The single most valuable thing you TH-camr-hikers can do, is to show to the rest of us hikers that sometimes the right decision is to quit the hike and come back another time. Tnx a million!
Think you hit the nail on the head when you mention it’s your holiday ! Never a truer word said - why punish yourself on your annual leave . Looking forward to your return to finish it off already . Great effort on the ridge - it’s hard to comprehend how difficult that is ! Catch up soon M👍🙏
Hi Ray. Last time I got up there the weather came in unexpectedly. Horizontally grim. I managed to hide in the old radar station for half an hour then tried to bolt for Flodigarry. The weather became worse on the way and I was drookit by the time I got to the hostel. I intended to crack on the next day but it didn't improve and even the locals said I'd be bonkers to try the Ridge in those conditions. Sometimes you have to see sense. ATB.
I tried to do the Skye trail last year, slept in that bothy the first night. Was clear skies at night, the stars were stunning. I managed day one no major issues, day two after completing the ridge I was done, called it quits and went home. If memory serves me correct, it's 9 or 10 hills up and down, walked 22 km over 18 hours, there abouts. Probably should have split the ridge walk up over two days. But yeah, health comes first, no shame in quiting if need to for whatever reason. The mountain and hills will always be there for next time.
I walked this trail back in May and was blessed with good weather, the Trotternish ridge is certainly a killer with a "heavy" pack. I had the same dilemma at Sligachan due to weather. Spend the day in Portree and altered the route slightly in order to complete the remainder in the time I had. Point is I went to skye to enjoy the scenery and the views, no point in just battering away head down and miss it all, IMO
Lovely video Ray. My friends and I did this exact walk about 5 weeks ago. We however should have stopped but carried on for what was possibly one of the most mentally and physically taxing days of my 46 years. The wind and rain just kept on coming. in fact it got worse and worse. Far too strong and wet to pitch our tents. We couldn't stop as the windchill was bringing the shivers. And this was in August. No amount of waterproofs kept the wind or rain off our backs. To be fair we kept trekking on as our weather apps kept telling us it was going to clear. This turned out to be a massive lie. We made it to the car park and managed to call a cab back to Portree. No accomodation to be found anywhere so three men slept in a van.
You win some you lose some. No shame in bailing out when the weather is poor. Incidentally, we were on the Broadford campsite back in May 22 for a week and it tipped it down every day! That’s the Isle of Skye for you! Thanks for sharing.
I was in Skye last year and the rain was biblical, it was treacherous along the trails. Thank you for being smart and calling it, you were very lucky to have had the sun for a portion of the trek. The only sunny day we had was the day we hiked Old Man of Storr and I was eternally thankful for that because it poured for 2 weeks straight and the wind! Wow! Great video, now I want to go back and try again :)
Nicely filmed and edited Ray, shame you had to bail but it wouldn't have been enjoyable. Loved the Trotternish Ridge myself, but its not to be underestimated, we had to bail of the ridge to pitch as it was gusting 40mph+. Calm as anything in the morning when we got back up onto the ridge again.
Cheers mate. Good to do bu not sure if I would do the Trotternish ridge again. Passed one guy who was calling it quits near the top of the first hill poor sod. The ups and downs are a peach and you never think they are going to end :) Maybe even say it was harder then some of the wilder sections on the Cape Wrath.
@@RS.Outdoors I don't recall anything on the CWT with that much ascent. The Trotternish is probably something to be enjoyed over a long weekend. Do the full Traverse down to Portree.
Great to see you out and about Ray! I love your take on trails. Its not about completing them its more about getting out and seeing the beauty and the views. I was doing a lot of thinking about that as I'm planning to do the Wainwright Coast to Coast in November. Time off work puts that added bit of pressure of getting the trail completed, which makes a bit of a task rather than an adventure. I've booked 3 weeks to do the CWT again next year simply because I want to walk it this time with my head up. 😉 Great video as always Ray!
Thank you Ray for a lovely video, it looked harsh and tiring. It is no a fail to save it for another day with the weather coming in, a lot of folk need to know it can be dangerous on the hills in the wind and rain, so no shame in calling it a day. A lot of us TH-camrs also work for a living so we do what we love when we can, weekends, holidays etc, so its very true that you have to enjoy the time you have instead of slogging forward just for the sake of the video. I hope you get to finish the route one day and have fun doing it 😁
I have to say i really enjoyed your video, i have another channel of my own that does hiking vidoes and you didn't relent on bringing good content, your distance camera shots were insane. Most people would film a three or four second walk by but your angles and distance made a big difference to the content of the video. It wasn't a fail, you called it on your own merit, and that's not easy. Do you provide content, or negate that with what you are willing to film. It's not easy creating this stuff for an average viewer on YT, much respect to you for calling it and filming your decision to do so without any drama or theatrics. I really enjoyed this, and i watch Paul Messner, amongst other big youtube channels frequently. You have something here, and i thank you mate. Much love from the isle of mull.
Well done Ray. I can understand how conflicted you were about calling it a day vs carrying on. Knowing when to quit is a sign of trail wisdom, not weakness. Getting home safely to your loved ones overrides any trail completion.
Ray….brilliant video as always. You made the comment when you were at the Stor about making a decision further on. The fact you bailed was a good one, you enjoyed the few days walking to that point and knew you could always come back another time to complete the trail. My wife and I were up in Skye last September at the camping and caravan club site at Edinbane. We lasted one night, the wind and driving rain caused us to bail ( we were in six person airbeam tent, completely dry) the forecast was for it continue for another couple of days and the ground around pitch our was waterlogged, hence the decision to leave. Keep them coming 🏴🥃🏴🥾🥾
brings back my recent camping trip to braemar. bought expensive gear (vango helium f10 u2 tent, sea to summit matt and a vango sleeping bag) next morning i had inflamation down my entire right side. spent so much money, absolutely heart breaking and i dont think i can go camping again :(
Never easy when you've only got your leave from work booked and the weather is against you. I've still got unfinished business with the Black Mount for the very same reason! Atb.
It was wild coming down the A9. At some sections the rain was that heavy everyone was at 20mph as you couldnt even see the road. Thanks for watching and Atb.
Another excellent video Isle of Skye a beautiful part of the world , Sorry you didn’t finish the great adventure but Mother Nature can be relentless with the elements. Good luck next time.
Great video, and you defo made the right call. No point in putting yourself in danger which you definitely would have done in that weather. Shame we have to have time constraints on our walks! Hope to see you out there again soon.
Same thing happened to me, two days of really good weather which meant we almost got to Portree. Third day was horrible, lots of wind and rain. Totally the right decision you made as the trip between Portree and Sligachan is awful in the rain. Lots of road walking and then a coastal path that has many, many river crossings when it's wet. Very mentally tiring. There is also two bigger river crossings there as well, one went above my thighs and one I went on a 6km detour to get around. Not really worth it in the wet!
Had heard that some of the crossings may be an issue. Have walked the Sligachan track to Sgur na Stri in bad wetaher and not a walk for the faint hearted in bad weather either. Atb
Great video and lovely views from the Trotternish Ridge 😀10 days ago I was on the Skye Trail myself and had to make the same difficult decision to get of the trail. The weather was really bad and it was raining buckets. It was slightly depressing, but better be safe than sorry.
Aw man! I'm gutted for you and I completely get the torn mind. It's never nice when your heart and head are fighting and even worse when you're driving away and have a cheeky look back to see great skies... nightmare. I hope you manage to get another crack at this and manage to enjoy the rest of your holiday. Great stuff again 👍🏼
Until Part 2... Skye Trail 'The Returrrrrn'..... Thank you for showcasing another rugged and beautiful place at the top of these isles that we are lucky to have access to. You made the right call in stopping when you did, after all, its supposed to be a 'holiday'. 'til the next adventure 🙏🏽
It should be fun.. I had to quit the Cape Wrath Trail once because the bad weather (8 days straight) completely destroyed my phone and shoes.. got of the trail, walked 8 miles to a train station, got to Inverness, bought new shoes and a phone, rented a car and had a great time climbing a lot of Murros in sometimes beautiful weather.. and finished the CWT another time.. I will do this Skye trail beginning of April 2024 with all the risks of bad and cold weather but I will see.. if it does not work out I will look for other things to do and since it is Scotland that should not be a problem! Thanks for the video and I'm sure you will finish it sometime soon!
Thanks for watching and hope you enjoy the Skye Trail which I am sure you will. Been on the CWT twice myself to complete and that's another adventure in itself. Want to get back on both at some point and try and complete in one go. Atb
Noticed that at the main towns and when I come of the trail everywhere was mobbed. Not a fan of visiting Skye during the summer as too busy for my tastes. Atb
Ahh, feel for you Ray, I really do but as everyone else has said you made the right decision. I have been trying to get there for 2 years now to do that walk but life just keeps getting in the way. If I finally manage to get to do it it will be weather dependent. Love your videos and look forward to the skye trail take 2 😊
I had to do cape wrath trail in 3 parts. Days of continuous heavy rain are just not fun! Then swollen burns etc if you're on your own. It hurts to call it, but the trail ain't going anywhere!
Great video Ray. I did the trail on my holidays first week in July and had very mixed weather. Good days mostly on the northern end, showery southern end and a biblically awfully wet day between Camusunary and Portree. Loved the whole experience it was my first trail outside Ireland. I used that campsite in Broadford for my night 1 and night 6 and would heartily recommend it, also left my car there while on the trail, at £2 per day it was very cheap secure parking. I hope you get fairer weather on your next foray into the trail, keep safe and All the best. George
Fantastic Ray great footage and I am with you on many occasions as to when to call it a day. Hope you get back up again and have another attempt. Steve
I always watch your videos in awe Ray whatever I sit is that you’re doing. I just bailed on a hike about 4 miles from the finish. Like you rain was one thing but thunder and lightning finished me off. We don’t want to be one of those statistics and have to drag all those poor mountain rescue guys away from their families just because we ‘pushed on’. Total respect 💪💪💪💪
Was in Skye earlier this year, what a place it’s beautiful. but for sure not a place to be caught out if u can help it. Deffo the right decision that wldve been no fun
We ended up doing the same on the Pennine way with 6 degrees for 4 days & just pouring rain from start to fail But as I say your health comes first. Don’t choose hyperthermia over pneumonia.
As you said Ray, it's your holiday. We made a similar call on the Beinn a" Ghlo 3 recently. Torrential rain and 40 to 50mph winds, it wasn't enjoyable and so after one top we made the call. Thanks for sharing the part you completed. I'm on the Great Glen Way in October but this is one I have pencilled in for sometime next year.
New subscriber here - fair play to you mate. Sometimes you've got to do the best thing for you, it's not always plowing on! Look forward to catching more videos soon :)
I did it in October last year - it was dreadful weather up on the ridge, certainly not easy and very very boggy. It was brutal and i very nearly called it too. Thankfully i was just able to see the path most of the time but in retrospect i should probably have headed back. You definitely made the right decision and its always going to be available for you in the future. BTW - love your videos!
Thanks for another fantastic video, Ray! I will always respect a decision like the one you made here. Looking forward to your next video! All the best, Marius.
what a place, that was a helluva day 2, its always a bummer to bail, but hey, go have a beer and a cooked meal, and start looking forward to coming back when the weathers not a monster.
Well done on what you did. Had the same issue myself back in 2018 when the storm from hell came through on the Trotternish ridge. Somehow I couldn't find the path down and ended up legging across the moor for the last bus. Wise decision as in the rain the stretch beyond Sligachan would have been testing
It's a bit of a lottery booking a hiking break in the Highlands and no one knows that better than you Ray... I think you chose wisely Sir. You'd have been faced with a manky road walk before it cleared to be devoured by the midge.. I'm going to return myself to do a north to south.... I hope you return again soon, holiday and weather permitting. 👍👍👍😎
It was amazing before the weather turned but in a way I am glad I got to experience the ridge. Like yourself, a glutton for punishment :) so will be back at some point. Atb
Discovered your channel a few months ago Ray and loved every video so far. Your WHW video was also motivation for my own attempt back in May. Great commentary and photography/filming. Look forward to the next one 👍
@@stephenmiller251 :) Seen loads all in there white designer trainers trying to avoid all the dirt and mud. Then theres me coming down stomping through them all 😆
When i was younger i would have carried on at 52 you gain extra yea you was in control not the trail i am fit but 18 miles thses days would be alot for me well done pal
Excellent video. You make an excellent point when you state that it's your holiday. There's a point where it's no longer fun. Also, why waste this trail on bad weather. Go back when you can enjoy it. Thanks for the honesty.
All good. Note that I always limp as one of my legs slightly longerthan the other. Ideal for going round the hills. Broke my femer when I was about 8yrs old and whilst it was in traction my other leg grew slightly longer so ended up with mild limp ;) Atb
Always enjoy your videos you made the right decision it’s happened to me twice on two trips traversing the Rhinog mountains in southern snowdonia it was a nightmare the weather came from HELL lol but when your busy working your u book annual leave in advance but can never guarantee the bloody weather but I look forward to you re visiting this trail fantastic editing as always brilliant videos you produce cheers
I know what you feel. We didn't manage to finish Skye Trail in one shot either. The weather was more less the same. A lot of clouds and rain on the top. And then the mega wind just joined :) We managed to set up the tent in the valley and some good people helped us with water and hot tea. Anyway we laid in wet clothes trying to recover a bit for an hour. We got to the parking lot near the Needle and started walking next section the next day but we were so exhausted after the previous section that we gave up. Luckily we managed to get to the road through the endless moor between lakes and to the Portree campsite. After two days of resting we finished the trail in Broadford (were sleepeing on this camp you left your car). Anyway this one skipped section bothered me so much that next year we made it after finishing the Hebridean Way.
You made the right call, no point going on, I've bailed many times, especially in weather like that. Sometimes I carry on and still enjoy it. Coastal walks are exposed and offer little shelter. Maybe next time mate. enjoyed the video. ATB Cheers from the mountains of NZ ☺☺
Frustrating, but you have to know when safety becomes no1 priority, so a wise move in the end, it will still be there next time. I had to quit a day hike back in March because the frozen top of the snow I was walking on had started to melt, sank to my knees at first, then my waist, still irks me today, but i'll head back and complete it another time.
Nice one Ray, was on Skye a week or so back, stunning landscapes, weather was 'changeable' but generally sunny, had some lovely coastal walks and no midges at all, not anywhere, Those wee beasties are as unpredictable as the weather. Cheers Ray, as you say there's always next time. Definitely.
I did know it was likely but had hoped that the forecast would change as I progressed on the route. If it had been light showers forecast then I would have went on. But getting bit old in the tooth for hiking in that kind of weather. Atb
What have you done to anger the weather gods ? WHW with Murray , now this . .... Seriously no shaming in baling , the ridge looked a great day , just have to go and start at the carpark another time . ATB Andy .
On the way back there Ray it looked as if you made the right call. I enjoyed what you did do - we got a taste of it. I noticed you have the same pack as me. I find the shoulder straps a bit sus. I use the carry handle to sling it on my back. Well, see you back out there. Mark
Thanks 👍 Hope you are keeping well mate. The rucksack has been pretty good but after a good few miles the shoulder straps can slacken off slightly. Atb
@@RS.Outdoors A pleasure Ray. I'm overcoming injury - been out a few times recently. Yeah, I find the same. I've just done a neat little knot on my right shoulder - should hold steady. Well, take care.
Walking in them conditions is not fun you definitely made the right decision the weather has been terrible the last 3 weeks I've been getting into hill camping the last few months and last week it was crappie weather I nearly turned back but you were out for a few nights it would have been miserable and definitely not fun atvb Jimmy 😎😎👍👍
You've always been in the top tier of YT wild-camping/walking vids for me......this was great. You absolutely hit the nail on the head.....it's a holiday, it should be fun and enjoyable. If for some reason it isn't, sack it! That's my philosophy anyway.....especially as I get older. 🙂
As disappointed as you were when you got on that bus at the end will be matched in at least in equal measure when you get off the bus at the start of your future return journey. An excuse to come back to a special place is never a bad thing.
Dude beautifully filmed! I'm hoping to get ut done in Sept with the Mrs she attempted earlier in the year on her own and had to bail from an ankle twist sounds like it can be pretty unforgiving
Tough decision Ray - but never call it a fail. I walked it south to north last year and had to bail when my tent poles broke in the wind at Old Man so I know how gutting it feels
Thank You for that video. You give a link for the gear that is for the cape wrath trail that are not the same as for Skye. Could you please give the list as for the tent ,the gregory pack model etc thank You
Unlucky Ray, but nature is boss, and common sense is often our greatest piece of kit. Smashin' trek though and I'm looking hard at it. On your kit list you mention your msr - what's the teepee? atb...Sinco
The single most valuable thing you TH-camr-hikers can do, is to show to the rest of us hikers that sometimes the right decision is to quit the hike and come back another time. Tnx a million!
Thanks for watching. Atb
@@RS.Outdoors...What a wimp!🙄😂 🌧️
Think you hit the nail on the head when you mention it’s your holiday ! Never a truer word said - why punish yourself on your annual leave . Looking forward to your return to finish it off already . Great effort on the ridge - it’s hard to comprehend how difficult that is !
Catch up soon
M👍🙏
Thanks mate and hope you are having a good wee break yourself. Catch up at some point. Atb
Hi Ray. Last time I got up there the weather came in unexpectedly. Horizontally grim. I managed to hide in the old radar station for half an hour then tried to bolt for Flodigarry. The weather became worse on the way and I was drookit by the time I got to the hostel. I intended to crack on the next day but it didn't improve and even the locals said I'd be bonkers to try the Ridge in those conditions. Sometimes you have to see sense. ATB.
Thanks for watching mate. The weather can be a pain at times :) Hope you go back and complete at some point. Atb
I tried to do the Skye trail last year, slept in that bothy the first night. Was clear skies at night, the stars were stunning. I managed day one no major issues, day two after completing the ridge I was done, called it quits and went home. If memory serves me correct, it's 9 or 10 hills up and down, walked 22 km over 18 hours, there abouts. Probably should have split the ridge walk up over two days. But yeah, health comes first, no shame in quiting if need to for whatever reason. The mountain and hills will always be there for next time.
That ridge is murder to say the least and most videos I have seen don't really show how hard it can be. Thanks for watching. Atb for 2024.
Spotted you in Oban last week , must be some long holiday you’ve got 😃
Yep, had little over a week off, so headed up to oabn with my wife for a couple of days. Weather was a lot better as well 🙂
I walked this trail back in May and was blessed with good weather, the Trotternish ridge is certainly a killer with a "heavy" pack. I had the same dilemma at Sligachan due to weather. Spend the day in Portree and altered the route slightly in order to complete the remainder in the time I had.
Point is I went to skye to enjoy the scenery and the views, no point in just battering away head down and miss it all, IMO
Great stuff. Atb
It was still very enjoyable and I'm looking forward to the next installment Ray.
Lovely video Ray. My friends and I did this exact walk about 5 weeks ago. We however should have stopped but carried on for what was possibly one of the most mentally and physically taxing days of my 46 years. The wind and rain just kept on coming. in fact it got worse and worse. Far too strong and wet to pitch our tents. We couldn't stop as the windchill was bringing the shivers. And this was in August. No amount of waterproofs kept the wind or rain off our backs. To be fair we kept trekking on as our weather apps kept telling us it was going to clear. This turned out to be a massive lie. We made it to the car park and managed to call a cab back to Portree. No accomodation to be found anywhere so three men slept in a van.
Good to see you back, hope there is more videos 👍👍
Will try when I can. Thanks for watching though. Atb
You win some you lose some. No shame in bailing out when the weather is poor. Incidentally, we were on the Broadford campsite back in May 22 for a week and it tipped it down every day! That’s the Isle of Skye for you! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching Graham. Atb
G'day from Australia, great vids mate keep it up :) Always wanted to go to skye, looks incredible. Hope to go someday soon
Thanks for watching and hope you get the chance one day. Atb
I was in Skye last year and the rain was biblical, it was treacherous along the trails. Thank you for being smart and calling it, you were very lucky to have had the sun for a portion of the trek. The only sunny day we had was the day we hiked Old Man of Storr and I was eternally thankful for that because it poured for 2 weeks straight and the wind! Wow! Great video, now I want to go back and try again :)
Thanks for watching Mel and hope you get the chance to do a revisit. Atb
I did some work up on Skye and can see how its amazing for camping. I loved getting the bus to Portree and spending some time at the harbour/beach.
Its a great place to visit, but just getting busier every year. Atb
Nicely filmed and edited Ray, shame you had to bail but it wouldn't have been enjoyable. Loved the Trotternish Ridge myself, but its not to be underestimated, we had to bail of the ridge to pitch as it was gusting 40mph+. Calm as anything in the morning when we got back up onto the ridge again.
Cheers mate. Good to do bu not sure if I would do the Trotternish ridge again. Passed one guy who was calling it quits near the top of the first hill poor sod. The ups and downs are a peach and you never think they are going to end :) Maybe even say it was harder then some of the wilder sections on the Cape Wrath.
@@RS.Outdoors I don't recall anything on the CWT with that much ascent. The Trotternish is probably something to be enjoyed over a long weekend. Do the full Traverse down to Portree.
Another fabulous film my friend. Awesome! Simon 😀
Glad you enjoyed it. Atb
Great to see you out and about Ray! I love your take on trails. Its not about completing them its more about getting out and seeing the beauty and the views. I was doing a lot of thinking about that as I'm planning to do the Wainwright Coast to Coast in November. Time off work puts that added bit of pressure of getting the trail completed, which makes a bit of a task rather than an adventure. I've booked 3 weeks to do the CWT again next year simply because I want to walk it this time with my head up. 😉 Great video as always Ray!
Thanks for watching and hope you have a great time and good weather on what you have planned. Atb
Right call, it was you holiday and not much fun. Skye will still be there for you when you are ready. Thanks for an entertaining Vlog. Thanks
Thanks for watching Craig. Atb
Thank you Ray for a lovely video, it looked harsh and tiring. It is no a fail to save it for another day with the weather coming in, a lot of folk need to know it can be dangerous on the hills in the wind and rain, so no shame in calling it a day. A lot of us TH-camrs also work for a living so we do what we love when we can, weekends, holidays etc, so its very true that you have to enjoy the time you have instead of slogging forward just for the sake of the video. I hope you get to finish the route one day and have fun doing it 😁
Thanks for wathing John much appreciated. Atb
I have to say i really enjoyed your video, i have another channel of my own that does hiking vidoes and you didn't relent on bringing good content, your distance camera shots were insane. Most people would film a three or four second walk by but your angles and distance made a big difference to the content of the video. It wasn't a fail, you called it on your own merit, and that's not easy. Do you provide content, or negate that with what you are willing to film. It's not easy creating this stuff for an average viewer on YT, much respect to you for calling it and filming your decision to do so without any drama or theatrics. I really enjoyed this, and i watch Paul Messner, amongst other big youtube channels frequently. You have something here, and i thank you mate. Much love from the isle of mull.
Thanks very much for the kind words. Much appreciated and Atb.
Well done Ray. I can understand how conflicted you were about calling it a day vs carrying on. Knowing when to quit is a sign of trail wisdom, not weakness. Getting home safely to your loved ones overrides any trail completion.
Thanks Daniel. Atb
‘To be continued,’ means we live to hike another day! Never a fail and I enjoyed the beautiful views while they lasted! Thanks for sharing-
Thanks for watching Dee. Atb
Ray….brilliant video as always. You made the comment when you were at the Stor about making a decision further on. The fact you bailed was a good one, you enjoyed the few days walking to that point and knew you could always come back another time to complete the trail. My wife and I were up in Skye last September at the camping and caravan club site at Edinbane. We lasted one night, the wind and driving rain caused us to bail ( we were in six person airbeam tent, completely dry) the forecast was for it continue for another couple of days and the ground around pitch our was waterlogged, hence the decision to leave. Keep them coming 🏴🥃🏴🥾🥾
Thanks for watching Martin. Atb
brings back my recent camping trip to braemar. bought expensive gear (vango helium f10 u2 tent, sea to summit matt and a vango sleeping bag)
next morning i had inflamation down my entire right side. spent so much money, absolutely heart breaking and i dont think i can go camping again :(
Hope you can get back out. Atb
@@RS.Outdoors i hope so thanks because its the sense of freedom that keeps me going.
Never easy when you've only got your leave from work booked and the weather is against you. I've still got unfinished business with the Black Mount for the very same reason! Atb.
Cheesr for watching. Atb
Judging by the final clip of the weather on your way home, bailing out on this one was the right call 👍
It was wild coming down the A9. At some sections the rain was that heavy everyone was at 20mph as you couldnt even see the road. Thanks for watching and Atb.
Cape wrath round 2 or 3 up for it this year fancy Skye trail too looks amazing great vid as ever!. Atb
Cheers ND. Atb
Well done with the decision so difficult sometimes. A great video once again. Hopefully you will get to finish Skye In better weather. ATB
I hope so too. Atb
Another excellent video Isle of Skye a beautiful part of the world , Sorry you didn’t finish the great adventure but Mother Nature can be relentless with the elements. Good luck next time.
Cheers Gaz and thanks for watching. Atb
Great video, and you defo made the right call. No point in putting yourself in danger which you definitely would have done in that weather. Shame we have to have time constraints on our walks! Hope to see you out there again soon.
Thanks for watching, Atb.
Stunning video fella. Loved it. Want more. Please. I intend doing the same route so show me the way please.
Same thing happened to me, two days of really good weather which meant we almost got to Portree. Third day was horrible, lots of wind and rain. Totally the right decision you made as the trip between Portree and Sligachan is awful in the rain. Lots of road walking and then a coastal path that has many, many river crossings when it's wet. Very mentally tiring. There is also two bigger river crossings there as well, one went above my thighs and one I went on a 6km detour to get around. Not really worth it in the wet!
Had heard that some of the crossings may be an issue. Have walked the Sligachan track to Sgur na Stri in bad wetaher and not a walk for the faint hearted in bad weather either. Atb
Great video and lovely views from the Trotternish Ridge 😀10 days ago I was on the Skye Trail myself and had to make the same difficult decision to get of the trail. The weather was really bad and it was raining buckets. It was slightly depressing, but better be safe than sorry.
Hope you get the chance to get back on it. Atb
Aw man! I'm gutted for you and I completely get the torn mind.
It's never nice when your heart and head are fighting and even worse when you're driving away and have a cheeky look back to see great skies... nightmare.
I hope you manage to get another crack at this and manage to enjoy the rest of your holiday.
Great stuff again 👍🏼
Cheers mate. Still had a great break from work. Atb
great effort Ray! what you did manage to get in before the horrid forecast, looked absolutely stunning. Better luck with the weather next time 🙌
Thanks mate. Atb
Absolutely right call bud, weather can be worst enemy on the trail! Great upload 👏👏🥾
Thanks for watching. Atb
Brilliant Ray! Amazing scenery! Shame about the conditions, but looking forward to seeing you complete it another day!🙂👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Thanks as always for watching along. Atb
The trails still there, nxt time yeah!!
Cheers Steve. Atb
Until Part 2... Skye Trail 'The Returrrrrn'..... Thank you for showcasing another rugged and beautiful place at the top of these isles that we are lucky to have access to. You made the right call in stopping when you did, after all, its supposed to be a 'holiday'. 'til the next adventure 🙏🏽
Thanks for watching along. Atb
Man I cannot wait to do this trail as well but hmmm hoping to get a better weather then that lol always a gamble here in Scotland.
Hope the weather gods are kind to you and you have an amazing trip. Atb
It should be fun.. I had to quit the Cape Wrath Trail once because the bad weather (8 days straight) completely destroyed my phone and shoes.. got of the trail, walked 8 miles to a train station, got to Inverness, bought new shoes and a phone, rented a car and had a great time climbing a lot of Murros in sometimes beautiful weather.. and finished the CWT another time.. I will do this Skye trail beginning of April 2024 with all the risks of bad and cold weather but I will see.. if it does not work out I will look for other things to do and since it is Scotland that should not be a problem! Thanks for the video and I'm sure you will finish it sometime soon!
Thanks for watching and hope you enjoy the Skye Trail which I am sure you will. Been on the CWT twice myself to complete and that's another adventure in itself. Want to get back on both at some point and try and complete in one go. Atb
Was there last month Ray, was beautiful but very busy everywhere we went. And the clegs were out in force.
Noticed that at the main towns and when I come of the trail everywhere was mobbed. Not a fan of visiting Skye during the summer as too busy for my tastes. Atb
Ahh, feel for you Ray, I really do but as everyone else has said you made the right decision. I have been trying to get there for 2 years now to do that walk but life just keeps getting in the way. If I finally manage to get to do it it will be weather dependent. Love your videos and look forward to the skye trail take 2 😊
Thanks for watching. Atb
I had to do cape wrath trail in 3 parts. Days of continuous heavy rain are just not fun! Then swollen burns etc if you're on your own. It hurts to call it, but the trail ain't going anywhere!
The CWT is a hard slog in bad weather as well. Atb
Well filmed and added video, one of the Top for me
Great video Ray.
I did the trail on my holidays first week in July and had very mixed weather. Good days mostly on the northern end, showery southern end and a biblically awfully wet day between Camusunary and Portree. Loved the whole experience it was my first trail outside Ireland. I used that campsite in Broadford for my night 1 and night 6 and would heartily recommend it, also left my car there while on the trail, at £2 per day it was very cheap secure parking. I hope you get fairer weather on your next foray into the trail, keep safe and All the best.
George
Great stuff George. Atb
Correct decision Ray, not enjoyable when trudging through torrential wind and rain. Hopefully you will get lucky with the weather when you next try.
Cheers mate. Atb
Fantastic Ray great footage and I am with you on many occasions as to when to call it a day. Hope you get back up again and have another attempt. Steve
Thanks 👍 Atb
Very enjoyable video, beautiful scenery. All the best, look forward to future videos 👍
Glad you enjoyed it. Atb
I always watch your videos in awe Ray whatever I sit is that you’re doing. I just bailed on a hike about 4 miles from the finish. Like you rain was one thing but thunder and lightning finished me off. We don’t want to be one of those statistics and have to drag all those poor mountain rescue guys away from their families just because we ‘pushed on’. Total respect 💪💪💪💪
Yeh the weather can be a royal pain at times. Hope to see you back out on the hikes as well. Atb
Was in Skye earlier this year, what a place it’s beautiful.
but for sure not a place to be caught out if u can help it. Deffo the right decision that wldve been no fun
Cheers mate. Atb
We ended up doing the same on the Pennine way with 6 degrees for 4 days & just pouring rain from start to fail
But as I say your health comes first.
Don’t choose hyperthermia over pneumonia.
So true mate. Atb
I finished my first Skye Trail attempt at Storr. That was due to Covid Fatigue. Went back one year later and finished.
Great stuff. Atb
As you said Ray, it's your holiday. We made a similar call on the Beinn a" Ghlo 3 recently. Torrential rain and 40 to 50mph winds, it wasn't enjoyable and so after one top we made the call. Thanks for sharing the part you completed. I'm on the Great Glen Way in October but this is one I have pencilled in for sometime next year.
Still have the GGW to do and hope you have agreat time and also the chance to experience the Skye Trail. Atb
So beautiful and peaceful.
Thank you. Atb
New subscriber here - fair play to you mate. Sometimes you've got to do the best thing for you, it's not always plowing on! Look forward to catching more videos soon :)
Thanks 👍 for watching. Atb
I did it in October last year - it was dreadful weather up on the ridge, certainly not easy and very very boggy. It was brutal and i very nearly called it too. Thankfully i was just able to see the path most of the time but in retrospect i should probably have headed back. You definitely made the right decision and its always going to be available for you in the future. BTW - love your videos!
Cheers Dave and thanks for watching. Will be back at some point :) Atb
Ray, I ended up road walking along the road to Portree from the storr car park... weather was atrocious. I have a saying - "No points for stupid".
thanks ray for sharing this. skye is just a magic place to hike
Thanks Peter. Atb
Thanks for another fantastic video, Ray! I will always respect a decision like the one you made here. Looking forward to your next video! All the best, Marius.
Much appreciated! Atb
what a place, that was a helluva day 2, its always a bummer to bail, but hey, go have a beer and a cooked meal, and start looking forward to coming back when the weathers not a monster.
Yep. Atb
Absolutely love watching your video's - thank you for sharing such wonderful scenery and your insight
Many thanks! Atb
Ah, tough end to take but a good trail vid 👍 I did the Skye Trail and made my own vids. It was awesome, inspiring and magical! Subbed 👍 Justin
I'll check it out, and thanks for watching. Atb
Great video, love Skye🙂.......Thanks for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed it. Atb
Well done on what you did. Had the same issue myself back in 2018 when the storm from hell came through on the Trotternish ridge. Somehow I couldn't find the path down and ended up legging across the moor for the last bus. Wise decision as in the rain the stretch beyond Sligachan would have been testing
Good call mate and thanks for watching. Atb
Always great to watch your channel Ray, great easy going manner and commentary of your adventures.
Thanks 👍 Atb
It's a bit of a lottery booking a hiking break in the Highlands and no one knows that better than you Ray... I think you chose wisely Sir. You'd have been faced with a manky road walk before it cleared to be devoured by the midge.. I'm going to return myself to do a north to south.... I hope you return again soon, holiday and weather permitting. 👍👍👍😎
It was amazing before the weather turned but in a way I am glad I got to experience the ridge. Like yourself, a glutton for punishment :) so will be back at some point. Atb
Discovered your channel a few months ago Ray and loved every video so far. Your WHW video was also motivation for my own attempt back in May. Great commentary and photography/filming. Look forward to the next one 👍
Thanks for watching and glad my films are of some help. Atb
Loved this video. I'd say you made the right decision for sure.
Great to see more content Ray. Your WHW video inspired me to give it a try and I’m starting the WHW in a couple of weeks.
Great stuff and hope you get good weather and have a fantastic time. Atb
thanks Ray, you had exactly the same weather as us when we went to the old man of storr. Saw tourists going up in flip flops 😂
@@stephenmiller251 :) Seen loads all in there white designer trainers trying to avoid all the dirt and mud. Then theres me coming down stomping through them all 😆
You’ve got to laugh haven’t you.
My mate and myself left our tents in the skip on Sligachan a few years ago. We had only been on the Island about 16 hours or so. :(
When i was younger i would have carried on at 52 you gain extra yea you was in control not the trail i am fit but 18 miles thses days would be alot for me well done pal
Cheers for watching mark. I am 51 and starting to feel all the niggles on a trip. Still try to carry on as if i was 21. Atb
Right choice in playing it safe. Still made for a great watch.
Thanks for watching mate. Atb
Excellent video. You make an excellent point when you state that it's your holiday. There's a point where it's no longer fun. Also, why waste this trail on bad weather. Go back when you can enjoy it. Thanks for the honesty.
Thanks for watching Mat, much appreciated. Atb
Good shout Ray, it looked like you were limping a little. Hope you are ok
All good. Note that I always limp as one of my legs slightly longerthan the other. Ideal for going round the hills. Broke my femer when I was about 8yrs old and whilst it was in traction my other leg grew slightly longer so ended up with mild limp ;) Atb
@@RS.Outdoors that’s good news and I hadn’t noticed it before
Thanks for sharing this Ray. Really enjoyed it.
Thanks for watching. Atb
Always trust your instincts, right choice made no doubt
Thanks for watching Steve. Atb
Showing your skills and experience by calling it
Its always nice to be outside for a few days
Cheers and thanks for watching. Atb
Always enjoy your videos you made the right decision it’s happened to me twice on two trips traversing the Rhinog mountains in southern snowdonia it was a nightmare the weather came from HELL lol but when your busy working your u book annual leave in advance but can never guarantee the bloody weather but I look forward to you re visiting this trail fantastic editing as always brilliant videos you produce cheers
Thanks for watching Andy, much appreciated. Atb
Ooooft... Tough going!
It had its moments :) thanks for watching. Atb
I know what you feel. We didn't manage to finish Skye Trail in one shot either. The weather was more less the same. A lot of clouds and rain on the top. And then the mega wind just joined :) We managed to set up the tent in the valley and some good people helped us with water and hot tea. Anyway we laid in wet clothes trying to recover a bit for an hour. We got to the parking lot near the Needle and started walking next section the next day but we were so exhausted after the previous section that we gave up. Luckily we managed to get to the road through the endless moor between lakes and to the Portree campsite. After two days of resting we finished the trail in Broadford (were sleepeing on this camp you left your car). Anyway this one skipped section bothered me so much that next year we made it after finishing the Hebridean Way.
Great stuff and thanks for sharing. Will be back at some point and need to get it done. The Hebridean Way looks a great walk as well. Atb
Awe felt for you mate, chin up 👍
Thanks 👍 All good mate and will be back. Atb
You made the right call, no point going on, I've bailed many times, especially in weather like that. Sometimes I carry on and still enjoy it. Coastal walks are exposed and offer little shelter. Maybe next time mate. enjoyed the video. ATB Cheers from the mountains of NZ ☺☺
Thanks for watching mate. Atb
Frustrating, but you have to know when safety becomes no1 priority, so a wise move in the end, it will still be there next time. I had to quit a day hike back in March because the frozen top of the snow I was walking on had started to melt, sank to my knees at first, then my waist, still irks me today, but i'll head back and complete it another time.
Thanks and hope you get the chance to go back. Atb
Nice one Ray, was on Skye a week or so back, stunning landscapes, weather was 'changeable' but generally sunny, had some lovely coastal walks and no midges at all, not anywhere, Those wee beasties are as unpredictable as the weather. Cheers Ray, as you say there's always next time. Definitely.
Thanks for watching mate. Atb
unlucky with the weather Ray, always a next time.
I did know it was likely but had hoped that the forecast would change as I progressed on the route. If it had been light showers forecast then I would have went on. But getting bit old in the tooth for hiking in that kind of weather. Atb
What have you done to anger the weather gods ? WHW with Murray , now this . ....
Seriously no shaming in baling , the ridge looked a great day , just have to go and start at the carpark another time .
ATB Andy .
Thought that as well on the walk 😆Atb
Nee fun trying to carry on in that Ray , very enjoyable so far and yes a return trip is needed to tick it off ⛺️👍
Thanks mate and hope to get back at some point. Still want to tick of a winter WHW walk as well. Atb
Good call as you say the trail will still be there next time, now need to risk your safety to prove a point
Thanks for watching steve. Atb
On the way back there Ray it looked as if you made the right call. I enjoyed what you did do - we got a taste of it. I noticed you have the same pack as me. I find the shoulder straps a bit sus. I use the carry handle to sling it on my back. Well, see you back out there. Mark
Thanks 👍 Hope you are keeping well mate. The rucksack has been pretty good but after a good few miles the shoulder straps can slacken off slightly. Atb
@@RS.Outdoors A pleasure Ray. I'm overcoming injury - been out a few times recently. Yeah, I find the same. I've just done a neat little knot on my right shoulder - should hold steady. Well, take care.
Walking in them conditions is not fun you definitely made the right decision the weather has been terrible the last 3 weeks I've been getting into hill camping the last few months and last week it was crappie weather I nearly turned back but you were out for a few nights it would have been miserable and definitely not fun atvb Jimmy 😎😎👍👍
Cheers mate. Weather at moment really not been the best. Atb
Beautiful place.
Stunning if the weather gods play ball. But when its wild it also has a certain beauty as well. Atb
Am sure I heard you say when referring to your expedition fish and potato supper “cod knows what this is going to taste like” 😂
🤣
You've always been in the top tier of YT wild-camping/walking vids for me......this was great. You absolutely hit the nail on the head.....it's a holiday, it should be fun and enjoyable. If for some reason it isn't, sack it! That's my philosophy anyway.....especially as I get older. 🙂
Glad you enjoyed it Chris. Thanks and Atb.
As disappointed as you were when you got on that bus at the end will be matched in at least in equal measure when you get off the bus at the start of your future return journey. An excuse to come back to a special place is never a bad thing.
So true and thanks for taking time to watch. Atb
Good video Ray
Thanks mate. Atb
Nice video Ray, shame about the weather...... 👍
Cheers Chris. Atb
Dude beautifully filmed! I'm hoping to get ut done in Sept with the Mrs she attempted earlier in the year on her own and had to bail from an ankle twist sounds like it can be pretty unforgiving
It is a great place to hike and some sections need a little bit of care. However hope you both get on it and have good weather and great time. atb
Well done. It’s meant to be a holiday from work. The trail will still be there next year.
Cheers Stephen. Atb
Tough decision Ray - but never call it a fail. I walked it south to north last year and had to bail when my tent poles broke in the wind at Old Man so I know how gutting it feels
Cheers mate and hope you get to go back and finish. Atb
Thank You for that video. You give a link for the gear that is for the cape wrath trail that are not the same as for Skye. Could you please give the list as for the tent ,the gregory pack model etc thank You
Unlucky Ray, but nature is boss, and common sense is often our greatest piece of kit. Smashin' trek though and I'm looking hard at it. On your kit list you mention your msr - what's the teepee? atb...Sinco
Hadn't updated kit list as it changes a bit. That was the MLD Duomid (DCF) tent with mesh 2-person inner. Atb