A Weekend in Newport, Pembrokeshire; A Guide

It's been a while since I wrote any type of guide. It maybe more accurate to say it has been a whole since I wrote anything though with my lack of blog posts this year.

With so many incredible hotels and restaurants embracing sustainability though, I thought I'd pick up my guides around the UK. Afterall, I've done Cornwall, Applecross in Scotland, Llandudno is North Wales, Keswick in the Lake District and so here we have a guide to Newport village in Pembrokeshire, Wales. A beautiful place by the sea, moments from the hills and somewhere I will most certainly be visiting again.

Where to Stay in Newport?

For such a small town, Netport is filled with quaint little B&Bs and Inns. We stayed at Llys Meddyg Hotel and Restaurant which was incredible. With bulk toiletries in the bathrooms to reduce waste and beds which you never want to get out of, it was splendid. Finally, beautiful little lounges are available for use and are perfect for a board game or private conversation after you've visited the basement bar.

If you're wanting other options try  The Castle Inn which has a great menu of locally sourced food or Cnapan Guest House, a beautiful B&B

Where to Eat and Drink in Newport?

Our experience at  Llys Meddyg was second to none. Beautiful food sourced locally and an incredible bar where the herbs are foraged from the garden.

If you fancy pub grub, The Golden Lion or The Castle Inn both have delicious menus. Or if pizza is more your thing, The Canteen offers eat in or take away.

Finally, Tides Kitchen & Wine Bar a small restaurant right in the centre of town which runs selected menus which change daily depending on what they can get in. Perfect for a romantic get away.

What to do?

Why not rent a board and head out surfing at one of the beaches or instead go to the Witches Cauldron where you can even swim through the caves at low tide. Some would call Barafundle Bay the most beautiful beach in the country so it is also definitely worth a visit. Alternatively you could visit one of the RSPB sanctuaries at Ramsey Island and Skomer Islands.

With so many walks in the local area you have many options to choose from, whether that's a Circular walk around Dinas Island from Cym yr Eglws, or the Blue Lagoon at Abereiddy and head along the coastal path through Porthgain. Alternatively, why not walk to the top of Carn Ingli over looking Newport Bay. Finally, you could opt to walk around St Davids Head, a firm favourite and renown for its beauty.

If you happen to be their over New Years as well, then be sure to join in the Mayors Swim, a very cold but exhilarating dip in the ocean with the rest of the community.

There is so many things to do in one of the countries most beautiful areas and it's clear to see why the Pembrokeshire coast is a firm favourite for outdoor fans and ocean lovers alike. I for one, will definitely be heading back soon, who knows I may even head to a foraging course at the Llys Meddyg that they offer!

I hope this inspires you to head Pembrokeshire way, I can guarantee you wont regret it!

Love
Erin

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Top places to visit in Cornwall

I’ve been contemplating writing this post for over a year. Cornwall is one of my favourite places in the world, I have a spot on the cliff between Mawgan Porth and Bedruthen Steps where I can sit and watch the sun go down. The seagulls all sleep in the cliff edge near by and so you get to watch them fly across a sun set sky. The sound of the ocean is all you can here and on a warm evening, it is the best way to spend an evening.

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24 Hours in Applecross; A Guide

Going to one of the most isolated villages in the UK may not be something high up on many peoples to do list, but I think it's something everyone should consider.

Applecross isn't your average little village, situated on the coast line with a wide sweeping bay, incredible views and fantastic food, its a place like no other that will leave you feeling you really have escaped from the rest of the world.

We only managed to spend 24 hours in the area, and I'm already dying to go back. so if you're heading over to Sskye or fancy doing the NC500 route (read more about that here), here's a quick comprehensive guide on how to spend your time in the beautiful place at what feels like the edge of the world...

Where to stay in Applecross?

It's safe to say there isn't much choice of where to stay in Applecross, it's tiny after all.

We stayed at the Hartfield House Hostel, which was pretty darn basic but had everything we needed and for £50 for the two of us, it was pretty reasonable price as well. Although there is no phone signal at the site, there is Wifi to connect to should you wish.

If hosteling isn't your thing, you can grab a room at Applecross Inn, the country put in the centre of the village starting from £70.

If you want somewhere a little fancier, I'd encourage you to book Applecross B&B.

Of course, there's also a camp site and a few other B&Bs dotted around should none of these places tickle your fancy. Due to the low number of rooms though, I'd encourage you to book, especially in the Summer.

Where to eat and drink in Applecross?

For me, there is only one place to eat in Applecross, the Walled Garden. The place is a converted greenhouse, it's tucked away from the main road and provides a little oasis (should you need one). The cafe come restuarant has a menu of locally sourced products and everything we ate was cooked perfectly. In fact, the chef could quite easily fit into a London Pub and you would still be impressed. My only issue was the fact I couldn't go again because we were leaving the area.

Now of course there are a few other options which all looked great, including the Applecross Inn where the seafood is the freshest you may ever experience, or The Junction, a relatively new bar where you can grab pizza till late and stare across to the sea with a whisky in hand.

What to do near Applecross?

If finding the best views around is something that interests you than the Bealach na ba route is perfect. Reaching a peak of 600m, it's one of the highest roads in the UK with plenty of hairpin bends. Whether your in a car, on a bike or walking, there are plenty of spots to stop and enjoy the sites. It's really not to be missed

With so much natural beauty around, you could head into Rassal Wood; a 6000 year old ash woodland where wild flowers can be spotted. More of a beach buddy? Then head to Sand beach for views over the Isle of Skye.

If like me, lochs and waterfalls are your favourite thing to go and visit. I'd highly recommend a walk to the Falls of Bagly. In autumn you can sometimes catch a sighting of Salmon (sadly I didn't have any luck), but continue up the path and through the gate and you'll reach a loch completely deserted. Should you fancy a bit more of a walk then you can head back to the road and across the other side to climb a hill called Aird Mhor.

If my small amount of time spent in Applecross taught me one thing, its that the views at every turn really can take your breath away, and the isolation, although a little daunting at first, can leave you with a feeling of complete calm by the end of your trip.

Have you ever been to Applecross? Would you go?

Love
Erin

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The Road Trip You Never Knew You Needed To Go On

Scotland's route 66, the NC500 has been named one of the most impressive roadtrips world wide and with good reason. The views span far and wide at every turn and it's hard to even imagine that you're still in the U.K.

As you travel along winding roads, you watch mountains meet the sea; lakes can be spotted miles away and the cold air, when you get out of the car, wherever you are, fills your lungs in a way only vast open spaces can. 

The route leaves you with a sense of accomplishment like no other trip I've been on before, because you truly have escaped into the wildness.

I had been planning on doing the route for the past 2 years but timing had never allowed. Finally though, in October we packed up the car with all our camping gear and layers, and set off to the far north of Scotland.

We decided to start our trip at Applecross, the opposite direction to how most people do the circuit and finished our trip in Killin. Although that did mean that we had a 6 hour drive to get there, it was so worth it. As we climbed the steep road over the top to Applecross, which is impossible to use in winter, our jaws may as well have been dragging on the floor. We were amazed, our eyes not knowing where to look and our excitement levels reached that of a 2 year old at Christmas.

After a night in Applecross we headed North up the west coast to Ullapool for our first night of camping. At the last minute we changed our site and as we winded down one of the longest roads, with glorious views of a loch, mountains and valleys, I have never been so proud of a last minute change of plan. Our campsite was located  in the valley by the loch and which ever direction you turned, a picture perfect view could be seen. As sunset closed in, we walked down to the loch and watched a seal bob about as the sun disappeared behind the mountains, the only noise was that of the water by our feet and the wind as it blew in from the coast. We had officially found tranquility in the UK.

The next day saw us tackle a mountain, or for its technical name a Stac called Stac Pollaidh as we continued to move north. The weather had changed quite dramatically and as we were finishing our walk the wind reached that strength you wouldn't fall over even if you lean into it. After we got into the car the rain came down, heavy. We had planned to camp but the further north we got, the worse the weather and instead of attempting to pitch a tent in the cold and wet, we went knocking on B&B doors to find a bed for the night. Thankfully Hillside B&B had 1 room left and I have never been so relieved to be in the warm and away from the howling wind.

The next day saw us journey along the top of Scotland, passing through John O Groats and ending at Ackergill Tower, our castle and accommodation for the night. As a stately home fan, I was exceptionally excited and the beauty of the place definitely lived up to expectations. After a 3 course meal and a sit by the fire, we eventually turned in for the night. Who'd have thought that so much fresh air would leave you so exhausted but it certainly had.

Our next day saw us journey down to Durnock where we had booked in for a whisky tour at Balblair, one of the oldest and most northerly distilleries in the UK. The tour was great, from learning about the process, to the environment of tasting and our guide was great. After we finished, we then managed to squeeze in a quick trip to a waterfall on the other side of Durnock. After our quick stroll, we pitched our tent, cooked out tea and headed into the town to find a bar with a fire to spend our evening by. Naturally, we headed to what is known as one of the best whisky bars in Scotland, based in Durnock Castle.

On our official last day of the route we started off at the most picturesque castle you ever will see, Dunrobin castle. We watched a falconry show in the rain, wandered the corridors of the stately home and I pretended I lived there, for a few seconds. We then set off on our long drive back down the country, stopping for lunch on the bank of Loch Ness and continued until we reached our final stop of the trip the Falls of Dochart Inn, next to, you guessed it, the Falls of Dochart which could be seen from our window.

We arrived as it was going dark, after after been shown to our room, I hopped in the bath (it was a roll top, so it would have been rude not to). We then went down for dinner, eating in front of the giant open fire, and talking about our favourite moments of the trip.
Finally, when I could barely keep my eyes open, we clambered back up to our room, and crawled into what I am convinced was the comfiest bed I've ever slept in and slept like a baby through till morning.

As we travelled down the remainder of the country, through beautiful landscapes and pretty towns, and I finally completed my wild swim which was just as cold and as fun as I was expecting. The whole adventure made me realise just how lucky we are to have so many contrasting environments only hours away from where we live.

Yes it may not be super hot and there maybe a chance of rain, but untamed beauty is not something many people get to truly experience in a world of all inclusive giant hotels and package holidays. So next time you're thinking of where to go, bare in mind a Scottish adventure, you really wont regret it (I'm already planning when to go back).

Have you ever been to Scotland? Where would you like to go?

Love
Erin

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24 Hours in Keswick; Walking With Alpacas at Alpacaly Ever After

For Mothers day earlier this year, I was determined to come up with a present not like any other I had given her. I wanted it to be outdoors, relaxed but most of all, fun. That let me to purchasing a Walking With Alpacas Experience at Alpacaly Ever After, located about 10 minutes from the centre of Keswick.

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Come Join Me On My Sunday Exploration

Mt gosh where did February go?! This post is a little different than my normal ramblings around sustainability and life in general. It's about what we all do in our day to day lives and why I think we should all step back outdoors a little more when ever we have the chance.

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24 hours in Llandudno; A Guide

Not actually planning a trip but going away is something I had never done until recently. Louis and I agreed to pack our bags for a trip to somewhere in the UK but we decided to pick a place when we were together instead of over the phone. So on Saturday morning, upon Louis arrival we sat down, I chose we needed to be within 2 hours of Cheshire and he picked that he wanted the sea side. Next thing we knew we were on the road heading to Llandudno with 24 hours of unorganised exploring to go!

So here are my top tips for a short break to the seaside town...

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Why Edinburgh is the perfect Winter Staycation

I love to travel however recently the opportunity to jump off our little island onto main land Europe has been limited. This got me thinking back to my trip to Edinburgh at the beginning of this year and how blown away I was by the city.

Edinburgh is one of those places in the UK that feels completely different to anywhere in England. The whole place is a buzz with music, laughter and happiness which is intoxicating. The city has everything you could want and more for a break away and although it can be a little costly compared to other places in the UK here are my top reasons to visit.

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Champney's Eastwell Manor Spa Review; A Celebration Treat

To celebrate finally finishing my masters, WOOOO GO MEEE, my mum decided to book a spa to allow a little wind down and try to relax at the Champney's Eastwell Manor Spa in Kent and it seemed only fair to share my experience on the blog.

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Visiting Cornwall; Boardmasters, Waves and Newquay

One of my favourite things to do when at the seaside is to close my eyes and listen to the waves crashing onto the sand, the pull back of the water and the methodical continuous buzz that the ocean provides, so naturally, this post will have me visit two beaches.

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Visiting Cornwall; Padstow

There are those places that you can visit and it feels like the rest of the world has melted away. Your breaths feel deeper, your mind feels clearer and your soul, happier. For me, that place is Cornwall.

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A New Type of Festival; Blue Dot Festival

I love festivals, there is nothing quite like the buzz of music, the small of all those food trucks and the atmosphere of people just enjoying themselves care free. A few weeks ago my mum asked if I wanted to go to a festival which was a little different from your conventional music festival and so of course, I said yes.

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A Weekend in Edinburgh

A few weeks ago I visited Edinburgh as a belated Valentines Trip with my boyfriend. Ever since visiting the city briefly a few years ago I had always wanted to come back and so when we were deciding on possible staycation locations Edinburgh was the top of the list.

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