SUBSCRIBE (To Receive New Blog Alerts)
Enjoy my writing? CLICK TO DONATE

Category

Travel

Environment, Travel

Happy Penguin Awareness Day, fellow penguin lovers! 🐧🎉

Can you believe there’s a whole day dedicated to these tuxedo-clad, waddling wonders? Well, there is – it’s today, January 20th, and I thought it would be the perfect excuse to dive into the world of penguins.

I’m completely mesmerised by these charismatic and captivating creatures. But beneath their adorable exteriors lies a whole lot of fascinating facts. As ‘Guardians of the Antarctic’ penguins are iconic symbols, embodying the resilience of life in one of the most extreme environments on Earth but unfortunately, they face some very real threats. So, on Penguin Awareness Day, let’s get clued up on all things penguin!

Read more
January 19, 2025
3453
Environment, Travel

Eco-Conscious Indulgence: My Dolder Grand Experience

A big part of why I loved my trip to Zurich so much was my stay at the Dolder Grand Hotel. This luxurious hotel isn’t just about five-star service and stunning views – although it definitely has those things in spades! The Dolder Grand is also a champion of sustainability, and I wanted to share some of their incredible initiatives with you all.

Read more
January 16, 2025
3365
Environment, Travel

A Greener Christmas: Sustainable Celebrations

Is this post too late? Hopefully not – there are still a few days until Christmas. Continuing the theme, ‘Christmas doesn’t have to come at the cost of the planet’.

This is a time for joy, love, and giving BUT it often comes with a surge in waste and environmental impact. This year, let’s strive for a greener Christmas by making conscious choices.

Here are a few simple ways to make your festive season more sustainable – that means having no or little negative impact on the planet and its resources. Focusing on ‘shopping, ‘gifting’ and ‘eco-friendly decorations’ in this blog.

Read more
December 18, 2024
3536
Environment, Travel

My Favourite Tipple Just Got Sustainable!

A major draw for visitors to the Isle of Islay is to visit one or two of the top distilleries. There are more distilleries on this island, per square meter, than any other Scottish island. As a peaty whisky lover, Islay is a paradise for me, with Lagavulin my favourite brand. But there was a surprise in store for me.

Having taken many a whisky distillery in my time, this time I noticed something very different with our Lagavulin tour – they talked about the SUSTAINABLE aspects of their production, in particular with reference to water. I am a passionate supporter of organisations that take sustainability very seriously.

Until I got home and contacted them for more information, I didn’t understand the significance of what Diageo, the business behind Lagavulin, are working on in this regards. Discover this incredible story with me.

Read more
November 29, 2024
3683
Environment, Travel

Another Place

Just the name itself attracts me!

Set on the tranquil shores of Ullswater in the Lake District, this somewhat contemporary hotel, ‘Another Place, The Lake‘, is nestled amongst the trees with breathtaking views of the fells and the lake. It’s quite a mystical spot in one respect, in that we arrive there and seem to relax instantly! For me this perfect holiday scenario is backed up by the hotel’s extensive ‘sustainability’ programme, of which I am learning much more this trip.

Imagine my joy when I found out that The Machrie, where we had booked to stay on the Isle of Islay, had been acquired by ‘Another Place’.

I had to find out what their plans were…..

Read more
November 22, 2024
3556
Environment, Travel

Weren’t We Supposed to be Taking a Boat Trip Around Jura?

There’s only one way to really see the islands in the Inner Hebrides and that’s to get in a boat. Being on the Isle of Islay for a few days, seemed a perfect excuse to book a boat trip. When I booked Venture West and chatted to Sandy a boat trip around Jura fitted the bill. Picking up at Port Askaig on Islay, dropping in at the distillery of course, exploring remote shores and historic spots – being the home of George Orwell, where he wrote 1984. The Corryvreckan Whirlpool was also on the list, one of the largest permanent whirlpools in the world … in one of the most dangerous stretches of water around the British Isles! Gulp.

For me, I wanted to get close up to nature. With the hope of seeing dolphins, seals and birds of prey, a boat trip is one of the best ways to do this. Why? Being amongst nature inspires us to protect it.

But of course, the itinerary could change…

Read more
November 10, 2024
3699
Environment, Travel

Meet Delta, the Caracara – the intelligent, and somewhat OCD Bird of Prey!

At The Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre

Come and meet the characters at the Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre – and I don’t mean Stewart and Kevin, the very hands on owners and falconry experts at the centre. But the many rescued and restored to health hawks, owls, raptors and eagles and then some unexpected visitors like Delta, the Caracara.

But first, let me tell you why this centre is so important, why we actively support them and why you might consider doing the same.

Read more
November 2, 2024
3764
Environment, Travel

Why Did I Want to Wild Water Swim in Scotland?

Three good reasons, it’s an exhilarating experience that combines adventure, natural beauty, and health benefits. With its vast array of lochs, rivers, and rugged coastlines, Scotland offers some of the most stunning and diverse wild swimming spots in the world.

Whether you’re plunging into the crystal-clear waters of Loch Lomond, navigating the bracing waves of the North Sea, or dipping into a secluded river pool in the Highlands, wild swimming in Scotland connects you directly with nature in a way that few other activities can.

Wet suit packed and ready, here’s what I tried…

Read more
October 25, 2024
3721
Environment, Travel

Chef, Can You Please Make Some Jam?

Focusing on Nature at Glenapp Castle

Charming Glenapp Castle, all turrets and towers. Tucked away on the West Coast of Scotland, within walking distance of the little coastal town of Ballantrae, this ‘lesser-travelled’ part of the Scottish lowlands is where we kicked off a three week tour.

A somewhat ‘fairytale’ of a place, nestled in the trees, scarcely visible until you are on it, with tantalisingly long and windy gated drives as the only access. How would this first few days of our three week trip unfold…

Read more
October 18, 2024
3779
Close