Welcome to Ambling Trails, home to hiking trails and wild camping with tips, reviews, kit recommendations and more. This channel is dedicated to celebrating the joys and challenges of hiking and wild camping. Join me as I explore everywhere from urban pathways to mountain passes, in the UK and beyond. I want to share my passion and inspire and motivate you to enjoy hiking, whilst appreciating the escape to the great outdoors.
Subscribe for tent, trail and equipment reviews; top tips and recommendations; and video diaries sharing my experience of beautiful hikes and walks.
I look forward to meeting you in the comments.
Upload schedule is mainly weekly @ 16:00 (GMT) Tuesday
Find me on Instagram: instagram.com/amblingtrails
Please donate a coffee @ Ko-Fi - ko-fi.com/amblingtrails
All reviews are solely based on my personal experience and expense, the channel is not sponsored or influenced by any manufacturers.
That tower (Arnagill, I think) is one of a few in the area which were used for “sighting” during the construction of the reservoirs and associated aqueducts.
Apologies for the slow response, on the trail in Ireland and reception not best. I did know but I was not sure if he was still there or not. And if he was there did want to let the masses know, but looks like I could have said former home. Thanks for the update Tony.
I live in Otley and it’s great to see people out walking this route. Have walked it twice and it’s very quiet out on most of the trail. Glad you had a good time.
Thanks, it’s a great trail and even with the weather not exactly smiling we still enjoyed it thoroughly. 😁 enjoyed your comment and thanks for watching.
Glad you enjoyed the series Barry. We didn’t book the Dying Cow before hand. It was only while we were on the trail that we heard from other hikers that camping was available. Hope you get chance to experience it, very unique. 😁⛺️🍺👍🏼
6:50 We had a run in with one of these dogs at this farm when we did the Cumbria Way. Given they also have that "private land" sign up, I think the owners just hate hikers... They were quite rude to us when we decided to wait at the gate (coming from the opposite direction). Their dog was threatening us from coming in, barking aggressively and jumping up at the gate, meanwhile they were trying to get us to walk through and completely disregarding what was happening - I've had way too many close encounters with aggressive dogs to risk getting that close to them. They could easily train their dogs not to harass hikers but it's clearly a conscious decision not to.. Such a shame to own a house along a prestigious hiking trail in arguably the most beautiful part of the country and decide the best course of action is to be hostile to everyone walking it. That was my read of the situation at least
Agree, those dogs are a pest and should be better controlled. Can't understand why they need so many dogs. Done the CW three times now and I always dread that part of the walk. Thanks for watching and I do appreciate the comment. Cheers, Nigel
Nigel, I like how you counted the steps, all 175 of them - something I would also do. And that gate-stile, never seen anything like it (I did wonder if you gave it a try). I don't mind those quiet country lanes - that is a type of road walking that is actually enjoyable. This was bit different to part 1, but still interesting nonetheless. As always, I'm keen to see/know what's next, or perhaps it is time for a bit of a break.
Thanks Ryk, as always an enjoyable comment. Yep, there was actually about three gate stiles to overcome but although I filmed one, it just did not work out well in terms of editing, which was actually quite frustrating. Agree, the road walking is enjoyable and it’s very much a feature of Irish trails. Bit of a rest and then back to Ireland as my daughter now keen to go. Cheers, Nigel
Thanks Sue , I’m a great fan of Ireland and have been a number of times before I had a RU-vid channel. It’s great to be back and I certainly will be doing more over time. Not done the Beara Way before, so now on my ever growing to do list, possibly next year. Thanks for the interest and I do appreciate the comment. Cheers, Nigel
Hi Nigel! Home from my own Irish Adventure! I tried to paste some photos on this comment to help you locate that wild camping spot toward the end of the Pennine Way, near Windy Gyle. It won’t allow me to. If you have the Trailblazer guide book by Stuart Greig, it is on Map 128; turn onto Clennell Street, and bear left about 1 mile down.
Hey, thanks for the info, really appreciate the thought. As it happens Trailblazer guide books are my preferred choice, so that’s great. Not sure when I’ll get to do the PW as early as I hoped but that will give me time to plan and hopefully identify the spot. Hope you guys enjoyed your Irish adventure. ATB, Nigel
Walked this route Jun23. Weather was glorious all the way. Views up Ingleborogh went on for miles and miles. Back up there Dec 23 - you couldn't see the trig point from the shelter and the rain came in horizontal on howling winds. Still, all goes to make memories.
Absolutely amazing nice sound. Guys I recommended you visit the himalayan mountains k2 and Nangaparbat view point from one place moses peak Gilgit-Baltistan Barah Valley. Add this sound in your bucket list. Moses peak is open zone family trek.
Nigel, Woke up to this little gem in my subscriptions list this morning and was surprised as I'd not expected another video from you so soon after the last, even though you'd mentioned Ireland was next. Watching this was a nice way to start my day, and certainly more scenic than my current training walks (mostly on local roads) here in NZ. Loved the ruined buildings of the Monastic City, and appreciated the written explanation you provided. I have a few walks in Ireland on my "if I ever get there, but probably never will" list. My anticipation for next year's U.K. adventure is ramping up, and this video helped crank that another notch or two.
Beautiful hills and mountains, especially the sunset and cloud inversion near the end. Liked the choice of music too. Wish a could persuade any of my kids to walk and camp with me!
Thanks Catherine, yes I’m very lucky that the kids(!) will accompany me on these adventures. Appreciate the comment and the nod to the music is helpful as well. Cheers, Nigel
Lovely video thanks. Glad you managed to get good weather. I'm just about to start backpacking and the Wicklow Way is definitely on my to do list. Looking forward to part 2
Glad you enjoyed it! First of all best to choose a sunny day or maybe even a week, as it can get quite muddy. From the car park, have the cafe on your right as you head north. At the far end of the resv. Turn left and go across the wide concrete bridge. Once over the bridge do not follow the track to the left, but look to your right where the fence is. From memory, I think there is a gate or gap go through and head into the wooded area away from the water. It’s not far maybe 25 - 30 metres from the gate in a diagonal direction. Hope that helps, I’m sure you will find it. 👍🏼
Enjoyed this latest series Nigel. We are impressed by your ability to get those miles in - we were exhausted at the end just watching you from our sofa! Shame about the swing bridge closure (not closed)… we would have been fuming. Thanks for taking us along again. Tim & Selina
Thanks Guys, I really appreciate you taking the time to share your comment. Glad you enjoyed the series, and hope your rested for the next journey!. Cheers, Nigel
This is a great series of videos, thank you for the effort it must have taken. Can you tell me which guidebook and map you were using and with the benefit of hindsight would you recommend the same or an alternative? Many thanks
Hi Graham, glad you enjoying the series. I've hiked many a trail in the UK and over time I have come to the conclusion that the best guide books are from the Trailblazer series. In terms of maps I prefer to use Harvey Maps. Both of these publishers cover the PCP and in fact all the national trails. To help with these questions and other you may have, I have produced a trail review video which covers questions like these, which hopefully you will find useful. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-s4nvcyMJWOo.html However, I am always interested to answers further questions if required, as this may help to further refine the quality of the trail reviews I have published so far. Cheers
Nigel, thanks for the third installment. Not sure that this day was worthwhile, but there were moments of interest/scenery. I don't mind shorter sections of road walking, but dislike excessive stretches of it as there are usually no views, safety is compromised, and it can be hard on the feet/legs. Still, congrats on completing another 5-day section of the Coast Path. I'm awaiting your next adventure with interest.
That is excellent, have a great time, I really enjoyed my time there, I hope you do to, interested how you get on. Meanwhile, I'm over the water in Ireland! Cheers
@@AmblingTrails You certainly get around Nigel. If you are ever in Eryri/Snowdonia, give me a shout. You would be very welcome here at Llyn Crafnant. Enjoy Ireland 👍
Apologies, there was a reason at the time, but I can't recall now. Still think it's a great park though, visited many since and I would still claim it's the best in England. Thanks for watching.
The fish pass @ Hoghton is great; there is also one @ Walton-le-dale; but Roach Bridge weir and Salmesbury bottoms weir still exist in between and until they are removed or fish passes are installed they present impossible barriers to fish migration and the connectivity; If these are somehow overcome we might once again see Salmon, Sea trout, eels, and who knows, Shad and Sturgeon venturing up the River once more.
That's really interesting info and I certainly appreciate you sharing this insight. At the time, I do recall thinking that Darwen River is under appreciated and that more could be done but I did not really understand the scale of possibilities. Cheers
@@AmblingTrails Just watching your epic Lycian Way video. Back in the 1990's I holidayed in Fetiyhe; What a region! Olu Deniz; Dalaman River; Turtle beach and the amazing rock cut tombs... They remain vivid and magical in my memory.
I remember thinking the same myself! I managed to work out the local farmer was running water from the well downhill for an animal trough. Well done on the day completion. Thanks for the watch and I appreciate the interest. Cheers
Hi Catherine, great to hear from you. Yes it was quite challenging at times but I’ve learnt that tends to be the way with coastal paths. The coastal part of the Cleveland Way had similar challenges. Thanks for the comment and watch. Cheers
Enjoyed that Nigel, I’m familiar with a few of the areas so was nice to see them on film and have stayed at the little campsite at Sandy haven ( not shown ) before the little concrete bridge many times.
@@AmblingTrails have you read the books by through hiker Keith foskett ? Worth a read , he does the PCT and Appalachian in the states and Camino de Santiago in spain.
Brilliant, Nigel. Great scenery. Looking forward to part 3. I wish these trails were less than a day's travel from where I live, but next year I'll be living the dream again walking these U.K. trails. I am a bit worried though - I might not be able to keep up with you with the speed at which you pack your tent (0:20) and head off in the morning 🤣!
For seeing your earlier videos to now it’s so wonderful to see your growth! What a brilliant channel and an even better video. Keep up the good work 👍🏻
Thanks, I was there virtually two years ago and recently completed another part of the Wales Coastal Path around the Llyn Peninsula. Appreciate the watch and comment. Cheers
Месяц назад
My main criticism of the Hornet, and the reason I sold mine, is that it is too easy for water to fall inside the inner when unzipping a wet flysheet. Otherwise as a stormproof tent, it is really decent.
Cracking good cheese, Gromit, er, I mean, a corker of a video Nigel. Great scenery, great variety of terrain, not too many humans, and variable weather. What more could one want? To be there in person methinks.
So far, I have only used the Hiiker app for recording hikes, and it sucks. After an update it will work for a week or two, then it can't seem to keep track of where I am at any given time. I did an experiment last week, walking the exact same 5km circular track 3 times. I interacted with the app in a different way on each circuit, and the end result was all over the map, and no 2 circuits mapped the same. The only time it recorded accurately was the circuit where I kept the app open and refreshed the map every minute or two.
@@AmblingTrails thank you Nigel, I have been trying to make my mind up about which watch to get, hearing of your experience helps a lot. By the way, have a look at the Snowdonia Slate Trail. I think you would find it interesting, and it would bring you almost past my door at Llyn Crafnant. 👍😁
Hi, excellent video. You always pick interesting routes and places to go. Have you changed your phone for recording the videos? The quality is really good.