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Visiting Carlsbad Caverns
Visiting Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico was one of the highlights of our road trip in this area. The caverns are huge! The formations inside the caverns are spectacular. I am tempted to say that this subterranean landscape is "out of this world" and, figuratively...
Visiting the World Expo, Dubai
Our visit to the World Expo in Dubai was a fascinating experience. A phantasmagoria of light and colour, the Expo was a wonderful demonstration of how art can be created by technology. At times, visiting the Expo was like being in a giant kaleidoscope. Each...
Lochnagar, one of the best hikes in Scotland
Our recent hike up Lochnagar turned into one of the best hikes we have tackled in Scotland. The fabulous weather with which we were blessed certainly went some way towards cementing this view, but the landscape around Lochnagar would be spectacular in any conditions....
Hiking Ben Cruachan – watch out for starships!
It is a few weeks now since we set off to hike Ben Cruachan in the Scottish Highlands - and found ourselves in a galaxy far, far away! It was quite a dreich day for a hike, misty and threatening rain, but Peter had wanted to climb Ben Cruachan for some time, so we...
Pet Hates From My Travels
I’m feeling grumpy today so thought I would have a rant and share some of my pet hates when travelling. Actually, these are pet hates when not travelling too, so really this post is just about pet hates – or what my American friends call “pet peeves”. Pet Hate...
Ennerdale Water and the West Coast of Cumbria
Ennerdale Water is probably the least well known lake in the Lake District National Park. Although we live in the Lake District, we had not visited Ennerdale Water until recently, mainly because it is way out west and quite remote. However, we were on our way to the...
Hiking in Peru: a trek to Machu Picchu
I thought my days of camping in a tent were done. How then did I find myself hiking in Peru on a trek to Machu Picchu and sleeping in a tent? Well I did and loved it: hiking in Peru (including the tent) turned out to be a fabulous experience which will always stay...
Cycling in Cambodia
“How do you fancy cycling in Cambodia?” he asked. My initial response, I think, was something along the lines of “Aye, right!” – that wonderful Scottish double positive, which roughly translated means “Don’t be ridiculous!” I hesitated because I am neither a skilled...
High Sweden Bridge: a short hike from Ambleside
The walk to High Sweden Bridge is one of my favourite walks from Ambleside. It is a relatively short walk, but it gives the feeling of being right in the heart of the Lake District. It is one of our go-to dog walks and it never disappoints. With views of Rydal Water,...
One Day in Arches National Park
Arches National Park in Utah is one of my absolute favourite National Parks. It has the most amazing geography and geology and is stunningly beautiful. The other-worldly red rock formations, natural bridges and unique arches make for a wonderfully dramatic landscape...
Lindores Abbey Distillery: the oldest distillery in Scotland?
Well there’s a question! Is Lindores Abbey Distillery the oldest whisky distillery in Scotland? In its current incarnation, Lindores Abbey is actually one of the newest whisky distilleries in Scotland. In fact, when we first visited in 2019, it had not then bottled...
Wansfell Pike: a walk with a view
Wansfell Pike has the most wonderful views across Lake Windermere and over the Lakeland Fells and mountains. This is the latest post in my Lake District series and describes one of my favourite walks. Wansfell is situated high above the village of Ambleside and is...
2020, our year of Covid. How has life changed?
As I write, it is almost the end of the 2020 and it is strange to look back and think that this time last year, we had no idea what was in store for us. This time last year, we had not heard of Coronavirus or Covid. A Pandemic was still the stuff of Hollywood films or...
A Lake District Walk: Skelwith, Elterwater, Little Langdale
Another post in the English Lake District series! This time we go on one of my favourite Lake District walks, known locally as the Elterwater Loop or simply, the Elterwater Walk. The route from Skelwith Bridge to Elterwater and Little Langdale takes in some iconic...
A Walk Around Crummock Water
Continuing with the series of posts about the Lake District and favourite walks in this area, I offer a walk around Crummock Water. Crummock Water is less well known than its close neighbour, Buttermere, but it is just as beautiful. Not only that, with good waterproof...
Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada
Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada is my favourite State Park in the US. At this point I should admit that I have not visited every State Park in the US – there are over 10,000 of them! I reserve the right, therefore, to change my mind if ever I discover a State Park...
One Day in Keswick, a traditional Lake District town
One day in Keswick? Wonderful! Several days would be better, but you can always come back. So what is there to see and do in one day in Keswick and the surrounding area? I recently penned a post with ideas about how to spend One Day in The Lake District. This offered...
Have dog, will travel! How do you travel with a dog?
Really?? Does this mean the end of your travels? How are you going to travel with a dog? Can travelling with a dog work? Yes, we have acquired a dog! Meet Jasper, the border collie. He was born the day before lockdown started in the UK and arrived to us aged 8 weeks...