This one was a tough one to make! The weather was the worst I've ever had during a hike. Day after day soaked to the bone (with the head wind rain clothing only helped for the first few hours) hiking on the soggy moorlands was already difficult by itself. Not to mention making a film in these conditions: lenses fogging up, water in the camera, buttons not working anymore and salt on the sensor. But that is the reality of making films like these, nothing is scripted, you never know what shot might be around the corner, or what the weather will do. But that same unpredictability drives creativity and hopefully prevents me from getting into an easy-to-shoot-film-habit. But I hope I managed to show some of the real Scottish weather. (; The island isn't as remote and wild of a place I'm usually hiking. I found myself on trails and in sight of houses many times. This made me perhaps underestimate how harsh and tricky nature can be, even though I was within hours of civilization. The detour to Loch Coruisk (day 4) was especially tricky. I hoped to get to the bothi there. With 200 meters to go, completely soaked and cold, the creek I had to cross had turned into a wild river with no way to cross. It's a strange feeling I've only experienced once before in my life. That feeling of seeing your plans fall apart in front of you, a moment you're not willing to accept, because the alternative is ten times worse. The moment you honestly don't have a good answer for the question: 'what now?'. Luckily I brought my tent, which I managed to pitch despite the wind and rain, with only a dry down jacket, t-shirt and sleeping bag left. That night was the most uncomfortable night I've ever had in a tent. Rain and strong winds all night, with wind gusts pushing my tent down towards me. I didn't get any real sleep at all, kept awake by the rain and the fear my tent would rip. (Full story on harmenhoek.com) Anyway, another great adventure with some valuable lessons. On to the next one!

@alexarna

Жыл бұрын

Another amazing video! I just did the Skye Trail at the end of May and had the same experience weather wise as you. It was still absolutely stunning though and I loved it. You’re right though about the underestimating the difficulty due to the lack of actual wilderness. I’m amazed you managed to get the footage you did - my camera stopped working three times before I just went to the iPhone due water ingress - even in a case and waterproof bag! Anyway - I’m a massive fan of your work and can’t wait to see where you get you next!

@NeonsStyleHD

Жыл бұрын

Next time bring an Umbrella. Would've made that bit more enjoyable for you, and not weigh much. :) Thanks for the trip. LOnger videos are better. This was too short, but I can see why.

@HarmenHoek

Жыл бұрын

@@alexarna Awesome! Did you do all stages? I'm surprised my camera held up so well. It sure was a struggle to keep rolling.

@HarmenHoek

Жыл бұрын

@@NeonsStyleHD With those winds I wonder how long that umbrella would have lasted ... Perhaps a long poncho next time

@bwmxyz

Жыл бұрын

Love your videos Harmen. Every time I watch I think "I'd love to do this" but luckily you add comments like this to bring me back to reality! Keep up the great work.

This isn't just a "hiking video", this is a work of art. Jesus. Most channels can't compete with this in terms of cinematography and editing. Well done! Cheers from Norway

@HarmenHoek

Жыл бұрын

Haha, thanks for the comment. (:

@sfinnera1

Жыл бұрын

I know right and the focus pull at 8:29 lol gold

@megadethly

Жыл бұрын

@@sfinnera1 Yea how was that achieved by the way (for a layman such as myself)?

@phitslasa

Жыл бұрын

Only Drew Simms can match this work of art and I hate comparing these two.

@Angelannie2017

9 ай бұрын

Everyday i watch your video

I am beyond impressed with the work you put into each shot. The anxiety and awe I feel as you disappear over a hilltop, knowing that you have to come back for the camera and climb that hill again, or skirt that cliff in the dark. The gratitude I feel is real. Your quality is unmatched and sets the highest standard for all of us. You are destined for great things, sir.

@HarmenHoek

Жыл бұрын

Thanks a lot! Your comment put a smile on my face (:

1:14 It's incredible how you convinced the driver to do this shot.

@HarmenHoek

Жыл бұрын

Haha, I like that shot too. Just a very very friendly local, who was just as, if not more, excited about doing this then me (;

Brilliant as ever. I once asked a local on Skye how much it rained. Their answer was - 'it only rains 80% of the time'. Awesome place.

Accidentally came across this video to distract from air strikes. And here at 21:13 I see the flag of Ukraine. 🇺🇦 Thank you Scotland for your support! A country of incredible beauty! Thanks to the author of the video.

@HarmenHoek

Жыл бұрын

He man, glad you noticed. Send me a DM on Instagram if you ever need a chat. All the best!

@AndreiBerezin

Жыл бұрын

Они ничего не знают о ситуации. Грош цена такой поддержке

@giespel68

8 ай бұрын

@@AndreiBerezin agreed. Most people will believe anything their telly tells them

this is deeply moving! it epitomises being alone with nature!!!!

Thank you for taking all these extra miles for taking us with you!

and yet you induce a sublime energy that feels simplistic yet weighs heavily at the same time. great meditative palettes of perfection.

Beautiful hike. Wretched weather. Thank you for enduring so we may enjoy this work of art.

Harmen It's the GOAT of Hiking Videos. Thank you sir for this kind of content.

@HarmenHoek

Жыл бұрын

Maaaaaaa 🐐

Wow !!! Scotland😍. Its going to be wonderful !!!!!!!!!

@HarmenHoek

Жыл бұрын

Hope so!

it doesn’t call for an explanation when I say you have the best channel on KZread. the graphics, shots, music on your videos are absolutely perfect. I watch your videos all the time to get relief from the stress of my life. I don’t pay for subscriptions to any television streaming services, but this alone would have me doing differently if it were exclusive to something like that. just incredible.

@annecramb2297

Жыл бұрын

Well said. This is so true and articulates exactly what so many viewers feel about Harman’s work and his talent.

This man living his best life!!!!

@HarmenHoek

Жыл бұрын

“The interesting thing about being alive is that you’re all in. This life is going to kill you. I think you should play the most magnificent game that you can, while you’re waiting for death, because do you have anything better to do?”

Plot twist: The film crew consisted of around 50 members who usually do Bollywood movies. It was very difficult to hold back the backup dancers who insisted on coming along.

Outstanding film. I appreciate your efforts.😉👌

@HarmenHoek

Жыл бұрын

Thank you!

You're a very talented filmmaker, the scenes in this video are spectacular! And the music choices make this so relaxing to watch. Great job!

@HarmenHoek

Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much!

Man, all your creations are masterpieces. I reached your KZread channel, watching 7 days Alone in Yosemite Backcountry. Everything you do is incredible. I realize how difficult it is to make such films. A titanic, hard work, but with amazing results. Then I found your Instagram profile. Incredible, how beautifully you reproduce through photos and posts everything you do. Much appreciation.

@HarmenHoek

Жыл бұрын

Thank you, Andrei! Appreciate you take the time to let me know. (:

This is an incredible piece of storytelling and cinematography. We're well used to seeing Skye in the media, both amateur & professional, but rarely done so beautifully.

@HarmenHoek

Жыл бұрын

Appreciate it, thanks (:

I have never felt so cozy watching such harsh conditions. The unobtrusive music, slow shots, details, patterns, colors like I'm right there watching it with my bare eyes... Nothing is more dramatic than it intrinsically is. Thank you for the effort put to create this. You've fed my soul.

There was never any traveling video on KZread that made me calm down so much as this one. Amazing shots, great selection of music... Thank you for making this. I'll rewatch this one again, especially with the background information you added in the comments section.

wonderful !! great shots, amazing places, very very great film. Congratulations and thanks

@HarmenHoek

Жыл бұрын

Many thanks!

Wonderful! I hiked the Skye Trail in summer 2021 and also had about 50% terrible weather, including storm winds that nearly blew me off the cliff near Elgol. But the Trotternish Ridge was two glorious days of sunshine and the best wild camp I've ever had. Thank you for taking me back to this place with such stunning cinematography.

You would never have guessed that this was so tough to make. The images you captured are gorgeous.

@HarmenHoek

Жыл бұрын

Haha, yea it was quite a challenge. Thanks!

Wow, what a beautiful challenge! Intro shots are epic as always just like the whole film. Haha, you don't know how I celebrate if you upload a new video - Always getting some beer, chips and popcorn ready, if I am not outside of course ;) Another beautiful piece of work Harmen. Harsh weather conditions are always a good condition for great content! Stay safe out there and Happy trails, Mario

@HarmenHoek

Жыл бұрын

Ah Mario, nice to read a comment of you again! Great way to watch it for sure! Enjoy the outdoors and thanks, I apppreciate it.

Magnificent film Harmen! The contrasts you captured were stunning! Smooth and rough. Hostile and serene. The first campsite was fantastic! Exactly where I would want to wake up and brew a hot cup of joe. The time lapse of the clouds passing here were among your best images. Also loved to beauty of the town in the middle of the piece. I wanted to transition from my coffee to a glass of Talisker but it’s too early for that in my world! So glad I heard some pipes in there as well. Brilliant work, please keep them coming!

@HarmenHoek

Жыл бұрын

Thank you Justin! I felt like I really had to show that little town, it was such a part of this hike, and it's a beautiful town indeed. Haha, well the only option then is to wait till tonight and watch it again with some Talisker. (; Thanks for the comment

@isabelladavis1363

5 ай бұрын

Beyond epic… your passion for the land is inspiring and the presentation award winning … thank you for going above and beyond and sharing such true wild beauty… stay blessed stay safe in this stunning wilderness

Wow. Really and truly one of the most beautiful places you've been to. Reminds me a lot of Kwa Zulu Natal of South Africa. Thank you Harmen so much for bringing back the awareness of such peace and beauty in this crazy world of ours.

Hi Harmen, I am working my way through all your videos (oldest to newest). As I live in a place called the Sunshine Coast in Queensland Australia, this video showed the stark reality of how people used to (still do) live in some crazy places, and the weather! I lived in England for about 10 years then moved to New Zealand and lived there for 28 years (beautiful place, like most of European scenery stuffed into a small place) but toooooo cold, but not as desolate looking as the Isle of Skye!. Now in mid tropical temperatures for over 20 years (too hot in Summer though, humidity in the 90's C all day and night) so this video hit home by your exceptional creativity and skill to capture the places you go (the feeling of isolation and cold!). Thanks for living 'The Life' to appreciate Nature so we can be thankful too. Kindest Regards.

Amazing to see that every single shot is well thought out even though the weather was like that. Another amazing production of your amazing hike. Bravo Harmen!

@HarmenHoek

Жыл бұрын

I'm glad you noticed. (: Thanks a loT

Another beautiful hike that you managed to capture in this fantastic movie! Respect Harmen to create such a masterpiece in these harsh conditions!

@HarmenHoek

Жыл бұрын

Thank you Frank!

Many thanks for the video, I'm an ex- resident of Broadford. I now live with my wife,Susana ( Argentina) in Córdoba. You brought back memories for me. 👏👏👏👏👏

Great news! I can't wait!

@HarmenHoek

Жыл бұрын

Sweet!

Every shot , every video is a new surprise for me , I'm learning so much from your film making method, your difference is that you not trying to get easy shots and that makes you special and wonderful, keep up the great work man ❤️💫

@HarmenHoek

Жыл бұрын

Happy to hear that. (: When I’m out filming I always say to myself: ‘rather 1 high-effort shot than 5 easy ones’

as per usual....amazingly breathtaking. the music on this one i especially enjoy. can imagine the difficulties faced with the nasty weather as i just hiked the brecon beacons and it was raining, hailing with strong winds but only for a day hike. this hike of your's look a 1000 times worse. glad you made it through. happy to see the big agnes copper spur holding up well in those conditions as i just ordered one for myself. keep hiking harmen!!! waiting and ready for your next adventure!

@HarmenHoek

Жыл бұрын

Nasty conditions prepare you for the next adventure, and test your gear. It's a great tent really, have fun!

Hi. First I want to thank you for the excellent video/film. The images of this place are beautiful, and the music complements the scenes, this is artistic composition, you are a Harmen artist! I love this type of video, and yours are different I can't explain it very well, but your videos/films convey a very good energy. Looking forward to the next chapter 🙌🏼

@HarmenHoek

Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much!

Great film. Again! You are really talented Artist. Not just because your films are technically awesome, but mainly because those scenes in pair with perfectly matched music transfer bunch of emotions from the screen to viewers minds. Thank you for that!

@HarmenHoek

Жыл бұрын

Thank you Adam for your comment. (:

This was the most beautiful thing I have ever experienced in my life, period. The views, the cinematography, the music, the composition, the post processing - this is the same as I would make it (if I could). Skye is my favorite destination too. Thank you so much for this!

@HarmenHoek

Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

The commitment and fortitude to document such a staggeringly beautiful experience while being at the disposal of such brutal conditions makes my heart burst. What a truly beautiful video. Thank you so much for this 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Amazing. Thank you for sharing yours videos.

@HarmenHoek

Жыл бұрын

Glad you like them!

Stunning camerawork and the experience of a lifetime.. beautiful scenery, shabby weather,solitude and tasty fish and chips… That is the lifestyle.

@HarmenHoek

Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

You really went all out for some of those shots. I'm an amateur/novice with my fishing videos but I know the effort it takes. That drone shot on the cliff...wow. Finally a creative use of a drone! Just found your videos tonight.Very very impresed!

@HarmenHoek

Жыл бұрын

Much appreciated! Glad you noticed. Thanks

I'm so glad I found your channel! Fantastic content. Your shots are full of intention, well composed, and exposed properly. I also really appreciate the movement in some shots - subtle and not over done. I look forward to seeing more films from you!

@HarmenHoek

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for letting me know (: Makes me happy

You have mastered your craft. That is obvious by the photography, editing, and overall creative effect that your end product presents. Well done. Truly...♥️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Phenomenal. Thanks so much for bringing these visions to our lives.

Thank you for this splendid video! I appreciate very much all the hard work you have done to produce the material: the long distances (or elevation differences) to fetch your camera, pushing through those wet winds and bogs, wading over deep streams etc. The drone sequences are spectacular! Experience from my own hikes has been that those toughest ones give you confidence to survive future challanges. I'm looking forward to see your next cinematographic masterpiece, Harmen 😊

@HarmenHoek

Жыл бұрын

Ah, seems like you know a thing or two about hiking. These hikes indeed prepare me for future challenges. And the more you suffer, the more you remember. ('; Thanks!

Hi Harmen, I moved to Skye (I live in Broadford) from Glasgow over 3 years ago, it's a wondeful diverse island. You'll be glad you didn't start in June as you would've seen over 200 runners (myself included) running the Trotternisg Ridge Race! The week after that the Skye Half Marathon took place from Portree with 600 runners, a race you probably would've won :). I read your report (says you started in Feb 24th); the section from Portree to Sligachan is realy nice, theres Braes beach, Ben Tianavaig Hill and great views to Raasay. Unlucky with the weather at Loch Coriusk!! It's a beautiful area and one of my favourite walks on Skye, I always include Sgurr na Stri ( here's what it looks like on a good day with Bad Step bypass & easy river crossings - kzread.info/dash/bejne/fWhhutWmdtyeiZc.html ). Your videos are just awesome, can't wait to see this one go live :) I passed on your Drakensberg video to a couple of South Africans who live nearby. Try the Cape Wrath Trail if you visit Scotland again, it's more remote. Cheers, Paul.

@HarmenHoek

Жыл бұрын

Wow, didn't know there was a race over the ridge! How cool. I might be back some day ... Ah, all I read about that section between Portree and Sligachan was that it was boring and a lot of vacation homes. Good to know, thanks! And great video! Amazing how different that area looks in good weather. That cyan ocean, the distant views ... Reason to come back to the Cuillins some day (my favorite part of the island)! Thanks for the comment! (:

@dooterbang

Жыл бұрын

@@HarmenHoek Superb video! I notice lots of new shots/angles, they work well. The drone shot of your first camp is sensational. The Trotternish Race; in bad conditions runners end up 6 miles off course, you experienced how easy it is to do that. Looking forward to more videos and adventures. Cheers, Paul.

Through difficulties to the stars - you made it again. Beautiful :)

@HarmenHoek

Жыл бұрын

Many thanks!

Please Harmen, please put out a calendar so we can enjoy one of your photos every month!!

@HarmenHoek

Жыл бұрын

Good idea! I'm working on selling some prints, I might add a calendar now ... (;

Great camera and editing work. Absolutely stunning scenery. 👍

@HarmenHoek

Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

Your cinematography and editing skills are on point! It feels like I'm right there with you on this hike. Great work!

Great camera work, thank you Harmen! Glory to the Creator of the Isle of Skye!

@HarmenHoek

Жыл бұрын

Thank you kindly

Wow, wow, wow. You are definitely the number one hiking filmmaker, even in horrible weather, keep them coming 👌👌👍👍👏👏

@HarmenHoek

Жыл бұрын

Thanks, will do!

Wow, I can’t wait to see your amazing adventure 😍

@HarmenHoek

Жыл бұрын

Thanks (:

Fantastic film, so beautifully crafted. The attention to detail and composition in every shot is wonderful, especially in challenging conditions. My favourite silent hiking film I've watched in ages. Off to check out more of your work! Cheers, Kim

Sweet mother of epic hikes that was incredible!

@HarmenHoek

Жыл бұрын

Haha thanks

Hello from America! This has to be one of the greatest videos I've seen yet on YT. One of my biggest peeves with hiking/outdoor pursuit videos is the constant barrage of music or social media type attention seeking gestures, and other things that I feel strongly take away from the whole point of being out in it. The music was score music, that doesn't at all take away from what we're watching and actually very much adds to it. You let mother nature take a front seat, and let your expressions just flow. Brilliant and thank you for sharing! Oh, and what a beautiful, beautiful land...

Absolutely incredible work as always! I know Scotland can be a harsh place to hike if the weather isn't on your side but you've done an incredible job of showing the beauty of Skye with the reality of the weather! Outstanding film! Next time I'll buy you that beer!

@HarmenHoek

Жыл бұрын

I'll keep you to that! 🍻

Fantastic trip! Weather may have been rough but your capturing the true Isle of Skye was spot on. WOW to that first tent spot! Put me in one of those first white homes with the cute little lamb 🐑 on the coast. GREAT JOB! 🙋🏼‍♀️🇺🇸👍🏻

@HarmenHoek

Жыл бұрын

Thanks a lot! Yeah, those houses at Elgol are pretty! I'll take one too

....so eerie....thank you for showing us this land of wonderful skies and dreadful weather. ❤

Clever camera work .. the getting dropped off by the bus. I appreciated that.

@HarmenHoek

Жыл бұрын

Yeah one of my favorite shots! Thanks

Amazing. I love Skye and you captured it brilliantly. Such hard work to create that story. Much appreciation from Glasgow.

@HarmenHoek

Жыл бұрын

Many thanks!

Can't wait for this one! I'm planning to go for a 2 week hike in Scotland in 2 months. Let's get to 40k subs

@HarmenHoek

Жыл бұрын

Awesome! Where are you going?

@SemteVruchte

Жыл бұрын

@@HarmenHoek Isle of Skye mainly :)

A very enjoyable movie. Those 20 minutes passed very quickly. Professional documentaries would not be ashamed of such shots

A video like this makes me realize how thankful I am to be alive to witness this. Hopefully one day I can personally experience this.

Can we all just take a moment to appreciate our guy crossed the river multiple times in underwear just to get a shot!

@HarmenHoek

Жыл бұрын

THANK YOU. That water was COLD

Incredible hike, as always. I was surprised and proud to see Ukrainian flag there. Thank you, Harmen.

@HarmenHoek

Жыл бұрын

Happy to hear! Thank

I've discovered your channel today. Guess i'll be binge watching all your videos. Great work. Helps me clam down. Please dont stop making these videos.

@HarmenHoek

Жыл бұрын

Haha that's awesome to hear, thanks. I'm just getting started ...

Amazing. Incredible.

@HarmenHoek

Жыл бұрын

Glad you think so!

Just finished rewatching this, Harmen. Having done this route I know how hard it is due to changing weather. Did you also carry a slider of some sorts or are those post production effects?

@HarmenHoek

Жыл бұрын

Thanks! Yes, I bring a slider. See harmenhoek.com/gear.

Imagine: setting up your camera for a bus driving in the frame with yourself coming out of that bus. Now that’s well thought of storytelling!

I have a lot of stress and anxiety sometimes, watching your videos really calms the pressure on the chest. Reminding me that life is really beautiful. Thanks

I saw one of your videos the other day, clicked on it, fell ABSOLUTELY IN LOVE with it- and in love with your channel- especially after finding out that you’ve also camped in Scotland!!! The land where I grew up in and that I miss so so much after moving to Poland. Ahhh how great. Time for a 5 hour bingewatch 😌 (you are absolutely awesome and so inspiring dude, never stop doing this stuff)

Masterpiece! I think the soundtrack makes it even more compelling

Flipping awesome! Thank you!

Awesome, great work!

Amazing video. Thank you so much for sharing

great vid, thanks😍

so soothing

Outstanding work. Thanks

Incredible! Well done.

The filming of this video is an absolutely stunning piece or art. The images, sounds and movements have been captured in such a way as to transport you there. The Isle of Skye is a majestic island of natural wilderness that just takes your breath away, yet it's within relatively easy reach. I haven’t been there yet, although I've often dreamed of going there one day.

So beautiful! Thank you.

Amazing!

Superbly put together sir! A cracking wee film on what is undoubtedly the best trail on Scotland 👏👏👏👏👏

Beautiful!

Wild terrain!!! Very inspiring.

Great Work

Gorgeous. Great job.

This was beautiful. Thank you!

Thank you for this beautiful video.

Beautiful video mate! Awesome 👍🏻😎

Spectacular. Great work!

Amazing clips and editing!

Thank you for sharing your adventure! Cheers!

Gorgeous video..

Super beautiful, thank you

Very beautiful scenery. ❤❤❤❤❤❤

Absolutely beautifully filmed, thank you for sharing this!

Stunning, amazing footage.

Brilliant wee video, what an adventure!