I walked a 100 miles because I was sad...

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Published 2022-07-25
South Downs Way, 2022

In June 2022, I hiked the South Downs Way - a trail that stretches 100 miles across a national park in south UK, through farmlands, forests, hills and coastal cliffside! I went in blind, gave myself 5 days to complete it.

5 days. No preparation. 100 miles. Why?
Well I love hiking...but also, mainly, I was going through a rough patch in life and this is how I chose to deal with it. I was tired of feeling BLEH all the time, and I decided to jump into the deep end - to give myself no escape from the thoughts I wanted to suppress, to go from FEELING alone to BEING alone, to walk and wear out and wild camp and wring out my woundedness. I dunno, attaching this mental burden to a physical challenge, and solving them in tandem, surrounded and supported by nature, just seemed more... easy?

Chapters
DAY 1
0:00 Intro to the South Downs Way
0:43 Winchester to Exton
5:22 Charming Exton Lunch & onwards
8:43 The First Trial
9:53 Butser Hill to Buriton
11:20 Setting Up Camp
DAY 2
13:38 The Breaking of the Spirit
15:39 Buriton to Heyshott Down (WET)
17:17 The Breaking of the Mind and Heart
21:35 Cocking Lunch & Graffham Down Reserves
23:10 The Breaking of the Body
25:39 Rami's Rescue & Reconstructive Surgery
DAY 3
28:05 Bus from Steyning to the Seven Sisters
29:41 The Coastal Path Hike
31:15 Reflection 🤍
33:36 Epilogue

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All Comments (21)
  • @deea7176
    Those flowers were Daisy. Usually, Daisy represents new beginnings and hope. Thank you for sharing this wonderful journey; More power to you.
  • @riddhimadey83
    Firstly, I hope you're doing better now. The fact that you posted this today is some jolly coincidence for me. My greatest desire for the past few weeks has been the urge to run, somewhere far where I could finally take a breath and ponder over life, enjoying the simple, transient moments of happiness. Now, that not being possible did send in a deep surge of nothingness alongside this constant feeling of just not being in my own skin or soul. I really can't thank you enough, but this video is so cathartic. It's almost as if, even for a good 34mins, I could live in and feel what I've been wanting to for long. It's not odd that we're all simultaneously undergoing tumults in life, but owing up to it...and sharing these stories with each other, alleviates things so much. Really looking forward to this hike, if I ever can. Once again, thank you so much for this.
  • I don’t think I’ve watched a more wholesome vlog in ages. Thank you, Nikhil. You’ve made me want to do more of things associated with nature and this is coming from a person who is likely to be landlocked at most times in her life because that’s just how it’s always been. More power, love and adventure to you!
  • @avanikonduri8301
    This has quickly become my comfort video. I revisit it every time I feel disconnected from the world. Thank you for this - thank you for the gentle reminder about being good, kind and grateful ❤
  • @deepwork
    vincent van gogh vibes with the hat in the grassfields contemplating life
  • The way your hello turns to a British ELLOO when you greeting animals made my day!
  • @anandbhat4512
    This comment section is beautiful. Continue doing good and being good! Love you my brother!
  • I'm a recent subscriber, and this video really stuck out to me. Taking time for yourself to process is so important and I don't think it's encouraged enough in society. Love the coincidences with the flowers and the scene of your pressed flowers at the end. I also like to think the universe is watching out for us, and giving us reassurance when we most need it. We just have to keep an eye out and notice them.
  • @gibsonms
    I’ve woken up in tears this morning, upset, and with feelings of dispair. This video came up within 30 seconds. I’m going for a walk now. Thank you Nikhil.
  • A little fact about the South Downs Way: The path that you walked is the exact same one that many ultra runners run through during the annual event. Although considered to be one of the easiest 100 milers mostly due to the flat course for most part of it, people train for this for months on end. And you decided to walk through it without any prior preparation. It goes to show the mental strength that you possess, and the sheer determination to push through some of the hardest times. Congratulations Kini, you are an absolute legend! :) P.S - I tend to watch so many of your older videos, right from the Take 900 days where you made a bunch of comedy sketches, your travel series from Manali and Rajasthan, etc. whenever I'm feeling low. It helps me cope with pressure and relax for a brief minute. To all the new subsribers here, I'd definitely recommend you to check some of the older videos on this channel. Highly underrated!
  • @pragatik3979
    Nikhil, this was such a heartwarming video. Thank you for taking us along this journey in the wilderness and sharing with such sheer honesty. It makes me ponder to reconnect with the child within me. Wishing you the best in this journey within and otherwise :)
  • @standard0075
    absoultely loved it , one of the most amazing youtube videos i have ever see, its painful to see how little views it has, but honesty even a million won't be good enough for this level of content, youtube isn't good enough for this video man....
  • @NITINCHAWLA
    This was such an inspirational video. I probably understand what u went through when u sat down by that trail, and just let things out. I sail ships for a living and i stay at sea, leading a hectic life! On a daily, but there are times, when im by the water on the edge of the ship and the “signs from the world “ that u talked about, do show up. Love that u shot all of this on the gopro!! Its my choice of camera for the kind of life i lead as well. Almost every day that i film at sea is filmed on my gopro as well. Probably one of the best channels in india right now! Thanks for this bro.
  • @projitsen
    Thank you for doing this, Nikhil. I am currently living in a country where there are times that I feel really isolated and thoughts begin to circle. I carry baggage with me which I know will be a part of me for the rest of my life. I can relate to every part of what you're feeling. Endless power to you!
  • This video changed something in me Kini. A strange feeling to keep loving the ones you love and staying close to them. The music was the highlight for me.
  • @lucyshah9450
    Thank you for sharing this amazing journey... And opening up...❤ It's so so beautiful
  • @lynniev
    I came to your channel from food wars because I loved your personality. After watching this, I am profoundly touched by your words and attitude. Thank you for sharing this and I wish you well.
  • @nivedithan848
    wow!! wholesome .. cried and laughed with you , thank you!🌼