Silent Hiking the Isle of Skye, Scotland

ABOUT THE HIKE
In May 2022 I solo hiked the Skye Trail on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. On this thru hike from the northern tip of the island south I encountered some of the worst weather I've ever had on a hike with days of rain and extreme wind. Just how I imagined Scotland to be. (;

I started my hike at the red phone booth at Duntulm and hiked north to the bothy (wilderness hut) Rubha Hunish. I followed the cliffs south towards Flodigarry where I cut my day short when I spotted the perfect camp spot on top of a 50m high cliff above the ocean. From Flodigarry I went into the Quiraing passing by The Needle and then climbed the Trotternish Ridge. I followed the 30km ridge south in some of the worst weather I've ever had on a hike. Passing by the old man of Storr I made my way to Portree for a night indoors.
The final 3 stages I went into the Cuillin hills via Glen Sligachan. I diverted from the 'official' Skye Trail by passing over the Black Cuillins to the majestic Loch Coruisk. I made my way along the coast merging with the official trail again at Camasunary bay. The last day I hiked the elevated trail to Elgol and the coastal section from Torrin to Broadford via the ruins of the Suisnish and Boreraig villages.

GEAR

Hiking Poles: Decathlon Forclaz MH500
Shirt: North Face Summit Series Futurefleece

This is an ambient film without dialog.

Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
1:11 Day 1 - Camping on the cliffs
4:40 Day 2 - The Trotternish Ridge
10:16 Day 3 - Rain, Storr and Portree
12:28 Day 4 - Into the Cuillin mountains
14:32 Day 5 - River crossing to the bothi
18:37 Day 6 - Sun at last to Broadford
22:32 Outro with photos

#scotland #isleofskye #solohiking #hiking #solocamping #silentfilm #cuillinhills #trotternishridge

[HarmenHoek]

This one was a tough one to make! The weather was the worst I've ever had during a hike. Day after day soaked to the bone (with the head wind rain clothing only helped for the first few hours) hiking on the soggy moorlands was already difficult by itself. Not to mention making a film in these conditions: lenses fogging up, water in the camera, buttons not working anymore and salt on the sensor. But that is the reality of making films like these, nothing is scripted, you never know what shot might be around the corner, or what the weather will do. But that same unpredictability drives creativity and hopefully prevents me from getting into an easy-to-shoot-film-habit. But I hope I managed to show some of the real Scottish weather. (;

The island isn't as remote and wild of a place I'm usually hiking. I found myself on trails and in sight of houses many times. This made me perhaps underestimate how harsh and tricky nature can be, even though I was within hours of civilization. The detour to Loch Coruisk (day 4) was especially tricky. I hoped to get to the bothi there. With 200 meters to go, completely soaked and cold, the creek I had to cross had turned into a wild river with no way to cross. It's a strange feeling I've only experienced once before in my life. That feeling of seeing your plans fall apart in front of you, a moment you're not willing to accept, because the alternative is ten times worse. The moment you honestly don't have a good answer for the question: 'what now?'.
Luckily I brought my tent, which I managed to pitch despite the wind and rain, with only a dry down jacket, t-shirt and sleeping bag left. That night was the most uncomfortable night I've ever had in a tent. Rain and strong winds all night, with wind gusts pushing my tent down towards me. I didn't get any real sleep at all, kept awake by the rain and the fear my tent would rip. (Full story on harmenhoek.com)

Anyway, another great adventure with some valuable lessons. On to the next one!

[VandrefalkTV]

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

[opotopo]

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

[aldrinmarang]

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

[TonyHaydenOnTheTrail]

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

[denispudovkin]

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

[Jimps]

One of the best videos on you tube, brilliant.

[robertsmallwoodjr]

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

Brilliant and thank you for sharing! Oh, and what a beautiful, beautiful land...

[WhislinGary]

I posted this video to my fb as one of the reasons I spend less and less time watching TV. You present all of the beauty of nature without the prattling dialogue telling me what to think about it. There certainly is a point of view, and yours is told in the choices and blends of pains-taking cinematography, music and ambient sound. Thank you. When I need a peaceful evening, I navigate to your site.

[rebecca_jean]

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

[jogofi]

I was going to do this trail with a friend in august but sadly he past away october last year, RIP Callum. I still want to do the journey but it might have to wait for now as i cant bare to do it without him. Thankyou for showing me this journey of yours, looks lovely

[williamhawkins]

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

[aleqtu]

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

[emarekica]

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

[ervinslens]

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

[vadiminthewild]

Outstanding film. I appreciate your efforts.😉👌

[chrissyb.]

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

[WhiteErFox]

There was never any traveling video on Youtube that made me calm down so much as this one. Amazing shots, great selection of music...
Thank you for making this. I'll rewatch this one again, especially with the background information you added in the comments section.
<3

[joshfetcher]

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

[andreimike]

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