Yearly Round Up

As we come to the end of another whirlwind year, I am feeling thankful for the many adventures we managed to get on in the last 12 months and the adventures we’ve yet to have. So, what have been my favourite moments? There are a few, so grab a mug of tea, sit back and relax.

Sunsets on the Isle of Mull

Mull was one place I wanted to visit for a long time, so we tied in a brief trip when we headed to the Cairngorms back in July. Loading up the car with our small tent, stove, dog and whisky, we headed off for a sun-drenched day exploring some of this beautiful island. We paddled in crystal clear waters at Calgary Bay, ate fish and chips in Tobermory and sat watching the most breath-taking sunset I have ever seen at the Sound of Mull.

It was a quiet evening with only the sound of the waves and birdsong filling the air, the sun was warm, and the colour of the sky streaked with pinks and purples. It was an incredibly special moment in a place I fell in love with. We sat up until it finally started to get dark around midnight just soaking up the sea and mountain views. I didn’t want to leave.

Bothy Days & Nights 

At the backend of the year, we headed back to Scotland and wilds of Glen Etive, where we spent a week staying in a bothy. There is something so special about cosying up in front of the log burner with a warming whisky just enjoying the sounds of the wild weather outside.

There are just so many amazing memories from this trip including early morning wanders to the loch, the first coffee to warm my hands after a night in the cold bothy, the deer which occasionally wandered out to say hello and of course the towering mountains. It made me long for this life, where you lose yourself in nature completely.

Seaside Roaming 

With a long weekend in front of us, we headed to the East coast for a weekend by the sea. The weather was a mishmash of rain and sun. One moment we were drenched, eating toasted cheese and tomato sandwiches in a beach shelter hiding from the deluge of rain to standing on the clifftop watching the amazing sunset. It was a lovely camping trip where the sound of the waves lulled us to sleep each night and my hair smelt of the sea, I always forget just how much I love the coast.

Whiteout in the Peaks 

It was June when we headed to the Peaks for some camping and hiking to celebrate Sam’s birthday. On his actual birthday, we woke to rain and low-lying cloud but headed off to Grindsbrook Clough. There wasn’t another soul around as we scrambled our way up the rocky clough, the rain was heavy and the cloud low. As we got onto the Kinder plateau, our navigation skills were called upon when there was just nothing but thick, white cloud swirling around us. I really enjoy days like this, where the weather is different and the hike a challenge. We rewarded ourselves with a big meal and drink back at the pub in Edale, which was bathed in warm sunshine.

There are many more amazing moments from hiking Corbetts in Scotland to Peak roaming, it had been a year full of amazing adventures but 2022 is looking just as exciting. In a couple of days, we head back to the Peaks, in March we head back to the coast and in the summer we plan to island hop in Scotland. 

I also start my Open University course in Environmental Studies in January, and I feel good, I have spent time with my family and those closest to me. I’ve pushed myself out of my comfort zone and I am looking back on 2021 with a smile.

 Happy New Year!

Sarah