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Broughty Ferry Castle I have compiled a list of exciting activities and attractions that you can explore in Dundee and the surrounding areas. This is a working list so it will change and grow over time. This vibrant city, known for its rich history and cultural significance, offers a diverse array of experiences that cater to all interests. From its stunning waterfront and innovative museums to the picturesque landscapes and charming towns nearby, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you are a local or a visitor, there are a number of exciting opportunities for adventure, relaxation, and discovery in the city. In this guide, I will highlight a variety of options that will make your time in Dundee memorable and enjoyable, ensuring that you have plenty of exciting things to get up to during your stay. If you would like to explore further afield, see my list of things to do in Fife. Saltdog Marine Boat Trip Looking for a fun adventure in Dundee? Jump on a rib tour and spend an hour on the Tay and see Dundee from a whole new perspective! If you go at the right time of year and are lucky, you will be able to spot the dolphins and seals, or take a cool educational cruise up the Tay to check out the V&A and other sights from the water. Iain is awesome—super knowledgeable and ready to share tons of info about the area. It's an epic day out, and starting at just £16 per person, you definitely don't want to miss this. You can book your tickets here . Mills Observatory Check out Britain's first public observatory, built back in 1935! It's open six nights a week from October to March, and it's free to get in - what more could you want. The staff here really know their stuff and are extremely passionate about what they do. There's an outdoor viewing deck on the first floor where we got to see the full moon! It can get quite busy as you don't book a time slot, so be prepared for a wait to access the upstairs observatory. We had the incredible opportunity to see Saturn, with its rings clearly visible through the main telescope in the observatory. There are several planetarium shows and presentations throughout the year that offer guests the chance of a tour of the observatory and the chance to learn about the galaxies, constellations and much more, these cost £3 and can be booked here . Visit A Museum The V&A One of the most iconic buildings situated on Dundee's shore front, making this a great place to visit on a sunny day as you admire the views over the Tay. This is Scotland's first dedicated design museum. It is worth popping in if you are in the area and have an interest in design and culture or to catch some of the temporary exhibitions they host there. The museum is usually open every day from 10-5 and I recommend giving yourself around 2 hours to explore. There is also a café and gift shop on site. The McManus I absolutely love a visit to the McManus museum and art gallery, it is free entry (donations welcome) and there is so much to see there over the two floors filled with local history, artefacts, world displays and art. There is even an exhibition where you can walk the streets of Dundee just like they would have been back in the day. This is the perfect place to explore on a rainy day when the weather isn't on your side. You can easily spend at least two hours admiring all the displays and there is also a café to grab something to eat. If you only have the time to check out one museum, I would sway towards this one. Plus the building itself is gorgeous and definitely worth a few snaps! The Howff Secret Supper Club   This isn't just any meal, this is a whole dining adventure. You will be shown to your seat in the small but ambient dining room to get ready for a sensory treat as you are served eight courses of the finest foods alongside an entertaining narrative around how each dish was created. After the fourth course, there is a short break to stretch your legs and visit the kitchen where you can see where the magic happens and where you can chat with the chef. The cost of the tasting menu is £80, with the option to add on a pairing wine flight. You need to book in advance  as it can often be booked out for months in advance (keep an eye on the Facebook page for cancellations). Elcho Castle Elcho Castle Ok so this one is a bit of a cheat as it's not exactly in Dundee but it is less than an hours drive away, making it perfect for a day out. It's a hidden gem that I didn't even know existed until a few months ago. Explore this well-preserved historical castle where you can see the banquet room, chambers, grand staircase, kitchen and the most long drop toilets I have ever seen under one roof!! The views from the top are amazing but make sure you have a head for heights. If heights aren't your thing, you can wander through the beautiful orchards and even do some fruit picking. They often have guided tours available, allowing guests to delve deeper into the castle's history and learn about its significance in the region. At just £7.50 entry for adults, this is a fantastic day out and a great way to spend the day away from the city. Broughty Castle Museum Broughty Ferry Castle is more than just a feature of the waterfront; it's a historical gem that's seen centuries of maritime action and local culture. This amazing place, built way back in the 15th century, has had quite a journey—from being a fortress to a royal home, and now it's a museum showcasing the rich history of Broughty Ferry and its area. The museum covers four floors, each showing off different parts of Broughty Ferry's past. The top floor has an observation room with stunning panoramic views of the Tay River. On a clear day, it's absolutely breath-taking, and if you're lucky, you might spot seals chilling on the rocks or dolphins jumping through the waves, making your visit even more magical. Plus, getting in is FREE, and there's plenty of free parking, making it a perfect spot for families, history buffs, and anyone just dropping by. But, there has been recent sad news about the possible closure of this attraction. Now is the perfect time to visit—not only to enjoy the exhibits and views but also to support the museum. By stopping by, you can help spread the word about its importance and hopefully help keep it open. Every visit matters, and your support can hopefully help save this important piece of Broughty Ferry's history. Kinnoull Tower and Woodland Walk Again not quite in Dundee but just a short drive away or easy to access by getting public transport into Perth and starting your walk from there. I parked at Corsie Hill and used this route. You have probably seen this tower from the road many times towering over the A90. It is a short & steep hike up to Kinnoull hill and from here you will see the tower in the distance. Follow the path along to the tower remains where you will be greeted with incredible views down over the Tay and dramatic cliff edges. The whole loop won't take you much more than an hour but if you have more time there are lots of alternative paths through the woods for exploring. This really is a small hike but with big views and it makes for a great day out. Feel free to check out my other blogs about exploring in Scotland .

There is something about Glencoe that has grabbed my heart ever since my first visit. Full of history, dramatic landscapes and wonderful mountains. I have returned here time and time again and each time I am blown away by the beauty. I would like to share my top things to do in Glencoe with you, so you can enjoy them as much as I do Top Tips for Exploring Glencoe Car parking in Glencoe can be busy, arrive to your location early Take care on the roads, drivers sometimes come round corners in the middle of the road Prepare for all weathers - this is Scotland, we can literally have 4 seasons in one day Midges - the most annoying little things ever. Be prepared with nets and sprays Wear proper footwear Always be prepared and have navigation My Top Recommendations For Things To Do in Glencoe: Lost Valley Walk: Coire Gabhail, also known as the Lost Valley, is a tough but rewarding hike that takes you through a landscape rich in history. This spot was once a secret hideout for the MacDonald Clan, where they cleverly stashed stolen cattle during the wild days of clan battles in Scotland. It also became a refuge during the infamous Glencoe Massacre of 1692, a grim moment in Scottish history when many MacDonald Clan members were tragically killed. The echoes of the past make this hike not just a physical test, but also a fascinating dive into Scotland’s history. The adventure begins at the Three Sisters car park, which is free of charge, but a tourist hot spot and famous location to take photos of the dramatic Three Sisters Mountain range. So the car park can be pretty busy and fill up quickly. Be prepared for some tricky terrain along the way, the hike can be difficult in places with steep stairs, a scrambling section that will test you, a river crossing that can become quite tricky if the water levels are high. But you will be rewarded with scenic views and tumbling waterfalls. The hard work pays off when you reach the Lost Valley, where you’re greeted by an amazing landscape with towering mountains on both sides, creating a dramatic and almost otherworldly vibe. The peace and isolation here are incredible, giving you a chance to think about the area’s history and the people who once found shelter here. It’s a place where nature’s beauty and history’s weight come together, offering a unique experience for everyone who visits. In the summer this (much like most of Scotland) is a hotspot for midges (think mosquitos but a thousand times more irritating). So be prepared with a midgey net to keep your hike as enjoyable as possible. The whole hike is 4km and you should give yourself 2-4 hours to do this. Walk Highlands Alltrails 30% off Alltrails The Meeting of the Three Waters Glencoe has many stunning swim spots on offer, with The Meeting of the Three Waters being a visitor favourite. Easily accessible, you will find it only a short walk from the layby. You do need to climb up some rocks, so ensure you take care with your footing. From here you can choose to admire the views or to take a refreshing dip in the cold, crisp water fresh from the mountains. If you want to explore further, surrounding trails will take you further into the mountainous landscape.  *Due to a rise in popularity this area is attracting a lot of people who do not know how to respect the environment. I beg that if you do visit, please leave no trace and take all of your rubbish away with you. Everyone has a responsibility to ensure that these beautiful places stay beautiful Take a Drive Down Glen Etive You might recognize this road from James Bond's Skyfall, where it was the stunning backdrop for some of the movie's most unforgettable scenes. This picturesque 12-mile drive winds through a lush valley offering loads of breath-taking views with waterfalls, towering mountains, vast moorland, and flowing rivers. Every twist and turn reveals another amazing sight, providing dreamy photography spots. If you're lucky, you might even spot some deer wandering around, adding to the magic of this incredible journey. This is a single-track winding road, and traffic can get pretty heavy during the summer, so be ready for some delays. It's best to take your time and let other cars pass when needed - patience is key. Also, remember there are no facilities along the way, and phone signal can be spotty, so plan ahead before you head out. Once you're on the road, it's straightforward, leading you down to the Loch, where you can turn around before heading back. As you make the journey down the scenic road, you'll not only enjoy stunning views but also find some great swimming spots for those who love a chilly dip. The road ends at Loch Etive, a peaceful body of water surrounded by mountains, with a small car park. It's the perfect place to take a break and soak in the natural beauty. I suggest setting aside an hour each way for the drive to really enjoy it, including time for photo stops and any traffic delays. Since there aren't any official parking spots until you reach the loch, if you stop for a quick photo, please be considerate of other drivers and make sure your car doesn't block the road, allowing traffic to flow smoothly. Glencoe Lochan If you're looking for a more easy going adventure, this is the perfect spot. A minimum effort walk will find you standing in a stunning forest with towering redwood pines surrounding a sparkling loch. The gorgeous conifer forest contrasts with the towering mountains giving a North American vibe. Which makes sense, at it was created by Lord Strathcona for his Canadian wife to remind here of home. There's free parking at the Glencoe Lochan car park, making access easy. You can choose from three trails with different skill levels, there is also a trail that accommodates wheelchair users or those less mobile. This spot gives amazing scenery and is perfect for a shorter more relaxed walk. Stop by the Kingshouse Hotel It is worth stopping off here for the view alone - you will be presented with an absolutely stunning view of Buchaille Etive Mòr. This impressive mountain is one of the most photographed mountains in Scotland. Its striking silhouette and rugged features create an unforgettable backdrop that draws in visitors and photographers from all over. I can honestly say that this sight will stay with you for the rest of your life. The Kingshouse has a side bar and some seats near the reception, which is the perfect place to grab a scone and admire the view with a hot tea or coffee. Keep your eyes peeled for some local wildlife as you might be lucky enough to spot some deer wandering into the car park. These beautiful creatures are a classic feature of Scotland's landscape, and seeing them in their nature is really special. But please remember that feeding the dear should be avoided.  When people feed them, they can become too comfortable around humans, which can lead to aggressive behaviour and result in them being culled. If you do choose to stop by at the Kingshouse don't forget to pop into the hotel to validate your parking on the machines at the bar. The hotel, is a must-visit for anyone walking the famous West Highland Way as it is part of the route. Some people choose to stay in the bunkhouses or to camp in the field behind the hotel (free of charge) for an overnight stay. There are showers and toilets available to use in the outdoor building. Take the Chairlift at Glencoe Mountain Resort If you are looking for an easy and effortless way to experience some of Scotland's most scenic views then hop on the chairlift at Glencoe Mountain Resort. In just over ten minutes you will be transported from the valley to a height of 2200ft, as you go up you will be treated to spectacular views over Rannoch Moor, and get a glimpse of tumbling waterfalls. When you reach the top, you'll arrive at Eagles Rest, a cracking spot to take in the surroundings and grab some pics. If you're feeling a little more adventurous, you can make your way to the summit of Creag Dubh which you can reach in just under a mile, rewarding you with the achievement of hiking to the summit and with panoramic views of the Glencoe Massif. The chairlift runs all year from 9am to 4.15pm, tickets cost £18 for adults and £13 for children and dogs are welcome on the ski lifts too, so the whole family can join in the fun. As well as the exciting chairlift, the resort also has a café serves food and drinks and also does a banging breakfast to keep you fuelled up for the day. It's more than just the views, there is also a huge amount of exciting mountain sports available here. In the summer you can go tubing and in the winter when the snow arrives, there is free sledging. There's a suggested donation for car parking, which helps keep everything running smoothly at the resort. It is possible to stay overnight in your van here where you will have access to toilets and showers. If you are looking for a unique stay you can book one of the cosy cabins or pods. Glencoe Mountain Resort provides fun all year round. Climb A Mountain in Glencoe Glencoe is known to have some of the most dramatic mountains in Scotland, for hikers of all levels and abilities. Planning for a hike whilst you are in Glencoe is a brilliant way to challenge yourself and explore the landscape more. Just make sure you are suitably prepared, have checked the weather forecast, have the correct gear, and appropriate navigation tools. Below are suggestions of some mountains you can hike in the area; Pap of Glencoe 3.4 miles, 3-5 hours - a well known peak with amazing views of the valley and loch. An easy to access trail and rewarding summit. Moderately challenging with a scramble near the top Beinn A'Chrulaiste 6.75 miles, 4-5 hours - a challenging hike that is often pathless. The mountain is directly behind the Kingshouse and doesn't look much from the ground, but views from the top are priceless Buchaille Etive Beag 5 miles, 4-5 hours - a moderate hike with a ridge walk that connects two Munros. Well pathed and considered one of the easier Munro hikes in the area Buchaille Etive Mor 9 miles, 7-9 hours - the most iconic mountain on the Glencoe landscape, a challenging hike with a ridge walk connecting the peaks. A steep and scrambly ascent for experienced hikers Schoolhouse Ridge 9.75 miles, 6-10 hours - a challenging hike with a tricky scrambling section. I'd recommend this for more experienced hikers and you should ensure you are comfortable with heights and exposure. Challenging but you are rewarded with incredible views. Aonach Eagagh 6 miles, 8-9 hours - For experienced hikers only!! The narrowest ridge in mainland Britain, known for its narrow paths, challenging scrambling and exposed ridges. It requires skill, confidence and careful planning but the stunning views will reward all who take it on. Visit The Famous Clachaig Inn Is this the most scenic place for a pint in Scotland? I challenge you to find a place that beats the beaty and charm found here. Tucked away in Glencoe Valley, the Clachaig is a famous resting stop for hikers and climbers. The bar vibe gives a home away from home, with a cosy atmosphere inviting you to chill and recharge after a day of exploring the Scottish Highlands. After a long day out exploring, what could be better than popping in for a hearty meal, delicious hot chocolate or one or ten pints? At the weekends, there is often live music in the Boots Bar, creating a magical experience for locals and visitors. What could be more appealing than a warm fire, a dram of whisky and live music playing in the background? Perfect. The Clachaig has rooms available  for an overnight stay or you can head to the nearby Red Squirrel Campsite . Glencoe Visitors Centre The Glencoe Visitor Centre is an ideal destination for exploring the area's cultural heritage and stunning scenery, perfect for history enthusiasts or a rainy day activity. It offers insights into Glencoe's history, from its geological wonders to the infamous 1692 Glencoe Massacre. Exhibits showcase early inhabitants' lives, traditions, and challenges in this rugged land, with interactive displays bringing clan stories to life. A highlight is the reconstructed turf house, providing an authentic glimpse into past lifestyles and regional architecture. The centre is free to enter, though there's a parking fee supporting the National Trust's preservation efforts. These are my best bits of Glencoe - I hope this has helped you to plan/relive your trip. Any comments, likes or share are hugely appreciated. Happy Adventuring

We stayed in Heraklion which is the capital city of Crete, it seemed to be mainly locals, students, and Greek islanders visiting which was great as it meant that we really got to feel an authentic Greek vibe and most of the bars and restaurants were extremely well priced instead of tourist prices. Hiring a car was a no brainer for us as most of the things we wanted to see and do were a bit of a drive away - we rented from Caravel in the centre of Heraklion. The list below is accessible from wherever you should choose to stay on the island and bus tours are often possible if you do not want to drive. Things To Do in Crete Kournas Lake - Crete's only natural freshwater lake and the perfect place for turtle spotting. There is free Parking at the café and only a short walk to reach the lake. Although the weather was a bit overcast on the day we visited, it was still pretty busy. We arrived around 2.30pmwhich was plenty time to enjoy the lake, grab something to eat and rest on the beach. The water here is crystal clear and we rented a pedal boat for €10 for the hour and off we went onto the lake to see if we could spot any turtles - we were in luck and managed to spot quite a few and we enjoyed a little swim in the lake. Top tip - we found the best place to see them was near the trees as they quite liked to hide. Kourtaliotiko Gorge & Waterfalls - we arrived here pretty late so were limited for time. We managed to park along the roadside and then we paid €5 entrance fee each (it is also possible to park at the church car park and walk down the stairs bypassing the entrance and the fee). After a 10 minute walk you will reach a fork where it is possible to take entrance A or entrance B. Entrance A takes you down to the riverbed and allows you to swim in the waterfall, whereas entrance B takes you to the church and to view the waterfall from above. We opted for A and went straight down to the water where it was still relatively busy. Of course we were going to swim through the gorge to the base of the waterfall so off we went - now when I tell you that the water was cold - ohya 😅🥶. The water gets pretty deep before it levels off again and you can stand and marvel at the caves above your head and see the impressive waterfall. This was so thrilling and I was so proud of myself for braving the swim as I'm not the strongest swimmer. On the journey back we decided to tackle a bit of route B and popped down the see the church. Samaria Gorge - the longest gorge in Europe, a 16km descent down into a dramatic gorge. My first piece of advice it to try to stay somewhere as close to the starting point as possible, we had a 3 hour drive from Heraklion, which was a bit of a stinker first thing in the morning. The hike starts at Xyloskalo where you an park your car for €5. There is an entry fee of €10 per person to access the trail. Starting at an elevation of 1250metres the only way is down, down, down until you reach sea level. The first section is down a fairly steep hill through a woodland, I noticed a few safety nets to protect from falling rocks. There are picnic spots, water filling stations and toilets at several points along the way. As well as official resting areas - you are encouraged not to stop along the way, maybe due to landslide risks. You pass the abandoned Old Samaria village which is basically the bottom of the steep section. From here it is just a short while more to reach the gorge - wow, a gift that keeps on giving. The walls reach up to 100m high and the narrowest part of the gorge is only 3m. This hike took my breath away and continued to do so until we reached the end. You need to be fairly fit and should carry enough water and snacks to keep your energy up. There is a café at the end with juice and beer, but don't get too comfortable as you still need to make your way to the ferry in Agia Roumeli - it is possible to get a bus but we walked. Agia Roumeli is a thriving little beach town with lots of great food, bars and the most blue sea water which is perfect for a swim before catching the ferry back. Samaria Gorge Blog ** It is optional to enter the gorge from the bottom where you could walk half way up the gorge and then turn around before the village. If I was to do this again, I would probably opt to do it this way as you get to see views of the best part (in my opinion) twice. You would need to check the ferry times to enable you to do this. Preveli Beach & Palm Forest - it was €3 for the car park but you could have easily parked up at the nearby taverna and walked an extra five minutes down to the start point. The descent down is pretty steep (470 steps in total) but totally worth it. The beach is stunning but we didn't spend much time there and instead headed straight for palm forest - which is exactly as it says, a forest full of palm trees alongside the lush green river. I believe you can also reach here by boat. Preveli Gorge - we hiked from the beach up into the gorge. The further in we got the higher the cliffs got and the scene around us was spectacular. The perfect place for swimming in the natural pools and for bathing in the mini waterfalls. Ensure you have the correct footwear as there is a lot of sections which involve climbing over rocks. Water shoes would have been great for the pools. Richtis Gorge - another fabulous gorge walk on the eastern side of the island. A gentle 5km loop will take you through luscious green landscape, overgrown with plants, trees and wild berries. It is possible to swim in the falls so be sure to take your swimming stuff. The entry fee is €3 and worth every penny Diktaion Andron Cave - this one was closed for maintenance whilst we were on the island and I'm gutted about that. Believed the have once been the birth place of Zeus, it is now a visitor site full of stalactites and historical tales of Greek mythology. Beaches - there are many beaches and beach coves with golden sands located across the island. Perfect for sunbathing and jumping the waves but be careful of the riptides. Where To Eat in Crete We mostly ate in Heraklion as this is where we were stayed for most of the trip. One thing I have to say is that I felt everything was extremely cheap compared to dining out in the UK. Chop Chop - as we landed on the island late, we opted for simple street food and this place was absolutely delicious. We each chose souvlaki - one chicken & one pork and this set the tone that this holiday was going to be full of delicious food. I also couldn't believe the price. Ippokampos (seahorse) - a recommendation from our airport taxi driver. This lovely restaurant in on the seafront with dining tables inside and outside. We stopped here for lunch, Tom ordered tuna fish which was freshly caught and I ordered grilled shrimp. Tacalitera - we only stopped here for some drinks & bread after jumping the waves at the nearby beach. But as per our airport taxi drivers recommendations it is supposed to be incredible for dinner here. Paradosiako - we had a wonderful dinner here, albeit it was a little slow but there's also something quite nice about that, it was a reminder for me to slow down and just enjoy the chat without rushing, what am I in a rush for? We got free desert here and I've noticed that it is a very common practice throughout the island. This meal only cost us €22.50 for 2 x souvlaki, bread, a large bottle of water, chips, desert & raki. Infinity Central Park - this was delicious but another really long wait when we were already pretty hungry. After being full of gyros and souvlaki we opted for pork belly and chicken thighs - these were delicious. They also do an amazing rose sangria. This one was a little more costly than the previous nights but I think that was down to it being located right in the square and in a more lively upmarket hotspot. Definitely worth a visit. Lartecono Davinci Gelato - I'm not usually a sweet toothed person but the smell of these desert places as we passed by were too irresistible to resist. I opted for mini waffles and marshmallows but you really are spoilt for choice. Guernica   - found on the back streets of Haraklion within an old city mansion, we stopped by for some drinks on the way back to our hotel and enjoyed a few cocktails. Kayabee Mezedopoleíon - it was the atmosphere that drew us in here. Located on a lively backstreet in Heraklion, this restaurant offers traditional Mediterranean and Greek food and outdoor seating on a street that was busy and buzzing. Anywhere on this street is a great option for drinks if you want to soak up the atmosphere. Where We stayed in Crete Whilst in Heraklion we stayed in the Ethereal White Resort - a beautiful adults only spa hotel, hidden amongst the old traditional buildings it's hard to believe that this is going to be up to much but once inside you a transformed into a serene paradise. The staff could not do any more to help you, they are so friendly. So let me tell you a little about all the amenities here: The Spa - on the lower floor there is a spa with a thermal pool and jacuzzi. There are additional amenities including a sauna, cold plunge and bookable spa treatments Buffet Breakfast - with so many tasty options and fresh fruit drinks and coffees from the bar. There was a huge assortment of choices Rooftop Pool & Bar - make sure to visit the rooftop pool, there are sun loungers where you can relax and have a drink Private Pools - some of rooms even have their own little balcony pools I would highly recommend this hotel to anyone looking for a little bit of luxury. This brings me to the end of all the wonderful things I did whilst in Crete. I hope this can help you to plan your very own trip to this fantastic little island. As always any comments, questions, likes or shares are very much appreciated. Happy Adventuring ✈️

What is the Samaria Gorge? The Samaria Gorge is the longest gorge in Europe, a 16km long hike which drops 5000ft down into the dramatic gorge and finishing at a cute little town. You can only visit between May - October as access to the canyon is closed through the winter. Entry is from 7am - 1pm each day and there is an entry fee of €10 per person to access the trail. We started the hike at around 11.30am (which is quite late) and reached the café at around 3.30pm. How to Get There? The hike starts at Xyloskalo, a small lodge at the end of a long and scenic road where you an park your car for €5. For those who don't have access to a car there are no shortage or guided trips, that will transport you there by coach. My first piece of advice it to try to stay somewhere as close to the starting point as possible - the nearest towns are Chania or Sougia, where public busses are also available. We had a 3 hour drive from Heraklion, which was a bit of a stinker first thing in the morning. What Should I Pack? Sturdy footwear- it is a long trek and the terrain can be challenging, I did it in trainers and found it no problem but some people prefer boots. No flip-flops Water Bottle - you can refill your water from water stations along the way Snacks - once you are on the trail there are no snack stops Sun Cream - your skin may feel like it is melting off Hiking Poles - if you can these would be useful for the descent Swimming suit - you cannot swim in the rivers in the gorge however the beach at Agia Roumeli has incredible blue waters which are perfect for a swim to cool down after the hike Top Tips & Helpful Advice Stay Hydrated - when I say this place is hotter than satan's armpit, I'm not kidding You need to be fairly fit before attempting this, it is a long and demanding day There are picnic spots, water stations and toilets at several points along the way There are rangers and official resting areas quite frequently along the way - you are encouraged not to stop along the way, maybe due to landslide risks The area is prone to wild fires so do not smoke unless at the rest areas and alert the officials if you spot smoke Keep a hold of your entry ticket as you will need it to get out Some people choose to only hike a few km into the top of the gorge and then walking back - which is fine if this is what you choose to do but you miss the best bits It is optional to enter the gorge from the bottom where you could walk half way up the gorge and then turn around before the village. If I was to do this again, I would probably opt to do it this way as you get to see views of the best part (in my opinion) twice. You would need to check the ferry timetable to get to Agia Roumeli to enable you to do this Although the hike is very well sign posted it is always advisable to have a map downloaded - Samaria Gorge is the Alltrails route that I used. 30% off Alltrails Hiking the Samaria Gorge Starting at an elevation of 1250metres the only way is down, down, down until you reach sea level. The initial section is down a fairly steep hill through a woodland with a few switchbacks, I noticed a few safety nets to protect from falling rocks. After about 8km and 2.5 hours (at our walking pace) we reached the Old Samaria Village, abandoned in 1962 and now nothing more than a rest zone, picnic area and toilets. This marks the end of the steep section. From here it is just a little further to reach the gorge and wow, it is well worth the wait. This was incredible, a gift that keeps on giving. The most iconic part of the hike is the Iron Gates where the walls reach up to 500m high and is only 4m wide. This hike took my breath away and continued to do so until we reached the end. There is a café at the end of the hike with fresh orange juice and beer, but don't get too comfortable as you still need to make your way to the Agia Roumeli which is a further 3km - it is possible to get a bus back for 2€ but we walked. Agia Roumeli Agia Roumeli is a thriving little beach town with lots of great food, bars and the brightest blue sea water, which is perfect for a swim before catching the ferry back. The town is lively until the ferries depart, but we were having so much fun and enjoying our beers and lively atmosphere that we made an executive decision to miss the ferry and get one home in the morning (little did we know that there wasn't one on a Monday morning**). The town is buzzing with euphoric hikers, but of course most people leave on the last ferry leaving the town much quieter at night. Although the party vibe was not quite what we had hoped for, we still had a lovely evening and a delicious dinner at the Calypso Restaurant. Also, shout out to the Poseidon Bar who have the friendliest owner and cutest dog - this place is a must visit. Obviously we hadn't planned to stay so we didn't have anywhere booked, we ended up staying in Taverna Tarra which is the pub we were drinking in when we got back from the hike. We managed to get a room for 40€ in cash as we went to the owner directly instead of on a booking site - many places did seem to have rooms left if you did choose to stay it doesn't seem like pre booking would be an issue. In hindsight we probably should have hopped on the last ferry over to Sougia, a vibrant little village with more of an evening vibe where we could continue our beer sampling. You could spend the night here if you too, like us, get carried away on the post hike beers. ** For those wondering, we ended up having to get a taxi boat back in the morning which cost €100 Samaria Gorge is definitely worth it if you are in Crete. The hike of a lifetime - it is insanely beautiful but also incredibly hot, so be prepared and don't forget to stop to take it all in. I hope this had helped you to plan your hike. If you have any questions please leave a comment. And as always any likes and shares are much appreciated. Happy Adventuring 🌄

If you are looking for something to do to spend the day in Fife then look no further. I am compiling a list of all the top things and fun activities I've done whilst living in Fife. This list will be forever growing and I look forward to sharing it with you as I uncover more activities/places that deserve a mention. If you have any suggestions of other exciting places I should visit or any questions, then feel free to drop a comment. Contents: (click to skip to section) Elie Chain Walk Dunino Den Maiden Rock & Kinkell Cave Caiplie Caves Cambo Estate Bowbridge Alpacas Viking Heat Retreat Maspie Den Buddo Rock & Boarhills Bunker Scottish Witch Trial Museum The famous Anstruther Chippies Elie Chain Walk Where - Elie Price - Free Parking - Free beside golf course Discover one of Scotland's best kept coastal secrets. This thrilling walk will have you scaling up cliff edges with the aid of metal chains. The entire route is half a kilometre in length, requiring a good level of fitness and a head for heights. You don't need to be an expert climber as there are sturdy footholds and the rock is quite grippy - ideally, tackle this on a dry day to prevent slips. Begin the route by heading to Earlsferry High street and continue to the golf club where you will find parking. A short walk along the beach towards the cliffs will lead you to the sign indicating the start of the chain walk. You'll encounter 8 chains positioned either vertically or horizontally across the cliffs. Once you reach the end, you can choose to walk back via the cliffs or do the chain walk in reverse to head back to where you started. Top tips check the tides before you go and go on a low tide wear sturdy footwear try to keep the chain between your legs where possible give yourself one or two hours to complete the route let someone know where you are going Dunino Den Where - Dunino, Fife Price - Free Parking - church carpark An ancient druid site of worship and sacrifice awaits you. Park in the church, and you'll find the entrance to the den just a short walk through the woods and down a set of pretty steep stairs - proceed with care. If you are unable to access via the stairs, you can easily walk past the church and enter from the other side. There is a well at the top of the stairs which is said to have been used for human sacrifice by the ancient druids, although it may be just a natural wonder. Once down in the den you can marvel at the carvings on the cliff face by worshippers - although it is debatable how old these carvings actually are and may be from the modern day. Offerings are still left here today, hanging from the trees and tucked into the cliffs. The area is seen by some as a gateway to the other world. This place is truly peaceful and possesses a magical quality that captivates visitors. Maiden Rock & Kinkell Cave Where - St Andrews Coastal Path Price - Free Parking - East Sands Maiden rock is a very popular spot for rock climbers and boulderers. If that's not your thing, then it is still worth taking the scenic coastal walk from St Andrews towards Crail, where after around 15 minutes you will find this impressive rock formation standing tall against the backdrop of the North Sea. There's a lovely beach here to enjoy the views. Further down the coastal path, an exciting cave lies hidden away amongst the rocks, was this a secret smugglers cave back in the day? A hermits hideaway? Who knows, but today it is nothing more than an exciting place to explore. You will find the cave close to a beach cove between Maiden Rock and the Rock and Spindle, where you will notice a slightly rugged path on the hillside. There's a rope dangling down to help you climb up to the cave's entrance, which is not visible from the ground. The cave itself is around 15 feet long and 80 feet wide and even on a sunny day you can immediately feel the cold and dampness of the overgrown moss on the walls. A cool and exciting place to explore, also providing you a sense of achievement from finding the cave and scaling up the steep hillside. The cave was excavated in 1913 and the findings of bones, tusks and seashells suggests that primitive people would have once occupied this cave. You must take care on the approach to Kinkell Cave as you will need to climb over multiple sets of rocks and they can be slippery and dangerous. Caiplie Caves Where - Near Pittenweem Price - Free Parking - Car park near the caves A cool set of natural rock formations and large caves to explore on the Fife coastal path, with the largest cave at around 10m deep and 5m high. These caves have been around since prehistoric times and archaeologists have found tools, bones and pottery here. You can see carvings on the rocks from monks and pilgrims from way back in the day. With stunning views of the North Sea, this is a great spot for outdoor adventurers with many passages and caves to explore. this makes it perfect for hiking, photography and exploring. Cambo Estate Where - Kingsbarns, Fife Price - £7.50 Parking - On site Cambo Estate is a historically cool spot on the Fife coastline in Scotland. This place is known for its gorgeous gardens, rich wildlife, and tons of outdoor activities that bring in visitors from all over the globe. It’s got a brilliant mix of natural beauty and cultural heritage, making it a one-of-a-kind place to explore. You can walk through the walled gardens where the flowers bloom throughout the year. The birds love to hang out here, and the woods and beachfront are home to many wildlife species too. The estate often runs organized nature walks where you can go wildlife spotting and learn about the plants. Cambo house is the historical Victorian house on the estate dating back to 1881, it is well-preserved and you can tour the grand interiors, decorated with period furnishings and artwork. There are various events and activities throughout the year, like seasonal festivals, workshops, and educational programs. These events often focus on sustainability and conservation, encouraging visitors to connect with nature in meaningful ways. There is a café and shop on site where you can buy freshly grown vegetables, bulbs and gifts. If you visit from Jan-Mar it is the perfect time to see the famous snowdrop festival. Bowbridge Alpacas Where - Peat Inn Price - £25 Parking - Free, on site We spent the afternoon here and it was a brilliant experience. You have the option of booking a one hour trek or two hour, which we opted for. You'll learn all about the alpacas, get to feed them, try some clicker training, and then you are then matched up with your very own furry friend that you can take on a trek and challenge yourself by leading them round an obstacle course. You are given plenty of picture opportunities throughout the day by a photographer on site. Afterwards you get to see the Alpaca fleece and even get the chance to felt your own mini alpaca. This is a great fun day out and suitable for all ages. Viking Heat Retreat Where - Balmalcolm Den Price - £15+ Parking - on site Located at the former muddy boots tie, the Viking Heat retreat is an outdoor haven where you can relax and take part in contrast therapy. The wood-fired sauna is always kept nice and toasty, which is perfect for you to heat up after braving a dip in the ice baths. What I love about this place is that there are lots of baths and pods, so everyone can go in together and support each other. This is one of my favourite spots for hosting wellness retreats. The two women who own the space are lovely, and one is always on hand to guide guests through the cold baths if they have never done it before. There are changing facilities and toilets on site too. Social sessions start at £15 and are at various times throughout the week (check out their social media here ) and you can book private hire of the space for £100 for the hour. Maspie Den Walk & Waterfall Where - Falkland Estate Price - Free Parking - Falkland Estate, Stables A beautiful woodland walk where you can walk behind a waterfall. The route takes you through a glen across wooden bridges, through tunnels and through the woodland until you reach the Yad waterfall that has a path behind it allowing you to stand behind the flowing water. The route can be quite muddy and slippery on a rainy day so take extra care. A wonderful wee walk with helpful signs on boulders assisting you with the way. You won't get much signal around here so be sure to have a copy of the route before setting off. If you are looking for a longer or more of a challenging walk, there are numerous options to extend this by starting from the Pillars of Hercules or taking in the nearby Lomond Hills. Buddo Rock & Boarhills Bunker Where - Fife Coastal Path, near St Andrews Price - Free Parking - Boarhills Town Buddo Rock is a dramatic rock formation on the east coast. You can get here by parking in Boarhills and following the signs for the Fife Coastal Path. The area is full of cool cliffs and stunning scenery which makes it popular with hikers, climbers and nature lovers. Buddo Rock itself stands tall and impressive, and with twisting patterns it gives the impression of something out of this world. If you are feeling brave enough you can climb up onto the top using the footholds in the narrow crack, that have been there since the Victorian ages. But please make sure you are careful and can get back down again. If you continue ten minutes or so along the path you will come across Boarhills Bunker hiding in the side of the cliff. Built around the 1940s, the bunker consists of two wartime pillboxes connected by a short tunnel. A really cool detour from the coastal path to explore a small piece of history. It can be quite spooky inside and be sure to watch out for the rusty metal - a torch would be useful here. The path here provides scenic views of the coast & North Sea but it can be quite slippery if it has been raining. Scottish Witch Trial Museum Where - Leven Price - £10 Parking - Free on Mitchel Street The Scottish Witch Trial Museum was opened by Lenny, a local historian whose ancestors were caught up in the trials and faced a terrible fate. Lenny is an extremely knowledgeable and passionate guide and possesses first hand artefacts from the witch trials that were passed down through his family. The tour lasts around 90 minutes and is equally daunting and informative. As well as learning about the history of the 173 years long witch hunts, you can view a number of torture devices that were used to identify the witches walking amongst us back in the day. Lenny will even trace back your family tree to see if any of your ancestors suffered a perilous fate. I don't want to give away too much information, so I suggest you check it out for yourself. The museum is open from Fri-Mon from 10-6pm an takes walk ins but if you are a big group and looking for a private session then you can message via the social media and book ahead. Visit Award Winning Chip Shops in Anstruther Where - Anstruther, East Fife Price - Varies Parking - Paid car park on street The Anstruther fish bar, an award winning chip shop on the seafront is definitely worth a visit if you are in the area. On sunny days, the queue can often be out the door, a true testament to its quality. You have the option to sit in to eat or to take-away, and there is also a yummy ice cream parlour where you can grab yourself a treat to eat on the waterfront - just watch out for the greedy seagulls. "The Wee Chippy" is just a few doors away and is equally as good in my opinion. Feel free to check out my other blogs about exploring in Scotland .

After our adventure packed trip in Torres Del Paine, completing the O Trek and spending some time horse-riding in the mountains , we had planned to cross the border to continue our adventure on the Argentinian side of Patagonia. We spent time exploring El Calafate and El Chalten and this is how our adventure looked... El Chalten This beautiful little town is found in Los Glacieres National Park. Known as the hiking capital of Argentina, it certainly felt like an adventure lovers playground from the second we arrived. Even the drive from El Calafate was jaw dropping, we had to keep pulling over to take photos of the stunning mountain views. Although a downside to this is you will see an incredible amount of dead guanaco that had been caught up in jumping over the fences. Although all hikes are very well signposted I used Alltrails+ and downloaded the routes just in case (you can never be too careful), I have linked the appropriate routes. You can get 30% off Alltrails here . Laguna Torre & Maestri Lookout A rewarding hiking trail that gives you views of Cerro Solo and Glacier Grande. The hike to Laguna Torre is 11miles (18km) all round and will take around 4 hours, and if you wish to continue further to the Maestri viewpoint, which I would very much recommend, it will be 12.7miles (22km) and take around 6 hours. This is a much shorter and simpler trek then Laguna de los Tres. After about 15 minutes of walking you will reach the first viewpoint giving you panoramic views of the mountains ahead. Upon reaching the moraine you will have the option to trek down to the lagoon or to continue along to ridge to the Maestri viewpoint where you can look down on the Torre Glacier - we did both. If you are lucky with the weather you will be treated to amazing views of the glacier, see bits of icebergs floating in the water and marvel at the iconic Cerro Solo standing tall - something about that mountain blew me away, I would love to climb it one day.   Laguna de los Tres and Laguna Sucia The Laguna de los Tres is a lake situated at the bottom of Cerro Fitz Roy, the hike here is one of the most popular hiking trails in Patagonia so prepare for it to be busy but it is sooooo worth it. This 13.7 mile (23km) hike also comes with a 960m elevation gain, almost half of which is done in the last 1km - so you will need to be pretty fit. We decided that we wanted to be at the view point for sunrise in the hopes of seeing the mountains turn orange in the morning glow (and boy did it pay off). There are two ways to do this, one is to leave super early in the morning and time it well and the other is to grab some camping equipment and stay at a campsite at the base of the viewpoint. We opted for the latter and rented everything we needed from a store in town and set off to reach Camp Poincenot before dark. The hike on the way to the campsite was pretty simple, the excitement was building and the views were getting better and better!! The campsite was pretty busy but we found a spot in the woods, went out to gaze at Fitz Roy under the stars and full moon and then settled down to try to get some sleep. From this point were only 2.5km away from Laguna de los Tres but 450m so the mornings hike in the dark was going to be tough - and that it was with the last 1km covering 400m of elevation. Thankfully the route is well pathed and you could take your time. We made it to the viewpoint with plenty of time to spare, waiting for the sunrise was super cold so I would take lots of layers or a bivvy if you can. When the first light came and the mountains started glowing orange I could have cried, in fact I think I maybe did. What a sight!!! This was definitely a bucket list hike for me and one that will stay with me forever. We spent considerable amount of time here and hiked down to the side of the lake. Laguna Sucia Once you have marvelled at the big three - Mt. Fitz Roy, Poincenot and Torre you could take a small side quest to Laguna Sucia a stunning alpine lake and totally worth it, it is bright blue and almost doesn't look real. Laguna Capri We took a small detour on the descent from Laguna de los Tres to stop at Laguna Capri which gave epic views across the lake and to Mount Fitz Roy. It is easy enough to add this to the above hike, but also for people who maybe don't want to hike the full way, this is achievable and still gives big views. The hike to Laguna Capri is 6 miles all round (10km). River Rafting On one of the days where we had hoped to go climbing the wind had other plans(it is terribly windy here so be prepared with a plan B). One of the few activities that was still able to run was river rafting down the Rio de las Vueltas. If you are looking for an adrenaline packed adventure then this is it! The 6mile (10km) rafting starts of pretty slow and scenic giving you a view of the mountains and surrounding areas but then hold on tight as you descend the class 3 rapids! This was such a thrill and I'm pleased to say that none of the people on my raft fell in (5 on the other raft did, and we had a bit of a rescue mission to get them all back to the rafts) but honestly everyone was safe and it just made it a lot more exciting. I'd highly recommend this if you have a spare morning or afternoon. Spaces can be booked here or by popping into the many outlets in El Chalten. Chorillo Del Salto A short and non demanding hike will take you to the Chorillo Del Salto waterfall. You can either walk about an hour from the town or drive to the car park where you will reach the waterfall in around 10 minutes. A powerful waterfall and a great picnic spot. In the winter the waterfall can freeze which would be super cool to see. Rio Canadon do los Torros If you have a vehicle and a desire to see some more waterfalls or even try a spot of fishing then the drive to this lake is worth it. We stopped several times along the way to see waterfalls and had a lovely walk alongside the lake when we got there. Not to mention the views were pretty epic. El Calafate Our stay in El Calafate was short and it was mainly used as rest days after the O Trek. There isn't huge amount to do in the actual town - it is mainly used as a base for exploring the surrounding attractions. One thing I absolutely loved about here was the street dogs - they are basically community pets, everyone loves them and they are treated so well by all the locals. If you love dogs you will absolutely love it here. Perito Moreno Glacier Located in Los Glaciers National Park which is around 1.5 - 2 hours from El Calafate. You can book to join a tour who will take you there by bus, but we had a rental car so opted to drive there ourselves, giving us control over our own schedule. There is no shortage of parking when you arrive here as the car park is huge and free of charge, you will however have to pay an entrance fee to access the boardwalks which is currently 45,000 pesos (as of June 2025). There are five different boardwalks for you to choose from to give you different views of the glacier: Central Circuit – 600 metres – 1:00 hours – Easy Lower Circuit – 1100 metres – 1:15 hours – Challenging Forest Trail – 570 metres – 0:45 hours – Moderate Shoreline Trail – 1117 metres – 1:30 hours – Moderate Accessible Circuit – 565 metres – 0.30 hours – Very easy In my opinion, Perito Moreno is one of the most impressive glaciers I have ever seen, towering at up to 60m above the waters of Lago Argentino, we stood watching in awe for ages, gasping every time a chunk broke off and hit the water with a loud crash - you could hear the noise long before you could spot the chunk falling away. Perito Moreno is one of the few ice zones in the world that is advancing instead of retreating. Although there were a lot of people here I never really felt as though you had to fight for a good view as the park is really well spaced out.  One thing to be mindful of is that even though you are standing watching a frozen glacier, it is so hot and the sun is really strong here so don't forget your sun cream, and I would also suggest taking some snacks as the queues for food were super long. For an even more exciting adventure you can also book a trip to trek on the glacier, or enjoy a boat trip for a close up look. Enjoy an Argentina Parrilla For meat lovers I cannot even begin to describe how delicious the food is in Calafate. An parrilla refers to grilled meats in an almost barbeque style and many of the restaurants you pass will have the meat on display, roasting over the grill in the window. Delicious. You may also find the opportunity to try guanaco, and I'd highly recommend trying a pisco or calafate sours alongside your dinner. Top Tips For El Calafate and El Chalten There can be a bit of a long wait to cross the border into Argentina - be prepared We found it really difficult to take money out of the ATM, we could literally only take like £1 out of the bank machines at any time which is a bit of a nightmare. If you can withdraw your money before you come here, it will save you a lot of hassle It can get WINDY and it is no joke. Be prepared with layers and with a plan B in case your first plan falls through Signal can be ropey so you should download offline maps before you set off on your hikes - Alltrails+ Fuel - if you are driving the fuel stations between El Calafate and El Chalten are limited, make sure you fill up before your journey

The O Trek from Paine Grande In January 2024 we set off for the trip of a lifetime - hiking the O Trek in Patagonia, Torres Del Paine. The whole of the trek plus the viewpoints is 136k, and we did it over 7 days and 6 nights. We spent months planning and preparing for this trip. Upon reaching Chile, our first stop on the journey was Puerto Natales where we stayed for two nights to relax after the flight and make sure we had everything ready for the trek itself - this is a great base for the Trek and there is lots of information and excursions from here. Before setting off, you will want to give yourself some prep time to pack your rucksack, book your bus ticket to the park & to make sure you have snacks and food prepared for the trails - I actually made us sandwiches for the week so we didn't need to worry about lunch every day as we would likely be out hiking. We were lucky that our hotel let us leave our luggage as we had booked to stay there again on the night we got back from the O Trek - most places will allow you to do this, some may ask for a small fee. This guide contains everything about how we did it. We know that a lot of people start at camp central, but we wanted to mix it up a bit and start at Paine Grande. We wanted to do things this way where we would start off with most of the W trek and finished with the O. Things to know before you go - You have got to book into your campsites before arriving You can get dinner at some campsites but it is not always guaranteed so be prepared Everyone must walk the same direction on the O trek You will experience every single weather condition possible so pack accordingly You should download your park tickets to your phone or print them before entering the park as there is limited signal there and you need to show your tickets There are shower at most of the campsites - I can't guarantee that they are hot. The queues can be quite long and make sure you take shower shoes Wi-fi is available at most camps - some camps are paid and some are free. Again it is not guaranteed to be any good. A list of the campsites we stayed at - The total cost of our park entrance fees and campsite bookings for the trip was - $823/£652. I have numbered and highlighted the camps we stayed at in order in red on the map just for your information , although there are some other camps you can book into along the way to break down the longer days. An example of the snacks available at camp stores You absolutely must book all your campsites before arrival or they wont let you in the park. We used Torres Hike to do this as it made it simpler to book all the different campsites without going into the different companies booking systems. We thought we booked pretty far in advance but it turns out we were actually late as there were only certain options available at some sites. We had planned to rent tents at each of the campsites there, but at some sites they only had premium left so we had to take that - turns out that was actually quite lovely and they were tent boxes in the trees. If we were to do it again I'd probably try to book all premium for the comfort an ease at the end of the day. If you prefer, and are a bit more sociable than us, there are also Refugio's at most stops that you can book into. Now, there are supposed to some mini markets and groceries on some of the camps but I'd use that term loosely and wouldn't rely on them too much as some were pretty limited, great for grabbing biscuits and snacks but very limited on things you could make a substantial meal from. The pictures are from one of the more well stocked shops and as you can see you would still be rather limited. The further you got from the W trek the harder it got to source food from the shops. But, thankfully if you plan ahead all of the campsites have dining facilities where they will feed you your dinner - we didn't book ahead for any of these but we ended up doing some dinners last minute as it actually was pretty good value and a good feed. Refugio & Camp Cuernos - premium tent, groceries, WiFi, showers, food available if you book ahead Torres Central & North - premium tent, snacks only from shop, restaurant here - booked in for dinner and 3 course, well fed. Good vibes here Camp Serron - premium tent, possible puma sightings around this camp. There is supposed to be a minimarket here? We could not find it Refugio & Camping Dickson - standard tent, groceries here but very limited Camp Los Perros - standard tent. There really is nothing here, if you want dinner you must book it in advance. They can't even give you water to cook noodles. Everyone MUST leave the campsite by 6am Refugio & Campsite Grey - standard tent, restaurant, groceries & activities. Very well equipped & much busier as you are back on the W. * When it says supermarket & groceries on the camp information - take that lightly as it is very limited, not always stocked and tends to be mainly noodles or sometimes tinned fish. I'd definitely recommend trying to prepare as much as you can before entering the park and using this as a back up not a reliance. Useful maps & routes (for 30% off Alltrails+ click here ) Full O Trek & W Trek Paine Grande to Cuernos (including trek to Mirador Britanico) Cuernos to Torres Central Torres Central to Seron Seron to Dickson Dickson to Los Perros Los Perros to Grey - there are two sections to this as people often stop at the earlier camp Part 1 - Los Perros to Camp Paso Part 2 - Camp Paso to Grey Grey to Paine Grande Base Las Torres (towers for sunrise) Day 1 – Puerto Natales to Camp Cuernos  Total Distance – 25k Paine Grande to Cuernos - 14.5k 5h Hike to Mirador Britanico and back 10k - bus from Puerto Natales to Pudeto  - ferry across the lake into the park to Paine Grande (ticket bought on boat) - viewpoints Frances & Britanico We set off from our hotel Puerto Natales at 6am to ensure we had plenty time to reach the bus station and be on board the bus by 7am. The bus initially stops at Amargo gate where you must get off to show your park documents - I'd recommend downloading them to your phone ahead of this as there is no signal here and intermittent wi-fi. After this the journey continues on to Pudeto, soon the breath-taking mountain landscape will come into view. As we waited to board the ferry we grabbed some lunch from the café there and stood admiring the lake and in awe of the mountains that await us. One lesson I have learned from this trip is that the ferries very much run to their own time schedule. We entered the park and arrived at Camp Grande at around 11.30am and immediately set off for our first point of the day - camp Italiano. It may have been because of the excitement but we made it here in only 2 hours. From this point, you can opt to hike up to the Mirador Britanico, which I would definitely recommend as the view is incredible. To allow us to move more efficiently we left our bags at Italiano at the old camp base. As you ascend through Valle Frances, you are treated to incredible views and get your first glimpse of a glacier upon the mountains. We stopped to admire this for a while, wondering if any of the ice would break off and crash to the ground. By the time we reached camp Cuernos, we had hiked 16 miles, and it was starting to take its toll, feeling much longer due to carrying such big bags. We realised that this was an ambitious first day, but we knew our fitness and just wanted to push on. Some people choose to stay at Frances to shorten the journey. When we booked our camping, only the premium tents were available - these were like large tent boxes nestled amongst the woods, which turned out to be a blessing because the wind this night was fierce. It felt much safer to be in a sturdy tent sheltered by the trees than out in the open. The next morning, we saw someone who's tent had been destroyed by the winds. Overall an exciting and action packed first day. Day 2 – Camp Cuernos to Torres Central    11.6k – 4.5h  After a long day yesterday we treated ourselves this morning and slept in a bit, knowing we had a shorter day of hiking ahead of us. We then walked on to Torres Central. It was a really hot day today, but it was a pretty short trail. We met some friendly Americans on the trail who were coming to the end of their trek, it was great to hear all their stories and tips. Along the trail there were cool little rope bridges enabling you to cross the rivers. Upon reaching Torres Central, we found it much livelier than the previous camp. This seems to be the main starting and ending point for the W trek and the point of entry for most day trips into the park. We enjoyed lunch in the sunshine at the restaurant - quesadillas and chips instead of the squashed sandwiches in our bag. There were stunning views of Monte Almirante Nieto from there, a stunning mountain that we actually looked into climbing whilst we were there, but the wind had other plans. The restaurant here had really good tunes playing and it was good vibes, so we naturally ended up drinking pisco sours in the sun. We decided to book in for dinner there, which was delicious – pumpkin soup, chicken and quinoa & a white chocolate mousse for dessert.   Day 3 - Central Torres to Seron & Mirador Las Torres for sunrise Central to Seron 13k - 4 hours  Base Las Torres 20k - 8 hours Total for the day - 33k We set our alarm to wake up in the middle of the night and set off to catch the sunrise at Mirador Las Torres. The path up was pretty straightforward in the dark, but make sure you have a good head torch with you as there are a few bits through the trees. During the last push to the view point, we somehow managed to stray from the path (which was really obvious - I blame the tiredness) and ended up scrambling up the rocks, which was actually quite fun. If you time it right, the mountain's face glows orange in the first light of the day - this was remarkable witness. We were certainly lucky because as soon as the sunrise show was over, the clouds rolled in and it rained for the rest of the day. I felt really sorry for the people coming up after us, as it was dull and rainy, and there probably weren't very good views at the top. After returning to camp, we took a quick nap before continuing on to our next destination - our campsite at Seron. Just as we were leaving Torres Central, two pumas crossed right in front of our path, we were incredibly lucky to witness such magnificent creatures up close. The hike to Seron was quite soggy and uneventful due to the constant rain. This was our first experience of the O Trek, and became noticeable as there were significantly fewer people around. Our tent at Camp Seron was up a hill, which gave us stunning views. We were able to have dinner here too in the small dining room - I actually really enjoyed the dinners as it gave you a chance to chat to other people who were doing the same route as you. Day 4 - Seron to Dickson 18k – 6 hours This hike offered my favourite views on the trail so far (excluding the viewpoint excursions). Upon reaching the pass, you can see the mountainous landscape directly ahead. It was extremely windy, and I actually did see a few people get blown over. You must do a check in with the park guards halfway along the route, where they will review your paperwork. The second part of the hike is pretty flat, with boardwalks leading you over the wet boggy areas. After one final push up onto the hillside, you can spot your campsite in the distance - but the descent to get there is pretty steep. From the camp, if you want to explore a bit more, you can set out to find the gravel beach at the back of the camp, which offers stunning views of the alpine water and mountains. This was our first night sleeping on the ground in a tent, and it was much colder than I had anticipated, so I ended up renting a thick sleeping mat from the reception.   Day 5 - Dickson to Los Peros   11.8k – 4.5h   When we awoke at Camp Dickson, we were fortunate to witness the mountain rescue helicopter coming in to land at our camp for some training - an exhilarating start the day. This section of the route was a pleasant, gentle walk through a woodland area. On the approach to the next campsite, you'll see an alpine lake with a glacier flowing into it - this was the perfect place to stop for a rest. I honestly wouldn't hurry to reach this camp, as there's not much to see or do. The camping area is quite cramped and hidden away in the woods. You can have dinner here, but nothing else, and if you haven't booked it in advance then you're out of luck - speaking from experience. Although we didn't actually want dinner, just some hot water to make our noodles we had bought from the previous camp, but even that was a challenge. We managed to charm the woman at the ranger hut into popping the kettle on for us and helping us out - legend! Everyone HAD to leave camp by 6am to cross the John Garner pass, so we turned in for an early night. We didn't sleep very well as it was really quite windy in the woods but we got enough rest to prepare us for the big day ahead the following day. Day 6 - Los Peros to Grey 15k – 11 hours  John Garner Pass  Suspension bridges x 3 First views of the Glacier I awoke feeling quite drowsy from a rubbish sleep due to the wind and the noise from others getting ready to leave camp for the day. We set off up the mountain at a good pace, passing many hikers who had started before us. We knew it would be a pretty long day; although the distance wasn't great there was a steep ascent and descent. The climb to the top of Garners Pass wasn't too difficult; we managed in good time. Once you reach the top, you get your first glimpse of Glacier Grey, which was magnificent. I've been fortunate enough to see a glacier before but not one this impressive. It remained in view for the rest of the journey, making the descent more enjoyable. If you looked closely, you could see tiny figures walking on it - little did we know that we would be those people the next day. There are also three suspension bridges to cross on the way to Camp Grey. Some of these are pretty daunting as they are very high off the ground, crossing deep ravines, and by early afternoon, the wind picks up significantly causing them to sway slightly - which can be quite frightening. Upon reaching Camp Grey, you have re-joined the W trail, so things begin to get much livelier again and there are more facilities. We sniffed out an activities centre nearby to check if it was possible to kayak to the glacier the following morning. This wasn't available due to the weather but we were offered ice trekking on the glacier instead. We were lucky to snag a last minute space, but I would definitely recommend booking to ensure you get the chance. We also went on a bit of a side quest after reaching the camp to visit the bay on Lago Grey, where you could see the icebergs that had broken off from the glacier up close; some of these were huge. Day 7 - Camp Grey to Paine Grande 11k – 3.5 hours  The end of the O Trek Big foot excursions ice trek on the glacier - 5 hours £170/ $225 Last ferry back to Podeto Bus return to Puerto Natales - 7pm On our final day of the O Trek, I felt quite sad it was coming to an end, though my body was looking forward to a proper shower and comfortable bed. We got up early to hike on the glacier with Big Foot Excursions . The tour group provided us with crampons for safely walking on the ice, and we were able to leave out backpacks at their office, taking only what was necessary for the morning. This adventure lasted about three hours and was incredible. We took a boat to the excursion's starting point, which was thrilling because there was always the possibility that huge chunks of ice could break free from the glacier and crash into the water creating massive waves. During the trek, we walked across the glacier, explored inside an ice cave, and peered over the edge into one of the crevasses. This was a thrilling experience and a great way to fill our last morning here. The second half on the day and the trek to Paine Grande was longer than anticipated and so so windy. I don't think I've ever been anywhere in my life that is as windy as Patagonia and I live in Scotland so that's saying something. You have great views of Lago Grey on the walk. We had some downtime time to chill at the restaurant/bar at Paine Grande, where we indulged in one too many pisco sours to celebrate our accomplishments (we celebrated with these quite frequently during the trek as well). The ferry to return back to Pudeto was late (surprise surprise) and very crowded. The bus journey back felt long as we were tired from the thrilling days in the park. As soon as we reached Puerto Natales we headed straight to the nearest bar to eat our own body weight in food and beers - it was well deserved. Just a little windy We did it! We completed the O Trek. What an incredible journey overall in the most beautiful part of the world. If you ever get the chance to embark on this wonderful trip then you absolutely should do it! If you have any questions or comments leave them below - I hope you have enjoyed reading about our version of the O Trek. Feel free to read more about my South American Adventures here . Me feeling small against Patagonia's incredible mountains

Ok, so this blog isn't my usual informative guide, but I just couldn't resist sharing this amazing experience with you, as horseback riding through the mountains of South America is a memory that I will never forget. This was completely organised by someone Tom knows who lives over there, so I wouldn't even know where to begin to plan this yourself. What a unique and special way to spend my 35th birthday. Day 1 We arrived into Santiago in the morning, but our luggage decided it was much happier back in London, causing us some panic as all of out kit for the O Trek was packed in it, and we would urgently need it in the next few days. The airline assured us it would be on the way on the next flight, so we decided to just carry on with our plans and hope it arrived. Fortunately, we were staying with Tom's friend in Puerto Montt, so after a quick flight there, we borrowed some of their clothes & went to a supermarket to prepare us for the next few days. Upon arriving at Dionisio's wonderful home, we were treated to a large home-cooked lunch of delicious seafood and meat and then quickly sorted out our saddles and horse bags ready for the next part of our adventures. Our guide for the next few days had already taken the horses to the meeting point ready for the next morning. Off to the mountains we went and after dinner and some drinks we settled down in the Refugio to spend the night.   Day 2 It's my birthday!!! And I can't imagine a better way to wake up than in a cabin in the mountains!! We experienced a minor delay as one of the horses had been kicked by another, so our guide had to return it to the ranch and bring a suitable replacement. Once we eventually mounted our horses, we started our trek into the mountains. There was so much to take in and we were only just getting started - the views around us were insane. My horse, Peppa, was a bit of a madam and insisted on being ahead of Tom’s horse at all times & nowhere near Dionisio's or she would lash out. The first half of the day involved riding up the steep hills, and then we stopped for lunch next to a small lake. The horse flies around here were no joke, and I got bitten so many times, it was so painful. As we continued the trek, we had to tackle several river crossings, which the horses handled brilliantly but the wee dog looked like he might get swept away at one point. Eventually, we reached our camping spot for the night and set up our tent in the middle of the mountains. The horses were allowed to roam around the area where we camped (I was somewhat worried they might run off and we would have to walk back, but they didn't). We gathered twigs and firewood from nearby trees, constructed a spit and a frame for cooking the meat we brought and set it over a blazing fire. We sat around sharing stories and laughing, and it honestly felt like we had all known each other for ages - isn't it amazing how spending time in nature can bring that out in people? As dusk fell we were treated to a chorus of frogs croaking by the river. It was so constant that it became soothing and we slept like babies through the night.   Day 3 We woke up in the mountains and kicked off the day with a tasty breakfast of eggs cooked on the hot stone alongside some fresh avocado. Luckily for us, our horses didn't run off during the night, so we saddled them up and got ready for the trek back. It felt a lot smoother today as we had settled in and our confidence had grown - I even managed to get off to a wee canter. After spending eight hours on horseback yesterday, things were taking their toll and we were starting to walk like John Wayne. My horse and Tom's horse were much closer today - so close that my horse let out the biggest fart right on Tom's horses head. Naturally, this set me off and I couldn't stop laughing. On our way back, we had to avoid and duck under branches (Tom nearly lost his head at one point) and squeeze through rather tight gorges - it seemed like it should be rather challenging for the horses but they took it all in their stride. At one point, we went down an incredibly steep slope, and the trip leader gave us the option to get off and walk alongside the horses, we braved it and made it down safely. The day was filled with laughter and giggling, really bringing out our inner kids. When we got back, we said goodbye to the horses, thanked you to the leaders and returned to Dionisio's house for a good wash and the biggest slap up family dinner I've ever seen. The hospitality in this country is so warm and welcoming, and I would definitely spend much longer here if I was given the opportunity.

Accommodation I was very lucky to be given the chance to stay at the Highland Club in Fort Augustus . Now, I've seen pictures of this place online and I thought 'yeah that looks pretty cool' but when I arrived I was blown away. As you arrive you are buzzed in through the old iron electric gates and are treated to the sight of the old converted Abbey towering in front of you - looking much like a magical castle. We were then greeted by Marty and Graeme, who delighted us to a tour around the grounds, giving us a little history lesson about what used to be here. They have been incredibly helpful throughout our stay here. The building architecture, gargoyles, long cloister style corridors and features such as the giant chess board give off Harry Potter vibes and there really is something magical about the building. Plus, it is literally right on the bank of Loch Ness, you are only a two minute walk away from the Loch and the hopeful opportunity to spot Nessie at any given time. On site there are numerous facilities including; An incredibly welcoming reception - where you can chill and they have snacks and drinks for the Highland Club guests (I may have raided the fridge to satisfy a fizzy juice craving one evening.) Swimming Pool, Spa & Sauna - Must be pre-booked. Only 10 people can book at any one time but personally I would try to book for a quieter time to have more space to yourself. The sauna & steam room would seat about 3 people at a time. Bookings can be made via the online booking system between 9 - 6pm. Lounge room - pool table, comfortable chairs and you can take your drinks down. Access until 11pm Gym - can fit two people at a time. You must book this in advance. Sports Simulator - This must be booked online in advance for a maximum of 4 people. The cost is £45 for an hour and 15 minutes and you can choose from a huge variety of games from football, racing, shooting, baseball (my favourite), golf and loads more. This was a great way to pass a rainy morning. Boathouse restaurant - enjoy lunch, dinner or a drink in the converted boathouse on the pier of Loch Ness. Open from spring onwards. Library - in my opinion this was honestly the coolest room in the whole building. Loads of books for you to read, give a sort of mystic themed. With Harry potter cushions and decorations hidden within the bookshelves it was definitely giving magical vibes. The Magical Library Our Apartment The Highland Club look after 16 apartments on the premises and we were out in number 15 Abbey Church and wow - I was not expecting such a gorgeous layout. The décor inside is so stylish and gives and old money aesthetic. I was completely surprised by the sheer size of the place and spent the first ten minutes discovering new rooms and appliances we had - this place is better equipped than my house! We had two huge bedrooms, the master has an en-suite, the kitchen is just massive with a large wooden dining table, a desk in the corridor if you need to get some work done whilst you are away, there are numerous books, games, quizzes and things for activities all around the apartment if you fancied a rest day of chilling. and with views from the living room and bedrooms onto Loch Ness. We were very kindly presented with a welcome hamper of dreams - with so many goodies in it: fudge, popcorn, shortbread, wine, pasta, noodles, crackers, cereals and porridge. Between the apartment and the on site facilities there is so much to do here, you could happily stay on the grounds for your entire stay. But that's not what I'm about (they don't call me db.explores for nothing) and being in such an beautiful part of Scotland you would be missing out if you didn't get out to explore for yourself. Things To Do In The Scottish Highlands - Loch Ness - the loch is literally a two minute walk from the apartments. A peaceful place to sit and enjoy the views, take a picnic or try your luck at spotting Nessie. Take a Cruise on Loch Ness - River Ness Cruises is also a two minute walk from your apartments. At the moment they are running a 50 minute trip on the Loch daily at 1pm, 2pm and 3pm at a cost of £20 per adult. I didn't spot Nessie this time but I did learn lots of interesting facts about the loch. Do you believe a plesiosaur or monster is living here? Steall Falls - a 40 minute walk will take you to Scotland's second highest waterfall with a 120m drop. You can either wade through the shallow river or cross the wire bridge (which is amazing fun) to get the best view of the falls. This is also one for the Harry Potter fans, as some of the scenes were filmed here. See more waterfalls featured on my list of the best waterfalls in Scotland . Glenfinnan Viaduct - another one for the Potter fans. Around an hours drive away from The Highland Club. £5 parking at the visitors centre. You can walk up to several viewpoints on the hill and if you time your visit right you will be delighted by the passing of the Harry Potter train. Loch Shiel - a scenic viewpoint over Loch Shiel and the surrounding mountains. Harry Potter fans may recognise this from the movies. This is right across from the viaduct carpark so it makes sense to visit at the same time. There is also an impressive war monument there to commemorate the Jacobite Rising. Loch Tarff - A small freshwater Loch just 20 minutes away from the Highland Club. With impressive views and some hill walks, I would recommend stopping here on your way to the Falls of Foyer. If you look carefully you may be lucky to spot some wildlife - stags, birds of prey, frogs, ducks and fish are all frequent visitors around here. Falls of Foyer  - These falls were a lot more impressive than I was expecting, standing tall at an impressive 140ft. You walk down quite a steep set of stairs (I'd say maybe 100 total) through the woodland to reach the upper viewpoint which is maybe 5-10 minutes away from the entrance, if you wish you can continue down to the lower viewpoint which is not much further down and gives impressive views of the gorge. There is a shop and café at the entrance to the falls if you need to refuel before or after your adventure. Plodda Falls - this is around a 50 minute drive from The Highland Club but absolutely worth the journey, even the view driving to the falls is impressive. After a short walk from the carpark you will reach the wooden viewing platform where you can walk out to a suspended ledge over the falls. This is really quite thrilling and if you look down you will see the waterfall plunging 151ft into the valley below. You will need a head for heights for this part. If you continue your walk you can walk through the impressive fir trees to a lower platform where the trees have created their own viewing platform from their roots. From here you will be blown away by the noise and force of the powerful falls in the distance. Corpach Shipwreck (The Old Boat of Caol) - An old fishing vessel that has been moored on the shores of Kinlochleven. This is a popular spot for tourists and photographers alike. Do Some Hiking - you are surrounded by some of the finest hills that Scotland has to offer. Notably, Ben Nevis is less than an hours drive away and can be reached from the tourist path at Glen Nevis. If you are a Munro Bagger there are multiple hills near here waiting to be ticked off. ** If you are going to enjoy some hiking, please make sure you have a route planned, you've told someone where you are going and are carrying the correct equipment. I hope you've found this blog helpful to make the most of your stay with The Highland Club, and to guide you in finding the best things to do in the Scottish Highlands - such a wonderful part of Scotland. Feel free to check out my other blogs about exploring in Scotland .

Our journey started by hopping on the Calmac ferry from Ardrossan to Brodick which only takes 55 minutes. We booked to take the car over but you also have the option to travel as foot passengers. We based ourselves at the Kings Caves Glamping pods . These comfortable and spacious self catering pods are in a fantastic central location, and there is a communal hot tub that you can rent on site. We picked up a great deal on these. You also have some friendly geese as neighbours who might come right up to your door to see what you're up to. Things to Do on Arran Kings Caves T he coastal path that takes you to the Kings Caves is more than just a walk, it's a historical trip through stunning scenery. As you stroll along you will be blessed with views of the rocky coastline, vast ocean and waves crashing against the cliffs. This spot is famous thanks to Robert the Bruce, the legendary Scottish king who is rumoured to have hidden out here whilst planning his victorious comeback battle against the English. This is where the legendary story of the spider comes from, Bruce is said to have watched the spider spinning his web in the corner of the cave. The spider kept failing but eventually succeeded and this inspired Bruce to keep fighting for Scotland's freedom. This story is now symbolic in Scottish folklore and is a reminder about never giving up even when things get tough. The caves are like a time capsule, with old graffiti and markings on the walls dating back to the 19th century. If you decide to explore further down the path, you'll find more hidden caves tucked away from the main trail. But be careful - it can be slippery and some require a little bit of scrambling to get there. This part reminded me of Jurassic Park, with the thick plants, moss covered rocks and overgrowth covering the ground beneath you. On our walk we came across a goat that had slipped and fell from the cliffs above and sadly perished on the rocks below. We used this Alltrails route. If you would like a further 30% off Alltrails+ click here . Eas A'Chrannaig (Glenashdale Falls) The Eas A'Chrannaig or Glenashdale falls is a must see, the walk to the falls is just as amazing as the falls themselves, taking you through lush forests, tall trees, and colourful plants. The surroundings are very peaceful and the sounds of nature make it a great escape for anyone who loves the outdoors. The waterfall is pretty remarkable as it crashes down the rocky cliffs. The force of the water creates a mist that hangs in the air, and if the sun’s out, you might even be lucky enough to catch a rainbow in the spray, adding a magical touch. As well as the falls, there’s also the chance to check out the nearby Giants' Graves, ancient burial sites with loads of history. Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to visit the Giants' Graves on this trip, but I will be back. And, the walk to the waterfall provided a great experience on its own. Check out more of the best waterfalls to visit in Scotland . Machrie Moor Standing Stones About a 45 minute walk from the car down a farm track, we timed this perfectly so we would catch the sunset during our visit. As the sky turned orange the stones stood out impressively against the backdrop. The site is the remains of six standing stone circles dating back around 4500 years, where they are believed the have been a religious site for worship, cremations and burials. One of the circles is known as Fingal's (the giant) cauldron seat and is Scottish myths is said to be where Fingal the giant sat to cook his dinner. There are information boards along the way to tell you the historical significance and be sure to explore past the first circle. Glen Rosa & The Fairy Pools We parked at the campsite and walked into Glen Rosa on a beautiful sunny day. The green grass, blue waters and towering mountains up ahead make a really picturesque scene. There are several pools in the glen and you will reach the first one around 1.5 miles into your walk. If you continue on, you will find lots of other swimming opportunities, waterfalls, places to jump in and the famous 'Fairy' pools. We visited in April and although it was nice and sunny outside the pools were freezing, it certainly was enough to wake you up and after being brave enough to jump in I wanted to do it again and again. The area around the pools is full of different plants and animals, making it a great spot for nature lovers and photographers. I'd definitely recommend a walk through Glen Rosa on your trip to Arran, you can make your hike as as challenging as you see fit with the option to continue through the Glen and up to Goatfell. North Goatfell & Goatfell If you fancy a bit of a challenge and summiting a mountain is on your horizons then look no further than Goatfell. Climbing up Goatfell, especially from the north side, is a thrilling adventure that gives you amazing views and a real sense of achievement. The northern route takes you along a rocky ridge with a few scrambling bits, adding some excitement to your hike. While this path can be steep and tough, it's doable if you're in decent shape and ready for the trek. If you want an easier climb, you can take the regular route to Goatfell, which skips North Goatfell. This way is well-pathed and a lot gentler. The views from the top of Goatfell are amazing, especially if you manage to catch the sunset, when the sky lights up with vibrant colours - just please make sure you have a head torch for the route back down. As per hiking any mountain in the UK make sure you are appropriately dressed and have the correct navigation and equipment for your day. Honesty Boxes   Throughout the year you will find various honesty boxes dotted around all over the island, where the locals sell their home baking, eggs, jams, vegetables and more. The honesty boxes are usually an eye catching handmade wooden set up which is located at the end of a drive way or near farms which encourages locals or tourists to get involved in using them. The idea behind these honesty boxes is simple but meaningful: you pick out your items, and then drop your payment in the box. This setup counts on the community's honesty, promoting responsibility and mutual respect among everyone who uses it. As you explore the island you will come across different honesty boxes offering different services. This cool approach not only boosts local businesses but also strengthens community bonds, making it a beloved part of island life. This was my first ever visit to Arran and I can't wait to return to explore some more. If anyone has any suggestions please leave a comment below. Feel free to check out my other blogs about exploring in Scotland .

We embarked on a whirlwind 24 hour trip to London to visit parliament and decided to make the most of it with a trip to the Connaught hotel for a fancy dinner and for my partner to share his oysters with the chefs to let them try them before serving them (how crazy to think that Toms oysters are now served in Michelin star restaurants across the UK and this was the first one we supplied). Our trip went a little like this... We left Edinburgh on the 10:50 am flight to London City and then hopped on the tube straight to Parliament. We were lucky enough to snag an invite to celebrate 25 years of Seafood Scotland. After showing our invites at the gates, we went through security which was very thorough and Tom almost got in trouble for smuggling an oyster shell in in his pocket. The event was set to kick off at 2:30 pm, so we had about half an hour to hang out in the hall—and wow, what a building! As soon as you walk in, you're blown away by the huge ceilings and stained glass windows. To give you an idea of the size, there was a cherry picker fully extended, just so workers could fix the lights. On our way to the event room, we passed the House of Commons, which was in session and heavily secured, with no phones allowed in that area at all. The Seafood Scotland event started with a welcome speech from Torcuil Crichton, followed by some great talks from Ian Murray and Diane from Seafood Scotland. Then it was time for networking, catching up, and, most importantly, enjoying sandwiches, cakes, and champagne. We had to dash out to make it to the Connaught restaurant in time to catch up with the chefs before tonight's service. When we got there, the oysters we'd sent ahead were already in the kitchen, waiting for the head chef to try them. He loves them, so fingers crossed this means Tom can start supplying them in here. Being in the kitchen was amazing, with everyone hustling to prep for dinner. We let them get on with it and headed back to the hotel to get ready for our own dinner plans. The Connaught hotel is visually striking—a grand, historic building full of character and charm, with the friendliest doorman to welcome you as you come and go. An Aston Martin and a Rolls Royce parked at the entrance hint at the type of clientele the hotel attracts. However, the guests are quite diverse across the different rooms, and I believe everyone should experience a visit at least once in their lifetime. We were told to go check out the Connaught bar so we popped in ahead of dinner. This was a charming bar area bustling with guests. As soon as we sat down, they brought over some olives and crackers, plus a welcome drink on the house. I don't drink alcohol so I opted for an alcohol free cocktail and I'm not 100% sure of exactly what it was or what was in it but it tasted amazing - it did have the biggest ice cube I ever did see in my glass though. Tom decided to give the famous martini truck a go. They wheel it over to you and the first step is to choose your base flavour. The wonderful server proceeds to drop a tiny tincture of flavours onto a piece of card and allows you to choose which aroma attracts you the most. Meanwhile he is mixing up your martini like a boss and putting on a thrilling show! Finally, when all is done, your martini is served. I have it on good record that it was an extremely good martini. Just a heads up, a few drinks at the bar could easily get quite expensive with some of the cocktails ranging up to £2000 for the ones with aged spirits. My jaw was on the floor. It was now time for our dinner. We were both completely ravenous, which was lucky as we were about to be served seven courses - plus some surprise additional courses courtesy of the chefs - which was a remarkably kind gesture and we got to really experience what the Connaught menu was all about. Their menu offers a set 7-course meal (with an option to choose 5 courses) and includes the possibility to upgrade three of the dishes. The cost of the dinner is £225 per person, not including the supplements or drinks. The restaurant's interior was spotless, and the service was outstanding. For each dish, one waiter would introduce the course, while two others would serve you, ensuring the plates were placed on the table simultaneously. Now I'm about to talk you through every course here, so be prepared. This was a seven course taster menu and we were also given some surprise dishes courtesy of the chefs. Tom enjoyed some glasses of wine with his dinner, where as I opted for alcohol free wine from Germany which was actually really lovely, you could taste the beautiful g rapes. Mushroom & Pine Nut Consume. This was a little pallet cleanser to begin with, it was like a clear soup. I really enjoyed this as it lots of flavour. You could really taste the mushrooms, it tasted really earthy but in a good way (Tom says the word is umami apparently) Canapés. In front of us were three of the most exquisite looking canapés, resembling works of art that seemed almost too beautiful to eat. Two were adorned with edible flowers, while the third was covered in gold. They featured anchovies with Amalfi lemon, cured venison and wild mushrooms coated in gold, and sea trout with dill. My favourite was the sea trout and dill, but all of them were incredibly delicious. Course 1 - Red Mullet. We both opted for this dish instead of choosing to upgrade to caviar. Red mullet is type of fish for anyone who didn't know as I didn't, it was quite raw almost like the fish you get in sushi. I really enjoyed it, it wasn't an overly strong tasting fish and there was a delicious foam alongside it. I really liked the foam part - I think it had a taste of hazelnut. We were off to a good start with this dish. Surprise Course - Caviar . We could have picked the caviar for our first course, but we didn't. However the chefs very kindly sent this out for us to share so we could try it. The caviar was atop of a bed of a blended seafood which consisted of langoustine, sea urchin, cauliflower and pine nuts. I really loved the caviar but the seafood mix was just a little too over powering for me, it was very strong in flavour, so I only had a little and focused on the caviar. On the flip side, Tom was all over the seafood blend and thought it was one of the best things he had tastes. I guess it just goes to show how different tastes can be! Course 2 - Smoked Beetroot.   This was my favourite savoury dish of the evening. The flavours were simply exceptional. I never knew beetroot could taste like this. It was smoked in the kitchen and dropped in the fire, with the top layers removed to reveal a delightful taste underneath. It was served with a wonderful creamy sauce, along with pike and trout roe. Wow!! Intermediate - Homemade Bread and Butter.   The butter looked amazing it looked like something from a reef under the sea or as if it had been pushed through a playdough machine. The bread had been baked freshly in the kitchen and was really lovely but I was aware of how much food we still had to come so I didn't eat too much as I didn't want to take up any more room in my stomach. Course 3 - Scallop   This delicious large Scottish scallop came all the way from Scotland, just like us. This was served alongside a carrot puree which was lovely and there was a hint of spices throughout the dish. It was a lightly poached scallop which is different from the way we would usually cook ours. This tasted lovely but I'm not too keen on a lot of citrus flavour so that put me off slightly. Surprise Course - Sweetbread & Tuna Heart.   This was an option from the specials menu, and yes you read that correctly... tuna heart! Did I ever envisage myself eating tuna heart? No, I absolutely not. But did I eat it and even enjoy it? Yes, surprisingly I did. The tuna heart was two years old and had been dried and aged. The server had to wear a glove whilst shaving on to the top of the dish - like you would a truffle. The smell was very strong but it didn't taste too strong in the dish. During the meal I asked Tom what sweetbread was and he politely told me that he would tell me what it is after I finished eating it, which now in hindsight I am thankful for. Sweetbread is a baby calf's pancreas - never thought I'd see the day that I would be eating this but here we were. Overall the sweetbread was nice and crispy and full of flavour and the tuna heart complimented it perfectly. Course 4 - John Dory.   So, I didn't know what a John Dory was at first, but now I know it's a type of fish. I think this one was caught in Cornwall? The dish was amazing, especially with the creamy bagna cauda sauce that I loved. It's like a creamy lemon sauce, and even though I said before that I'm not really into citrus, this was different because it was creamy. Course 5 - Pigeon.   This was a tough one for me, I mean the taste was lovely but it was just the texture that threw me. You are supposed to have pigeon quite rare but it's just too spongy for me. I know most people enjoy it this way but it just weirded me out, which is annoying cause I think I could have really liked the taste. I'm not too sure what the thing in the side dish was but I preferred that. The dish was served with pumpkin puree, blood orange and mole sauce - my favourite part of the dish, the flavour as lovely. We actually ended up taking a little break here, as we had eaten so much by this point it was hard to keep going without feeling like we were going to burst. We were taken down into the kitchen where we thanked the chefs for an absolutely incredible meal and the delicious food we had enjoyed so far. Pre Dessert. This dish was similar to a sourdough bread pudding served with apple ice cream and compote, accompanied by a story about Helene's childhood and her upbringing in France. Course 6 - Rhubarb. This was hands down my favourite dessert of them all. The rhubarb came with these amazing meringue sticks on top and also came with a glass of kombucha. The dessert was nicely light and super refreshing, which was just what I needed after a big dinner. I could eat this one over and over again. Course 7 - D Chocolate, T Signature Baba. I opted for the chocolate and Tom was given the baba from the specials menu. Mine was lovely and had little artichoke crisps on the top. As tasty as it was it was a little too rich for me and chocolatey  (I'm not a huge chocolate lover) at this late stage in the game after having ate so much already. Tom picked the Signature Rum Baba which was a sponge pudding. You got to choose which aged rum you would like from the trolley to pour over the top of it - Tom chose the 20 year old rum for one side of the pudding and the 30 year old for the other side - best of both worlds. This dish also came with a sorbet - which was grapefruit flavour which I ate, this was stunning. Final Treat - Truffles. Just when you thought you couldn't eat any more, two truffles show up for one last treat. By this point I'm literally about to burst but the food is so good I just can't resist. One's a cream and almond truffle—super light and refreshing. The other is a chocolate truffle with a whisky kick which I found sooooo strong, I found this one pretty tough to handle. So as you can imagine, after eating all that, I was understandably like a burst couch. I don't think I could have eaten another thing if I tried. So off we wobbled to the hotel to settle in for the night. Full but happy. We were planning to go out for drinks but I couldn't move so we opted to spend the night back at the hotel. I would absolutely come back here again. Although it can get quite pricey, I do think it was value for money and absolutely worth every penny. For some people in the hotel spending this amount on a dinner and drinks would not be a big deal at all. My favourite dishes - BBQ Beetroot and the Rhubarb Desert. Toms favourite dishes - Sweetbread and Caviar Starter dish

In March 2023, we flew to Tanzania to take on the challenge of summiting Africa's highest peak. As we were both pretty experienced hikers, we opted for one of the shortest routes up the mountain, which was the Machame route over 6 days & 5 nights (summiting on the morning of day 5).  We did this with Local Moshi Adventures - a local guiding company who I would highly recommend  The excursion cost roughly $1800pp excluding our flights (this did not include the tips for the guides but I will cover that topic later). How To Get There - The starting point for most of the routes to the summit is from the town of Moshi in Tanzania. The nearest international airports would be Nairobi, Kenya or Dar es Salam. The flight is really small with only about 12 people on it, but it is pretty magnificent to have a birds eye view over the African plains. You can also get to Moshi by bus from these areas if you would prefer this to flying. Day by Day on Kilimanjaro Day 1 Machame Gate to Machame Camp (3,000m) 11km 1000m Day 2 Machame Camp to Shira Cave Camp (3,850m) 5km 850m Day 3 Shira Cave to Lava Tower to Barranco (3,950m) 10km 780m Day 4 Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp (4,673m) 10km 700m Day 5 Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka (3,100m) 13km 1200m Day 6 Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate (1,640m) 10km 1500m loss Day 1 - 11km - Machame Gate to Machame Camp - 5 hours We spent the night before the trek at a local hotel in Moshi. In the morning our porters came to collect us at the hotel - we were assigned twelve porters for our group of just two - which at first seemed quite extreme but each of the men had their own job and was a pleasure the have along on the journey with us. We drove to Machame gate, which is roughly 1-2 hours away, to register and get our bags checked and weighed before the hike. Your bag must not weigh any more than 15kg, and items such as plastic bags/ bottles or any alcoholic drinks are not allowed into the park. We then set off through dense rainforests rich in tall trees and various plant life. We were lucky enough to spot some monkeys playing in the trees above us but we also get caught in a thunderstorm which made the forest charismatic. We stopped for lunch half way which was a packed lunch that we had picked up from the gate. On arrival at Machame Camp, we were showered in petals and a warm welcome from the porters who are always ready with a song and a dance. This was the first of us seeing our camping setup and it was incredible - for those of us who are used to wild camping, it was maybe a little too much luxury than we expected - we had a toilet tent, table and chairs to eat on and were given a basin of warm water in the evening and morning to wash in. All of these are luxuries that we usually go without if we are camping at home but I guess it was special touches to provide people with some home comforts. We were served hot drinks (my favourite was Milo) and popcorn whilst we spent some time taking in the views from the camp. We had a three course meal for dinner before settling down to watch the stars for the evening. Day 2 - 9km - Machame Camp to Shira Cave Camp - 5 hours After a hearty breakfast the day starts off with a pretty steep incline that takes you through the rainforest, once you climb your way to above the treeline don't forget to stop to look back for some epic views. Shortly after the steep rainforest section we stopped for lunch - it was a rather busy spot with most of the other groups also stopping here - we had a packed lunch but some of the teams were setting up full tents with tables and chairs for a full sit down lunch - I personally would not have wanted this every day. This is where we experienced our first long drop toilet and some curious ravens who had came to see if we had left any crumbs. As the day continues, the setting around you transforms from leafy rainforests into something that looks like a scene from Jurassic park, with incredibly interesting rock formations. The terrain is rocky and there are some streams and water sources that you may need to navigate - depending on the weather. Upon reaching Shira Cave Camp, our guides gave us the opportunity to rest in our tents for a while then if we wanted to they would take up to hike a bit further to see the Shira Cave and we were keen to explore a bit more. Shira Cave is a natural cave formation which was used as accommodation in the early days of climbing Kilimanjaro, and although nobody is allowed to sleep in it these days, we did spot a cute little mouse which has made the cave its home. There are some cool rock formations up here and you can climb up to give yourself a birds eye view across the campsite. This was where I noticed an extreme temperature drop in the evenings and some tents even had a coating of frost that had formed during the night. ​​ Day 3 - 12km - Shira Cave Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp - 7.5 hours On day 3 we climb high and sleep low. This was all about getting our bodies acclimatised to the altitude so we ascended around 900m to Lava Tower which was at a height of 4,600m, followed by a descent of 800m to sleep low at Barranco camp (3,900m). As we set off from Shira Cave camp we had beautiful weather and could even see Meru Peak peeking through the clouds. As you walk on through the alpine desert there is no longer much plant life to view but instead you will see a vast amount of people making their way across the plain to reach Lava Tower - giving the impression of little ants in the distance. Kilimanjaro clearly came into view for us here, and we could see the vast snowy silhouette ahead. Lunch is at Lava Tower camp which is a 300m high volcanic plug on the mountain - it is certainly a sight to behold. This was the only lunch spot that our porters insisted on building up our tent for us to eat our lunch in, and to rest to acclimatise for a few hours before continuing the journey down. As much as a rest was appealing, we are only here once so we took a short walk to explore and take in the views - there were loads of cool rocks to climb up to sit on and take it all in. After a few hours we continued the journey on to Barranco camp. This part of the hike felt like we were in a movie as we walked past giant groundsel trees, which are actually a type of daisy the size of a tree. Fun fact - this is the only place in the world where you can see them! Barranco camp is definitely the busiest camp of them all, as it is the point where multiple trekking routes meet. You will be greeted by the site of a vast amount of coloured tents against the grey rocky backdrop. There are a lot more people here than the other camps, and it can be quite loud during the night and in the early hours of the morning - I'd advise ear plugs if you want a peaceful nights sleep. ​​ Day 4 - 10km - Barranco to Barafu (Base Camp) - 5.5 hours We woke up early and after a good breakfast, we set off from camp to beat the crowds on the Barranco wall. Because there are so many people leaving from the campsite, this point can get quite crowded and with the narrow paths there isn't much opportunity to over take. You ascend Barranco wall which is steep and rocky and at some points is a hands on scramble. I had so much fun doing this section and have complete admiration for the porters who do this whilst carrying all the equipment - sometimes even balanced on their heads. You pass by the famous kissing wall - a narrow point where you have to press by the rocks. This wasn't actually as bad as people make out (see pictures), just take care and you will be fine. I think our guide noticed how much we both enjoyed the scrambling and took us up an alternative path to reach the plateau. We continued on via a descent through Karanga valley and Karanga camp where many groups will stop for the night, before we finally reached Barafu camp which would be our base camp before the summit push the next morning. You could feel the excitement throughout the campsite and we were greeted to an incredible cloud inversion against the backdrop of Kilimanjaro. We indulged in an early dinner and tried to get some sleep as we would be setting off during the night to hit the summit. I was equally pleasantly surprised and shocked to discover that Barafu camp had Wifi - with only the first 30 minutes being free. ​​ Day 5 - 20km - Barafu to Summit - Barafu to Mweka camp - 10 hours 45 mins After a few hours sleep, we got ready to set off from base camp at 12.30am to ascend 1,255m in a mammoth push up the mountain. We were going from 4640m at Barafu Camp to 5895m at Uhuru peak. The initial ascent from the camp up to Stella point was very slow and steep. We could see a trail of torch light from all the other hikers in front of us who had left earlier. I'd say this part was more of a mental struggle as it felt like it went on forever. We were advised to set off wearing all of our layers when we left camp, but this didn't work for me as as soon as we started the ascent I was sweating, so I had to stop to take them off again - which I'm glad I did or else I wouldn't have been able to put any more layers on at the summit to keep warm and I'd have been cold and wet from sweating. We hike at a relatively fast pace and moved pretty rapidly up towards Stella point, passing most of the groups who left before us. Neither of us had had a problem with altitude until this point - I felt overly sleepy and kept wanting to just stop to take a nap whereas Tom was seeing patterns on the rocks and got quite slow and delirious. Nothing too extreme but definitely noticeable. We stopped for a short rest at Stella Point where we had a warm drink. We could see the summit from here so that definitely gave us some motivation and energy to push on and get there. We hit the summit at 6am, just as the sun was coming up and we got the witness sunrise on Africa's highest peak. Luckily we were one of the first groups at the summit and got to experience it before the crowds came and it started to get busy. Take it all in here! As much as you can, the glacier, the summit, the views, the sunrise and the feeling of accomplishment!! You did it!! The summit is bitterly cold and after taking my glove off to take some pictures, I couldn't feel my fingers. As incredible as it is you can't hang around for too long on the summit due to a mix of the altitude and the coldness, so we begun the long descent. Our guides took us a different way which was mainly scree and was a bit of a nightmare on tired legs. We got back to Barafu camp at 8am to have some much needed food and a few hours rest before continuing a further 10km down to Mweka Camp for the night where we had a celebration song and dance with our porters. I hadn't noticed many bugs on the trip but if you were going to get bitten, I think it would be here as the camp is nestled in amongst the trees. ​​​ Day 6 - 10km - Mweka Camp - Mweka Gate - 2 hours We slept for 10 hours!! Which must have been very much needed after the previous days hike. The final leg of our journey was to descend from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate. A simple walk in good spirits, passing back through the dense rainforest where we were once again lucky to spot lots of monkeys playing in the tree tops. We caught one final glimpse of Kilimanjaro through the trees and it was time to say goodbye. Upon reaching the final gate you must register your completion and check out with the rangers. You can enjoy a well deserved beer from the bar here. Once back at the hotel we were presented a certificate and some keepsakes from our tour group. ​ TOP TIPS & HELPFUL INFORMATION Food - there will be an assigned chef that brings fresh ingredients up the mountain to cook you breakfast, lunch and dinner. The three meals tended to vary from day to day but consisted of things like Breakfast: porridge, fruits, toast & spread, eggs, sausages, hot drinks Lunch: packed lunches for the first few days, then pastas, toasties, salads, soup Dinner: stews, chicken, meat, pasta, fruits, banana fritters For every mealtime you were served at least two courses. I felt like I ate more here than what I would at home. If you have a sweet tooth, I would suggest taking some sweeties in your backpack with you. ​ Water - you will have the opportunity to fill up your water bottles/hydration packs with fresh water every morning. Our guides provided us with hot water in the morning and when we returned back to camp so we could wash our faces, hands and feet in the basins.  ​​ Toilets - before we arrived I hadn't really though twice about the bathroom, and expected to do my business outside with a shovel, but in the end we had a porta potty that was carried up the mountain and emptied every day. So basically we had a private poo tent which honestly felt a bit excessive, but it seemed to be a normal thing to have within the guided groups. Some of the campsites along the way had drop toilets which you needed a strong stomach for. There was also some parts of the route that seemed to be popular toilet spots - which resulted in people leaving their dirty tissues & big honking jobbies in some of the most scenic spots on the mountain, which was absolutely disgusting - please do not participate in this. ​​ Altitude - they say if you steadily drink lots of water it would help with the altitude, but it was hard to get a happy medium, as this just meant needing to pee all the time. We did take Diamox altitude tablets with us but we ended up not using them, as the guide had advised us against it as we seemed ok. However on the final push to the summit (around about 5500m) Tom hallucinated a bit and was seeing patterns on the ground and I just felt overwhelmed with tiredness and really wanted to take a nap. Neither of us found it overly difficult to breathe at the summit it just seemed to make us go really slowly.  ** This was just my experience - altitude effects everyone differently so be prepared for all outcomes.   ​​ Fitness - We are both pretty fit as we climb mountains at home however I do think this mountain is achievable for all fitness levels - it actually benefits you to go a bit slower. I think anyone who is able to climb hills in their local area and can walk for 8 hours straight should manage it on the fitness side of things.  ​​ Kit - I absolutely over packed & ended up wearing the same clothes most of the trip (my most comfortable ones). I'd recommend taking something really warm for night time as the temperature really dropped - most mornings there was frost on the tent. Summit night - pack layers and carry them with you. You will sweat loads on the way up but at the top it gets so cold that you will benefit from adding more layers if you want to stay there for any length of time. The temperature was minus 20 on the summit on the night we were there. Also make sure you test your kit out before going - there's no point in putting on your waterproof to discover it isn't actually waterproof once you are there or finding our your boots hurt you after the first day because it's the first time you've worn them. ​ Night entertainment - sometimes you will arrive at the campsite quite early and have the evening to kill. As well as looking around at all the amazing views I would also recommend taking taking something to pass time and keep you entertained - cards, a book, a puzzle book...  ​ Showers - be prepared to be smelly! You obviously won't get the chance to shower whilst on your trek and there are no fresh water lakes to dip in. We used baby wipes to stay as fresh as possible.  ​ TAKE YOUR RUBBISH - I honestly wish this one didn't need to be said, but there was so much litter on the mountain - it was really sad to see how people can just thoughtlessly disrespect their surroundings like that. There is so much litter left behind, that there are actually teams who litter pick at the campsites. If you take it up, you take it off. Let's be responsible and protect these beautiful places.  ​​​​ Tips - a bit of an elephant in the room as there's not really any guidance on what is a substantial amount. I feel like this is a tricky one to get right - we had soooo many more porters (12 in total) than we were expecting so didn't have that much cash on us up the mountain. Thankfully we were able to stop at a cash point on the way back to the hotel. We distributed tips fairly as everyone had worked really hard so we ensured that everyone got the same amount (I think we gave the cook and the guides a bit more). This would obviously be more manageable the larger your group size and if you were doing the trip solo it could quickly become costly as you would still have the same amount of porters. ​​ We left any unwanted outdoor gear with the porters as this was very much appreciated. These guys are legends and if you think climbing Kilimanjaro is hard for us imagine how it feels for these guys doing it with all the additional gear. Happy Trekking!! If you've enjoyed reading this, I would appreciate a comment or a share