If it wasn't for coming across you're videos in the first lockdown I'd probably still be drinking to the extreme every weekend, feeling like crap, anxiety out of control.....but you inspired me to get outdoors...ive done 15 wainwrights, 6 munroes and walked all over the isle of skye, and I've never felt better in myself....so keep going, and know that even though we have never met or spoke, you really helped and inspired me out of a hole....so thank you 😉
In case no ones said it Phil, I'm proud of you. Well done. Taking back control is brilliant. You achieved amazing things. Abbie inspires me too, I am at the start of my journey, but I look forward to seeing where it takes me.
I guess Im asking the wrong place but does any of you know a way to log back into an instagram account? I was dumb forgot my account password. I would appreciate any help you can give me
Fantastic effort 👌 I'm a veteran and served in Iraq where I was badly wounded . It caused me to suffer with mental health for years. The outdoors healed my mind ☺️ Don't give up and don't beat yourself up 🙂 you can do anything 👍 Much respect and love from your friends in Wales Ritchie and Raven x
I really admire you Abbie. I'm 62 and have yet to do my first wild camp within the next couple of weeks and don't mind admitting I'm a little anxious about it. Keep going Abbie, you are a terrific inspiration.
You are such a wonderfully authentic human. I can so relate to your self knowledge, and I am in awe of your bravery in sharing your developing self with the world. Thank you 🙏
Thank you so much Abbie for your honesty. I'm 65 and I have diagnosed chronic PTSD and without going into the reasons why, my greatest liberation is talking about it. I suffer from, amongst other things, extreme anxiety. I would come home from a crowded supermarket rather than continue because I perceive threat, probably where none exists, but I can't help it. In recent months I have been supported through Mindfulness therapy. I came to it as a skeptic, moved to it as an agnostic and finally became a believer . In sum mindfulness is living in the moment, where depression is living in the past I can't change and anxiety is worrying about things that may never happen. I was for many years a creature of the outdoors; the hedgerows and the forests and I have found in recent times my greatest peace in going back to nature. Wild camping is not wild. It is as close to the natural order of things as we can get. 'Man' and nature at one. But all my training is around 'Will I be safe?" Part of reducing my anxiety on a trip is planning for the eventualities. That in turn brings confidence. that helps me enjoy the beauty of the view, look forward to a tasty meal, and prepare for a cosy night and that first cup of tea in the morning. Living in the moment. In returning to nature and (wild) camping alone I have not extended myself beyond the limits of my fears and my ability. I am happy in my own skin and in that I am fortunate. Yet it has not been without its challenges. But being alone and loneliness are two different things. Being alone in nature has its own peace, which I greatly enjoy, while mitigating as much risk as possible. . Being lonely, on the other hand is quite different and fundamentally affects the relationship with nature.. I ask a direct question here. Is the response, Abbie not so much about conquering your own fears as having someone (on the most platonic of levels) to share the adventure with? Why has wild camping to be solo? Just look at the comments here, especially from those of my era. So many people of all ages want to be 'out there' and yet are fearful. What does that say? You are not alone...the question is how to connect.
I'm lucky enough to live near a few areas I can pop out for an over-night camp in nature... but as you say, it can be a challenge to get "unstuck" and turn intention to get out there into actually going. Good on ya for making the effort.
Fantastic video Abbie, I found your channel last year during the first lockdown when I was struggling with the fact that I couldn’t get out and my Great Glen Way hike had been cancelled. I think you’re amazing and your willingness to be honest and open about everything shows such an amazing strength in your character. You show that hiking and camping is not all Instagram pics and glory, sometimes it’s challenging and or even anxiety inducing but it is worth it. Keep it up, and as they say where I come from you’ll never walk alone.
Your an inspiration Abbie to so many people in so many ways. To share your mental health issues is bravery within itself. Like yourself I suffer with mental health issues and find wild camping and the outdoors helps me combat those issues immensely. When you are at one with nature you are at one with yourself. Keep going Abbie, well done and thank you.
Really appreciate how open you are about what's going through you head. When I'm out camping and away from the usual (bad) distractions I too find my mind racing. In the last year or so I've started listening to audiobooks. Not the usual educational stuff but short stories its like I'm out with a friend listening to old legends around a campfire (when allowed) but doesn't cover up the actual sounds of nature.
Hey Abbie, your self reflection is impressive; it won't let you down. Have you noticed how the beautiful sound of the water is always the same? It is because you carry the sound with you, wherever you go. 😊 Take care.
Wow.. this is me so often, and I'm old. I want to go out, I love it, I get out to camp then get this horrible homesick/anxious feelings come on which start at twilight wherever I am. Camping with a motorbike can help (wild camping with a bike takes extra planning though) but feeling like I can bail whenever I want. Lockdown made it so much more difficult to get outside. Let's hope this summer is campingly productive.
Mental health or lack there of can really be debilitating for us that suffer in fear and anxiety. Sometimes being in our head to much can be the culprit . Blessings with your health both mentally and physically. Peace and cheers
I hope you read these comments & see how brave we all think you are. Grown men are also worried & have fears of wild camping solo. I'm yet to try it, I have all the gear & no idea, I just don't have the guts. You are an inspiration to us all. X
@Red Cyclops There are females, a hell of a lot tougher than a single male. Nobody knows how they would react in a fight or flight scenario, a big burly bloke could piss himself & freeze in the spot but a woman could turn psycho & make whatever or whoever regret it. You could be one of those blokes who piss them selves. I've no idea what you're on about re the government or 3am. A big dog doesn't make you a tough guy no more than being a woman makes me vulnerable & unable to protect myself.
@Red Cyclops A little extreme really, the only thing that makes a noise anywhere near a howl is a Fox seriously. A single female as you put it is more than capable of doing what she likes, without other people putting there paranoid opinions onto them.
I admire you too, Abbie, I like your determination and resolve and getting out there and doing stuff. And I admire and marvel at your knowledge and will to give things a try and I admire your never say die attitude. You know a lot of stuff that I have read years and years ago, in respect of geography geology and biology. You're terrific and really stick to your guns and do it. I'm very prone to putting up barriers and talking like a defeatist way which I deplore about myself. I am 52 years old and have bipolar and Asperger Syndrome. I don't watch anything else but these videos not even Big Bang Theory anymore. Bless you and go girl!
Aside my recovery from addiction, I suffer with agoraphobia and have been diagnosed schizo effective and I am highly sensitive so I empathise with your struggles. I have been building up my camping kit since 2019 and have still not plucked up the courage to get out and about....yet. Watching your videos is inspiring me and very slowly opening up my confidence and my mind. You are amazing! From Manchester, UK a big Thank You!
Do you or a family or friend have a back garden or a little bit of land? Try pitching a tent there and getting your gear situated so you can spend a couple of hours out there as evening falls. Take a friend or a phone to keep your brain occupied. Keep doing it until you can sleep out there all night. It will help you get used to the situation of being in a tent outside.
@@johnalden5821 I have a rear yard but I live in communal flats so have to share it and not worth the paranoia or anxiety of having my neighbours watch lol. I'll get there soon, thank you for your advice
Well done Abbie!! It's incredible how the simple act of putting one foot in front of the other in a beautiful and peaceful location can be enough to calm the brain and allow us to make a little more sense of our individual place in the world. The outdoors really are a magic place.
You are a true inspiration! Few admit it, but it is a sad fact of 21st century life that everyone faces stresses and mental obstacles. Most of us love the great outdoors, and draw energy and refreshment from it, but even the most seasoned explorers must have doubts and fears about pitching camp alone in a remote and unknown location. It's natural that we, who are conditioned to live in warm and secure homes, should be alive to the sounds of the wild, which our vivid imaginations can so easily distort into dark thoughts. Well done for facing your fears, and helping others to do so too. You are a brave girl.
Well done Abbie. Someone once told me that FOF and FOP are the 2 biggest mental things which hold us back from success. FOF (Fear of Failure) and FOP (Fear of People).
You are a pure inspiration, I got into wild camping to face my fears and also suffer massively with mental health and find it hard to connect with people. Your words you speak I resonate with soo much. First you tube vid thats ever legit made me cry. I am so proud of you and admire you.
Good for you. Glad you did it. Trust me the more you do it the easier it gets. I'm a guy and I kept putting it off. Now I love it. Don't know what I'd do if I couldn't get that time alone. Just remember through you doing this your inspiring others to follow.
Well done Abbie. It is scary even for a 35 year old large bloke sleeping out by myself :-). ‘Fear a very healthy thing, most of the time. You warn us of danger, remind us of our limits, protect us from carelessness. I've learned to trust fear.’ All fears are there to be concored
Come across the pond. Try the Colorado Trail's Collegiate Loop and, if you like that, Lake Tahoe Rim Trail. And if you want to go all out do the Pacific Crest or Continental Divide Trails. I do hundreds of miles solo, even wild camped in Sussex.
The tent location is OK but after you have been out for a while you learn that being well above the riverside flood plain is best so you don't have the humid impact from the water. A good book you can read for tips to last a lifetime, Mountaineering, Freedom of the Hills.
Great video Abbie, really enjoyed it! You are so inspiring. There is indeed a huge difference between wanting to do something and actually doing it. I hope to do a wild camp one day, thanks for sharing.
I don't think there is anyone who wild camps that doesn't let their head go walk about of "What ifs" when you are in the dark and can hear all number of things that are nothing, but you mind makes things up. Just got to push through it like you did. Well done.
It's quite a while now that I saw a video of you. Noone can feel what you feel still you manage to give an insight of what's going on inside your mind. Your courage and willingness to face your fears is incredible. Like your openness about it. It's inspiring, Abbie. You are inspiring. Being tired of your struggle is ok, but you won't take it always. Never compare yourself with others, you are fine as you are. A unique beautiful, courageous human being. Thank you, Abbie, for sharing your good and less good moments in a beautiful landscape
With a bit of luck the success you have had with this trip will give you the confidence to do more and grow with each one, you have proved to yourself (and all of us) that you are able to, and are well up to the task. All the very best of luck with it Abbie
Your doing awesome spending a night alone in nature is a very scary thing with nothing for company but your own thoughts. Meditation is the key to feeling secure within yourself. 😎❤️
I really loved this! I've been really wanting to do a solo wild camp recently, but I keep finding excuses or reasons not to go. It's so reassuring to see that even though you often seem so at home in the wild, you face similar uncertainties or challenges to me. You've inspired me to push myself out of my comfort zone and just do it! :)
It's a shame there can't be a sort of course for those wanting to do their first wild camp. I've bought all the gear over the winter, and I guess I've got to crack on !!
So brave Abbey, just keep going, I have been there many times myself. Your a real inspiration. Thank you for showing this side of you, it helps so many.
Sending you strength and best wishes Abbie. Life can be hard mentally for anyone but you keep pushing through the mental barriers that your mind puts up in front of you. It shows how strong you really are, thanks for sharing your thoughts and adventures with us all. All the best.
I admire how open you are about your feelings especially as I feel exactly the same. I hope your continuing to improve and trying to keep positive. Take care.
Good on you for facing your fears! Please know that you're not alone in your quest to learn who you are. I'm 50 and still learning something new about myself every day. You are strong. You are amazing. You are enough. ❤️
Hey Abbie, I think the general consensus amongst wild campers is that solo camping can most definitley be scarier the first few times you do it and even "big strong men" can admit to feeling a bit freaked out some times. I can't imagine how it must feel for women but I've found that taking a friend and then camping far enough apart to feel alone can help "dip the toes" while still providing that much needed support when it gets rough. That said, well done for battling those inner demons and pushing through!
"There's a very good looking tree there". 18:24 Haha, love it. Great job Abbie. You've inspired me to hike in the mountains - I'm busy checking off some Wainwrights this year. I'd love to wild camp next year but want to make sure I get the best tent and backpack (I'm geared for day hikes right now).
Thank you Abbie. Lovely vlog. I love being out in the wild. Some of my best experiences have been long distance paths such as the Two Moors Way. Either with a group of friends or by myself. And you can use B&Bs, Pubs or Camp depending on your mood and wants. I find after a few days away from the mainstream of society I go into a sort of trance state where my mind clears of the usual day to day trivia and allows me to think more clearly. Some of my best inspirations and new thinking have happened on these occasions. Take care
I applaud your bravery. You openly express your fears and problems which allows others to feel more at ease about opening up about theirs. From Maryland, USA, I wish you the best. Mark
You have the most wonderful soothing voice, laughter and smile. Super little uplifting micro adventure. For me the only moment I would most certainly have cried tears over... is.... the moment the gas ran out. 😫😄 No Coffee!!! 😄 All the best Abbie 👍 👋
i love how you are and continue to overcome you anxiety i know its hard i suffer with anxiety and deppresion and frustration due to the situation im in with my back. your very brave pls carry onwards and upwards young lady my hats off to you!!! x x x
Great video Abbie, I love that walk along to Cow castle. FYI Wheel Eliza which you walked past is the site of an old mine during the industrial revolution, so the landscape there has had many differing uses over the years. The Exmoor forest which is that part of Exmoor around Simonsbath, was a royal hunting forest until 1815 when it was sold by the king to John Knight. Who built much of Simonsbath and he introduced the sheep farming etc.
Abbie, you really are a remarkable woman. Your love of nature, your openess and ability to express your fears and how you overcome is inspirational. I watched your Ring of Beara video in Jan 2021, while living in an apartment in Dublin and it blew me away now I am living in Beara and its amazing. Enjoy your journey Abbie, you are doing amazing 👏🙌❤😀✨♥
You are an inspiration abbie xx these are the videos I like to see, you, nature, over coming fear. And you spur me on, to want to camp on my own. Its easy to get to reliant on other people and I think we need to do things on our own. We'll done abbie. Keep strong.
Well done for facing your fear, it takes strength to do what you did. Watching your video inspired me to get out and take on one of my own tonight, thank you for the push 👍
I could easily stack all sorts of rational reasons why you should not feel uncomfortable doing what you are doing. However, it is not that easy to overcome some issues and I think the only way to go forward is to keep doing what you are doing. Confidence comes from experience and exposure, and while you will probably never feel totally at ease it will get better. Spending time in the outdoors is a great way to grow just by managing every day tasks and staying warm, fed and dry. Keep doing what you are doing!
Abbie, Great Video!!. I am also a keen hiker and Camper, but also fear doing a nights wild camp alone, so this has been an inspiration about getting over my own fears and giving it a go. Being local myself, I might even give something like this a go. Keep up the excellent video's, an inspiration to many of us to get there and do more.
Wow that was an awesome video. Thank you for making it. I found it very relatable about it being hard to get out and struggling to be with your own thoughts. I have been encouraged by my therapist to do more solo mini adventures and have found the ones I have achieved very empowering. You're inspiring me to get back on the horse after having been ill the past few weeks. X
Well Done Abbie. Super brave and I get it. I have had a couple of occasions lately where I was supposed to go out just for a walk and really lost myself in the ability to, so we’ll done winning that battle.
I guess you get it: lots of people experience exactly what you experience, and you are a stellar example to us all. don't ever stop - embrace your fears, life's goal is to become what you fear (and that without quoting Dune)
Thank you for sharing this, to many people don't mention that they have mental health issues. There is still a stigma surrounding it. It's surprising how many people suffer from it. You are very brave to fight your demons to get out and wild camp. Keep going out and showing us your lovely videos.
I just found you. What an important find for me. Though I don't have problems with camping alone I used to when I first began doing it. I camp in bear country and I don't even think of it, but in the beginning it used to be difficult. I had to defeat great fears. So it takes practice and repeated effort to become comfortable with it. I live in Canada in northern Ontario but I am a native of Finland from the Russian border. My heart is in the forest.
Very interesting video, very well edited. Exmoor is a wonderful place to get back to nature and put life into perspective. I wish you well in your quest to overcome your fears and enjoy the adventures to come. I’m sure that with the can do attitude that you have shown in this video you will be successful. Well done.
Really well done you are very honest with your thoughts and feelings, that takes courage. I wild camp loads of times and I still never get a good night's sleep, I always remember that I am more likely to come to harm in a city than in the countryside miles from anyone. The next one will be easier
That was a delightful little camp spot and it makes me want to pack up our tent and go, well, anywhere! I really admire your ability to talk things through even when you're not feeling 100% and to keep expressing joy at your surroundings. Wishing you all the best!
Everyone has fears, but you cross a threshold when you CHOOSE to face them. That's proper courage. Congratulations... Keep going ! You have a warrior-woman spirit !
Abbie, I can relate. Thank you for bringing us on your journey, you are so very brave. You will succeed, you can win over and conquer your harshest critic, yourself. Just trust yourself, be yourself and don’t doubt yourself. A good small campfire is all you were missing on that trip 😉
Watched a few of your video s now an it’s refreshing to see someone talking so openly I have a lot of the same feelings as you. I don’t get outdoor enough I have loads of kit it just doesn’t get used as it should . I’m hoping I can get inspired from your uploads an others 👍
Love you! Love that you creating awareness for mental health issues and love that you've pushed pass your fear. Great accomplishment. Depression my demon and the outdoors is my cure. Ive dealt with psychosis too and its horrid. Im pushing myself this year to do my first wild camp too. I succeed as well as you. X
I wild camped alone every weekend from 18, before this leaving home regularly and rough sleeping for days, i found myself prefering night walking and loved darkness micronav , always walking, mountains , skye, ben nevis etc did army mountain leader course and did a course with lofty wiseman didnt realise why i did it till later in life when i realised i had mental health issues. Wilderness is definitely the cure and you enmesh with nature/ the creator. Also makes us realise our place within the world as part of the animal and plant kingdom.its the best meditation for anxiety .
You are an inspiration to me and I can imagine to so many other people. I am still yet to overcome my anxieties and get out there in the wild. But today I made the first step and purchased some camping items ready for my first solo wild camp. Keep it up, your are awesome 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing these things with us! Your open talks about mental health really help me, a lot, in a way that I try to be more gentle with myself when things are rough, instead of feeling disappointed and ashamed. I also always enjoy your hiking videos, they inspire me to walk more and try out hiking! So thank you! You may no always feel it, but you really DO make a difference with your videos! ❤️
Nice one, Abbie. Good to see you walking with and facing your fears. I think many would've turned back or stayed in the car at the prospect of damp weather! :-) I've been meaning to walk around that part of Exmoor for a few months now - looks like it'll be well worth the trip. All the best and good luck with your next camp.
I like it, I have recently bought all the essential equipment (keep dry/warm, tent, sleeping bag etc) this has helped to inspire me, I have had some problems also, I'm gonna do Avebury to goring along the Ridgeway next week. Being out in the Great outdoors is so refreshing. Good stuff.
Never give up you are stronger than you think, there are times when we all feel vulnerable and scared but we all deal with it in our own way, stay strong and we'll see you in the next one. Atb Darren
I love watching your videos because you're so genuine and down to earth and you're real. I can relate regarding the fear when wild camping. It's something that I've done with my friends but I really really want to be able to do it alone somewhere, but I have a fear of things going wrong and I think it's mainly intrusive thoughts about being attacked etc.. Midway through the video and loving it. Thanks for providing me with these videos. You're a really lovely person 👍🏻
Excellent video, love all the greeny, goldy, browny, mossy colours. A particularly good place on Dartmoor is the valley - open vast endless expanse really - is the valley of the River Plym, especially in its upper reaches - has an atmosphere that is seriously eerie challenging, impressive, yet not ultimately threatening, makes perfect sense intuitively having been there, but sounds illogical. The way to deal with challenging eerie atmospheres is, in all seriousness, to welcome them when there.,,
For inspiration as well as to build-up your resolve : Sara Dhooma AND Homemade Wanderlust. Both have walked the PCT; AT as well as countless Caminos. Always solo. They are always well worth watching. Give them a look.
Well done Abbie it was a good video and nice of you to share what you were/are going through. Keep speaking about it as I use your videos to see the outdoors at the moment and understand I am not the only one feeling this way. I'm new to wild camping and camped 4 times in my garden to get the experience you have.
Brilliant video Abbie. You are inspiring. It's great to be in nature. Back in 1978 I solo walked the length of the southwest peninsula footpath shortly after it was created. I did a combination of wild camping and youth hostels. I have struggled with depression and progressive disability (muscular dystrophy) and now at 62 I am thinking of doing the walk again. My mind says it's a mad idea, how can a person who is as weak as a kitten and falls over a lot do that walk, but my heart wants what it wants. Now I need to find ultralight kit. Best regards Sarah
Well done for acknowledging and overnighting with your fears, knowing that you are love and that love is the centre of your being helps put fears into perspective ........... : )
I have your same interest for nature and the same fear to face it alone,. We were conditioned to disconnect from mother nature, yet it's where we find peace and tranquillity, and where our souls rest. Glad to have discovered your channel. You seem to be a very profound and interesting person. ❤️
Another great video. 100% understand how you feel. I'm very similar. I adore wold camping, I love going with a mate but equally, if not more so, alone or with my dog. It's so easy to talk your self out of going. It isn't easy (or we'd all do it), it is daunting knowing that you ar 100% reliant on your own decision (like running out of gas!) but that's part of the buzz. My time alone is the best place to "decompress" and reconnect. Put the work to rights and clear your head a little. Talk out loud to your self, laugh out loud and cry out loud. It's all 100% positive. And all the time we're safer in darkest Exmooor than we are in Exeter! Its about adjusting and climatising. The more we do it, the quicker it becomes. Stay safe mate
Great video, Abbie. Thank you for sharing and a lot of what you were saying about the mental fears really rang a note with me as my brain creates sounds that aren’t there at night and it scares me, especially outdoors which has been a block to my wild camping first trip. BUT having watched this and your other videos, I want to try again. 🙂
Thank you for a very well shot video. You talk about serious issues: ones that most of us can't imagine, but you do it in a calm and reasoned way. Well done for overcoming your anxieties about camping out there alone. It's s bloody tragedy about the gas though. I couldn't have put such a brave face on going without my early morning cuppa! 🙂 Sending a virtual hug, and best wishes for your next camping/hiking adventure.
you are incredible, we are planning a 2 moors way walk at the end of the summer and your video on it is priceless, tons of information and excellent film making, im an avid wild camper but im so anxious about my first camp in a few weeks. feels like decades since ive been out.
Nice one Abbie, fantastic achievement. I haven't yet wild camped so it was interesting to see how you select a suitable spot and set up camp. Plus the gritty reality of allowing fear to creep in yet noting and accepting it!
Apart from your generous sharing of yourself, and your sharing great practical Information, you put out a really good quality product, in my opinion! I always feel better, more calm, Moore grounded, more capable after watching one of your videos! Also, I have to say that you have accomplished so much and are so intelligent and mature for only being 24 years old. I’m sorry you’re struggling, I wish, as a Mom, I could make this terrible fear disappear for you, for everyone who struggles... Also, that food looks great! Will definitely check them out! Also, I’m glad you had a pretty good night!
I need to grow a pair and do my first ever solo, amazing place you camped, really want to do it but i know ill feel anxious for no reason, well done you, Taz
If it wasn't for coming across you're videos in the first lockdown I'd probably still be drinking to the extreme every weekend, feeling like crap, anxiety out of control.....but you inspired me to get outdoors...ive done 15 wainwrights, 6 munroes and walked all over the isle of skye, and I've never felt better in myself....so keep going, and know that even though we have never met or spoke, you really helped and inspired me out of a hole....so thank you 😉
Good to hear.
In case no ones said it Phil, I'm proud of you. Well done. Taking back control is brilliant. You achieved amazing things. Abbie inspires me too, I am at the start of my journey, but I look forward to seeing where it takes me.
Brilliant.
Phil - that's just great. And know that you're inspiring others as Abbie inspired you. Thank you
I guess Im asking the wrong place but does any of you know a way to log back into an instagram account?
I was dumb forgot my account password. I would appreciate any help you can give me
Fantastic effort 👌 I'm a veteran and served in Iraq where I was badly wounded . It caused me to suffer with mental health for years. The outdoors healed my mind ☺️
Don't give up and don't beat yourself up 🙂 you can do anything 👍
Much respect and love from your friends in Wales Ritchie and Raven x
I really admire you Abbie. I'm 62 and have yet to do my first wild camp within the next couple of weeks and don't mind admitting I'm a little anxious about it. Keep going Abbie, you are a terrific inspiration.
Good luck!
Good for you !!!. 👍 hope u enjoy and have fun doing it.
Age is just a number you got this 💪🏻
You are such a wonderfully authentic human. I can so relate to your self knowledge, and I am in awe of your bravery in sharing your developing self with the world. Thank you 🙏
Thank you so much Abbie for your honesty. I'm 65 and I have diagnosed chronic PTSD and without going into the reasons why, my greatest liberation is talking about it. I suffer from, amongst other things, extreme anxiety. I would come home from a crowded supermarket rather than continue because I perceive threat, probably where none exists, but I can't help it.
In recent months I have been supported through Mindfulness therapy. I came to it as a skeptic, moved to it as an agnostic and finally became a believer . In sum mindfulness is living in the moment, where depression is living in the past I can't change and anxiety is worrying about things that may never happen.
I was for many years a creature of the outdoors; the hedgerows and the forests and I have found in recent times my greatest peace in going back to nature. Wild camping is not wild. It is as close to the natural order of things as we can get. 'Man' and nature at one. But all my training is around 'Will I be safe?" Part of reducing my anxiety on a trip is planning for the eventualities. That in turn brings confidence. that helps me enjoy the beauty of the view, look forward to a tasty meal, and prepare for a cosy night and that first cup of tea in the morning. Living in the moment.
In returning to nature and (wild) camping alone I have not extended myself beyond the limits of my fears and my ability. I am happy in my own skin and in that I am fortunate. Yet it has not been without its challenges. But being alone and loneliness are two different things. Being alone in nature has its own peace, which I greatly enjoy, while mitigating as much risk as possible. . Being lonely, on the other hand is quite different and fundamentally affects the relationship with nature..
I ask a direct question here. Is the response, Abbie not so much about conquering your own fears as having someone (on the most platonic of levels) to share the adventure with?
Why has wild camping to be solo? Just look at the comments here, especially from those of my era.
So many people of all ages want to be 'out there' and yet are fearful. What does that say? You are not alone...the question is how to connect.
You brave, resolute and committed person. You are progressing and for those of us that have been following you it os heart warming to see.
I'm lucky enough to live near a few areas I can pop out for an over-night camp in nature... but as you say, it can be a challenge to get "unstuck" and turn intention to get out there into actually going. Good on ya for making the effort.
Fantastic video Abbie, I found your channel last year during the first lockdown when I was struggling with the fact that I couldn’t get out and my Great Glen Way hike had been cancelled.
I think you’re amazing and your willingness to be honest and open about everything shows such an amazing strength in your character. You show that hiking and camping is not all Instagram pics and glory, sometimes it’s challenging and or even anxiety inducing but it is worth it.
Keep it up, and as they say where I come from you’ll never walk alone.
Your an inspiration Abbie to so many people in so many ways. To share your mental health issues is bravery within itself. Like yourself I suffer with mental health issues and find wild camping and the outdoors helps me combat those issues immensely. When you are at one with nature you are at one with yourself. Keep going Abbie, well done and thank you.
Really appreciate how open you are about what's going through you head.
When I'm out camping and away from the usual (bad) distractions I too find my mind racing.
In the last year or so I've started listening to audiobooks. Not the usual educational stuff but short stories its like I'm out with a friend listening to old legends around a campfire (when allowed) but doesn't cover up the actual sounds of nature.
Hey Abbie, your self reflection is impressive; it won't let you down. Have you noticed how the beautiful sound of the water is always the same? It is because you carry the sound with you, wherever you go. 😊 Take care.
Wow.. this is me so often, and I'm old. I want to go out, I love it, I get out to camp then get this horrible homesick/anxious feelings come on which start at twilight wherever I am. Camping with a motorbike can help (wild camping with a bike takes extra planning though) but feeling like I can bail whenever I want. Lockdown made it so much more difficult to get outside. Let's hope this summer is campingly productive.
Mental health or lack there of can really be debilitating for us that suffer in fear and anxiety.
Sometimes being in our head to much can be the culprit . Blessings with your health both mentally and physically.
Peace and cheers
I hope you read these comments & see how brave we all think you are. Grown men are also worried & have fears of wild camping solo. I'm yet to try it, I have all the gear & no idea, I just don't have the guts. You are an inspiration to us all. X
Try before you die you will always regret what you do not do, nobody's last words were glad I did nothing with my life.
@Red Cyclops There are females, a hell of a lot tougher than a single male. Nobody knows how they would react in a fight or flight scenario, a big burly bloke could piss himself & freeze in the spot but a woman could turn psycho & make whatever or whoever regret it. You could be one of those blokes who piss them selves.
I've no idea what you're on about re the government or 3am.
A big dog doesn't make you a tough guy no more than being a woman makes me vulnerable & unable to protect myself.
@Red Cyclops A little extreme really, the only thing that makes a noise anywhere near a howl is a Fox seriously. A single female as you put it is more than capable of doing what she likes, without other people putting there paranoid opinions onto them.
@Red Cyclops I doubt anyone would attack a tent not knowing who’s inside, it could be suicidal for them, most wild campers have a big knife, axe etc
The most dangerous thing out there are ignorant sexists with 40kg attack dogs.
I admire you too, Abbie, I like your determination and resolve and getting out there and doing stuff. And I admire and marvel at your knowledge and will to give things a try and I admire your never say die attitude. You know a lot of stuff that I have read years and years ago, in respect of geography geology and biology. You're terrific and really stick to your guns and do it. I'm very prone to putting up barriers and talking like a defeatist way which I deplore about myself. I am 52 years old and have bipolar and Asperger Syndrome. I don't watch anything else but these videos not even Big Bang Theory anymore. Bless you and go girl!
Aside my recovery from addiction, I suffer with agoraphobia and have been diagnosed schizo effective and I am highly sensitive so I empathise with your struggles. I have been building up my camping kit since 2019 and have still not plucked up the courage to get out and about....yet. Watching your videos is inspiring me and very slowly opening up my confidence and my mind. You are amazing! From Manchester, UK a big Thank You!
Step by step bit by bit. Little by little. Take time. No rush.
@@thegroove2000 thank you
Do you or a family or friend have a back garden or a little bit of land? Try pitching a tent there and getting your gear situated so you can spend a couple of hours out there as evening falls. Take a friend or a phone to keep your brain occupied. Keep doing it until you can sleep out there all night. It will help you get used to the situation of being in a tent outside.
@@johnalden5821 I have a rear yard but I live in communal flats so have to share it and not worth the paranoia or anxiety of having my neighbours watch lol. I'll get there soon, thank you for your advice
@@darkroomlightsource88 Best wishes. There is a starry night sky out there, and you will find it.
Well done Abbie!! It's incredible how the simple act of putting one foot in front of the other in a beautiful and peaceful location can be enough to calm the brain and allow us to make a little more sense of our individual place in the world. The outdoors really are a magic place.
You are a true inspiration! Few admit it, but it is a sad fact of 21st century life that everyone faces stresses and mental obstacles. Most of us love the great outdoors, and draw energy and refreshment from it, but even the most seasoned explorers must have doubts and fears about pitching camp alone in a remote and unknown location. It's natural that we, who are conditioned to live in warm and secure homes, should be alive to the sounds of the wild, which our vivid imaginations can so easily distort into dark thoughts. Well done for facing your fears, and helping others to do so too. You are a brave girl.
Well done Abbie. Someone once told me that FOF and FOP are the 2 biggest mental things which hold us back from success. FOF (Fear of Failure) and FOP (Fear of People).
You are a pure inspiration, I got into wild camping to face my fears and also suffer massively with mental health and find it hard to connect with people. Your words you speak I resonate with soo much. First you tube vid thats ever legit made me cry. I am so proud of you and admire you.
Good for you. Glad you did it. Trust me the more you do it the easier it gets. I'm a guy and I kept putting it off. Now I love it. Don't know what I'd do if I couldn't get that time alone. Just remember through you doing this your inspiring others to follow.
Well done Abbie. It is scary even for a 35 year old large bloke sleeping out by myself :-). ‘Fear a very healthy thing, most of the time. You warn us of danger, remind us of our limits, protect us from carelessness. I've learned to trust fear.’ All fears are there to be concored
Come across the pond. Try the Colorado Trail's Collegiate Loop and, if you like that, Lake Tahoe Rim Trail. And if you want to go all out do the Pacific Crest or Continental Divide Trails. I do hundreds of miles solo, even wild camped in Sussex.
The tent location is OK but after you have been out for a while you learn that being well above the riverside flood plain is best so you don't have the humid impact from the water. A good book you can read for tips to last a lifetime, Mountaineering, Freedom of the Hills.
Your so utterly brave for pushing yourself and being so honest. All my love and admiration. You’ve come such a long way. It’s such an achievement.
Great video Abbie, really enjoyed it! You are so inspiring. There is indeed a huge difference between wanting to do something and actually doing it. I hope to do a wild camp one day, thanks for sharing.
I don't think there is anyone who wild camps that doesn't let their head go walk about of "What ifs" when you are in the dark and can hear all number of things that are nothing, but you mind makes things up. Just got to push through it like you did. Well done.
It's quite a while now that I saw a video of you. Noone can feel what you feel still you manage to give an insight of what's going on inside your mind. Your courage and willingness to face your fears is incredible. Like your openness about it. It's inspiring, Abbie. You are inspiring. Being tired of your struggle is ok, but you won't take it always. Never compare yourself with others, you are fine as you are. A unique beautiful, courageous human being. Thank you, Abbie, for sharing your good and less good moments in a beautiful landscape
With a bit of luck the success you have had with this trip will give you the confidence to do more and grow with each one, you have proved to yourself (and all of us) that you are able to, and are well up to the task. All the very best of luck with it Abbie
Your doing awesome spending a night alone in nature is a very scary thing with nothing for company but your own thoughts. Meditation is the key to feeling secure within yourself. 😎❤️
I joined scouts as a leader which helped me massively. Plus it’s lots of outdoors stuff. As for anxiety others leaders support helps.
I really loved this! I've been really wanting to do a solo wild camp recently, but I keep finding excuses or reasons not to go. It's so reassuring to see that even though you often seem so at home in the wild, you face similar uncertainties or challenges to me. You've inspired me to push myself out of my comfort zone and just do it! :)
It's a shame there can't be a sort of course for those wanting to do their first wild camp. I've bought all the gear over the winter, and I guess I've got to crack on !!
So brave Abbey, just keep going, I have been there many times myself. Your a real inspiration. Thank you for showing this side of you, it helps so many.
You're so brave Abbey, I struggle with the same fear, but haven't managed to conquer it just yet. You're an inspiration for me :)
Sending you strength and best wishes Abbie. Life can be hard mentally for anyone but you keep pushing through the mental barriers that your mind puts up in front of you. It shows how strong you really are, thanks for sharing your thoughts and adventures with us all. All the best.
I admire how open you are about your feelings especially as I feel exactly the same. I hope your continuing to improve and trying to keep positive. Take care.
Good on you for facing your fears! Please know that you're not alone in your quest to learn who you are. I'm 50 and still learning something new about myself every day. You are strong. You are amazing. You are enough. ❤️
A brave, and honest video. Thanks.
Hey Abbie,
I think the general consensus amongst wild campers is that solo camping can most definitley be scarier the first few times you do it and even "big strong men" can admit to feeling a bit freaked out some times. I can't imagine how it must feel for women but I've found that taking a friend and then camping far enough apart to feel alone can help "dip the toes" while still providing that much needed support when it gets rough. That said, well done for battling those inner demons and pushing through!
"There's a very good looking tree there". 18:24 Haha, love it. Great job Abbie. You've inspired me to hike in the mountains - I'm busy checking off some Wainwrights this year. I'd love to wild camp next year but want to make sure I get the best tent and backpack (I'm geared for day hikes right now).
Thank you Abbie. Lovely vlog. I love being out in the wild. Some of my best experiences have been long distance paths such as the Two Moors Way. Either with a group of friends or by myself. And you can use B&Bs, Pubs or Camp depending on your mood and wants. I find after a few days away from the mainstream of society I go into a sort of trance state where my mind clears of the usual day to day trivia and allows me to think more clearly. Some of my best inspirations and new thinking have happened on these occasions. Take care
The world needs more kind gentle people like you Abbey 👍
I applaud your bravery. You openly express your fears and problems which allows others to feel more at ease about opening up about theirs. From Maryland, USA, I wish you the best. Mark
You have the most wonderful soothing voice, laughter and smile.
Super little uplifting micro adventure.
For me the only moment I would most certainly have cried tears over... is.... the moment the gas ran out. 😫😄 No Coffee!!! 😄
All the best Abbie 👍 👋
Lesson learnt, I bet that never happens again ;)
Me too - I don't know if I'd have coped with that!!
i love how you are and continue to overcome you anxiety i know its hard i suffer with anxiety and deppresion and frustration due to the situation im in with my back. your very brave pls carry onwards and upwards young lady my hats off to you!!! x x x
Great video Abbie, I love that walk along to Cow castle. FYI Wheel Eliza which you walked past is the site of an old mine during the industrial revolution, so the landscape there has had many differing uses over the years. The Exmoor forest which is that part of Exmoor around Simonsbath, was a royal hunting forest until 1815 when it was sold by the king to John Knight. Who built much of Simonsbath and he introduced the sheep farming etc.
Abbie,your sincerity and openness are invaluable features of yours!You inspire me to become a better person. Thank you ever so much
Abbie, you really are a remarkable woman. Your love of nature, your openess and ability to express your fears and how you overcome is inspirational. I watched your Ring of Beara video in Jan 2021, while living in an apartment in Dublin and it blew me away now I am living in Beara and its amazing. Enjoy your journey Abbie, you are doing amazing 👏🙌❤😀✨♥
You are an inspiration abbie xx these are the videos I like to see, you, nature, over coming fear. And you spur me on, to want to camp on my own. Its easy to get to reliant on other people and I think we need to do things on our own. We'll done abbie. Keep strong.
Well done for facing your fear, it takes strength to do what you did. Watching your video inspired me to get out and take on one of my own tonight, thank you for the push 👍
The old saying Abbie. Face your fears, live your Dreams. Live your dreams , face your fears. you have this Girl....BOOM xx
I could easily stack all sorts of rational reasons why you should not feel uncomfortable doing what you are doing. However, it is not that easy to overcome some issues and I think the only way to go forward is to keep doing what you are doing. Confidence comes from experience and exposure, and while you will probably never feel totally at ease it will get better. Spending time in the outdoors is a great way to grow just by managing every day tasks and staying warm, fed and dry. Keep doing what you are doing!
Abbie, Great Video!!. I am also a keen hiker and Camper, but also fear doing a nights wild camp alone, so this has been an inspiration about getting over my own fears and giving it a go. Being local myself, I might even give something like this a go. Keep up the excellent video's, an inspiration to many of us to get there and do more.
Wow that was an awesome video. Thank you for making it. I found it very relatable about it being hard to get out and struggling to be with your own thoughts. I have been encouraged by my therapist to do more solo mini adventures and have found the ones I have achieved very empowering. You're inspiring me to get back on the horse after having been ill the past few weeks. X
Well
Done Abbie. Super brave and I get it. I have had a couple of occasions lately where I was supposed to go out just for a walk and really lost myself in the ability to, so we’ll done winning that battle.
Exmoor is lovely. I need to hike and wild camp there. Many thanks, Abbie. Stay safe and well.
I guess you get it: lots of people experience exactly what you experience, and you are a stellar example to us all. don't ever stop - embrace your fears, life's goal is to become what you fear (and that without quoting Dune)
Thank you for sharing this, to many people don't mention that they have mental health issues. There is still a stigma surrounding it.
It's surprising how many people suffer from it.
You are very brave to fight your demons to get out and wild camp.
Keep going out and showing us your lovely videos.
I just found you. What an important find for me. Though I don't have problems with camping alone I used to when I first began doing it. I camp in bear country and I don't even think of it, but in the beginning it used to be difficult. I had to defeat great fears. So it takes practice and repeated effort to become comfortable with it. I live in Canada in northern Ontario but I am a native of Finland from the Russian border. My heart is in the forest.
Choose life every day the sun will always rise and the wilderness will always be there you and Anna are awesome
Very interesting video, very well edited.
Exmoor is a wonderful place to get back to nature and put life into perspective.
I wish you well in your quest to overcome your fears and enjoy the adventures to come.
I’m sure that with the can do attitude that you have shown in this video you will be successful.
Well done.
Really well done you are very honest with your thoughts and feelings, that takes courage. I wild camp loads of times and I still never get a good night's sleep, I always remember that I am more likely to come to harm in a city than in the countryside miles from anyone. The next one will be easier
That was a delightful little camp spot and it makes me want to pack up our tent and go, well, anywhere! I really admire your ability to talk things through even when you're not feeling 100% and to keep expressing joy at your surroundings. Wishing you all the best!
Hi Abbie, well done on facing your fears, it can't have been easy for you , Congratulations , onwards and upwards my dear, good luck and God bless.😀
Everyone has fears, but you cross a threshold when you CHOOSE to face them. That's proper courage.
Congratulations... Keep going !
You have a warrior-woman spirit !
Abbie, I can relate. Thank you for bringing us on your journey, you are so very brave. You will succeed, you can win over and conquer your harshest critic, yourself. Just trust yourself, be yourself and don’t doubt yourself. A good small campfire is all you were missing on that trip 😉
Watched a few of your video s now an it’s refreshing to see someone talking so openly I have a lot of the same feelings as you. I don’t get outdoor enough I have loads of kit it just doesn’t get used as it should . I’m hoping I can get inspired from your uploads an others 👍
Love you! Love that you creating awareness for mental health issues and love that you've pushed pass your fear. Great accomplishment. Depression my demon and the outdoors is my cure. Ive dealt with psychosis too and its horrid. Im pushing myself this year to do my first wild camp too. I succeed as well as you. X
Hope i succeed as wel as u i meany
I wild camped alone every weekend from 18, before this leaving home regularly and rough sleeping for days, i found myself prefering night walking and loved darkness micronav , always walking, mountains , skye, ben nevis etc did army mountain leader course and did a course with lofty wiseman didnt realise why i did it till later in life when i realised i had mental health issues. Wilderness is definitely the cure and you enmesh with nature/ the creator. Also makes us realise our place within the world as part of the animal and plant kingdom.its the best meditation for anxiety .
You are an inspiration to me and I can imagine to so many other people. I am still yet to overcome my anxieties and get out there in the wild. But today I made the first step and purchased some camping items ready for my first solo wild camp. Keep it up, your are awesome 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing these things with us! Your open talks about mental health really help me, a lot, in a way that I try to be more gentle with myself when things are rough, instead of feeling disappointed and ashamed. I also always enjoy your hiking videos, they inspire me to walk more and try out hiking! So thank you! You may no always feel it, but you really DO make a difference with your videos! ❤️
No morning brew?! Great video Abbie, well done for sticking with it. One of my fave locations for a walk too!
And love a bit of bridge appreciation too!
Nice one, Abbie. Good to see you walking with and facing your fears. I think many would've turned back or stayed in the car at the prospect of damp weather! :-) I've been meaning to walk around that part of Exmoor for a few months now - looks like it'll be well worth the trip. All the best and good luck with your next camp.
I like it, I have recently bought all the essential equipment (keep dry/warm, tent, sleeping bag etc) this has helped to inspire me, I have had some problems also, I'm gonna do Avebury to goring along the Ridgeway next week. Being out in the Great outdoors is so refreshing. Good stuff.
Never give up you are stronger than you think, there are times when we all feel vulnerable and scared but we all deal with it in our own way, stay strong and we'll see you in the next one. Atb Darren
real, honest and very enjoyable, all the best. just 24yrs young yr amazing
You are inspiring people with you openness on mental health
I love watching your videos because you're so genuine and down to earth and you're real.
I can relate regarding the fear when wild camping. It's something that I've done with my friends but I really really want to be able to do it alone somewhere, but I have a fear of things going wrong and I think it's mainly intrusive thoughts about being attacked etc..
Midway through the video and loving it. Thanks for providing me with these videos. You're a really lovely person 👍🏻
Excellent video, love all the greeny, goldy, browny, mossy colours. A particularly good place on Dartmoor is the valley - open vast endless expanse really - is the valley of the River Plym, especially in its upper reaches - has an atmosphere that is seriously eerie challenging, impressive, yet not ultimately threatening, makes perfect sense intuitively having been there, but sounds illogical. The way to deal with challenging eerie atmospheres is, in all seriousness, to welcome them when there.,,
For inspiration as well as to build-up your resolve : Sara Dhooma AND Homemade Wanderlust. Both have walked the PCT; AT as well as countless Caminos. Always solo. They are always well worth watching. Give them a look.
Well done Abbie it was a good video and nice of you to share what you were/are going through. Keep speaking about it as I use your videos to see the outdoors at the moment and understand I am not the only one feeling this way. I'm new to wild camping and camped 4 times in my garden to get the experience you have.
Beautiful. The scenery is nice too.
Good one Abbie. Keep on keeping on. Great to see you facing your fears.
Inspiring, thank you very much for your honesty, expertise and warmth. Kind regards, Chris
Brilliant video Abbie. You are inspiring. It's great to be in nature. Back in 1978 I solo walked the length of the southwest peninsula footpath shortly after it was created. I did a combination of wild camping and youth hostels. I have struggled with depression and progressive disability (muscular dystrophy) and now at 62 I am thinking of doing the walk again. My mind says it's a mad idea, how can a person who is as weak as a kitten and falls over a lot do that walk, but my heart wants what it wants. Now I need to find ultralight kit. Best regards Sarah
Well done for acknowledging and overnighting with your fears, knowing that you are love and that love is the centre of your being helps put fears into perspective ........... : )
You are an exceptionally brave quite wonderful human. Thank you for this video x
Thank you. This was wonderful (as always) 🤗 I’m on the other side of the world and you always help me to face my own fears and get outside 🥰🇦🇺
I have your same interest for nature and the same fear to face it alone,. We were conditioned to disconnect from mother nature, yet it's where we find peace and tranquillity, and where our souls rest. Glad to have discovered your channel. You seem to be a very profound and interesting person. ❤️
Another great video. 100% understand how you feel. I'm very similar. I adore wold camping, I love going with a mate but equally, if not more so, alone or with my dog. It's so easy to talk your self out of going. It isn't easy (or we'd all do it), it is daunting knowing that you ar 100% reliant on your own decision (like running out of gas!) but that's part of the buzz. My time alone is the best place to "decompress" and reconnect. Put the work to rights and clear your head a little. Talk out loud to your self, laugh out loud and cry out loud. It's all 100% positive. And all the time we're safer in darkest Exmooor than we are in Exeter! Its about adjusting and climatising. The more we do it, the quicker it becomes. Stay safe mate
Great video, Abbie. Thank you for sharing and a lot of what you were saying about the mental fears really rang a note with me as my brain creates sounds that aren’t there at night and it scares me, especially outdoors which has been a block to my wild camping first trip. BUT having watched this and your other videos, I want to try again. 🙂
Thank you for a very well shot video. You talk about serious issues: ones that most of us can't imagine, but you do it in a calm and reasoned way. Well done for overcoming your anxieties about camping out there alone. It's s bloody tragedy about the gas though. I couldn't have put such a brave face on going without my early morning cuppa! 🙂
Sending a virtual hug, and best wishes for your next camping/hiking adventure.
you are incredible, we are planning a 2 moors way walk at the end of the summer and your video on it is priceless, tons of information and excellent film making, im an avid wild camper but im so anxious about my first camp in a few weeks. feels like decades since ive been out.
Nice one Abbie, fantastic achievement. I haven't yet wild camped so it was interesting to see how you select a suitable spot and set up camp. Plus the gritty reality of allowing fear to creep in yet noting and accepting it!
Great viedo we'll done for faceing your fears and giveing some tips to help with our fears awsome stuff.
Apart from your generous sharing of yourself, and your sharing great practical Information, you put out a really good quality product, in my opinion!
I always feel better, more calm, Moore grounded, more capable after watching one of your videos!
Also, I have to say that you have accomplished so much and are so intelligent and mature for only being 24 years old. I’m sorry you’re struggling, I wish, as a Mom, I could make this terrible fear disappear for you, for everyone who struggles...
Also, that food looks great! Will definitely check them out!
Also, I’m glad you had a pretty good night!
What a great view to wake up to. Kudos for staying the whole night!
Well done. Love watching your videos. I always feel lonely in a crowd. Always happiest when i,m on the Northumberland hills. Keep making those videos.
I am so PROUD of YOU! Support and respect.
I need to grow a pair and do my first ever solo, amazing place you camped, really want to do it but i know ill feel anxious for no reason, well done you, Taz
It’s about the views. Walking up to see something nice and pleasant. Peace and tranquillity natural vibes.