The Loch Muick Circuit

As a little girl I can always remember my dad packing his kit and donning his walking boots for a weekend away climbing the Munros of Scotland. Or the whole family joining him for the annual Burns Supper with The Cairngorm Club. I have always seen his climbing achievements as something really incredible and the sense of community something unlike anything else. Dad even scaled the Matterhorn back in the day when safety equipment encompassed little more than a rope, a hard hat and a hope for the best attitude. He has many an adventure story to tell.

I am only just starting out in my hillwalking career but I would like to have some interesting tales to tell others too, so what better place to start training that the beautifully picturesque Loch Muick, which lies within the boundary of the Balmoral Estate.

A Wee Bothy Adventure

I'm always looking for quirky little places to stay, so as you can imagine, I was totally delighted to come across Canopy and Stars - a cute little website that offers alternative places to stay across Britain and now much of Europe. If you've never checked it out, it's really a must - there is everything from gypsy caravans to yurts and even treehouses offering their own little adventure.

Recipe :: Custard Cream Blondies

I'm the biggest fan of dunking a biscuit in my tea. The malty/milky combination with a hot cuppa somehow seems to help solve the world's problems. There is, of course, an official ranking to biscuit dunking, with hobnobs taking first place for dunkability/durability and the humble custard cream taking second place in the biscuit olympics. (I realise this may cause some debate but that discussion is for another day I feel. 😂 )

Camping: But Not As You Know It

When the subject of camping comes up I normally find that I get a reaction quite as you would if you asked someone if they liked marmite. It's either a love or hate relationship.

I'm one of those weirdos that absolutely loves camping in any sense of the word. I'm not sure if it has stemmed from my absolute passion for music festivals, or the automatic new friends you always seem to make on site, or just the fact that everything seems like an adventure when you're taken away from your creature comforts. Either way, if you chuck me in a tent with a gin and tonic, equip me with a barbecue and a mini speaker, I could absolutely be there forever.

5 worried thoughts of a beginner yogi

I had often come across beautiful images of flexible earthlings who practice yoga - all gently bringing serenity to the everyday hustle and bustle of life, one pose at a time. In a bid to bring a little bit of calm into my life, I looked to join a local class called Yoga Blossom.

A Guide To The Wonders Of Reykjavik

You hear about the wonders of Iceland - the land of fire and ice, but nothing really prepares you for the absolute beauty that is presented to you. As soon as you step off the plane at Keflavik, it's as if you've been transported to a completely different planet. 

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

After arriving in the cosy chalet in Morzine and meeting the chalet hosts, I was handed a fresh brewed coffee and a newly baked slice of chocolate chip banana bread. Exactly what was needed! Of course it was totally delicious, so on my return home, I immediately set to work trying to replicate the recipe.