊
🙏👍
I'm driving up to Strath next month Murray, taking my family as we've booked a holiday home.
It's quite a drive from Barnsley but I'm looking forward to exploring Strath and Ullapool and the surrounding area.
Another fantastic video and not a moment too soon as I'm very excited to get back to God's own country!
God bless🙏
That was some expedition .....Beautiful scenery great photography and scenes of the Buachaille too....always a treat for me❤.Thanks for keeping me sane and supplied with a weekly dose of Scottish mountains xxxx Much appreciated😊😊😊😊😊😊😊
Thanks Sue - hope you enjoyed it :) 👍👍
Nice wee adventure Murray 🚴 Squeeky bum time with the water rising. Nice to see the area SW of Loch Etive & Glen Kinglass. Never been in that area. Never knew there was a bothy there too.
Fantastic journey Murray. Love the longer videos as they provide more time for us to appreciate the journey and the beautiful landscapes Scotland has. ATB.
Thank you - just wish I could do more longer videos - maybe one day :)
Thanks for watching
M
Hi Murray, great video as usual. Fellow Scarp 1 owner here, and I was wondering how you attach it to your bike? Was thinking of giving bikepacking a go soon
Hi - I put the tent in a dry bag and then on the handle bar rack - I use an aero handle bag mount that is pretty good 👍
Re waterproof socks and gaiters, a cheap but good alternative I tried are boot liners, sold as military style, which have worked really well. Love your videos.
🙏👍
What a brilliant adventure Murray. Epic journey. What you didn't have in ascent, you had in bracken toil. The isolation of the route looked amazing and the judgement needed worth the effort. Thanks so much for sharing
Thanks Lyndsey
Absolutely superb Murray, I watch your video usually on Sunday to brighten my evening but a bit late this week, its just such a lovely decent funny and lovely scenery, thank you for sharing it all with us, have a great week, another great video thank you x
🙏 hope you enjoyed the video :)
Superb stuff. This trip had a bit of everything. Love me a video that has a bothy in it.
You mentioned the old oak Forrest and rain forest. You may know about this but if not there’s a channel called The Highland woodsman. Most of his videos are him wild camping and a focus is on the old and ancient woodlands of Scotland particularly the north west highlands. It’s a great channel especially in regards to gaining knowledge and awareness of the ancient woodlands of the north west highlands
Cheers
Loved this. Please take more care of your beers in future.
Loved this video. Great circuit full of all the usual fun. Thanks for creating and sharing.
Thanks Alasdair 🙏👍
Absolutely love your videos. Really enjoyed this long format with so many details, was captivated the whole time. Can't imagine how much work it is to edit these videos and film while you go. How the heck did you do this trip in 13 hours total travel time and film everything. So incredible, really a blessing that you do this for others to see!
🙏🙏 thank you - wish I could do longer ones all the time but sometime life gets in the way ! lol 😂
Wow! Absolutely gorgeous film. Your positive, generous attitude no matter what, makes viewing everything you do so enjoyable. Can never thank you enough, Murray. XXXX (4 of us)
Thank Joan - very much appreciated 🙏🙏
Absolutely brilliant video Murray. That slog across the bog, rocks and beaches looked an absolute killer. You’re a fit lad without a doubt. Respect and VBW 👍
Thanks Dave - it was a hard slog , not sure about being fit, but I reckon I was fitter after this trip!!lol
thanks for watching
ATB
Murray
Hi Murray what an amazing adventure nothing phases you what a great determination you have to enjoy Scotland outdoors, an amazing part of the country with terrific scenery rain or sun thank you for allowing us to join you. Take care 👍🏴
Brilliant bike adventure. Loved watching after a day in the Galloway hills. Perhaps will watch a video of you there one day.
There are a few vids in the back catalogue of the Galloway hills :)
Brilliant. Thankyou. I canoed on Loch Etive whilst camping with S of "Glen Blaven". Hadn't realised how scarily deep the Loch is until I studied the contour lines.
This channel never disappoints, cheers Murray that was quite an adventure 👍
Thank you 🙏 very much appreciated
About 40 minutes in and enjoying very much. Brings back memories of walking a similar route along Loch Etive back in the 90's. Had the worst midge experience of my life camped at the head of Loch Etive.
Thanks for all you do Murray. ☺️
Thanks - 🙏 hope you enjoyed the video - was something different but much fun was had :)
Thanks for watching
Murray
You're absolutely right about the multi liter dry bags, they won't work if there's even a heavy rain. They should keep things dry inside your pack, but sure don't. May not even be splash resistant. Excellent videos and I love that you show the maps. Tides at the coastline are always earlier than farther inland. Used to do a lot of canoe camping in Florida and Arkansas.
Ah thats good to know, I kinda thought the tide may be delayed due to the water spilling in through the narrows etc etc :) I agree about the "dry sacks" my big thick ones are great but the smaller thinner ones maybe are not as water proof as they claim to be!!lol
thanks for watching
ATB
Murray
Excellent Murray, I was in Glencoe on Monday , went up Stob Coire Raineach and Stob Dubh, not too bad for a 60 year old, look forward to your next adventure.
Fantastic stuff - a brace of fine mountains - hope the weather was kind for your climb ~:)
thanks for watching
ATB
Murray
Midgageddon 😂. Loved it Murray. We love the hills but still do from the valley and lochs. Was a great trip to come along with you
Thanks John - stay tuned might be a video in a few weeks that you may recognise !
Thanks for watching
@@ScotlandsMountains yes mate. Looking forward to it 👌😎
A very ambitious expedition. But such a great video once again. Glen Etive is spectacular and you showed it off very well. Been a long time since I have been down there. Mid week might be quieter. In the area in September so your video has spurred me on to have another look. Once again thank you for the time you spend creating such great footage,
Thanks - hope you get good weather for your trip in September:)
thanks for watching
ATB
Murray
Fantastic area to explore and a great effort to get through it all, cheers for sharing
Thanks Harry - Twas a wonderful trip 👍
Wow!! Beautiful place. Amazing views. Enjoyed watching it very much. Thank you for sharing. 👍
Thank you - very much appreciated 🙏
Epic. 👍👍👍👌👌👌
Cheers S - got some good videos for next two weeks (I hope )
Great video, Murray of a tough trek with the bike. I'll echo what Peak and PaddleUK says about the tides. There's also the element that if there's been a low pressure out to the west or passing through, that raises the tide higher than the stated high tide metres. Also if there's been lots of rain, you've got the rain running off the hills as well, all adding to the volume of water. In your soggy shoes, I'd look for the high tide mark and then go at least 2m higher if you can!
Thanks Irene - not sure I could’ve got any further away due to the jungl of ferns !!lol and there was also debris in there from storms i reckon - glad I didn’t get swept away though - ‘twas a tough but fun trip :)
Thanks for watching
Murray
What a stunning campsite. We're so lucky in scotland!
It’s a lovely spot - always nice to get a beach camp :) 🏕️
Thanks for watching
Murray
Such a beautiful Glen! You always chuckle and see the funny side in the most challenging circumstances, whilst praising the beauty around you. You’re totally brilliant 🤩.
Thanks Anne - always try to keep upbeat - nicer being outside than in ! lol
Well that was different Murray, still great, but in a different way!
The rising tide reminded me of two surreal experiences many years ago. The first was camping on a beach on the Dorset coast when I was at Uni in the 1970s. The cliffs bounced the sound of the rising tide all around us, so we kept having to get out of the tents throughout the night to check we weren't about to be drowned!
Then in the 80s while wild camping in Glencoe I came back from my walk to find a nearby tent had been engulfed by the rising River Coe! I collected the sodden tent and all the gear in it, and the kind staff at the old NTS visitor centre let me hang it up in a storeroom while I waited for it's owners to return to give them the bad news :(
I was certainly glad my tent didn't float away like the one you saved in Glen Coe (although I was a bit worried at one point!!lol
thanks for watching
ATB
Murray
Another excellent video thanks Murray. It certainly didn't look like a walk in the park for you and while the weather did its best to dampen your spirits, you produced a quality production. Brilliant photography highlighting amazing scenery.
Thanks for taking us along on your adventure.
Thanks Bryce- Twas a fine trip in amongst the mountains :)
Fabulous video 🏔️! What an adventure! Superb views and gorgeous aerial footage! Thanks for sharing your journey with us!
Thanks Ellen - much appreciated:)
Hi Murray beautiful scenery which most people won,t see you worked hard for that best wishes from us both stay safe
.
Thanks Folks - I must admit , it was a hard push down the side of Loch Etive!!lol Not sure I would rush back to do it (unless in a boat!!lol)
thanks for watching
ATB
Murray
Well done mate for mixing up the channel, as all know walking video’s can get a bit same same these bike trips keep the interest so well done.
🙏 hope you enjoyed it
The mountains and sea infiltrates the soul
Totally concur :)
Thanks for watching
ATB
Murray
Looked like a great trip Murray. Nothing ever seems to dampen your enthusiasm 😂
🙏👍
Tide times are different in different places along the coast because water takes time to move from place to place! :) The area around the Falls of Lora near the end of the loch further complicate tidal timings on Loch Etive because of the geographic features there which cause the loch to take longer to flood than surrounding coastal areas. As such you need to adjust tide timings from nearby ports to account for this!
Great video Murray. I doubt I’ll ever get to Scotland and I’m certainly not fit enough to travel where you do. Stunning scenery 💗
🙏
Wonderful filming of a difficult journey - and my goodness I don't know how you held your nerve when the Loch was getting ever closer to the tent and in the end you decided not to move! Really enjoyed this Murray and thanks for sharing such an interesting atmosphericv video.
Thanks Sue - in answer to your question about holding my nerve - my answer would be the beer helped 😂😂 however I was close to moving the tent !!!! 😂
Thanks for watching
M
Loved the video Murray, the wee spot where you had a 'bite t eat' by Kings House is one of our picnic stops near The Cauldron falls. I avoid the Glen Etive road in the Summer it's just as you say, sometimes worse. I think Glen Kinglas goes up to Butter Bridge? Such lovely scenery on your trip. Thanks for taking us along Murray....Alioban ❤❤
Its a lovely spot (the cauldron falls - not Glen Etive road!!lol), you are correct Glen Kinglas goes up by Abyssinia bothy - the one I was on has an extra S (Glen Kinglass) I think :))
thanks for watching
ATB
Murray
Fantastic video, Murray. The scenery was superb, as always. I just love the mountains and glens. I will be driving thru Glencoe in August. When I see those magnificent hills, I will think of you and the many adventures you have taken me to. Safe travels, cheers. 🥰
Have fun when you visit Glen Coe - I hope the weather is good for your trip :)
Thanks for watching
Murray
Love the long-form videos Murray, your time working on these is really appreciated.
Any chance of a co-lab with James on his @ScottishMunroJourney before he finishes them all? You’d both break the Munro internet..! 🏴🏴😀😀
The reference point for tides here is likely Oban, and the water from the rising tide has to flow through considerable restrictions at the falls of Lora and again at the Taynuilt narrows, as well as cover the distance up the loch. The West coast is so intricate with lochs and islands the tidal flows can be incredibly complex, sometimes with multiple high and low tides in one cycle, not just the simple in out pattern. A couple of years back I had to wait 2 hours after high tide at the head of Loch Tarbert on Jura before the flow reversed and I could get out of the pool down the channel in my sailing canoe
Thanks for the info - some serious currents up and down the west coast - I was just glad the tide stopped coming before reaching the tent !! lol 😂
That's a great warning about the tide - I didn't even realise that Loch Etive was tidal. I've been planning a walking expedition with a camp on that beach - when I finally get round to doing it, I will stay well back from the beach!
Hope you get to go there soon - it’s a wonderful location - reckon the track up from Taynuilt May give easier access :)
Judging by the date Murray gives, he was camping over the highest spring tides in June so the waterline would be higher than normal. I camp on these beaches several times a year and they're fab, although I'm normally there on a flat calm, frosty, winter night, with a hot tent and some uisge beatha for company. Boat (from Taynuilt) or kayak (from head of loch) is the best way in, or hike the track from Taynuilt as Murray suggests. Over the years I've met a handful of walkers following Murray's route, and most were suffering more than he appeared to be🙂 It's easier to hike the opposite bank of the loch but there are fewer sandy beaches to camp on and generally more midges due to the woods - but definitely worth a hike outside midge season.
@@Corkwing-DougK Sounds magic! I hope I get round to doing this before winter though. I'm not a fan of cold weather camping.
@@natalieminnis I can fully understand your aversion to long, cold and dark nights but I'm just paranoid about midges really, as they simply can't get enough of me. Keeps the rest of the family amused (and relatively bite free) but being the sacrificial goat/lamb covered in large, itchy, lumps has little to recommend it! However I actually camped at almost the same spot just a couple of weeks ago and kept the beasties at bay with a mildly smoky cooking fire, so summer camping in comfort is certainly possible - but I did have a boat available, ready to make a quick getaway. September might be a decent compromise between midge hell and winter darkness🙂Either way, Etive is beautiful!
@@Corkwing-DougK Oh dear - I wonder if your blood type is O pos? I recently heard that this is the midge's favourite treat, which may explain why they go for me too. I make up my own midge lotion from essential oils: bog myrtle, vetivert and citronella. It does keep the midges away (but the clegs seem to like it).
What a great journey. Thanks for sharing. I have looked at the Glen Kinglas route many times.
The tidal narrows at Connel (Falls of Lora) have a very significant effect delaying the tidal flow in both directions. Similar situations occur in many Scottish lochs.
Thanks Peter - much appreciated
thanks for watching
ATB
Murray
Nice one Murray I need my weekly dose of the Highlands I’m a sassenach living in Sussex
thanks - hope you enjoyed it :)
Superb Murray,
Some beautiful views and some stunning footage.
I thought we were about to see, a Sea to Summit Lilo 😂
Really enjoyed this one.
Cheers,
Gary B
You’re not the only one - I was almost at the point of moving the tent (or getting the sails up and floating down to Taynuilt !! 😂😂😂
@@ScotlandsMountainsnow there’s another video 😁👍🏼
Hi Murray, what a fantastic adventure, looked tough at times though. I was getting nervous for you though as the waves were getting closer. 🤣
All the very best
Dave 😀⛰🥾🏴🏕️🚵♂️
I was also getting nervous Dave - glad the tidal push stopped at the door of the tent 😂😂
Have to admire your stamina Murray first day was not easy but thoroughly enjoyed watching your trials and tribulations. Worried you were going to be flooded out when you pitched your tent by the loch it was touch and go. Second day much better for you and the scenery was just wonderful. Glad you made it back in one piece. Looking forward to your next adventure.
I also thought I was going to have to move the tent but thankfully I didn’t pitch in my first spot as would’ve been submerged !! 😂
just watched yr video great love it absolutely great
Thanks Heather - hope you enjoyed the video from your motorhome on the Isle of Skye :)
thanks for watching
ATB
Murray
Thanks for taking us along on another epic journey with some fabulous views and you dodged between the rain showers!
Thanks for watching - hope you enjoyed the video :)
Thanks for watching
ATB
Murray
I wild camped by Loch Etive at the western end of Glen Kinglas one September and didn’t realise it was a spring tide. We were up in woodland but I woke at 5am to find the sea coming in under the fly sheet so had to rapidly pack down and move on. I used to live by Loch Etive and the section North of the pinch point at Bonawe was always hours behind the waters down by Connel Bridge where I stayed.
Cracking ride Murray. I've had a similar route planned in for a multi-day hike for a few years now.. must do it... I'm hopeful of summer finishing on a high, it's been quite a challenge this year... Quite different from our camp earlier in the year.. Great ride out and Thank you for sharing your adventure... 😎😎😎
Cheers Jim - hoping summer arrives in September as I have a holiday booked - in scotland 🏴 😂😂 ps enjoyed you let latest one on Cnoc Connich 👍👍
@@ScotlandsMountains There is always somewhere nice to go up here.... Different kinds of nice 🙂
Fantastic ⛰️
Love these longer vids, let's you get fully immersed in the adventure ❤️
Thank you 🙏 hope you enjoyed it - was a fine bike packing trip for sure :)
Thanks for watching
Murray
Epic journey ! How I envy your stamina, but what a wonderful video, such magnificent scenery. This had it all. Loved it, thanks so much, Murray❤⛰️🚲🥾👏
Thanks Anne 🙏very much appreciated
What a grand video! Those ferns and rocky crossings definitely looked rough going. Beautiful places to see!! Looking forward to the next one.
I can confirm the rocks and ferns were testing !! Lots of pushing and bike a hiking ! 😂
Always a great watch and its good to see you bike packing it give a different perspective and like you said you can cover way more ground than if you was to do something like this on foot
Absolutely - nice for carrying all the gear too 😂👍
Weed... The weed line is your guide 😉 Fantastic trip and video 😍 PS: If I could reccomend something for the bike; a simple 12 inch "Handlebar Extender" (usually for sat-nav mounts and such) - mounted downwards, allowes to attach realy bulky items safely and protecting cables as well. They are well below £10 on internet and great alternative to fancy overpriced handlebar racks.
Great video Murray.
Well done riding the bike and camping too.
The scenery was stunning even though it did rain some of the time.
Excellent.
Thanks Wendy - Twas a fun trip - albeit the rain could’ve gone off earlier for me 😂😂👍
Looked like a great adventure Murray and as you said the bike saved you a lot of time. I really liked the return route back to the car from the Bothy. The views were certainly impressive. Nice to see the quieter side of what is a busy area with the west highland way and the Glen Etive Road being nearby. Good effort Murray.
ATB Gaz
cheers Gaz - yeah the bike allows more ground to be covered with the extra benefit of it carrying alot of the weight(including beer!)lol
thanks for watching
ATB
Murray
As ever, stunning scenery, when the weather allows you to see it. I haven't visted Glen Etive for a while, but noticed a few recent videos have mentioned "getting the Skyfall shot", so that might explain why so many cars are wandering down there now. It's not a great road for any volume of traffic.
Can’t believe how busy it was - surprised there are not more vehicle stuck in ditches down there tbh !! lol 😂
Brilliant fantastic views especially of Ben Cruchan worth the effort but I love the islands so can’t wait for your island adventure hope it’s Rum I am a big fan of the island backpack there many times cheers
Thanks Andrew - no spoilers but there may be a troll element to the island video / stay tuned for it in next few weeks 👌🏕️👍
Bravo Murray, that was rough but beautiful, as always great camera work! As a sailor never thought about high tide in a loch, good question, will have to research that...
It kept coming for a good 90 mins after the oban high tide time !! I was getting worried and the tent floating away !! 😂😂
Proper adventuring. Thanks for the video.
🙏
I have been trying to stay classy, but i must admit my classiness was being tested until this delayed video finally appeared !
Absolutely Fantastic😊
🙏
Love watching these lengthy vlogs. The scenery is amazing 👍
Thanks David - hope you enjoyed the video 👍
@@ScotlandsMountains always enjoy them,look forward to more hourly vlogs 👍
Wow what an adventure Murray.
Outstanding scenery all the way.
What a nightmare having to push the bike over the bog and the rocks to the beach.
Thank goodness the tide didn't come any closer.
I remembered the spot you camped on from a video a few weeks ago.
Well done mate, that was a hard one.
Catch you on the next one.
Atb,
Tim.
Thanks Tim - I was certainly glad when the tide turned !! Was thinking I was going to have to live the tent !! lol
Great journey. I’m luckily enough in the highlands now and haven’t been down to Glencoe in ages. Think I would struggle with how busy it is these days. Might venture down in the winter.
For your camera on the clip a shower cap makes a great cover 👍🏻
Might have tk do that with shower cap soon :)
Thanks for the tip
Murray
Excellent video as always Murray! - Looked (and felt!) very familiar 😁... I remember all to well the 'shove of despair' down the loch side.. well worth the reward in the end though.. Loved the upper reaches of Glen Kinglass as well, all in all a fantastic adventure and so glad you got better weather on day 2, you were taking a bit of a beating out there on the first day! - ATB Tom
I agree and “the shove of despair” is a perfect description 😂😂🫠👍
The original and still the best 👍👍
🙏👍
Loving this episode Murray, I was up a couple of weeks back with my uncle and the weather was awful we didn’t get a great lot in but still had a great weekend, first time visiting Loch Etive and I was amazed, Ben Starav is on my List on along with Ben Cruachan!! Thanks for the inspiration as always 🫡
Loch Etive is a wonderful spot - hope you had fun even with the weather :)
Enjoy your video's ..many thanks -from Ireland !
🙏
It's no fun pushing a mountain bike through a field of ferns, especially peak tick season. Another epic adventure Murray.
That was my thoughts too - but had sprayed my permethrin on before leaving :) wouldn’t fancy those ferns in next few months as they will have grown higher now !! Lol
Great video Murray, looked like a lot of hard work. Just out of curiosity have you ever considered an electric mountain bike ?
Hi / I have but still too expensive TBh - maybe if I win the lottery 😂😂👍
Just watching this I had to admire your stamina - as soon as I realised you were taking a bike down the east side of Etive, schadenfreude took over. Speaks volumes for my character I know, but I've met several hikers who struggled with that section, let alone a poor cyclist with a chunky bike🙂 I camp on Etive several times a year, often literally 20 metres round the corner from where you were and it's an amazing place, especially on a still, frosty winter's morning with ice forming on the loch. Just as a curiosity, where you were it is often possible to drink the water straight from the loch, particularly in the winter and spring, as freshwater layers lie on top of the denser saltwater - there's still a hint of salt but it's still drinkable, particularly in a well deserved coffee🙂Best tidal reference is Bonawe rather than Oban (roughly Oban +90 minutes), and Etive is a place with a 5 hour flood tide and 7 hour ebb, courtesy of the narrows at Connel. One of my favourite places.
ah - brilliant - its a great spot , Ardmaddy :) nice info about the seawater and freshwater :) (and about the tide times - makes everything more clear now and I wont panic if in the same position with the tent floating away down the llch !!lol
thanks for watching
ATB
Murray
I don't suppose you had the tide time in GMT? I'll be the pedant, the big tide is the spring tide ;) Nice route, always on the lookout for TGOC ideas.
Great video as always, i so like the solo journeys that little more ... just wondering sure ive watch a kit list video but not sure if you said what deone you shoot the epic vistas on
Thanks Sam - got a gear list in the gear playlist (I think ) which outline all the camping gear and all that jazz 👍 thanks for watching
ATB
Murray
@@ScotlandsMountains 🫡
Superb!
Absolutely stunning 😍 thank you Murray, epic video. Scotland at its most lovely. The seaweed line stayed intact...is that the first beep I've ever heard in one of your vids?
Haha - there may have been a few beeps in the past - few and far between lol 😂 I’m
Tides times - GMT/BST ?😊 Superb adventure, thanks for sharing
I'll need to investigate this as a few people have mentioned this (I think it was a site called magic seaweed I was using if memory serves me right:))
thanks for watching
ATB
Murray
Trilleachan Slabs 15:57... fab climbing.
Absolutely / here one from a few years ago on the slabs - ruclips.net/video/o8I96AQbvcE/видео.htmlsi=N6dNQN_eWifTMAB_
@@ScotlandsMountains Did the Hammer as my very first Trad Lead, I took pitches 1, & 5, then fell off the path heading back to the car at the wet spot! that hurt a lot.
Great video again.. I do some sea angling and I think the difference of tide times is because it narrows at Connel Bridge.. I think. 🤔
I kinda thought the same ie the tide pushing the water through a narrow gap then takes more time and hence a delaye perhaps ? 🤔
@@ScotlandsMountains yeah.. I've regularly fished the Loch and I believe the difference is due to a combination of the narrows at the bridge and the natural structure on the sea floor at the bridge causing the tide to slow, it does cause some spectacular effects, try looking for some videos about the 'Falls of Lora'. Really impressive the power of the sea.
The Scottish mountains and sea lochs in the ever changing light are definitely the most beautiful places in the world
Couldn’t agree more :)
Thanks for watching
Murray