Ignore the Demons Within : The Lost Valley & Bidean nam Bian 

Another great video and I was watching with one eye closed on the cornice. Watched again the “ getting closer to heaven” one . It always brings a tear. We are all here for you Murray and so extremely proud of how far you and your family have come. I’ve never met you , however myself and my husband spend so much time watching you , you feel like family

Beautiful video x It's a special mountain for us too. Our dear friend Geoff's last munro. Celebrated with us and other friends. No longer with us but watching your film brings back the memories of that fabulous day. Thanks Murray xx

The hardest step on any adventure is always the first.

Thanks Murray for this beautiful video. So much useful advice, exciting, scary climbing, and especially at the cornice, but most of all, remembering “Getting Closer to the Heavens” so very moving. No need to feel guilty, I’m sure your family must understand your need to be there on that special day, but it shows great sensitivity on your part. Thanks again.

In winter we usually miss a lot more opportunities, because it's so easy to talk yourself out of going - avalanche forecast not ideal, too windy, too stormy, too sunny, too cloudy, too cold, too warm etc etc. The good winter conditions depend on so many variables that you can always nitpick something that's not quite right and convince yourself it's better to stay home. And usually things are not quite that bad as it seems from the forecast and you are more than well prepared to manage it; you just need to show up.

It's very comforting to know that even pros like your good self have to battle the 'don't do it demons'! Another inspiring vid!

Thanks 👍 Now I know the appeal of winter climbing/ hill walking it looked brilliant.

Yesterday, the 12th would have been my mothers 90th birthday. Closer to heaven was a bit tough to watch first time.

With so many plans in the bag it must be really heavy! An excellent adventure, I'm glad you got past all the "don't go" thoughts. Thanks for sharing.

Another great production Murray. Spectacular footage. I regret not climbing the arête did it the tourist route there and back. Watching your videos from Spain where I have been for a number of weeks. Lovely to see Scotland through your channel. Your production techniques are very professional and love watching. Keep it up.

Always advisable to have plans B and C etc. If you procrastinate because of the weather when you're based in Scotland imagine how many times we do the same when facing a 7 hour drive that might be wasted! But as you say it is Scotland, and if we always cancelled due to weather we'd never get up anything, yes just go! :) I've had some "adventures" on that headwall back in the day, definitely not a walker's route in winter conditions. Thanks for sharing this video on a special day for you.

Bloody Hell Murray my heart was in my mouth, and I could hear it beating in my ears, that certainly was a technical and expertly executed climb . I really loved the part when you changed your mind after seeing the gully and the cornices up a bit closer, I sighed a big breath of relief that you listen to your gut and your mind so well those decisions are life saving made in the moment. You asked earlier on about guilt, yes I do feel it too, and it’s an extremely insidious and harmful emotion, yet borne of a heart and mind that cares about others- I think if that guilt emotion is mixed with anxiety and a grounded fear of danger that’s a sour soup in your solar plexus that is no good to anyone, thoughts are made of nothing created by our brains in a futile attempt to know an outcome which lays in some future time, round and round the thoughts go, creating a noxious feeling in the body. It’s horrible for us all, being human isn’t easy, sometimes it’s like living with a monster within ( the mind) that seems intent on undoing us, our own mind. I’ve found circular breathing ( pranic breathing) really helps to stop the mind body connection to these intrusive thoughts and feelings and let them disappear back into the nothingness that they come from, another thing I do a Buddhist practice called Tonglen where for 15 minutes I breath in fear- imagine all the fear in the world that everyone is feeling ( because guilt feelings are a type of fear) and I see it as breathing in the colour of dirty smoke, and then I breath out to all the people in the world that are feeling fear , the golden bright light of Fearlessness- it works every time for me. Breath in through your nostrils to the deepest part of your belly slowly and really imagine what you are doing is going to really take the fear of others away and then when you breath out the shining light of Fearlessness imagine it falling into the minds of all people suffering with guilt/fear. For 10-15 mins or longer, in a quiet place on your own. Thoughts stop, time even stops the heart slows down, the mind can only see the breath then see how that useless emotion is gone. Obviously your doing nothing wrong Murray everyone was going out too, so why does the mind have to attack you in that way. I call it a mind attack , try the Tonglen if you wish I promise it works, with respect and admiration for overcoming the fear and completing your climb and making the decisions you had to make perfectly. By the way your a husband and a father it’s only natural to be aware that what you do has an element of danger to it , being a father and a husband and loving your family may bring up guilt when your going to take a Risk, it’s natural, but does it help? And you can’t change who you are either Murray, I hope this helps even just a tiny bit. Sent with respect and understanding. Alaya Norfolk.

I know the super wide angle camera makes it look steeper than it looks, but that ascent looked particularly steep! One adventure I'm happy to enjoy from home! I also have the upmost respect for your ability to film in those conditions....not easy. Amazing the differences between the summit and the lost valley below. Very different conditions from your previous video....crickey, that was 5 years ago! How long have I been watching your videos? lol

Great video. Procrastination and doubt are good especially solo in full winter condition. Thats true experience Murray. Assessing the risks and adapting the route . Bet you felt so good you did it . Been in that situation so many times solo too and thats when true judgement wins through otherwise you would never get out there. Well done

a great mountaineering expedition Murray! we saw some people get into trouble on the snow field at the top of the lost valley when we were there in the summer of 2014. not a place to take lightly. I hope to visit again this year... 🙂

Another excellent video Murray and very relevant to me. It's Thursday morning and I'm sitting at home having succumbed to the whispers from the devil on my shoulder. I'd planned to go out today but the forecast wasn't good with heavy rain and 40 - 50+ mph winds. Do I regret my decision? Of course I do - I've got the gear and I know that I would have enjoyed it.

Murray - another great piece of filming there. You need to try a 'Manchester Egg' which is egg, then a layer of black pudding, then a layer of sausage meat and then breadcrumbs mixed with crunched up cornflakes. World beating snacks!!! I am also mostly a lone walker/hiker. I enjoy the solitude and like my own company - going with friends is also enjoyable but for different reasons. Ever since The Child came along I do think a bit more about being on my own out on the fells but I still go anyway as it's good for the soul

Nice one Murray. Looked a proper Mountaineering day. Looked fun coming up that gully. Aye, there are loads of times I look at the weather & just jack in the walk. Probably shouldnae as I've been oot alot when the forecast is poor, but turns oot nobad.

Outstanding Murray lad, as usual. Cracking head wall climb, a full on commitment required there for sure. Thanks for sharing, and glad you decided to go out!

Those voices can certainly throw a spanner in the works. Many a time I've had them then woken at 5 am and just got up and headed out. Good for the soul especially at times of special significance. Thanks for sharing. Looked fun on the snow wall.

Thanks for ignoring the temptation to stay in 👍

This was a moving video Murray. Thank you for letting your guard down, think we can all relate with every 'gremlin' you mentioned that can stop us getting out, whether that be to climb a mountain, or sometimes, for those with anxiety, just to step out your front door. But life is precious, and has to be lived to its fullest, as you put so eloquently, 'listen to the angels' 👌. Lovely tribute to your mum too on this special day. It will be 16 years since i lost my mum this year, she is still so missed, particularly on mother's day. We found this video very uplifting, thank you are always for sharing. Many more spare of the moment adventures to come we hope 😊🤞 Stay safe

Thanks so much for sharing this video Murray. What I love most about your videos is that you don't hide things, you share raw emotion and communicate honestly... it's very refreshing , especially with all the false-positive nonsense that some folk pump out. I totally get that feeling of procrastination, it comes to us all... I actually recently talked about just that in one of most recent videos where motivation was hard to come by. Anyhoo... I look forward to seeing more of you adventures. ATB Calum x

It's lovely that you honour your mum, that was our favourite video,stay safe for your family

I didn't go walking in the hills for years because of that guilty feeling. Started again about two years back. Truth is, I need the isolation and to be outside for my own sanity.

As someone who is terrified of heights, this was extremely extreme lol. First video I ever saw of yours Murray, was you and Jerry going up inside a funnel of snow. One of thee best channels on RU-vid 👍

Fantastic as always. A real insight into the mind set too. Fascinating Murray.

Hi Murray was talking to my sons friend they both like hyking, and we got talking about you, do not get too big headed but we both said how much we love your videos, how we love the scenery and banter, i mentioned how you helped me through both covid and the loss of my daughter and that your videos and yourself are so great to watch, youtube is wonderful but it has its down sides like you mentioned in a previous video, and it would be nigh impossible to always get it all right etc, i would say i do not expect a runnning commentary has the why,s and do,s etc etc etc, constantly having to explain even justify etc must be exhausting. You do a cracking job and what goes on in your own personal life is of no ones concerns or business, the vast majority appreciate you probably more than you will ever know, and i might even just even have a scotch egg, i can,t promise, and would you believe it i have run out of brown sauce, travesty. Thank you Murray have a fab week

At 12.25 I think you really nail this idea of 'if one worries too much then you end up not living your life'. Finding the correct balance of accetable risk during an adventure is crucial. For me, that means more going solo in the mountains from now on. Excellent work as usual, Murray.

Nice work Murray, great being up there when it's quiet for a little reflection.

Your mum would be very proud.

Another amazing video, thanks alot Murray ❤😅😅

Been watching your videos for ages Murray. Thanks for another great film and a lovely way to honour your mum. Take care and stay safe buddy. 😊

Great video Murray love the footage of you climbing up the head wall. Thanks for sharing.

After having seen The Lost Valley many times I finally got up there with some friends last year, stunning place and well worth the visit. HOWEVER there is no way any clan got a single cow up there, let alone an entire herd of cattle…

Loved the video Murray. You made the climb look easy. Gosh, you must maintain a high level of fitness. I certainly appreciate all the work that goes into your adventures. Many thanks.

Absolutely epic video pal really enjoyed it and footage was awesome in those conditions. I so know what you mean with guilt I have two boys of 13 and 5 and my wife and always feel guilty I should have spent the time with them but I have to remind myself that I need my own time too which in the long term makes me better for them. Take care pal

Looked quite challenging, seriously. Well done.

Always look forward to these Wednesday videos, and you never disappoint. Thank you!

Another great vlog watched from the drivers seat of my taxi in London. This time I had the heater on in sympathy lol. Very few people are actually capable of a climb like that so thank you for sharing.

Fantastic effort in the conditions, and a lovely place to share treasured memories of your mother

Great video, loved seeing this from top of that gully. We watched walkers going up there with no helmets ....that we could see however. We where camping in valley .3rd camp there in winter and it was epic.Big hugs from us both re ure mum.❤

Did that route in reverse order to you many years ago but in Summer! Not for the faint hearted and must be a real challenge in wintery conditions. I had a friend who came down the side slope towards the lost valley doing a solo in snow. He slipped and plunged three hundred feet on an icy slope. No helmet on and he was heading head first towards a large rock. He managed to use his ice axe to spin around but his rear end took the full impact. Nothing broken but he had massive bruising from his bum upwards. A cautionary tale i.e. wear a helmet!

Thanks for this moving and amazing Mothering Sunday video. Blessings from the US (where in these parts it is springtime).

a big expedition on your own, fantastic day though.Winter conditions, super. Thank you again

Cracking video yet again 👍🏼

Another amazing video Murray, thank you for sharing.

I remember the moving and wonderful video Getting Closer to The Heaven - I think that it helps to have a special place for a very special person that you can visit whenever (I have a special place too here in the Lakes for my late partner). On a lighter note, some extreme conditions on testing ground there which I'll never have the skills nor the stamina to experience myself! Needless to say, I'm living them vicariously through you, so thank you 😃

I don't think I'll ever do that kind of winter ice axe climbing, but it's great to watch.

Fantastic video..loved the view from a camera of you in front of the other camera giving us a sense of you alone and solo in the vast space of snow.. how do you clamber back over the cornice on the way back ? Ah I now see ypu returned a different route. I think you passed the infamous secret hideyhole :) .... Mothers day and special words too. Fantastic M ☘️

Great video, I thoroughly enjoyed it. 😊

Brilliant video 👏 Definitely experience the same thoughts. Guilt is a very difficult one to deal with and overcome. I don’t think you actually do overcome but learn to live with it. Thank you again for your tuition and honesty. ATB 🙏

Murry, Super video as always. Never done it in the snow but in Summer. Obviously, it's a very different hike. Like the chat about guilt.....yes I have that often. Although, my wife says she always see a more upbeat me after a walk, camp just being out there. Thanks again for all your efforts in editing and producing these inspiring videos.

Excellent video as usual, really interesting and no views from the summits. Thanks for your efforts its great to watch. 👍

You probably passed me Saturday night. I wa parked in my van just before the Ski Centre with a wee camp fire on the go. That getting closer to heaven video was one of if not the first of your videos I watched Murray. I still go back and watch it now and again . ATB Martin.

As ever . . quality video !! Love how you update your thoughts and feelings regarding having Plan B/C . .Thanks again Murray!

I was actually nervous watching ye climb up the snow areas , thank you for sharing ❤🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿❤

Yup. Love it. Special place for me. Although not as personal I'm sure. Did that route as my first decent winter route 30 years ago. Wanted to get back ever since.......your shots of the valley and then the snow route are spectacular. Well done again mate. Loved it.

Great video Murray. Lovely walk for you. Good job you had the tools for the climb and enough layers of clothing on. Well done.

Fantastic video.im glad you went in the end so we could all watch it. Love your channel

as usual, a top vid. Was there in the summer, a surreal location when quiet. Hey,....life's a balance !!! ''everything in moderation'' DONT feel guilty if you dont post every 7pm Wednesday. Not worth it ...fam first when needed, of course! I'd rather bump into you in The Clachaig and buy you a beer than hear you had a mishap. Maybe try posting twice monthly? onwards and upwards!

Beautiful vidio & mountains do give you a wonderful place to contemplate things in your life. They certainly draw you back! It is always good to procrastinate, safely first, absolutely. The balance of family, work & and leisure is always difficult. But I'm so glad you are managing to get out & make these videos 😊. Always interesting & entertaining 🎉. Thank you. 😁

Nice one 👏

That looked pretty sketchy! Hope you are doing well Murray you didn't sound your normal self in this one. Lovely to have a special place to remember your mum. Especially when it's nearly in the heavens.

Completely understand the procrastination as we attempted the exact same route just over a month ago while racing to get the perfect window and beat an approaching snow storm. Little did we know there had been an avalanche overnight and funnily enough never beat the bloody weather. Turned back half way up ‘The Wall’ after being in denial for an hour as we couldn’t see two foot infront and got far too treacherous and deep, definitely more than a few moments we’d have happily have teleported back to the car🤣 Good to see you get round the route safely Murray and another not half bad video from you. Stay safe as always🫡

hi murray glad you u went out wow it’s amazing beautiful fantastic video and glad you and canny till next week 👍👍

Amazing video Murray, wonderful to watch. And did you say it was your birthday 🎂 Happy belated birthday 🥳🍺 hope you got a good supply of Scotch eggs 😉 all the best

Thanks Murray for another awesome video 👍 Not going to lie my heart was beating so fast watching you climbing the side of the mountain! Great footage as always ❤

Hi Murray, wow what an adventure, just stunning. A pity you didn’t get the views once up high but you can’t have it all ways, all the time🤣 Thank you always for sharing the adventure with us. All the best, Dave 🥶🥾⛰🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

The Lost Valley is beautiful and I can see why people would like to camp there You first ascent was steep. The GoPro always gives the scary illusion that the peak is small and a straight drop What a difference at the top..even the icicles are horizontal You have quite a few clothing layers but it doesn’t look bulky A belated Happy Birthday..take care..until the next time 🇨🇦❤️

First comment after only the intro.....one reason I like your channel, you aren't afraid to go back. I did a film out this eve and said just that, mountains you love are SO repeatable. Different every time. And Plan b. I got to about plan e on mine. But hey. It gets the most out of the day, or at least the best. ..... I'll continue watching now😂 😂😂

I felt for you in this one, Murray, it really affected me and I don't know what to say... except... take care, stay safe, and God bless.

Fair play, that looked scary as sh#t. Brilliant video Murray 👍

What a video !! And I've just bought some lomo sailing gloves. Well informative as your famous for. Love it.

Another cracking video Murray, my profile photo is on Stob Coire Nan Lochan (one of my favourites too)

If you have pop top up and blinds shut you have no intention of moving so the Polis won't bother you. You worry too much!! 😁 (soon be midge season too)

nice one

Absolutely brilliant video as usual Murray. I didn't see the big boulder with the tree growing out of it in the footage. Is it still there?, I would of thought so as it is massive. I haven't been there for for over 30 years and must do it again. That was a very scary climb for you, especially getting onto the top which looked extremely difficult. Take care and stay safe. Atb, Tim.

That fish eye lens turned you into The Scottish Spider-Man! I appreciate your caution when taking these routes. Well done, Murray. Cheers and ATB

Superb video Murray. First of all the footage is amazing, especially the video with the 360 camera as you climbed the steepest parts. We all get the worries before going out, will the weather be OK, will my photos be good will my wife mind me being away so long. It must have been hard going to the summit on Mother's day..that video was one of the best ever, very very emotional. Very best wishes.

Great video! I won't lie, I've abseiled down into the Lost Valley in winter. That headwall is VERY steep and when it's icy it's not nice to down climb.

👏👏👏

Great winter hill walk and climb, the rewards definitely more than justified the nagging doubts. Jolly hog scotch eggs are the best I've found, I normally get them in sainsbury's down here but not sure if you can get them north of the border? Well worth it if you can find em.

Hi Murray. I work at Morrisons head office. Ill pass on your feedback regarding the Scotch Egg 😂

Super video Murray, thanks indeed! Glad you went out and we benefitted from your climb!! Great job. Quick question I see you are always wearing the Garmin Inreach mini 2. Love to get your review of it if possible - you have probably done it on another episode but I was aiming to back country ski in Scotland and wanted a decent, robust and sensible priced package - so would love your opinion! Cheers Chris ps Thanks there's a scotch pie in it for you!!!

Hi Murray - the best Scotch eggs are… Sainsbury’s - The Jolly Hog ‘Gooooey’ Scotch Eggs If I had your POBOX I’d send you one or two…. 🙂

Great video as always .I always look forward to your adventures . You need to try m & s scotch eggs they are the best Or do a video on rate my scotch egg now that would be a great watch 😂😂 stay safe 👍

Yeah I have heard that route is very serious in winter. And I can see why, that section either towards the lost valley onto the ridge for Stob Coire Scremach or the descent is narly with a lot of loose scree and dangerous in winter conditions. Probably why I took the advice and done the two summits within the Massif in July last year. A really good video again Murray. ATB mate

Just discovered your ‘Scotland’s Mountain’s’ this day - video no. 3. A different ‘take’ to many other’s in a nuanced, informatively entertaining way, Murray. But I must ask: “Why the thought’s of guilt?.. Your wife is not at home, your ‘children’ are young adult’s - and even if they were all ‘at home’ - what’s the difference?.. Everyone is able to take care of themselves. This, and ‘Scotland’s Mountain’s’ is your interest, your ‘time for you’ - if they wish not to partake-?.. so be it; but n e v e r let that be your ‘limiter’. Allow me to digress slightly please by way of an ‘example’. I had a music/geography teacher in senior school who was also a member of Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team - and a first rate fellow. For three days in the school year, those interested were allowed to go on the fells with him. My then housemaster and maths teacher disagreed but the head ‘o.k.’d it. In maths on return the day after the ‘housemaster/maths teacher’ targeted me with questions about the previous (missed) day’s subject. And then verbally belittled me in his ‘up his own arse’ er, ‘power play’. Outcome?.. I recall sweet F.A. about many of his lesson’s - but those ‘mountain days’ - often in dreich weather (a great Scot’s word if ever I’ve heard one!) are as clearly remembered about five decades later.

Thanks for a great video Murray, but what make were the sailing gloves? Couldn't quite catch the name in the commentary. Phil

Great video Murray, climbed that route myself a few times overe the years in winter conditions, had a narrow escape whilst climbing with my brother in law when the cornice flew past us like a double decker bus💩💩💩 have my own hill I climb for mothers day so feel you pain 😢😢, take care 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Wonderful video for mothers day Murray although I was worried for you on this one as looked a bit scary so glad your safe. The run through of all your gear was very informative for anyone wishing to do this as its vital to get this right. On a lighter note sorry your scotch eggs weren't so nice from Morrisons and just putting it out there have you tried a nice Cornish Pastie 😅. ATB Murray and can't wait for your next adventure.

Great video. Just a wee point. When you were using both of your ice axes on the steep approach to the cornice were you with someone else filming you coming up or if alone how did you manage it. A drone…?

It's never wrong to carefully consider the risks before any outing in the mountains. And it's never wrong to turn back. And it's never wrong to call it off and save it for another day. Your judgement is sound

Hi Murray excellent video, any chance you send your route, would love to shadow your route , as for the guilt it’s only because you cardd ed and put others first.

How did you do that camara work when climbing with both hands full? Amazing video 🙂

I was always taught you break through a cornice...never climb onto it?! Does it just depend on the size and snow conditions? Amazing vid and scenery! Scotland is epic

What stick do you use for the GoPro in your pack?

Hi Murray, what make are the gloves you used on top (sailing gloves)

Ahhh scotch eggs the food of Scottish mountaineers.