Nice one mate, I'm local and off there this weekend now that the weathers cleared.
@TheGrayExplorer13 сағат бұрын
Have fun
@benhaswell52984 күн бұрын
Great to see you back hope you have some more adventures planned
@TheGrayExplorer3 күн бұрын
Thanks! Hopefully I can be more consistent in the adventures too ha!
@Fudgeis13376 күн бұрын
Is this the Titanium or the Aluminium frame? Looking at the Ti at the moment
@TheGrayExplorer6 күн бұрын
Aluminium. The titanium is a decent bit lighter
@Morts817 күн бұрын
What time of year did you do this? I want to do the same trip but I hear whispers of an informal agreement with fisherman to stay out during the summer months?
@TheGrayExplorer7 күн бұрын
This was a long time ago now but judging by my photos it was September time. I didn’t see any fisherman until I got to Roker. Hope you have fun
@daveated19 күн бұрын
Where did you launch from ? Hoping to go soon. Thx
@TheGrayExplorer7 күн бұрын
Sorry I can’t remember, it’s was a canny paddle from the launch point to the castle. I looked up the loch and then went round it on google maps to find a park up. Sorry I can’t be of more help
@lisadavison240611 күн бұрын
Lovely walk once we passed the first fell 😂😂
@TheGrayExplorer11 күн бұрын
Lush wasn’t it
@connahhardacre203021 күн бұрын
Awesome going for a camp there this month
@TheGrayExplorer21 күн бұрын
Have fun!
@stewartdean400927 күн бұрын
Is there many islands on this loch
@TheGrayExplorer25 күн бұрын
Yeah there’s a good few at least two that I personally saw. Loch Ken is long though, you’d easy find a piece of land to call your own for the night
@WildMel-mk1rzАй бұрын
Hay John! Great to see you back out and well done on your achievement. Sorry to hear the reason you have been away but glad things are slotting back into place. Life does have a habit of interfering at times but hopefully now you will get back in the zone. Look forward to your next video 🌳😁🌳
@TheGrayExplorerАй бұрын
Thanks Mel. You know how much effort I put into this I just put too much pressure on myself sometimes. Hopefully the next video isn't another year away
@WildMel-mk1rzАй бұрын
@@TheGrayExplorer I’m sure it won’t be now you’ve got the taste for it again!
@TheSmallSmudgeАй бұрын
Really enjoyed these videos! Great content, keep it up
@TheGrayExplorerАй бұрын
Glad you like them!
@TheSmallSmudgeАй бұрын
Brilliant video John!
@TheGrayExplorerАй бұрын
Glad you think so!
@jemneal2306Ай бұрын
Aw, miss you buddy, that was lovely to watch, both for the views, the vibes, and to see your face.
@TheGrayExplorerАй бұрын
Miss you too man!
@edwardmcguinness4040Ай бұрын
Good to see you back John.
@TheGrayExplorerАй бұрын
Thanks, hope I can keep it up
@paulcontursi59822 ай бұрын
My daypack loadout is similar but I also carry a head lamp, toilet tissue and hand sanitizer.
@TheGrayExplorer2 ай бұрын
Good calls, my toilet bag contains the last two and a shovel
@allycarr55882 ай бұрын
What are the best times to launch with regard to tide times. Many thanks
@TheGrayExplorer2 ай бұрын
In my opinion, an hour before high tide. But I’d take advice from someone qualified to give it. I’m not qualified
@The-GreenHornet2 ай бұрын
EVERYTHING! You said that you want in a tent is EXACTLY the same things that I desire; because of this you sold me. I gave you a Thumbs up 👍. The price is a bit of a hard pill to swallow, but... if one wants a great quality tent with all the features and our same likes and desires in a tent. Then the price is just a one time hit, and then it's behind you. I too, am looking for all the qualities that you mentioned for my recumbent trike touring. Question... How small does it compress down to if you put it into a compression sack? Thanks again, cheers.
@TheGrayExplorer2 ай бұрын
It’s a bike packing tent. So the size is very small. Like forearm small. Even the poles have an extra fold to make them smaller. The price point is wild, I’m with you. But buy once cry once I guess
@user-wx7wg5cn1m2 ай бұрын
Nice review- best of luck with the new bicycle too brother! 🚴🏼♂️🌱🌿🧘🏼🙏
@TheGrayExplorer2 ай бұрын
Much appreciated
@stewartdean40092 ай бұрын
Covacure is great hammock enjoyed your video
@TheGrayExplorer2 ай бұрын
Thanks 👍
@doubledecker10942 ай бұрын
Very useful vid.
@TheGrayExplorer2 ай бұрын
Glad you think so!
@robertshea51593 ай бұрын
Catapult? In US that is a “sling shot.” Good to see someone else taking their coffee seriously.
@TheGrayExplorer3 ай бұрын
Yeah massive coffee fan, instant is ok, but when you’ve got no weight restrictions you may as well bring the proper toys
@4N50N3 ай бұрын
really informative video just what i was looking for, thank you
@TheGrayExplorer3 ай бұрын
Glad it could help
@desmondbroad13053 ай бұрын
Hi John were planning this trip hopefully for this year.. .great video I love the way you had the two coloured canoes on the map .and you gave your stopping point locations great stuff I've subd 😍
@TheGrayExplorer3 ай бұрын
It’s a great trip, hope you get the weather for Loch Ness! Have fun, safe trails
@k4nuu4 ай бұрын
nice paddle, done many white water rivers but trying to do more flat water to chill solo these days. Did you have any access problems in lambton estate. The game keeper has been known to pick issues with kayakers.
@TheGrayExplorer4 ай бұрын
I’ve heard about the game keeper issue before. I know company’s that run this route also avoid lambton estate too. I’ve ran this route twice went through the estate twice and I’ve not been stopped collared or in anyway harrassed on the route. Can’t say that you won’t though
@ASKR3034 ай бұрын
hi guys. great video. im going to attempt the same trip myself but my concern is how far did you have to drag your gear from car to water and did you have any hassle parking overnight ?
@TheGrayExplorer4 ай бұрын
We used a campsite right on the water, there was a bit of a hike but nothing mad.
@ASKR3034 ай бұрын
@@TheGrayExplorer thankyou think thats what im going to do to avoid any hassle. cheers
@TheGrayExplorer4 ай бұрын
Have a good trip
@Headtrons4 ай бұрын
Why does someone want to not be seen while wild camping? I don’t understand your emphasis on hiding.
@TheGrayExplorer4 ай бұрын
Wild camping isn’t strictly legal. Also if your hiking long distance and you want to pitch were you are it’s better to be away from view. A massive orange tent on the edge of a farmers field is going to attract attention you might not want
@mcvicar695 ай бұрын
i did this after we were allowed back outside after the coronavirus event. best trip i’ve ever ever done and would love to go back. we did it in september when the midgeys weren’t rife!
@TheGrayExplorer5 ай бұрын
Honestly, this is the best trip I’ve ever done. I’d do it again tomorrow given the opportunity
@mags57615 ай бұрын
Great ‼️
@TheGrayExplorer5 ай бұрын
Thanks
@WildMel-mk1rz5 ай бұрын
Nice one John 🤩
@TheGrayExplorer5 ай бұрын
Cheers Mel!
@banksiaspinulosa74425 ай бұрын
Looks like a game changer. 2 years on whats the verdict???
@TheGrayExplorer5 ай бұрын
It really is. The uses for it are amazing. I might actually make a video of the 2 years on, that’s actually a good idea
@simonsnow54196 ай бұрын
Great video! I'm just about to buy a Camino. How did the bike handle it? I'm also unsure about the "bomber" flared handlebars, cant decide to stick with what i know or try the flared version. Thanks!
@TheGrayExplorer5 ай бұрын
I really like the Camino, I ended up ditching the drops and got flats in the end. I’m not a racer, I don’t have hamstrings I have bacon strings so the thought of getting into that racing stance on a bike is a big fat no. The extra hoop on the flats give me more real estate for the lights and things too. My C2C video has them in. Camino is great though, would definitely recommend it
@AMG636 ай бұрын
Just on here looking at other people's experiences of this route as im planning on doing it this april/may, im also from the northeast just near tynemouth...anyways good luck for the next attempt and hope the weather is on your side 👍
@TheGrayExplorer6 ай бұрын
Legit this is my favourite trip I’ve ever done. Aye crap we didn’t complete it, but it’s so stunning that I don’t mind at all. Have fun on your trip
@AMG636 ай бұрын
@@TheGrayExplorer I do most my fishing and kayaking on the west coast so I know what the weather is like up that way, all four seasons in an hour.
@TheGrayExplorer6 ай бұрын
Not wrong there 😂
@AndreaRachel6176 ай бұрын
Thanks so much for the excellent review. I had been looking at the Nemo Dragonfly but I think you've swayed me. I'm 5'1 and 71 years old so it should be super roomy and the lighter the better! I also like the extra storage you showed.
@TheGrayExplorer6 ай бұрын
I’m 6foot and it’s roomy for me! So you’ll find it enormous. Hope you enjoy it
I've got a coffin tent. Easy to put up but literally no room.
@TheGrayExplorer7 ай бұрын
Did like my old coffin tent. Had the oex phoxx when it first came out, far too small for me. Then a laser comp 1. Which I really liked
@grumpy-dad37017 ай бұрын
@@TheGrayExplorer mine is a cheaper version. Just no space inside. Ended up having to leave belongings outside.
@DavWalker-zu6hh8 ай бұрын
Top man....this video really helped me out....my knees have gone through hiking now I'm going kayaking this year psl
@TheGrayExplorer7 ай бұрын
Glad I could help!
@georgesurrey12338 ай бұрын
Hi - how you finding this bike for bikepacking?? I looking at either a cameno or Santiago to do the NW500 on this May.
@TheGrayExplorer8 ай бұрын
It’s interesting you mention those two bikes. If you watch my coast to coast series we bike packed in those two bikes!
@georgesurrey12338 ай бұрын
@@TheGrayExplorer thanks will check that out. ill hopefully pick one up in a few weeks time. I live in Newcastle myself so may see you out and about in 2024 as I have a few trips planned!!
@1stPersonStateConsciousness9 ай бұрын
Sounds like the perfect tent for me
@dudeymcduderson9 ай бұрын
The most aggressive opening of zips I've ever seen. Good video though
@adpsimpson10 ай бұрын
Good video. And good call on backing out of the bad weather. Its not worth the risk - Loch Ness can be lethal. We did the trail in a 17' canoe with our 3 kids, 2 years ago, and lucked out with fantastic weather for it - I have a video of the tripnif youre interested.
@TheGrayExplorer10 ай бұрын
I may have already watched it! Ha!
@TheGrayExplorer10 ай бұрын
I have 😂😂 I watched a lot of videos on this trip before I did it. Yours was particularly memorable. Glad you enjoyed my trip too
@stevenewart387310 ай бұрын
Love watching your videos mate (I'm a Sunderland lad), but just realised you've changed your handlebars to flats. After cycling for 45 years and only recently switching to drop bars, I dont think I could go back to the dark side 😂
@TheGrayExplorer10 ай бұрын
I tried and tried with the drops, I really did. Just couldn’t get away with them so changed them for flats and for me it’s a dream. I gained a lot more functionality too, the extra space for bags, and clips and widgets. You can even buy a drone holder these days! I’m well happy with the switch
@ABCABC-fn4fg10 ай бұрын
Good advice
@TheGrayExplorer10 ай бұрын
Thanks!
@ToyoteroMundial11 ай бұрын
Subscribed. Hope to see many more videos on your channel.
@TheGrayExplorer10 ай бұрын
Thanks for the sub! Hoping to get some out soonish.
@kopynd111 ай бұрын
the fishing season finishes long after October depending what your fishing for, theres now a charge to use access at the george hotel, no more freebees gates locked
@TheGrayExplorer10 ай бұрын
Interesting to know thanks!
@kopynd110 ай бұрын
yer the new manager has locked the gate a was up there fishing and a was told not to leave the gate open, love to do kayaking but not fit enough mint@@TheGrayExplorer
@TheGrayExplorer10 ай бұрын
@@kopynd1 I’m far far from fit. It’s more endurance than fitness. On a river like this video you could just sit and float tbh and you’d still make your goal.
@alanplimley5711 Жыл бұрын
Brilliant, I really want to try this...I have all the gear, including kayak... just no idea😅 so these videos are very helpful
@TheGrayExplorer Жыл бұрын
You can do it!
@timporter8886 Жыл бұрын
That was a great post! Had such a relaxed atmosphere to it. What a perfect way to spend a few days on the water. Well done buddy! Looking forward to checking out some of your other posts; hopefully there'll be more little gems like this one! Take care😊
@TheGrayExplorer Жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it. This was one of my first! I’ve grown as a videographer so much since this video, but that was a grand trip
@timporter8886 Жыл бұрын
At least you had a crack! It's better than just talking about it, like many of do! Really like your Yak, for it compact dimensions; would like a boat that would fit inside my car; because I hate the whole roof rack malarkey. But seeing how poorly a compact Yak tracked across open water(even with a skeg); I think I'll stick with my longer Dagger approach. I suppose it's horses for coarses, and different boats suit different situations. Was such beautiful scenery, and I love the sound of the water lapping at the side of the boats. Anyway, hope you make another film of you and your buddy completing the journey. Take care buddy😊
@TheGrayExplorer Жыл бұрын
We’ll definitely return for this challenge again. We’ve talked about it a bunch. But I’ve got a big master plan which hopefully I can also stop talking about and actually start
@timporter8886 Жыл бұрын
@@TheGrayExplorer which is?🤣
@TheGrayExplorer Жыл бұрын
@@timporter8886 oh now that would be telling ! 😂😂😂
@timporter8886 Жыл бұрын
@@TheGrayExplorer Well if you want folk to watch your adventures..you've gotta wet our appetites, surely!? That's why they make trailers for movies; get that anticipation going..haha!🤣
@timporter8886 Жыл бұрын
Great post! I walked up the old man of coniston, last summer, and camped next to Low Water. The wind up there nearly blew my tent flat, even in that relatively sheltered spot. Your little adventure looked much colder than mine; though not so windy..haha! Quite surprising that you didnt take a stove, and hav a nice cuppaT on the summit; it's got to be done..haha! Take care buddy, look forward to your next film.😊
@TheGrayExplorer Жыл бұрын
Wind was bitter on this hike, but Loch really enjoyed it
@timporter8886 Жыл бұрын
Enjoyed that adventure of yours..Kayaking in beautiful Scotland, Hob nobs, then later; steak on the fire and camping on an island..perfect! On a serious note though, if you were planning to bag a munroe on your trip..what would you do with your Yak? I would never leave mine on the roof rack and go off to do something else! Unless you have a van that is!? Looking forward to watching some more of your adventures. Where do you get the ideas from for your trips, is it stick a pin in a map, curiosity, or recommendations..I'm curious? You seem to end up in some nice places. Take care buddy!😊
@TheGrayExplorer Жыл бұрын
I have a very strong pull toward islands on Loch’s or lakes. Anything accessible only by boat. This one was because of that geographical oddity. But yeah after that throw a pin in a map and crack on. I kinda find something interesting and build on that. Thanks for watching!!
@timporter8886 Жыл бұрын
Great post, well done fellas!
@TheGrayExplorer Жыл бұрын
Thanks mate! It was a really good trip this one
@timporter8886 Жыл бұрын
@@TheGrayExplorer I've only just come across your channel today. Really enjoyed the post. I have a dagger approach; but due to injuries, I've not used it half as much as I would like to have. What you and your buddy are doing in this post, is the exact reason I bought my "boat". I'm so envious of your adventure, and looking forward to checking out some more; before I get back to the water myself. Take care buddy! 🛶
@TheGrayExplorer Жыл бұрын
@@timporter8886 quite lucky to have Sean to share this stuff with. We’ve been doing more with the bikes recently but I can tell we both want to be back on the water. Hope you get well soon. Take care mate