Abbie, I've watched a number of your vids via the YT app on our TV and have decided now is the point where I subscribe. Why? Because you clearly give a damn and that comes across loud and clear. As a 58 year old - originally from the NW of England - I spent my youth stomping all over the Peak District, Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, etc. without really knowing what I was doing - at least at the beginning. I think your videos should be the starting point for anyone, young or old, to start to think about how we need to plan and how to behave respectfully in the countryside. The likes of Countryfile and the "Springwatch" type programmes need someone like yourself. As much as these programmes are interesting, I think their primary appeal is for people of a "certain age". Keep up the great work and best wishes.

Just to add a slight contradiction to the wildcamping segment, its not really ever possible to get the permission of the landowner, particularly if you don't know where you'll be camping until you get there (which is really part of the point of wild camping). As long as you camp responsibly and follow Leave No Trace principles, you'll be absolutely fine, even below the treeline. Arrive late and leave early, camp in a discrete location away from livestock, pack all your litter out with you, replace any moved rocks, light no fires (except for burning your toilet paper, if safe), and bury your crap. Leave only footprints, take only memories :) People who don't camp responsibly are an unfortunate fact, but that doesn't mean that those of us who are responsible shouldn't take full advantage of our own countryside. The way I see it, if a landowner doesn't have an issue with responsible camping on their land, then there's no point in asking, since they'd say yes anyway. If they aren't okay with responsible camping, that's because they're grumpy and selfish, so I don't really care what their opinion is. We're not all privileged enough to own large chunks of countryside. We really need the law changing to match Scotland, as the law in England and Wales around land access is silly and outdated.

@nigem6611

5 жыл бұрын

I agree with all you say. I have a saying when I leave a wildcamping site similar to what you have mentioned and that is - Leave nothing but a memory.

@Nabagabo22

5 жыл бұрын

As a Hammock camper I need two trees and I'm set. But get this - while all copses, woodland and forest is owned in the UK, much of it is literally abandoned, uncared for or otherwise neglected - and makes for a great wild camp overnighter - sheltered from wind, weather and people, even a scrap of woodland makes a good hideaway. However, please, please take care with fire, with all that fuel a campfire might be tempting but I would suggest not. I cook on an alcohol pop can or a twig stove but use a cheap circular baking tray underneath and raised on three stones so there is not so much a scorch mark left behind...

@MrLuridan

4 жыл бұрын

Your first paragraph nailed it. While hiking the Ridgeway, I couldn't even guess who owned the land I was walking on. Whose door are you supposed to knock on to ask?

@monkeymox2544

3 жыл бұрын

@@oscar38 Again, the problem here is with people camping irresponsibly. Of course its selfish (and mean-spirited) to have a problem with people camping. The countryside belongs to everyone, some people are just fortunate enough to have little bits of paper which say its theirs. Other countries have very liberal access laws (Scotland and Sweden, for example), and you'll note their countryside isn't covered with old tyres. People who are going to spoil the countryside don't let the law stop them anyway, so why punish the rest of us who know how to treat it with respect?

Hello from a subscriber in the US. I greatly enjoy your videos & their views of the handsome English countryside. I wish we had something like your universal walking access laws. (If that's close to the correct term.) You present much pleasant, positive enthusiasm. In mid-February I managed to break three ribs & contract pneumonia. As you can imagine, I needed to spend quite some time in idleness. Vicarious hikes through your videos helped prevent complete stir-craziness. Thanks, & best wishes.

As a born Brit who has been in the US for the past 20 years doing the camping and backpacking thing, and only recently moved back to the UK, I think you've covered some very-uniquely British tips here...especially in regards to the, historical, the food and the weather. Two things I would potentially also touch on are footwear (I'm a lover of trail runners but the UK is certainly a good place for boots when dealing with the mud and the bogs...another good reason to research an area), and public access rights on private land...something you don't see in the US or Canada etc. It's often weird to walk up someone's driveway, hike through a farm or push a button to open an electric gate for anyone not familiar with these rights of footpaths and bridleways.

After four hiking trips in the gorgeous Lake District, my tip for first-time UK hikers would be to consider the all-natural approach to hiking trails here. Trails indicated on OS maps might not be visible at all, or just fade away after a while. Marking is only really a thing on official long-distance trails. Don't expect boardwalks in boggy terrain, or ropes/ladders on steep and exposed sections. It makes for some excellent hiking that can feel really wild and remote even if you're not that far away from civalisation, but you need good navigation skills and probably more time than you would think.

Making conversation with strangers. I think Abbie has got it spot on with mentioning the weather - always a winner that one but whatever you do don't expect that to lead into a wonderful friendship or even just a chat about something else and definitely don't say, what your name is, anything about religion or politics or, what you do for a living. I really don't want to know a man's surname unless and until he is just about to marry my daughter. Enjoy!

Great video with lots of useful tips Abbie. Thanks heaps.

A Great insight into your backyard ....you do your country proud... Will certainly say ga day if we pass on some country way...

People are usually walking on hills or plateaus, and the UK has a maritime climate, so understanding it is always likely to rain is the key thing. Footwear and socks that can dry quickly; a decent waterproof shell layer; tents that keep the water out and can be pitched fly first; base layer, and mid layer that dry quickly (no cotton, I beg you); allowing time in your day to dry stuff. Plan for it, gear for it, work with it, and enjoy it.

One of the biggest risks I've found, especially when walking with my dog (so not such an issue for foreign visitors), is cows and horses. They're not grizzlies or mountain lions but they've trampled to death something like 20 walkers in the last 15 years. Dogs are usually the trigger. I won't go through any field with cows if I can avoid it. Especially if they are with calves.

@0141star

5 жыл бұрын

Your absolutely right years ago it wasn't a problem but these farmers are giving steroids to the animals now its changed there behaviour for the worst I walk with my malamutes I've had 3 cows attack me in the past two years and been trampled by two bulls on different occasions I wasnt even in the field they jumped over the fence to attack me on the road I'm quite scarred to walk past them now even on the Rd with hedges between us 5 times now the hedge or fence hasn't been a barrier for those animals the behaviour change in our cattle has got to be addressed

@olegslapins8156

5 жыл бұрын

Yea, wasn't an issue with me before but a week ago was chased by a cow for the first time and it was not a pleasant experience to say the least. Luckily there was only one cow which decided to charge me, the rest showed no interest, I had no dog and was walking in far distance from the herd. The nearest barrier was far away so I had no choice other than stop and shout at the cow waving my hands in front of me, that stopped it from charging for a moment but once I continued walking towards the barrier it started chasing me again, luckily I made my way to the fence safely, not sure what would have happened if the cow hadn't stopped at that point. Now I have to reconsider walking through fields that have cows.

@gaildahlas

3 жыл бұрын

I'm a bit late to the party, but just in case anyone happens to see this I'd recommend being wary around sheep and goats too. It's mainly an issue with rams, but I've had groups organise into V formation and charge before, just for being in their field - not worth the risk of being poked by those horns at all. (Also, yes to avoiding cows! A few of my friends have been chased up trees and out of fields by them. They're scary when they're angry.)

Great video. I think these tips are relevant not only for visitors to the UK but also for us "locals" too!

Great video as usual Abbie. Planning to come back to uk in the next few weeks to try the swcp-planning to walk it for a couple maybe three weeks. Your tips help a lot.

Thanks so much for the tips for visiting and hiking in the UK! Me and my family are coming the end of May first of June to do some hiking and sight seeing. We are very excited to see the beauty of the land in England! Great Video!

Great video Abbie. Good advice all round!

I love the UK. I loved travelling around when I was studying there, it was my first priority to see as much as possible. And the landscape did not disappont. I managed to do a little hike in Peak District and Dartmoor (Wistman's Wood is just glorious), but I can't wait to move back and do some proper hikes. I love your tips and all your videos, they are all very useful and interesting. Thank you!

Beautiful 😍 tremendous videos and a great inspiration for beginners like us 🥰

Great video, Abbie. Very useful.

Thanks for that Abbie. I’ve found it really helpful, especially in regards to the wild camping 🏕 Hi from 🇵🇱 Ps. You absolutely deserve more than 8k subscribers !

Great tips. Keep the videos coming.

You should be writing travel guides. I enjoy your descriptions of everything. I love your videos. I Just started walking with my husband and hoping to do the TMB this year or next. Depending on this darn virus. My ancestors are mostly Scottish and English and theres a lot of trails to explore. Here's to a better year. I hope we can all get outside very soon.

Great video and useful advice. I think most land in Scotland is also privately owned but the difference is they have the Land Reform Act 1994 which allows people to wildcamp as long as they follow some basic rules. Perhaps England & Wales also needs its own Land Reform Act? It shouldn't because we are a Common Law jurisdiction whereas Scotland seems to be more Civil Law and Scots Law so it is surprising to me that in England & Wales we face more obstacles when it comes to wild camping with getting access and for example parking your car somewhere for free being especially problematic. I'm not a big fan of the National Trust in this regard because an organisation that was set up to make access easier to the countryside and historical places for everyone and to conserve those areas seems to be making it harder and not doing a good job with the latter either. It seems more like a commercial profit making organisation the way it operates than anything charitable and it is taking control of vast areas of the countryside and pricing people out of access. Just one example would be Stonehenge. I have only been there once in my life about 12 years ago. It cost several pounds just to go look at a bunch of rocks. Today that price is just shy of £20. That is an increase much higher than the rate of inflation. Whereas if I went to visit the Standing Stones of Callanish in Scotland which are 2000 years older than Stonehenge it is completely free to visit. In England & Wales we are being charged to visit places our ancestors build that are on Common Land thanks to the wonderful National Trust but in Scotland we are not. Something is seriously wrong here. That is just one extreme example but it is going on everywhere and not just for popular places.

Great stuff, I enjoyed your video and good advice.

Lots of good tips very enjoyable video.

The epic blue bellwoods I've been to is Lob Woods near Bolton Abbey in North Yorkshire. The best part about it as well is that there is a stream flowing though the woodland area, with wild garlic on the other side of the stream. Not only that, but ever inch of the woodland area is full of bluebells and is a great place to visit if you want to see a field of bluebells in the woods.

So glad that when you did your scone you did it the Cornish way with cream on top x

@tooyoungtobeold8756

4 жыл бұрын

If the cream is too think to spread on jam (which clotted cream often is), then it has to go the Devon way.

Thank you, Abbie. I've been wondering if I really need cash on my trip next month. Now I know and I also know why.

Much thanks Abbie for talking about the responsibility of campers.Has become an extremely bad problem here in the states with many people setting up camp in off limit areas such as protected environmental areas and historical/archaelogical spots.

Just a quick add on to the ticks, if you get a bulls eye type rash or flu like symptoms after being in areas where they are likely (long grass or bracken in particular) then definitely seek medical attention, letting them know you may have been exposed to ticks. Lyme disease is apparently fairly easy to treat, but if it's left it can cause lasting problems (info courtesy of canoeing courses many years ago, I am by no means medically qualified and these probably aren't the only symptoms). Thanks for the vid Abbie, just started following and I've been working my way through a lot of your videos since then!

Nice video Abbie Here are my tips for Scotland: 1, Midge Hat 2, Midge Repellent 3, Good Waterproofs 4, Sun Screen Lotion 5, You might need to use all of the above in the same hour. 😄

@MrVinnyh

5 жыл бұрын

more like same 10 minutes lol

@SouthWestWildernessScotland

5 жыл бұрын

@@MrVinnyh That is100% true Vince. 😄

@bob_the_bomb4508

2 жыл бұрын

In Scotland make sure your sunscreen is waterproof!

Do you have notes off camera? I can't imagine being able to talk for almost 20 minutes like you do off the top of your head! You are super talented 👍🙂

Always nice content from this account!

Many thanks!!

Insightful 😁 great vid. It is nice to hear talk about culture 😊

London is Pie and Mash x

Good advice Abbie. Wild camping is ok all over the UK in out the way areas that have no legal restrictions but i would say respect people privacy. Camp well away from where people live. Avoid camping in fields with crops or farm animals and do not damage or take any thing such as cutting wood. I done all the national trails around UK by wild camping every night and all the land owners have been ok. I also wild camped the whole way from John o' groats to Lands end. Never ever had a problem with land owners or the public. I even been offed food and drink from land owners. When it come to asking permission i never have due to hard to tell who owns the land and you do not wanting be waking people up in the night :) i would not have a fire unless i was in a remote area where its ok. I would say its a good idea to pick up other peoples rubbish as well not just your own :). The scones looked great. Thanks richard

@iainrenton7527

5 жыл бұрын

If you pitch your tent at dusk and are ready to move out shortly after dawn, keep the noise down, don't have a fire and select an out of the way campsite, you can camp pretty much anywhere in the UK. Leave no trace and the chances are that no one will know you have been there. The worst that can happen (apart from a psychoic axe murder - very rare) is that you are asked to move on by the landowner.

Great tips, thanks. Cream first. :)

Amazing clip!

fab Abbie - once again great hints and brilliant advice, could you discuss a little on footwear, like water proof or not vs sturdy leather boots? look forward to more of these. Good to wear in the boots first too! Also I notices you sometimes wear water proof foot and leg coverings. :)

So relaxing, bless you Abbie.

Some good advice Abbie, the only thing you might have forgotten are the Wasps & Hornets, wasps (Yellow/Black warning signs in nature) generally are OK, just around September where they are dopey are more likely to sting, Hornets are more aggressive & larger, they prefer wood land areas or where old timber is stored for nesting. best advice is don't attempt to swat or cover food / sweet drinks

Traditional London grub. Pie n mash, liquor and stewed eels.

Watching this (and lots of your videos) as I would love to start camping and multi day hiking, I already hike a lot for exercise, 10-16 km 3-4 times a week on average around Essex my current home county and I see a lot of adders, even had one go over my foot earlier this summer while sitting on a sea wall.

@well1379

2 жыл бұрын

Do you have any advice? if one comes across one.

great tips, i love the UK but have never hiked there

Jaysus! Just when you think you know someone; then they put jam on before cream - barbarians! 😂

Hi Abbie. In Arkansas we have water moccasins, copper heads and timber rattlers that are venomous. Aren’t those awesome names? Hoping to get back to the UK in a year or two and walk some more. I really enjoyed the C2C between Keld and Reeth and would like to see more of that path.

Darwin On The Trail is doing the West Highland rail soon. Maybe you should forward your tips on to him so he has an idea of what to expect. I honestly think he'd appreciate it coming from a fellow hiker such as yourself.

Hey great Video thx a lot Abbie. I walk the Snowdonia Way in Jun, have you or anybody else a Link too the best OSM for this Area ?

I live near Cannock Chase and see Adders regularly.

Great tips. Thank you! How much water would you recommend to carry/filter for a single overnight wild camp in Dartmoor? This would include water to drink for day 1 hike, rehydrating an evening meal and the water to drink the following days hike. Should I carry it all or should I consider filtering and then boiling to reduce carry weight?

Scones, jam first :)

@SouthWestWildernessScotland

5 жыл бұрын

Correct Gary. 😄

@billhambelton7698

5 жыл бұрын

gary baker. The only way.

@arthurpewtey

5 жыл бұрын

Really? I'm 56 and, until today, I had never even thought of it as an option. Never seen or heard it discussed before. I live and learn.... @@billhambelton7698

@nickbrown9757

5 жыл бұрын

No, no, no ... Butter first, then jam, then cream. All in large amounts 😁😁😁

@gavinreid8351

5 жыл бұрын

Scream! Cream!

Thanks Abbie, another great and thoughtful video. I have been over to the UK ten times from Australia; often driving about with family but also walking (WHW, C2C, parts of SWCP). Your advice and enthusiasm are so inspiring. I saw an adder on the SWCP and was so stoked I had to tell everyone I met on the path that morning (and its not like I dont see enough snakes here in Oz) I am a little concerned about aggressive cattle - I havent experienced them but I have heard they can be dangerous. My next planned walks are the Two Moors Way and then across to Bath from Lynmouth. Have you had any trouble with cows, especially in Exmoor or Somerset?

@warrengilson1835

4 жыл бұрын

Oh and by the way, cream first then the jam :)

hi Abbie! Loving you videos. I moved to London and Im hoping to find some day walks within a train ride of London, maybe up to about a 90 minute train ride out.Is there anywhere you recommend? I'm making my way through your videos. Im not so interested in birds or wild life, but more landscapes/ history/ woods. Any tips would be so appreciated :-)

I have often seen signs saying cream tea , well now I know what they are .

Where can I print hiking maps that I can use with a baseplate compass? A lot I found don't have grids and declination.

Thanks for posting Abbie. One add, don't underestimate the power of the sun in the UK. It may only appear occasionally, but it's still worth ensuring you've a sunblock with you and probably a hat also.

@TheTerryMarsh1

Жыл бұрын

Definitely wear a hat in summer and a warm beanie in winter. Also wear polarising sunglasses when it's very bright, whatever the temperature.

Ever gone hiking in Kent? Only I’m going camping with my mates next week and would like some recommendations for good hiking spots. Any advice?

I recommend to take a walking pole or a stick with you while out walking not only can it be used as a walking aid but can also be used to fend off marauding and intimidating cattle while walking across grazing land.

Obviously it's jam followed by cream....well played Abbie :D

One more tip that may be of help to some, if you have a wasp or bee allergy please please make sure your carrying your epi pens because if you have no phone service and happen to get stung and go into anaphylaxis shock it's not going to be fun 😲

Another point if I can add is mushrooms and fungi there is here quite a few you don't want to try to add favour to your cooking to something you might be cooking one springs to mind is the deadly night cap also nightshade , and the avenging angel so unless you really know your mushrooms and fungi don't even think about adding these for flavour oh by the way there no anti dote to these so it could really ruin your day

Anyone know the name of the pub/inn on Dartmoor, it was on the other side of the road but burnt down, then it was built again on the other side. It's in the middle of nowhere, nearest town must have been a few miles away, it's an amazing lovely place but I can't remember the name for the life of me. Only been there a handful of times.

Hi Abbie love your vids very inspiring for me😊😊I'm planning on doing the two moors way this year with my dog🐕🐕how is it for live stock??and could it be a danger?

@AbbieBarnesWILD

5 жыл бұрын

If they are okay wth livestock you should get away with it, if they are on a lead. Most farmers get funny about it, but yeah if they are on a lead you're all good!

Regarding wild camping and setting an example in your point 5 above. A good wild / stealth camper sets such a good example that no one would've even known that they were there. Sadly it is the irresponsible ones that others are aware of, as they do leave crap around and light fires etc.

That pasty factoid is an urban myth. Were eaten by miners but they ate the crust.

Hi Abbie, Great video and very informative. Is it safe to hike for solo females? Any do's and don'ts particular to the UK?

@olegslapins8156

5 жыл бұрын

UK is the one of the safest countries that I have been, not only for hikers but in general, no wild animals that can possess any danger, people are kind and polite mostly everywhere, especially in the countryside. Just beware of cows and bulls and avoid walking near them if you can, the rest is 100% safe.

😍

Hi Abbie, thanks for the advice have 2 questions; as you pointed out it rains so what do you do with a wet outer/flysheet do you pack it and dangerous animals what about wild boar, foxes and maybe rodents? Look forward to your next one only recently found your channel so been binging.

@TheTerryMarsh1

Жыл бұрын

If the rain stops, wait 30 minutes or more before packing your flysheet away. If still wet, unpack it again at the earliest opportunity. The only bores you might see would be in the local pub! Definitely no wild boars in the UK, except maybe in zoos. Foxes and rodents won't normally attack you, but keep all food in sealed containers. Be very wary of cows and horses.

👍

I'd love to see a documentary of the Hadrian's Wall hike. I"ll be there in May for this hike, a self-guided hike arranged with Hill Walk Tours. Have you visited this area?

@AbbieBarnesWILD

4 жыл бұрын

kzread.info/dash/bejne/iJqfmpqJj6eroZc.html

@deborahlanemcguire4315

4 жыл бұрын

thanks! @@AbbieBarnesWILD

Additional tip: Learn to identify stinging nettles.

@AbbieBarnesWILD

10 ай бұрын

😂😂😅😅🙄🙄

Do mosquitos in the UK carry West Nile?

@bob_the_bomb4508

2 жыл бұрын

If enough of them work together they could probably carry anything :)

@TheTerryMarsh1

Жыл бұрын

No

Forgot something... a good pair of shoes

What are "Clegs" ?

@affalaffaa

5 жыл бұрын

A Scottish name for a horsefly

@1066pastor

5 жыл бұрын

@@affalaffaa Thankyou I was wondering too

Too many Brits need this advice too, sadly.

Cream first for scones, what sort of a savage are you with your jam then cream!?

I would say that you have a chance of coming in contact with Cows , all though they seem slow and dopey ,but they are a tonne of animal , and if your foot is stepped on it will break something lol .......Is there anywhere left in the U.K. that you haven't visited and want too I wonder =-)

Great tips! Of course we need to be responsible but we humans have been making fire for thousand years...why would it change now? the pleasure of sitting next to a camp fire has nothing to compare with gaz stoves, no law can change that

@TheTerryMarsh1

Жыл бұрын

Best not to have any fire in hot, dry weather. Though not a problem for most of the year in the UK. Always leave no trace.

It’s not S-CON. ITS s-c-own

Don't research and plan too much- it can ruin spontineity, adventure and enjoyment!