Beulah

The North West of Scotland has a particular place in my heart. I’ve spent a week camping in Knoydart, mainland Britain’s most remote landmass and regularly venture up to Fort William. However, due to the travel aspect, I’ve yet to make it further. The baron nature of the hills and munros of the North West appeal to me, as does the unspoilt beaches and small communities nestled on inlets. As Al Humphries has proved, its possible to have adventure anywhere, but that feeling of remoteness takes greater ambition and commitment to find.

Beulah follows four London based bike backers, escaping their urban metropolis, taking the sleeper train to the highlands and all the micro adventures it brings. With a film maker and photographer on the team, the cinematography is exquisite, with plenty of soft focus and detailed shots setting the scene, while telling part of their story on their own.

Born from the ideas conjured whilst viewing an old map, it’s a perfect blend of bike packing, touring, wild camping, on the fly plan making and cutting away the ties of modern life, condensed into 8 minutes.

Whereas this has a more relaxed pace than Flashes of the Altai, it suits the style of the trip, landscape and even the bikes used. Anyone watching could relatively easily replicate the route and logistics, and that in many ways is what’s charming about Beulah. It’s not about jet setting and pushing yourself physically. It’s the opposite, exploring an area with friends, whilst soaking in as much as you can over a long weekend.

You can catch Beulah on the big screens at the Sheffield Adventure Film Festival in their Bike Packing Sessions on 17th – 19th March, or alternatively on Vimeo if you can’t make the festival.