Scotland Archives - 国产吃瓜黑料 Online /tag/scotland/ Live Bravely Thu, 18 Sep 2025 17:31:06 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 https://cdn.outsideonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/favicon-194x194-1.png Scotland Archives - 国产吃瓜黑料 Online /tag/scotland/ 32 32 Here鈥檚 How to Cheat at an International Stone Skimming Championship /outdoor-adventure/water-activities/world-stone-skimming-championships-cheating/ Wed, 17 Sep 2025 21:45:05 +0000 /?p=2716260 Here鈥檚 How to Cheat at an International Stone Skimming Championship

Competitors are three attempts to skip (or skim) a stone as far as possible. These distances are added for a cumulative distance to determine winners in six categories.

The post Here鈥檚 How to Cheat at an International Stone Skimming Championship appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

]]>
Here鈥檚 How to Cheat at an International Stone Skimming Championship

The World Stone Skimming Championships (WSSC), an annual international tournament for long-distance rock skimming, or skipping, is marred by a scandal after organizers said that multiple competitors admitted to cheating during the 2025 competition.

Organizers of the event, which was held on September 6 on Easdale Island, Scotland, that numerous participants admitted to breaking the rules.

鈥淭he competitors in question have been contacted, they have admitted their transgression, and have been disqualified,” officials from the competition wrote. The New York Times, 400 people participated in the 2025 event. Event organizers have not divulged how many people cheated, or the identities of the accused rulebreakers.

How, exactly, does one cheat at rock skimming? By doctoring their stones, of course.

Per the rules of the competition, participants are allotted three attempts to skim their stone as far as possible. Their rock听of choice must be 鈥渘aturally formed Easdale slate stones鈥 found on the island, not measuring 鈥渨ider than 3 inches at their widest point.鈥

Easdale is a small, sparsely populated island off the western coast of Scotland鈥攊t鈥檚 also home to the international rock skimming competition every September.

The rules explicitly forbid anyone from using a rock that was brought from another locale. And when someone does bring in foreign rocks, scandal ensues.

“The stones were specifically shaped to fit the measurer, which is not allowed,” event coordinator and official toss master Kyle Matthews told听国产吃瓜黑料. “The organizers were alerted to [the modification] by other competitors.”

The WSSC’s online post kicked off a flurry of international coverage of the cheating scandal, with stories appearing in the BBC, New York Times,听and even the听.听Dr. Kyle Mathews, one of the event’s organizers, that the cheaters “held their hands up” and apologized after being caught.

The WSSC added that for many competitors, selecting their own skimming stones before the event is one of the highlights. If organizers become aware of stone doctoring in future competitions, they 鈥渨ill be forced to insist all skimmers use stones pre-selected by the WSSC.鈥

To participate in the annual stone skimming contest, competitors must stand with both feet flat in a fixed position鈥攏o running or throwing is allowed. For a skim to count, the stone 鈥渕ust bounce at least twice on the water鈥檚 surface.鈥 The distance of the skim is measured to the point where the stone sinks below the water. The distances of these three attempts are added together for a cumulative total, which is used to determine the winner in six categories: adults, teens, children, elderly, teams, and locals. Beyond this, the r.

After the cheaters鈥 disqualification, the event proceeded without issue. American Jonathan Jennings achieved the , skimming his three stones a total of 580 feet. Jennings is the first American to win the WSSC, but he鈥檚 far from the only American stone skimming legend.

Since 2013, Kurt Steiner has held the Guinness World Record for the most consecutive skims (not distance), with a staggering 88 skims. Steiner, also known as “Mountain Man,” once even taught 国产吃瓜黑料 how to skim stones like a professional.

Although the first formal WSSC occurred in 1983, stone skimming has been a local pastime for generations. Easdale was the hub of Scotland鈥檚 slate mining industry for much of the 1700s and 1800s, and a wealth of prime skimming stones lies around the island鈥檚 defunct, and in some cases, flooded quarries.

After the initial competition in 1983, there was a hiatus, but since 1997, the WSSC has been held regularly, drawing in hundreds of competitors from around the world every September.

The post Here鈥檚 How to Cheat at an International Stone Skimming Championship appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

]]>
After 10 Years Hiking Europe, These Are My 10 Favorite Treks /outdoor-adventure/hiking-and-backpacking/best-hikes-europe/ Thu, 12 Jun 2025 09:00:10 +0000 /?p=2705895 After 10 Years Hiking Europe, These Are My 10 Favorite Treks

At home, hiker Jen Murphy is usually the one pushing the pace. But these treks in Europe taught her to slow down and embrace the local hospitality.

The post After 10 Years Hiking Europe, These Are My 10 Favorite Treks appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

]]>
After 10 Years Hiking Europe, These Are My 10 Favorite Treks

For years, I鈥檝e snubbed Europe鈥檚 mountains as soon as the ski season ended. For me, the Alps were long synonymous with winter: hut-to-hut ski tours in the Italian Dolomites, shots of schnapps at apr猫s in Austria, and cozy cabins and hearty meals of fondue and raclette in Switzerland.

Around a decade ago, a work assignment took me to the Savoie region of France in June. The landscape was even more dazzling when it wasn鈥檛 covered in snow. Azul alpine lakes shimmered. Vast meadows were carpeted in Technicolor wildflowers. Cows, bedecked with giant bells, grazed in the bright green pastures. And the mountain huts that warmed me in winter fueled me with cheese souffl茅s and glasses of crisp ros茅.

Yes, we have plenty of epic hiking opportunities at home in the States, but there was something special about immersing myself in a different culture at such a slow and undistracted pace. When I hike at home in Boulder, Colorado, I tend to be a mountain goat racing to the summit. But hiking in Europe has taught me how to dial it back, embrace the local hospitality, and savor the views.

I鈥檒l admit, some of Europe鈥檚 most storied hikes, such as Spain鈥檚 Camino de Santiago, and the multi-country Tour du Mont Blanc, intimidate me. If you don鈥檛 have a month鈥檚 vacation or mountaineering skills, you have plenty of other options.

The following are some of my favorite multi-day hikes in Europe. I鈥檝e chosen a mix of both mellow and challenging trails; most can be broken up in sections if you don鈥檛 want to tackle the entire route in one go. All require some planning and basic fitness levels.

Newer hikers, or those who want an assist with logistics, should consider booking a self-guided or fully-guided trip. Not only does this guarantee accommodations (mountain huts book up fast in Europe, just like campsites at America鈥檚 top parks), but it also eases your load by taking care of luggage transfers. And fully-guided trips are a great option for nervous solo transfers, or nerds like me who want to know the name of every wildflower and distant peak and understand the history of the region. Happy trails.

1. Mare 脿 Mare Nord, Corsica

Woman hikes along coast Corsica
The Mare 脿 Mare Nord trail, in Corsica, covers more than 7,700 feet of elevation over 86 miles. (Photo: Getty Images/AscentXmedia)

Distance: 86 miles
Effort: Challenging

Why we love it: A less congested and less demanding, yet equally scenic alternative to Corsica鈥檚 mythical G20 long distance hiking trail, the point-to-point Mare 脿 Mare Nord is bookended by stunning beaches in the village of Moriani on the island鈥檚 east coast and the fishing port of Carg猫se on the west. Sporty, but not technical, the trail covers more than 7,700 feet of elevation as it winds through chestnut forests, past wild gorges and natural rock pools, and to sleepy mountain villages and coastal towns steeped in tradition.

Need to know: The trail is broken into 12 stages, each taking between four to nine hours. It can typically be completed in 10 to 12 days between mid-April through November. The trail is well-marked with orange paint. Accommodation options can be found and should be reserved in advance. Local tour company offers an 11-day self-guided trip that includes luggage transfers between accommodations (a mix of hotels, mountain huts, and one night camping) as well as most meals (from $1,630).

2. The Causeway Coastal Route, Northern Ireland

Man standing on rock on sea
The Giant’s Causeway has 40,000 interlocking basalt columns. (Photo: Getty Images/Marco Bottigelli)

Distance: 33 miles
Effort: Moderate

Why we love it: While it鈥檚 primarily known as a road trip, Northern Ireland鈥檚 rugged Causeway Coast also makes for an epic hike. A series of clifftop paths and small coastal roads stretch from Belfast to Derry, taking in the raw landscapes that have served as film locations for 鈥淕ame of Thronesand 鈥淪tar Wars.鈥 The route showcases cliff top castles and wild beaches, but the UNESCO-listed Giant鈥檚 Causeway, with its 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, is the highlight.

Need to know: This relatively mellow hike is best attempted between June and October. Build in extra time for detours to friendly pubs and Bushmill鈥檚, Ireland鈥檚 oldest distillery. offers multiple variations of itineraries for this hike, including a seven-day group trip that tacks on some hiking in the craggy mountains of Glenveagh, Ireland鈥檚 second largest national park (from $3,255).

3. Laugavegur Trail, Iceland

Hiking big peaks Iceland
The drama of Iceland鈥檚 landscape is at its peak along the Laugavegur Trail. (Photo: Getty images/Julien Ratel)

Distance: 35 miles
Effort: Challenging

Why we love it: Petrified lava fields. Snow-crowned peaks. Electric blue glaciers. Tussock meadows. The drama of Iceland鈥檚 landscape is at its peak along the Laugavegur Trail. Stretching across the heart of Iceland鈥檚 southern region, the trek begins in the highlands of Landmannalaugar, an area known for its hot springs and multi-hued rhyolite mountains, and concludes in the glacial valley of Th贸rsm枚rk. Most people conquer the trek in four to five days; overachievers tack on another two days and trek over the next pass to Sk贸gar to see the nearly 200-foot Sk贸gafoss waterfall.

Need to know: Simple mountain huts (from $65) and tents (from $20) are open on the trail from June 20 to September 17, 2025 and must be . Icelandic Mountain Guides offers ($2,503) and ($1,248) treks.

4. Cortina d鈥橝mpezzo to Alta Badia: the Dolomites, Italy

Rifugio in Alps
The Dolomites are some of the most mind-boggling mountains on the planet. (Photo: Giovanni De Sandre)

Distance: 37 miles
Effort: Moderate

Why we love it: The fang-like peaks of the Dolomites provide more than a stunning backdrop for trekking. They also deliver a lesson in history, geology, culture, and cuisine. The journey between the Venetian-influenced town of Cortina d鈥橝mpezzo and the Ladin-influenced villages of Alta Badia in South Tyrol takes hikers through mugo pine and larch trees, past World War I tunnels dug into the mountainsides, around the fortress-like Sella Massif, and into the heart of Puez-Odle Nature Park. Along the way, you鈥檒l stay in charming rifugios that serve typical local dishes such as canederli (bread dumplings).

Need to know: Mid-June to early October is the best time for hiking in this region. Most people devote one week to this trek, planning for four to seven hours of hiking a day. You鈥檒l want to prep your legs for some serious ascents and descents. The Dolomites are known for their vast network of rifugios, which offer private rooms and shared rooms, home-cooked meals, and some, like (from $85 for a dorm-style room), now feature saunas. , one of the region鈥檚 most respected adventure operators, offers seven-day guided (from $4,570) and self-guided itineraries ($1,920) that include transfers, rifugios, and meals.

5. The Great Glen Way, Scotland

Hiking in Ireland
Wilderness Scotland offers self-guided trekking along the Great Glen Way, taking you past incredible scenery including Ben Nevis and Loch Ness. (Photo: Courtesy of Wilderness Scotland)

Distance: 79
Effort: Moderate

Why we love it: The West Highland Way is considered the granddaddy of Scotland鈥檚 long-distance hikes, but this shorter, tamer coast-to-coast route is a fantastic option for less experienced hikers thanks to its gentler terrain and more gradual ascents. The trail begins beneath the slopes of Ben Nevis, Britain鈥檚 highest mountain, and stretches east across the Highlands to its terminus in Inverness. You鈥檒l be properly warmed up for the second half, when the trail gradually gets more challenging as it winds up the hillsides above the famed Loch Ness. Keep an eye out for Nessie.

Need to know: Your best chance of avoiding midges (pesky, gnat-like flies) is to hike in April or May鈥攁dded bonus, the flowers will be in bloom. Summer is warmer and drier, but more crowded. The leaves are golden in fall, but the midges are still around. The trail is dotted with humble guesthouses and B&B-style accommodations. Give yourself four to eight days to complete the trek. runs an eight-day self-guided itinerary that ranges from seven to 18 miles per day and includes meals, accommodations, and luggage transfers (from $1,302).

6. GR92 Mediterranean Trail, Spain

Costal town Spain hike
Many hikers choose to tackle the first four stages of the GR92 Mediterranean Trail on the dreamy Costa Brava. (Photo: Getty Images/Eloi Omella)

Distance: 348 miles
Effort: Challenging

Why we love it: Spain鈥檚 answer to Italy鈥檚 iconic Cinque Terre trek, this long-distance trail is broken into that hug the Catalan coastline. Throughout parts, you can dip your toes in the sea at quiet beaches. At other points, you鈥檙e admiring the azure waters and rocky coastline from high up in the massifs of the Catalan coastal mountain range.

Need to know: The entire trail can take anywhere from eight to 16 days depending on your pace. Many people choose to tackle the first four stages (about 42 miles) on the dreamy Costa Brava. Stage one begins near the French border in the town of Portbou, which can be reached by a 2 hour 30 minute train ride from Barcelona. From there, you鈥檒l pass through the fishing town Cadaqu茅s, an artist haven where Salvador Dal铆 found inspiration. The fourth stage provides hikers a glimpse of the wetlands in Aiguamolls de l’Empord脿 Natural Park. The Mediterranean climate allows for hiking year round. Be warned, summer can get hot, even on the coast. Outfitter offers an easy, week-long self-guided itinerary on the GR92鈥檚 Costa Brava stretch (from $1,000).

7. Kesch Trek, Switzerland

Village in Alps
Bergun village sorrunded by colorful woods in the Albula region, canton of Graubunden, Switzerland. (Photo: Getty Images/Roberto Moiola)

Distance: 37
Effort: Moderate

Why we love it: Graub眉nden, Switzerland鈥檚 largest and highest altitude mountain region, is better known for its winter ski resorts, like St. Moritz, Davos, and Laax. But when summer arrives, it鈥檚 a hiker鈥檚 paradise. This classic jaunt between the Fl眉ela and Albula Passes engulfs hikers amid soaring peaks and glacial landscapes. During the hike, glimmering alpine lakes beckon hikers to cool off with a brisk dip. The trek can be completed in four days and connects to three of Switzerland鈥檚 comfiest mountain huts, including the solar-powered Kesch H眉tte, which has its own climbing garden with various bolted routes.

Need to know: The trek is accessible between July and September. Hut reservations are essential and dormitory rooms start at $55 per night. The trek鈥檚 three huts offer a bargain three-night package that includes half-board (breakfast and lunch) and optional picnic lunches for $500. The first day is relatively low-effort. If time allows, consider climbing to the 10,325-foot summit of Fl眉ela Schwarzhorn.

8. Bled to Lake Bohinj: the Julian Alps, Slovenia

A couple poses above a lake
The Alpine Association of Slovenia maintains more than 170 mountain shelters across a trail network of 6,200-plus miles. (Photo: Courtesy Macs 国产吃瓜黑料)

Distance: 42
Effort: Test-your-mettle challenging

Why we love it: The sparkling lakes of Bled and Bohinj are downright fairytale worthy, and Slovenia鈥檚 awesome hut system still flies under the radar. The Alpine Association of Slovenia maintains more than 170 mountain shelters across a trail network of 6,200-plus miles. This challenging route in the Julian Alps showcases medieval castles, plunging waterfalls, and the wild beauty of , home to seven lakes and Slovenia鈥檚 highest peak. Along the way, you鈥檒l pop into sleepy villages where locals will renew your energy with homemade brandy and schnapps.

Need to know: You鈥檒l want to mountain huts at least one week in advance during peak season in July and August (but it鈥檚 worth it to see the wildflowers in bloom). Huts start at $25 per person, per night. Note, some have limited water so showering might not be possible. runs an affordable, eight-day, self-guided trip that includes a mix of hut and hotel stays, luggage transfers, and meals (from $1,995).

9. Stubai High Trail, Austria

Alpine hut in Austria
At the Starkenburger hut on the Stubai High Trail, the hills are most definitely alive. (Photo: Getty Images)

Distance: 50
Effort: Challenging

Why we love it: Be transported to the 鈥淪ound of Music鈥 as you trek a horseshoe-shaped route high above the lakes, glaciers, and alpine meadows of the Stubai Valley. The hike has a total elevation gain and loss of just over 37,000 feet, so make sure your legs are conditioned. Eight historic connect the of the trail. Each has its own challenges and takes between four to seven hours to complete. But the warm, Tyrolean hospitality (and fresh-from-the oven strudel) that awaits at the end of each stage is motivation to keep trekking.

Need to know: Huts should be booked at least a month in advance. Most offer a mix of accommodations ranging from dorm-style rooms that require sleeping pads (from $20) to private rooms (from $55); all serve hearty, Tyrolean fare. The trail typically takes nine days. Some hikers tack on days and use the Franz-Senn H眉tte, located at stage two, to acclimate and train. Perched at 7,044 feet, via ferratas and climbing parks surround the classic Bavarian lodging, which has wifi, too. Hiking company Hut to Hut Hiking Austria has a nine-day, self-guided itinerary that includes hut reservations and most meals (from $1,585).

10. Classic Loop of Jotunheimen National Park, Norway

Fjord and mountains
Welcome to the Home of the Giants. (Photo: Getty Images/Audun Bakke Andersen)

Distance: 58 miles
Effort: Test-your-mettle challenging

Why we love it: Jotunheimen translates to 鈥渉ome of the giants,鈥 a nod to being home of the tallest mountains in northern Europe. It鈥檚 possible to loop the park, staying in historic mountain huts managed by the Norwegian Trekking Association throughout the journey. This circuit includes a strenuous ascent of bucket-list Besseggen Ridge, an 8.7-mile trail with 3,608 feet of elevation gain. Panoramic views of emerald and turquoise lakes, electric blue glaciers, and snow-crowned peaks make every step worth the effort.

Need to know: The within the park average $105 a night and should be reserved in advance; note some require to reach and those tickets should also be purchased in advance (from $7 each way). This hike is best during the summer to avoid snow or ice. Give yourself six to eight days鈥攎ore if you want to summit Norway鈥檚 highest peak, Galdh酶piggen. Ease logistics by booking a self-guided circuit with , a tour operator in the park that takes care of transfers to and from Oslo, hut reservations, meals, luggage transport, and boat crossings (from $1,930).


Jen Murphy is a regular 国产吃瓜黑料 contributor. She recently wrote about the world鈥檚 best bike tours and North America鈥檚 best surf schools. She is an avid hiker and will be trekking hut-to-hut in the Dolomites this summer.听

 

Woman on summit of climb
The author hiking and climbing in France. (Photo: Jen Murphy)



The post After 10 Years Hiking Europe, These Are My 10 Favorite Treks appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

]]>
Learn the Craft of Fly-Fishing /outdoor-adventure/exploration-survival/learn-the-craft-of-fly-fishing/ Thu, 29 May 2025 16:40:34 +0000 /?p=2704241 Learn the Craft of Fly-Fishing

A master rod builder shares the tools, skills, and deeper rewards of a more deliberate鈥攁nd satisfying鈥攚ay to fish

The post Learn the Craft of Fly-Fishing appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

]]>
Learn the Craft of Fly-Fishing

Nearly 30 years spent meticulously building bamboo fly rods has an impact. Bill Oyster鈥檚 dedication to precision craftsmanship has turned his workshop in downtown Blue Ridge, Georgia, into a bit of a pilgrimage site for a certain type of angler. Sure, the rods are some of the most sought-after in the industry, but the larger draw is Oyster鈥檚 passion in helping others build their own. He runs a popular workshop where anglers spend a week crafting their own fly rod with Oyster鈥檚 guidance.

鈥淢ost people never have the opportunity to make a functional thing from raw materials with their own hands,鈥 Oyster says. 鈥淭here will be no better rod to you than the one you built yourself.鈥

 

And there鈥檚 also no better fish than the one you catch yourself鈥攅specially if you鈥檙e using a bamboo rod.

鈥淭here鈥檚 nothing practical about fly-fishing with bamboo,鈥 Oyster says. 鈥淚f you want to catch fish, get a net or a can of worms. The whole point of fly-fishing, especially with bamboo, is to do the thing in a more complex and satisfying way. It鈥檚 the doing of it that makes it special.鈥

Oyster at his workshop in downtown Blue Ridge, Georgia. (Photo: Aberfeldy x 国产吃瓜黑料)

Here鈥檚 Oyster鈥檚 advice on how and where to start a style of fishing that favors craftsmanship plus time immersed in local waters, staying patient for a payoff moment. Go deeper with Oyster and the other a group of one-of-a-kind visionaries who transform nature鈥檚 purest elements with time-honored traditions and cultivated experiences.

Tie Your Fly

If you can鈥檛 spend a week building a bamboo fly rod, you can at least get a taste for crafting something from scratch by tying our own flies.

(Photo: Getty)

鈥淚t鈥檚 a great way for anyone to experience the satisfaction that comes from creating something, then using it in the water,鈥 Oyster says. 鈥淐atching a fish on a fly you tied yourself is an incredible feeling.鈥

You only need a few tools to get started: a vise, scissors, hook, and superglue. The materials that form the fly鈥檚 body are common household items like yarn; Oyster used hair from his cat for the first fly he tied himself.

Orvis makes fly-tying kits with materials to create several common fly patterns that have been proven to fool fish. Choose large fly patterns (size #10 or #12) first, as they鈥檙e easier to complete.

Clamp the curved end of the hook into the mouth of the vise, then start winding yarn around the long arm of the hook to mimic the body of the insect you鈥檙e creating. If you want professional help, most specialty shops offer hands-on courses in building and tying flies to match the hatch of your local waters.

Catch Your First Fish (or Master the Cast)

Hone the fundamentals of fly-fishing in some of the most scenic destinations in the country.

(Photo: Aberfeldy x 国产吃瓜黑料)

Madison River, Montana听
Float or fish from the wide banks of the iconic Madison River, which runs from Yellowstone National Park to the mighty Missouri, through vast valleys flanked by the often snow-capped Rockies. Learn from the best at the luxe-lodge experience of Orvis鈥檚 Trout School.

Lake Rabun, Georgia听
Tucked in north Georgia鈥檚 mountains, Lake Rabun is an ideal fishery鈥攕tocked with largemouth bass, walleye, and bream鈥攆or anglers to learn casting without swift currents to manage. A campground, beach, and hiking trails all offer easy access to 25 miles of public shoreline.

White River, Arkansas听
The target 100-mile tailwater section below Bull Shoals Dam will showcase the species diversity of the White River. Fish the same hole and you鈥檒l have a chance to catch the grand slam of freshwater trout: brook, rainbow, brown, and cutthroat.

fishing aberfeldy
Florida’s Crystal River Preserve State Park. (Photo: Getty)

Crystal River, Florida
What鈥檚 the best reason to explore the spring-fed Crystal River (pictured above), which runs clear year-round? It鈥檚 sight-fishing: scanning flats and creeks from a boat, targeting healthy schools of popular saltwater species. Reel Florida can take you from first cast to landing your first redfish.

Beaver Creek, Colorado听
Beyond fast access to the high-quality trout waters of the Vail Valley, plus the legendary resort infrastructure of lodging, guides, and restaurants, Orvis offers an affordable one-day fly-fishing school on Beaver Creek to get the whole family hooked.


Since 1898, ABERFELDY has stood as testament to a tradition of whisky making that stretches back over generations. Found where Perthshire鈥檚 tallest mountain, deepest loch and longest glen meet, ABERFELDY is at the Heart of Scotland. Its complex yet approachable, smooth character is seen today as a Classic Highland Single Malt full of rich, round and indulgent flavors. ABERFELDY was born out of a set of ideas that remain invaluable today: respect for our craft, connection to the land, and the uncompromising pursuit of the highest quality Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Discover more at

The post Learn the Craft of Fly-Fishing appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

]]>
Masters of Craft /food/drinks/masters-of-craft/ Fri, 23 May 2025 19:01:41 +0000 /?p=2704655 Masters of Craft

Meet the visionary artisans who transform nature鈥檚 purest elements with time-honored traditions and cultivated experiences.

The post Masters of Craft appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

]]>
Masters of Craft

The post Masters of Craft appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

]]>
Ewan McGregor Is Back on His Motorcycle for His Latest 国产吃瓜黑料 Series /culture/books-media/ewan-mcgregor-long-way-home/ Fri, 09 May 2025 10:00:10 +0000 /?p=2703043 Ewan McGregor Is Back on His Motorcycle for His Latest 国产吃瓜黑料 Series

The Stars Wars actor and his best friend Charley Boorman take us inside their latest motorcycle trip for the new Apple TV+ docuseries "Long Way Home"

The post Ewan McGregor Is Back on His Motorcycle for His Latest 国产吃瓜黑料 Series appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

]]>
Ewan McGregor Is Back on His Motorcycle for His Latest 国产吃瓜黑料 Series

Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman are back on bikes for the fourth series in their epic motorcycle saga around the world. Over twenty years ago they filmed their first series, Long Way Round (2004), which followed the duo, still in their thirties, riding from London to New York鈥攚hat McGregor calls 鈥渙ne of the highlights of my life.鈥

From his breakthrough role in Trainspotting to playing Star Wars鈥 legendary Obi-Wan Kenobi, McGregor鈥檚 star factor surely has skyrocketed since that first series. But in Long Way Home he鈥檚 still playing himself, riding along with his best friend Boorman as they film each other from cameras mounted on their crash helmets.

鈥淏ecause of the shared experience of doing these journeys together there鈥檚 this bond that we have that I don鈥檛 share with anyone else,鈥 shares the Scottish actor. In Long Way Down (2007), the two rode from Scotland through 18 countries down to Cape Town, South Africa. And in the last installment, Long Way Up (2020), McGregor and Boorman rode on prototype electric Harleys from the southernmost tip of South America through Central America to McGregor鈥檚 home in L.A.

A lot has changed since filming their first Long Way series two decades ago, but you wouldn鈥檛 know it from their bikes: McGregor rides a 1974 Moto Guzzi Eldorado while Boorman chooses a rusty BMW R75/5. After riding into the future on electric bikes that they had to plug-in along remote stretches of Patagonia, McGregor said “the only way to go this time was back.”

In addition to riding vintage bikes, this time the two also are adventuring closer to home, from the rolling hills around McGregor鈥檚 childhood home in Scotland to Boorman鈥檚 house in England. But as always, they’re taking the scenic route. Zipping along a 17-hairpin pass in Norway up to the Arctic Circle, and then down to the Baltics and through the Alps they clock 7500 miles through 17 countries in 63 days. But they still manage to dive into different cultures and take on challenges along the way, including picking themselves up after a few hairy stretches and falling off the bike.

OUTSIDE: So why Long Way Home now? It鈥檚 been 20 years since your first Long Way motorcycle road trip.听

Ewan McGregor: We did our last trip, Long Way Up, just before the world was locked down with the terrible pandemic. It was in sort of a lucky accident that it happened, when it happened.

It had been a long time since we did Long Way Down. We got this very strong sense that it had meant a lot, to a lot of people who had been stuck inside, who hadn’t been able to travel for two years. And just by sheer luck or whatever Long Way Up came out when people were still sort of struggling to get back into coming out of their homes. It meant a lot to people, and it meant a lot to us doing it.

Long Way Up had its own complications鈥攚e did the trip on electric bikes which were quite difficult to find a plug for in Patagonia and such places [a fast charger would have been nice too, laughs Boorman]. But we did it, and we just love being back on the road together basically.

On that trip, when we were in Bolivia, we started daydreaming about another one. We came up with the Scandinavian idea; 鈥淟ong Way Scandi鈥澨齱e used to call it in our helmets as we were chatting to each other. I suppose after we’d been on the cutting-edge-of-technology motorcycles, the only way to go was to go back the other way.

Last time you were riding on super fast electric Harleys, now you鈥檙e riding a bit slower on old temperamental bikes. Why old bikes this time around?听

McGregor: Oh, I’ve always loved old bikes, and I always fancy doing a trip in old classic bikes. We just wanted to do one that was less stressful, more fun. More chance for us just to f***听around and have a laugh. And this sort of loop came out of that idea where we weren’t going to be. We’re not going to have to rush to get a boat from Egypt to Sudan on this one day, or else we wouldn’t be able to do it for another week. So we took the stress out of it, and we just had such a great time.

There were some intense moments when the power went out in Long Way Up and you needed to charge your bikes in the middle of Patagonia. What were the challenges this time?听

Charley Boorman: I don’t want to point any fingers [points to Ewan in the chair beside him]. With the high-tech bikes you can’t really fix them if they go wrong. But old bikes you can. There’s always somebody somewhere that you bump into who can help you, who has a little workshop in the garage. So the breakdown becomes part of the adventure. The times you get stressed because your bike is broken, you end up meeting all these extraordinary people that can help you, and then that becomes one of the highlights of the journey meeting these interesting, like-minded people. That bumping into strangers is part of it.

McGregor: No computers involved. There’s no chip. There’s not a chip on that bike, except for the occasional french fry that’s falling out of my pannier. They鈥檙e mechanical and therefore fixable, and on an adventure that’s quite a good idea. You don’t want something that can catastrophically fail.

So Ewan, you’re in all these films now, what do you like about working on something were it鈥檚 unscripted; you’re yourself?听

McGregor: I’ve always made documentaries. I did one about polar bears a long, long time ago up in Churchill, Canada.听I’ve made three different movies with my brother about the Royal Air Force because he was a pilot in the Royal Air Force. I’ve always enjoyed them because I don’t have the pressure of playing somebody. It’s just me.

I suppose it鈥檚 like a busman’s holiday in a way. We are filming, and we are filmmakers. Charley and I were thinking about getting things across for an audience while we’re doing these trips, but also at the same time, we’ve got an amazing, talented cameraman, Claudio von Planta, and Max Curtis who we picked up in Chile as our fixer there. And he’s such a great addition to the filming team that we had him come on all of this trip. So Claudio and Max sit on the same motorbike, and it’s just the three bikes for most of the time.

And because they’re so skilled we don’t really have to worry too much, just about being ourselves and meeting people and appreciating what we see, recording it, talking about it, and then hopefully inspiring people to look at this world that we鈥檙e lucky to live on. And if we can inspire some people to get out there and travel and experience the world, then we’d be very proud.

Lysevegen Road, Norway on Long Way Home
The duo ride on Norway’s famous Lysevegen Road which has 17 hairpins bends and an elevation change of over 900 meters. (Photo: Courtesy of Apple TV+)

Charley, you’ve been in some serious motorcycle accidents over the years…What keeps you getting back on the bike鈥攅specially with the camera on you?

Boorman: Ah, there鈥檚 been a lot of crashes, and 2016 was a bad one, lots of operations to get back together. And then 2018 [crash] was much worse. But all my life, I’ve ridden motorcycles, I’ve ridden horses and stuff like that, and you tend to fall off, and you get back on again. The first one with the broken legs I woke up the next morning having gone through a lot of surgery. I’d broken three limbs, and I’d broken my left hand as well as my right hand.听 I was starting to go down into a into a very deep, dark hole.

Then I realized there was someone in the room with me, and I looked over and there was a guy in the other bed, and he was in a much, much worse place than I was. And I remember looking at him, and I remember looking down at myself, and I remember thinking it’s not that bad actually. So from then on I was lucky enough to be able to sort of jump out of that hole and start to look at wanting to ride a bike again and wanting to have more adventures.

Somehow the motorbike was my therapy to get back on it. It鈥檚 very easy to get stuck in a trauma and let that trauma dictate your life and it’s a real rabbit hole. There is nothing you can do about what’s happened, so you may as well look forward.

And having friends like Ewan and knowing that people are around you to help but it’s taken a long time, 30 odd operations to get back and be walking again properly.

So I’m happy to be here with Ewan.

So what鈥檚 next? Will there be any more Long Way adventures?

McGregor: Well, you just have to wait and see. Who knows? We’re planning a big luxury RV trip.

Boorman: With helicopters.

Long Way Home premieres on May 9, exclusively on Apple TV+.

The post Ewan McGregor Is Back on His Motorcycle for His Latest 国产吃瓜黑料 Series appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

]]>