Ive just come back from a 2 week break back home in North Devon. I stayed at my mum’s place in the coastal village of Braunton. Worked from home in the bedroom and got out for some nice walks. Get ready for a nice post about a cosy trip back to see family for Christmas.
A snowy flight from Glasgow airport, Friday December 16th was a nice way to start (see below).
This was a Loganair flight. Because it was delayed we were given a complimentary cup of tea and a biscuit on the flight; a nice touch! I arrived in Exeter early afternoon.
My mum and her friend who drove picked me up from the airport. Best part of an hour’s drive to my mum’s bungalow in Braunton. Really nice of her friend to give me a lift; gave him a bottle of whiskey for the trouble. Was great to be home! Mum made dinner and we watched a bit of telly.
The next day we took a walk to Crow point dunes and beach. One of the least touristy beaches in the North Devon Area. This was used in location filming for ITV’s recent drama The Long Call.
It has an undisturbed charm and great for taking dogs for a stretch.
Its absolutely stunning. These pictures were taken just after lunchtime.
There are small boats moored up, some left.
The path from the carpark to the greater expanse of the beach is along this wooden path to the right known as the Boardwalk.
Grassy, mossy dunes on either side.
When you reach the beach at the end, you can see the see the villages of Instow and Appledore from across the River Torridge.
To me this place is home and i have been coming here all my life. It reminds me off walks with our family boxer dog.
There is an old lighthouse aswell, there for as long as i can remember. People have also put together a small hut with the beach logs. Went back after the walk and we watched a movie.
The next day i went into the market town of Barnstaple to do some Christmas shopping. Went in and back on the bus and bought presents for family. Green Lanes shopping centre is ok and you find enough standard high street names for a town of its size. Was back home to mum’s in time for the World Cup Final and we all know what an epic that turned out to be, so a good day.
On my next day off, me an my mum went to the seaside village of Woolacombe. Heaving with tourists in the summer, but peaceful in quiet at this time of year. A Tidal and windy sea.
Had a nice walk down on Barricane beach as you head on the rocky terrain towards Morte Point. If you head out that far you can spot seals playing if you get lucky. It is my favourite beach in North Devon. I was lucky enough to live and work in Woolacombe in summer 2013 and loved it.
Some things have changed. More holiday homes, airbnbs etc. The landscape is just as beautiful though and the same as I remember it. In Barricane, In the summer you can see kids tombstoning and there is pop-up cabin where you can a buy a very nice Sri Lankan curry to eat on the beach.
Rock points where you can climb and get stranded on like real grockles, when the tide comes in.
As you head back into the main village along the parking spots you the view of the main beach as you can see below:
Was a lovely day of walking. If you do want to stop for a coffee or a bite to eat there are a handful of pubs and cafes that are open all year round. The Beachcomber by the esplanade carpark is the perfect sport for a fried breakfast.
That evening I saw some friends at The White Lion Pub in Braunton for a pint. We took a drive to the lay-by above Saunton beach and you could see the village of Clovelly lit up across the coast.
The next day was Christmas eve. I had a half day of work, then took walk with mum for an hour up lanes near home. Later had a few pints with mates at the Williams Arms pub in Wrafton at the other end of Braunton. A bit of festive cheer with some beers. In bed late and then up Christmas morning.
Family came round Christmas day. 4 of us altogether. Ma’s dinner was great. The rest of us waited patiently like the children we are. Swapped presents and watched movies with drinks later. I read a bit and we watched French Connection 2 with a few shots of this Tequila to stay warm.
The next 2 days was nice free family time.
Boxing Day took a walk up the muddy tracks out Braunton towards the village of Knowle.
Passed an old mill and found St Brannoc’s Catholic Church, which is deep in the woods.
You wouldn’t find it by accident.
One of my presents was a few cans of a Lithuanian beer that I enjoyed that night.
Went into Barnstaple on 27th with mum and then then stayed in the last few days before flying back to Glasgow on the 30th.
All in all a lovely break back home.
I look forward to telling you about North Devon in the summer months aswell.
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A few years ago I visited North East Derbyshire and explored places in this part of the english Peak District.
On this trip I was seeing family, but got to see plenty of splendid spots and spectacular scenery.
I came up on the train from Plymouth, where I was living at the time. My uncle picked me up in Chesterfield the closest big-town and central to the area.
He drove us to the cottage he lives in in with wife just outside the tiny village of Press on a late march lunchtime.
What struck me immediately was how open the landscape was, with hills emerging abundantly across all sides. We walked up one of these here at Ashover Rocks, a good vantage point. Also known as “The Fabrick” I was told. Would have been even better with binoculars. This was a 15 minute walk from his house.
We went back and had some lunch. Fussed his two dogs. Different ages but loved getting out for walks which wont surprise you.
A peaceful, mind-clearing spot to walk.
We then drove out to the local town of Matlock (not to be confused with Grandpa Simpson’s favourite TV show) and to Cromford Mills; the birthplace of the modern factory system. You can observe the first water powered cotton spinning mill. Its a delightful and equally informative mill to visit. The history of the labour involved in early textile manufacturing from as early as the late 18th century.
We came back to the cottage, had some dinner, a beer and an early night. Up early the next morning and off for a drive again. This time out to Baslow edge, an excellent scenic spot that shows off the Peak District gloriously.
The weather was bracing and we got out at the National Trust car park. Perfect conditions for the ruff and rocky terrain.
Once you get to the edge its fantastic.
You can see the small villages below and this vast open area of the peak district. Green with splashes of brown. Even better with a flask of tea and a lunchbox.
The rock formations and the gritstones themselves are spectacular.
A pleasure to view and absorb your surroundings, all around and into the distance.
Below to the right is the village of Curbar.
Curbar Edge is a perfect spot to tower over the village here.
Baslow Edge to the left, Curbar to the right:
We came-back and had some food, a beer and watched a movie.
The next day we went to The Blue John Cavern in Castleton. The home of the Blue John Stone mined here. Used in Jewellery, including earrings, bracelets, brooches and pendants.
We took the 245 steps down into the cavern with a guide. It gets deeper and darker. The guide goes into the history of this hand mined gem. He was an older chap who gave the impression of doing the job for a long time.
It is interesting how he explained the care required in the mining to not disturb the colouring of the Blue John in the mining processes, which if failed leaves the mineral worthless. The crystalline formation of the gem can be seen in the these pictures I took in the dark cavern.
This rare mineral, only known to be found at this Derbyshire mine, first to be discovered by the Romans nearly 2000 years ago.
Being in this cavern gave you the feeling of going back in time. To an age where the need for raw minerals through mining was central to local communities. But the Blue John is special and unique to this place.
You can see this in the gift shop aswell, where you can buy jewellery and ornamental pieces made with the Blue John. The displays of different pieces of gemstones, i bought one for myself and one as a gift for family.
Be prepared for a trek and back up when you go, but a good day out certainly.
We then went to Derwent Reservoir. The site of practice raids for World War II RAF 617 Squadron. Practice for those known today as the Dambusters Raids.
It takes some getting around that these pillar towers either side would have seen the main preparation for one of the most significant allied aviation missions in the war. Dive-bombing aircraft low-flying above the water.
Aside from this, Derwent is a nice reservoir to visit anyway. Watching the water as it streams along and crashes as it hits the base of the dam is peaceful and hypnotic.
The Dam wall is also impressive. The area is hills and woodland split apart on either side by this River Derwent. This is definitely a spot to make a point of seeing in the peak district.
At the end of this we headed back to my uncle’s place and had some hot food.
The next day i headed back on the train. This was a good trip and we packed a lot in in only 2 full days.
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Back in October 2020, I took a trip to Oban. It was right at the top of my list of destinations to visit in Scotland.
The seaside town of Oban has been a popular getaway for centuries. It sits in the Argyll and Bute area of Scotland. I got the train up from Glasgow and the journey was great for scenery heading up. I arrived just after 11 and breathed in the fresh west coast sea air.
The town of Oban is exceptionally pretty. You notice it the moment you get off the train. Known for the fishing and seafood, I decided to try some of the later within an hour of arriving. Absolutely delicious, old-fashioned fish and chips lunch on an outside bench! Perfect!
I then checked into the Royal Hotel and had a look around. Pretty basic single room, but good enough for me. Reasonably priced aswell. This trip during the height of Covid, meant that the hotel bar and others were required to close early which was disappointing.
The picture to the left is as you head out of the town centre of Oban along the coastal path. Great for bird watching aswell.
I spent the evening admiring Oban Bay and continued into the dark. The port and the town was lit up at night and made a very pleasant piece of autumn scenery, with the wind hitting the harbour giving you a little shake from nature. I enjoyed this with a couple of cans of Tennents, wrapped up warm. Went back to the Hotel had some satisfactory food and then to bed.
(You can see McCaig’s Tower here lit up
in red).
The next morning I rose first thing for breakfast. A full Scottish breakfast with square sausage and tattie scones, washed down with lots of tea. A full-belly before a big day. I headed down to the Ferry terminal for the 8.45 ferry to the Isle of Mull.
I went on the CalMac (Caledonian MacBrayne) ferry service out from Oban port. A day return cost me £7.80. The ferry inside was splendidly cosy with long red carpets and window seats to admire the journey on all sides. This ferry service is critical for the tourists visiting Mull, but even more so for the small number of full-time inhabitants of the Island that rely on it for their livelihood. This took me into Craignure port.
I arrived on Mull and went to the tourist information. They advised that there are 2 bus services from there. One to the village of Tobermory and the other to the small beach of Fionnphort. I had some time to kill before the Tobermory bus, so took a walk up the road into the bare autumn trees and brown leaves. Half a dozen cars passed me.
I then came back and absorbed the landscape and my full surroundings.
The misty peaks and the peaceful lull of the water back and forth is glorious.
The bus then came to take me to the village of Tobermory, the largest settlement on the Isle of Mull. On the bus you see exciting remote views of the island.
Tobermory some people will know for the fictional children’s programme Balamory, that is supposed to be based on there. It is idyllic with its colourful houses and quaint wee shops. I had a look in a book shop and bought a copy of Catch 22. Then took a walk on the path out of the village towards the lighthouse at Rubna nan Gall. I had to stop for awhile and embrace the panorama on the rocks, that you can see in the video below. Across at the visible points. Hours could of passed blissfully. Read my book a little and went up to the lighthouse.
Had my lunch there in the remote air, then walked back passed the Tobermory golf club.
Back into the village, I stopped for a pint in a local pub.
I found myself imagining what it would be like to actually live here, and would love to hear the experience of anyone that does or has in the past. The challenges faced by the dependence on the ferry service for supplies and tourist income, work and schooling. Surviving the winter months also.
I had a gander in the Tobermory whiskey distillery, which was interesting. A local heritage brand.
https://tobermorydistillery.com/.
I also saw this memorial stone for servicemen in Tobermory who gave their lives during the first world war.
I then got the bus back to the port and then ferry back to Oban. A meal and a good sleep followed. A memorable day to say the least.
The following day I walked up to to McCaig’s Tower and appreciated one of Oban’s most recognisable landmarks. Like a small local granite piece of the roman colosseum. Intended by the architect. Take the opportunity to stop for a bit and digest the scene if offers.
I then found a tourist information centre and they pointed me in the direction of the much smaller island day trip of Kerrera. About an hour’s walk from town. I took the walk and had an hour to kill before the next ferry departure. I read a bit on the rocks smelling the fresh seaweed and everything was grand. There were several hill-points to take some good shots.
The ferry is a little open air boat runs across the 2 landings you can see here, back and forth. Costs about £6/7 if i remember rightly. Crosses take 5 minutes.
Remember to bring some lunch with you in your rucksack. Going to Kerrera really gets you out in the remote shores.
Arriving on Kerrera, I headed left on the track that is on the perimeter of the island. I soon found an old bullet in the mud that nearly tripped me up. Its in my flat now! There were obviously some drivers here as there were a of handful of houses and the roads are tracks most suitable for Land Rovers. The main life is sheeps and cows, you pass them on the tracks as you walk around, they seemed to like it here. Small; far away. This place makes craggy island look like Dubai! The best advice i can give is get there in enough time to walk the whole way round it. It took me about 5 and half hours with breaks to consciously feel the tranquility. I stopped at this spot for 45 minutes.
I walked passed the Kerrera Tea Garden and Bunkhouse, but it was closed at this time. I’m sure staying overnight there would be special in a place like this. Wake up to a nice Cuppa on one of the benches overlooking the land and catching the coast. You really feel a different type of fresh air here, that you feel all through your body. The walking gets your lungs going especially. Bring water and ideally wear hiking boots for the rocky parts and the muddy tracks. Its proper off the grid, but if your looking for somewhere to take a long walk and forget the hustle and bustle of the modern world this will definitely fit the bill!
I stopped at another peaceful spot, more of a bank that was less rocky and took this picture to the left.
You can see the outer reaches of Mull here.
Birds flew past from time to time, but Im no ornithologist. Just added to the peace.
I found another artefact that looked suspiciously like some sort of victorian butt-plug! As with the bullet, you wonder how long they have been left here untouched by human hands. Very much like Kerrera itself.
Gylen Castle is worth a look and these ruin formations of an old stone house below.
This walk round the island was purifying.
I missed out on the summit point of Carn Breugach, but that might be worth a look for the view at 189 metres up. Truth is I was knackered by the time i made it round back to the ferry point, and couldn’t have done that aswell.
The Kerry Lighthouse is suitable pretty on the northernmost point. Shows the entrance to Oban Bay. Hutcheson’s monument is here aswell. This part of the island is popular for otters and seals splashing around.
I envy the occupants of this farm house here, to wake up to this spectacle every morning.
Would you ever get bored of that?
At the end of day I got the ferry back and had the hour walk back into Oban town centre. Tired and starving. I stopped at a bar for table service outside for 2 pints of Innis & Gunn. Went down well and quickly. Then off to find somewhere that served food then. I found Markie Dans at the north end of town and devoured a chicken burger and chips, washed down with 2 more pints in their beer garden. Hit the spot. Then back to the hotel and straight to sleep in all of 15 minutes.
The next day i bought a few gift in the town for family before heading home. It was a memorable holiday and I felt blessed to get the chance to go to these places. If you have enjoyed this post please like, subscribe, comment or get in touch using the details below:
On June 20th; after my stay in San Antonio, i arrived at the Hotel Vibra Mare Nostrum in Playa D’en Bossa. These 10 nights were the 2nd part of my trip on sunny Ibiza.
The taxi got me to the hotel for about 9am and was about 30 euros. I couldn’t check in til 2pm, so sat outside reading my book and had a few drinks. I finished my book about Buddhist meditation that morning. It was an excellent read and really brings you back to present moment thinking.
I could already tell that this was a very different type of hotel to the last one. Part of a chain (Vibra have hotels in Ibiza and Mallorca) and geared more to the 18-30 clubbers market. Less friendly/family, more trendy/fashionable and bigger. It even has a tattoo parlour. Its a bit pricier than the last one aswell. In Ibiza, you get the feeling that everything you could want is on your doorstep. Well in this hotel that is near enough true. Want a massage? No problem! Want to go parasailing? Ive got you covered. Going clubbing? check out these hats, beads and glow sticks!
The first thing I booked was to go to Pacha and see CamelPhat on that night. But that would be after settling in to my new location. See this picture of the pool area during a quieter moment after some time on a sunbed.
The food was good. Buffet options for healthy mediterranean fish and salads. But plenty of stodgy meat and carb-filled choices like macaroni cheese or sweet potato fries and beef slices. I liked the selection of desserts aswell, such as the sticky toffee pudding to keep us Guiri english bastards happy!
Then chilled with a drink for a bit before the big night ahead in Pacha.
I decided to walk there using directions on my phone. This was a nice walk in the dark through Ibiza Town. I arrived at 11pm, about an hour early so took a wander to the quay of San Rafael. This small village holds 2 of the most famed nightclubs in Ibiza: Pacha and Lio. Lio is an exclusive sit down meal and club music experience. It sits on the quay by millionaires’ (maybe a billionaire or 2) yachts docked there. It looks like something you would see watching the Monte Carlo grand prix. There were luxury brand shops still open here aswell.
I took everything in and then walked over to Pacha to queue for its midnight opening time.
I arrived and got myself a Rum and Coke which was a whacking 21 euros!
Pacha is very cool. Historic in Ibiza, it has a classy underground vibe with the signature 2 cherry logo towering above (Ive got it on a t-shirt!). The outside smoking area is full of colourful decor and palm trees.
The opening DJs were Tech and Euro House courtesy of Patrice Baumel and Rex Axes. Pacha play a variety of House styles, but stick to some form of House music. It is what they are known for globally in the EDM world. With beautiful dancers on plinths, like you can see above. Dressed in sparkling, futuristic costumes and getting eyed up by just about every guy (and some women im sure) in the place. It was a good vibe and I was at the front and then a bit further back, dancing towards the centre of the DJ booth.
CamelPhat came out at about 3 am. This scouse house duo whilst Ibiza regulars now, are in their first summer of residency at Pacha. They started with a nice mix of experimental stuff before throwing in some of their well-known favourites. You can really feel the bass in here with some dark underground sounds. Below is them playing the track “Panic Room”.
This kind of house music gives you a nice little sway. It’s mesmeric but unforgettable. Electric but with peace. Pacha is a big part of that, there’s really no place quite like it. I had another Rum and coke and went outside for a cigarette. They played their hit track “Breathe” below. Excellent set.
This was their closer for the night. Special. I then took the hour long walk back to Playa D’en Bossa to my hotel. Had a fat breakfast, a shower then got my head down til the late afternoon. Got up for a sunbathe. I was half board again here so had my dinner at half 7, which this night was a bowl of Paella. After dinner i went to the Hotel’s Aqua Terrace, to dip my feet in the shallow pool and have a cocktail. Living the life eh! Beats my norm of a pint of Tennent’s down a Glasgow social club! This was supposed to be just for all-inclusive guests, but I was paying enough for the room and they probably wouldn’t care. One of the pools has a glass bottom directly above the main lounge. See the video below:
As the sun went down, I had a few drinks there and talked to a few different people from England. Then back to my room to get my head down with the brand new air conditioner on full blast. The best.
Woke up bright and early for breakfast. To quote Mike Skinner; “Plenty of scrambled egg and plenty of fried tomato”. Then i walked into Playa’ D’en Bossa towards the beach. In just my swim shorts with my room key to head into the sea. It was the perfect temperature. Crisp aswell. Swimming in the mediterranean feels like just about the most naturally restorative thing you can do, even if you didn’t feel before that you needed it. Stayed in for ages (don’t ask me how long).
Then a stroll through the town, had a browse in a few touristy shops. Looked at mugs, hats an funny t-shirts, you know the type. That took me to early afternoon, so i arrived back at the hotel and went for a dip in the pool. A huge pool as it goes, for a big hotel. Decided that I was going to Ushuaia that night. A short walk from my hotel. You can see me below enjoying a mojito early on.
I sat there with my drink, feet in the water. Talked to an Italian girl for a bit who lived in London. Here on holiday with her mates. The headliner was Dutch house DJ Martin Garrix. Mostly a progressive house set. The crowd were young, not that i cared. They loved their beats, thats the main thing and you could feel a vibrant energy from Garrix’s mix. Ive said this before, but Ushuaia is a beautiful venue. The hotel is quite simply a millionaire’s playground.
After a fun night I headed back to the hotel on close, got back about midnight. Housekeeping had cleaned the room and changed the linen during the day, so slept peacefully.
The next morning I had some meat slices with croissants and coffee for brekkie (continental i know!). Afterwards I headed out for a walk into Ibiza Town. Baking heat that day. First of all I had a cold glass of orange Fanta at a bar by the beach of Platja de ses Figuerettes. Then a look round the shops close by. Picked up a nice Ibiza t-shirt with a palm tree on it.
Walked into the main part of the town, including in the Ushuaia shop and got an official wristband for 3 euros. You felt the life of the locals here more than many other places. Small businesses like shops and restaurants that survive with the season’s trade. Found a funky shop where i bought another Ibiza t-shirt (this one with a lizard on it).
Walked back to Platja de ses Figuerettes and soaked up el sol for the rest of the afternoon, reading my book when I felt like it. Its one of my favourite beaches in Ibiza. What a holiday’s about.
Had 2 cans of beer on the beach and some snacks. Walked back about half 5 and had some curry for dinner back at the Vibra. Later I took a stroll into the Playa D’en Bossa nightlife with no plan or prior agenda. This is usually how the bar reps catch you with your pants down and before you know it you’ve spent 40 euros on a round! I found a bar called Tantra for a few drinks. I went in because they were playing trance that night, which can’t keep me off the dance floor. Especially when “Carte Blanche” by Veracocha came on. Shared a joint with another solo traveller from Belfast. Back to the hotel and slept like a baby on Night Nurse.
The next day I chilled by the pool. Read my book, sunbathed and swam in the pool. Had some beef lasagne for dinner and a few pints of Madri. Early night as the next day i was off on a boat trip.
I got the bus first thing to San Antonio harbour where the boat departed from. This was a 10.30 am departure time for the Ibiza beaches tour. To drink you had a choice of Beer, Champagne or Sangria. I helped myself to Sangria and had a seat on an edge of the top deck in the windy open air. This is the link to the trip: https://www.floatyourboatibiza.com/ibiza-beach-cruise/.
The guide talked us through landmarks along the west coast of the island. Tried out my spanglish again and got a chuckle when i called a him a “bueno hombre”. Then we stopped at a beach.
The first beach stop was the glorious Cala Bassa. I found this spot to plant my towel and sunbathe. Plastered another layer of factor 500 on!
Cala Bassa is a relatively small beach on a long coastline. The water a perfect turquoise colour. I went in up to my ankles for 5 minutes. Lovely and warm in and out the sea.
When the hour was up I returned to the boat and we cast off.
20 minutes later, we stopped for an open water swim. I borrowed snorkelling gear and could see fish floating around underneath me, which was idyllic. The kind of warm holiday memory that stays with you.
We headed south to the 2nd beach, Cala Comte. On the way, the guide pointed out luxury celebrity homes along the coast. Like Will Smith’s and the late George Michael’s.
When we landed I took a full cup of Sangria with me to enjoy. Some beauties on this beach. By now it was about 3.30pm.
The appeal of the crystal clear sea just irresistible (and swimmers, see the photo!). Very busy that day on a sunday, when spanish people go out with friends and family. This is clearly a beach the locals enjoy just as much as us tourists and travellers. Golden sand.
So after a bit of paddle, a read of my book with my Sangria, I headed back to the boat. That was that. I headed back after a grand day out.
Next day, I went to Playa D’en Bossa beach again and lay in the sun all day. Finally starting to get some colour on me. Its the longest beach on the island, but one of the perks of being solo is that you get less attention from people hustling. Had a few cold cans there and read again. Chilling before a big event later on.
I went to Amnesia for this monday night triple-header. Hadn’t been there since 2015 and the venue seemed more intimate than before. Danny Howard kicked things off to a strong start. He’s a Radio 1 Dance regular, you might have heard his show.
I don’t have any pictures or videos of this night. I didn’t take my phone, with all the pickpocketers in Amnesia. So this video is a track that was played including all 3 of the DJs on the night; one of the island’s anthems of last summer.
Sonny Fodera was exceptional. Was circle dancing with a group of Indians for most of this. The balcony (posh seats) was alive aswell with a good mix of a crowd dancing.
When headliners, Gorgon City blast out their track “4 Walls” the place was palpably rocking (4 walls moving). They sampled some good stuff aswell, like Noizu’s “Moon Grove” also a 2022 summer hit. “Voodoo” was their closer and you definitely felt you’d seen something special. Had an absolute blinder, taxi back to the hotel at 6 am.
Woke up about midday. Had lunch at the hotel snack bar. A bacon and cheese sandwich which hit the spot. Nothing better than that when you wake up after your rave. Had a massage by the pool for 15 euros. First time for everything and it wasn’t bad actually. I always thought I fidgeted a bit too much for that type of thing.
Got out early wednesday for another swim in the sea.
Had a mojito by the pool on this lazy afternoon (see photo). New groups came and went with the tide. My 10 night stay was longer than most.
For dinner that night i had a steak with lots of spanish potatoes and veg. Apple pie for dessert with lashings of ice cream (greedy sod i know!).
My final day was a boat excursion to Es Vedra. The mystic island of rock, home of many a myth and legend. From the greeks to the phoenicians. The nice woman i booked the trip with, had a tattoo of it on her arm. It is a nature reserve and you cannot land on it. The Summit stands at 400 metres high. The guide talked us through how in greek mythology, sirens from Es Vedra caused ships to veer off course and lead sailors to watery graves. Including King Oysseus as the legend is told. The phoenician lunar godess Tanit is said to have been worshipped here through forms of human or animal (disputed) sacrifice.
Our guide explained that Es Vedra’s geology dates back to a break away from the Balearic Islands due to major shifts and tectonic movements nearly 100 million years ago. He also told us that Es Vedra is formed mainly of mesozoic limestone which is over 66 million years old.
It really is a spectacle, that i recommend fitting into any Ibiza trip if you can. Looking up at this is awe inspiring. It then made sense that so many stories had been made about this place. We came right up close to the rocks and underneath a reaching part of Es Vedra itself.
We stopped for an open water swim after and the boat had a slide to smash fast into the sea (good fun, I did it 3 times). The sea was turquoise again. I asked the guide how to deep where we stopped, he said 7 to 8 metres. We then had a lunch spread including pizza (delish!) and lovely fresh fruit, I had more Sangria all day long (when in Rome).
On the way back, we stopped off at Formentera and I had a walk around for just over an hour. Just a mooch and heres one final picture as we cast off back to Playa D’en Bossa.
The perfect way to round off my trip.
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So inevitably, on June 12th I flew back to Ibiza. My third journey on the White Isle.
Maybe the after-effects of covid and just getting older have lit a fire under my ass these last 12 months. Either way; if you haven’t been, then go.
I flew out of Glasgow International at 6am on June 12th. A busy, rowdy flight with Jet2. Landed at about 10.30 Spanish time, took a transfer to the Arenal Hotel in San Antonio. Great to be back, a few of the staff recognised me. Under the odds price and they were very patient with my spanglish.
Took me no time to find a sunbed by the pool, rip my shirt off and soak up some of el sol. I got the first party bus of the day out to Ushuaia.
Straight to it and grabbed a mojito whilst dipping my feet in one of the pools. Looking around was a good crowd for David Guetta’s residency: F*** me I’m Famous! The undercard featured some good tech-house. Even included a guest appearance from James Blunt who dived in for a crowd surf. No-one broke his neck for “You’re beautiful”.
There were acrobatics above us. A lady pirouetting and doing somersaults, attached to a giant balloon. You really felt the spectacle of the occasion. David Guetta’s set started at 9. Real good fun. “I’m good yeah I’m feeling alright. Baby Imma have the best fucking night of my life, and wherever it take me I’m down for the ride. Baby don’t you know, I’m good yeah I’m feeling alright”.
He played his old anthems from my teenage years too. Like “Love is gone”.
This photo was taken by a cool dutch girl who was enjoying herself aswell. See this video below for highlights of the set.
The next day I got up for the hotel’s breakfast selection. Some different fresh fruit juice with eggs, Jamon and buttered toast. Went out to sunbathe by the pool and read. Then over to Ibiza Rocks for a pool party. Below is a shot and video of 24 Hour Garage Girls (name is accurate) who were good fun. Becky Hill topped the bill and was impressive. For a chart topper, she knew her rave. I loved her drop of “Disconnect” with Chase and Status.
Had a nice pasta dinner back at the hotel and a few drinks at the bar. The next day my friends Steph and Feeney were arriving.
They turned up at the hotel early afternoon. We chilled by the pool and on the balcony of their double room, smoking 5 euro pack Marlboro cigarettes and chatted. We then headed to Tapas Bresca for some late lunch. Both these guys are vegan, but we found a dairy free pizza to share that was lush. Best they had eaten they said! Back at the hotel, I gave them the options that we had for later whilst lying in the sun. I talked them into heading west to check out Cafe Del Mar and Cafe Mambo. Get in some Ibiza music history with the ultimate sunset bar experience. Less impressed by the 30 euro round of drinks, but had to be done.
After this the 3 of us walked to San An’s west end and were hustled into a bar to spend on double drinks. Saw us wallies coming!
We found another spot further up where we had a drink and a wee dance. The west end is more like Magaluf than the rest of Ibiza; little England basically. This is San Antonio’s famous strip. Not for everyone, but worth checking out. Being with a Scottish guy and an American lass, we had a pint in the Highlander Scottish Pub. A few hammered conversations outside wouldn’t surprise you.
Then drinks on their room balcony and bed.
We got up the next day for a late breakfast. You can se this nice picture of the 3 of us here, just out the pool and enjoying an Alhambra beer. Afterwards to the Bay for a dip in the sea. You can step out the back door of hotel, past the tables and chairs, and walk down to the beach in your sandals. Crystal clear and warm sea. We swam out up to the rope that keeps tourists safe from the boats (or drowning). A lovely scorcher of a day. Steph topped me up with suncream and we lay in the sun for a few hours. Class.
Nice and chilled, we wandered across the road to Tapas Ibiza. This restaurant is hidden off the beaten track and inland from our location on the Bay. A friendly waiter called Riccardo looked after us and the food was glorious. Riquisimo! We sat in the garden under the tent cover. I had 2 sides which were chorizo Spanish sausage and deep fried brie with red onion marmalade. Steph had some pan fried mushrooms which were lush aswell. Being a dirty meat eater who tries friends’ vegan food and cant share his with them! The bottle of red between us was the icing on the cake. We gave a wee tip.
After food we headed back to the hotel for a few hours an got stuck into a bottle of whiskey that Feeney bought on their flight over. Me and Feeney decided to go to Eden for the One More Time 90s music night. We drank and talked on the balcony until 12, when Steph went to bed and us 2 headed to the rave. The card headliners were Seb Fontaine and Vicky Devine. Nostalgic trance and house tracks like Insomnia by Faithless and You’re Not Alone by Olive. Anthems that stand the test of time. All the DJs were sensational, we transcended over to a higher level. An old skool, original Ibiza all-nighter. Over to the bar every so often for a rum and coke. Eden’s a cool club.
Next day we took it easy. I won’t lie, we were battered. A walk around San Antonio and . The 2 ravers had a siesta. Was the hottest day so far. Plenty of cold agua. The looky looky guys were out in full force, selling drugs and sunglasses.
We walked by the sea towards Playa es Pouet beach. This is quieter side of the island, but passed O Beach Club on the way. This is for pool parties like Kisstory, and is owned by Gary Lineker’s brother.
This was Steph and Feeney’s last night. We drank cocktails on San Antonio Bay beach. Listening to music on a speaker.
Was a lovely night. I was drinking mojitos, bought from a local shop. They had rum
and played a selection of favourite electronica tracks. We also had a paddle in the sea. Talked late into the night.
The perfect way to sign off for these good mates of mine. The flew back the next morning after breakfast.
I went back to bed after breakfast. Woke up about 12 and headed poolside to read my book in the sun. Why Buddhism is True by Robert Wright. Really getting into my meditation these days, and might start talking about it on here haha. Had a nice swim in the pool. I was once again a solo traveller.
The Hotel Arenal is good value bearing in mind the location, which is pricey (can be extortionate). Its a medium sized hotel and isn’t packed full of ravers, so you get peace when you want it. That night they serving steak and chips for dinner. I devoured that with with veg and wine.
The next day was a Sunday. I went back to Cafe Mambo about lunchtime. Had a G & T on the decking benches looking out at the sea. They played one of favourite tracks; Salsoul Nugget (If You Wanna) by The Girl Next Door. Perfect for where i was and you’d know it if you heard it.
That night I went to the pyramid of Es Paradis. A cheaper Superclub and one of the oldest on the island. World famous for its water parties. They played some latino music with pumping bass mixed in to spice things up. La Fiesta. Was talking to some locals who came often.
On the last of the 8 days here, I went in the sea and sunbathed on the beach. Bliss! The picture below is out the back of the hotel.
Next day, I was off to Playa D’en Bossa on the other side of the island for 10 nights. I will tell you all about that soon…
Just before Covid; in February 2020, I moved to Glasgow, Scotland.
This post is a tale of experiences of a born and bred Devon boy now living in Glasgow. Over 2 and a half years and only now do I feel in a position to really put across my perspective as a resident of this city.
Before moving here, I had only visited once in June 2018 staying at my pal’s in the west end of the city. As much as I enjoyed it, it would have been a surprise to learn that i would be living there 20 months later.
In December 2019 I was made redundant from my job working for John Lewis in Plymouth. Ended up moving back home for a few months. Then the same pal i stayed with before said I could crash at his in Glasgow for awhile. I gratefully jumped at the opportunity. Looked for place to live and a job. Didn’t sort out both of these until the week of March 16th 2020. A week later Boris gave his now famous “Stay at Home, Protect the NHS, Save Lives” speech. Looking back this was a bizarre time in my life. I had just arrived in a new city with a new place to live and a new job; then to be told the world has shut down and we are experiencing a global pandemic that requires us to minimise human contact.
I found a room in a nice flat in the fashionable east end district of Dennistoun. Popular in polls of the coolest places to live. Described as a “secluded Island”. I also ended up working 10 minutes walk away. In a call centre for a 119 NHS Covid response service. Booking Covid tests for people with symptoms. A good gig everything considered in difficult times.
When i wasn’t working, i was exploring the city and other new areas around for me. One of the special truths about Glasgow is that once you get on a train and head out of the city, you are in beautiful country landscapes in no time. Like those in the Loch Lomond area. Or a trek up Dumgoyne hill in the Campsie Fells. Have a wee dram at the whiskey distillery.
Dennistoun is perfect for getting the train from the local stop of Bellgrove direct to Edinburgh for a cultural day out in the old town.
A walk up Arthur’s Seat hill or a Castle tour.
That first spring in 2020 was memorable for seeing Glasgow in the eyes of a newbie, without the busyness of a major city. Experiences like going on the subway or seeing sights of the city centre with major attractions closed. Like everyone else, your just trying to stay healthy and survive.
The time in the west end was excellent, but the area was very student centred. Being in the east end felt much more authentic to Glasgow. A short walk to the Parkhead, Celtic park football ground for the green half of this city. The rivalry in the city between Celtic and Rangers is something else. Im more drawn to the Celtic side myself. In some pubs you are not allowed to wear any football colours at all. Sectarianism still exists.
My place, just off the known duke street, populated by bars, restaurants and charity shops.
Spots for a pint of Tennents, very close to the Tennents factory. You can in-fact smell the beer being made in the local area. I personally liked it, as I like the beer. Never done the tour tho.
Glasgow has its main museums like Kelvingrove Art Gallery and The Transport Museum on the banks of the Clyde. Both fantastic, free and worth a browse in the west end. Covid meant I had to wait for them to open again. Kelvingrove has this original Salvador Dali you can can see here.
The Transport museum has models of original bus and subway carriages. The Glasgow subway system being one of the oldest in
Europe, dating back to 1896.
The tall ship is next to this museum. Excellent and you can learn about the history of Glasgow’s shipyards, a critical port in the 20th century western world. Before my move, my only reference point was the tales of the legendary Billy Connolly. There is a mural of him by St Enoch subway station in the city centre.
The Science Centre next to the Hydro arena is also interesting. Fun for families aswell. Games and interactive features that test your mind and perception helping you learn science. Theres a whole feature that details each of the Planets in our Solar system and their distance an reliance to the sun.
You can also get your height exactly and a test on identifying a criminal with screen memory tasks.
Back in the east end, the Necropolis shows the famous Glasgow Cathedral to the left here.
This is spectacular inside and out. Im not a christian man, but you can only admire this architecture. Built in the late 12th century and also known as St Mungo’s church for glasgow’s patron saint and his place of burial. The Necropolis is a an archaic Victorian Cemetery. Has an eerie feel.
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If you like a nice spot for a few pints and some food in Dennistoun, you can check out the Palais or Coia’s cafe on duke street.
This picture was on a outside table of Palais when the pubs first re-opened with Covid restrictions. Much needed at the time.
Dennistoun was described by an older colleague of mine as historically “a smaller and cheaper version of Glasgow’s west end.”
Before Covid; in the west end me and my pal would go to bars on byres road like Tennent’s bar. Close by is Jinty McGuinty’s Irish Bar, which is always a fun wee night on ashton lane. Some live music often involving a fiddle. A pretty dark haired girl who wouldn’t look out of place in The Corrs.
Its pricey around there tho, and i always enjoyed it more for a day or night out. The botanic gardens a beautiful horticultural breath of fresh air. Second-hand books to browse there sometimes.
The most famous Devonian in Glasgow is Buckfast, the tonic wine drink. Made in South Devon, but drank in Glasgow. You see empty bottles everywhere. It tastes sweet and a good way to finish a night. Or “Bucky” as they call it here.
There are some nice city parks in different parts of the town. Bellahouston, Alexandra, Queens, Victoria and Kelvingrove to name a few. Bellahouston on the south side is very peaceful, as well as being the scene for many summer gigs over the years. You can make a nice cheap day for yourself taking the subway or train to see a few of the parks in a day. Maybe a jog aswell if you like. This video above is of Victoria park in the west end.
There are plenty of smaller hotels and bnbs’ around these parts. You can see a decent amount of the city in a short trip, but living here gives you a different perspective. The slogan “People make Glasgow” from the council makes a lot of sense actually. People don’t take themselves too seriously. Tough, hard-working but friendly for the most part. If you like banter, you will love it. The tall tenement housing buildings are district and reflect the authentic working class roots of the city.
A wee tip, especially for gym rats, is the Glasgow Club (Glasgow Life) app for the public council gyms and leisure centres. You check information for all these gyms (don’t need to book for gym) and book swimming and fitness sessions available in the city. I love using this and continue to use it now. £3 for a swim and the Whitehill and Gorbals pools are perfect for an excercise refresh boost.
Earlier this year, I moved to Govanhill in Glasgow’s south side area. The makeup is diverse with a variety of languages spoken, the Roma and Pakistani communities making this district their home. Other middle eastern nationalities live and work here. There is a fantastic Kurdish takeaway i love for their mixed chicken and lamb spiced wrap. Arguably the most diverse place in Scotland, which the shops on Victoria and Cathcart Roads reflect. There are active social movements that support issues like immigration and environmental action. Charitable causes for local people.
A night out at SWG3 warehouse for an event called Trancefest was this october. Glasgow is known for its techno music and supporting fanbase. Much of the trance played had a techno edge to it.
A fun rave space and a good atmosphere. If you prefer rock check out Solid Rock near central station or The Cathouse (also city centre) for early 2000s nu-metal.
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Scotland Holidays often involve hills, lochs and rain.
This one was no different and I will tell you all about it.
Last Summer I took 7 day trip up north to the Scottish highlands. Still in Covid times, but an excellent stay-cation and packed loads in on a budget.
The first three nights were in Inverness. I booked a reasonably priced Hostel through The HostelWorld website, called Black Isle. Very central and in easy reach of buses and the train.
I arrived on a Friday afternoon full of excitement, a week off before starting a new job. Had an early pint outside in a pub on the other side of Ness bridge as you head out of the city centre.
Once I had set myself up in the Hostel, the trip began with an open top bus tour of Inverness and the surrounding area.
A beautiful landscape. You can really see why Inverness sells itself as “the capital of the highlands” and the “gateway to exploring it further. It is the most northerly city in Scotland and the history paves the streets, shops and landmarks of the town.
Victorian builds like Inverness Castle and the Free North Church of Scotland (the spire poking its head out in the picture) can be seen perfectly fringing the River Ness.
The hills and countryside around is complimented by trees and some farmland.
Greenery is everywhere. The open-top bus is the best way to see this for yourself.
You can take the blue-route (I took), the red route or both. £10 each or £18 for both.
Back at the Hostel was a space space. Reasonable dorms with lockers. Fridges in the kitchen where you put any labelled food. Showers were fine. In the bunks there are reading lights, which was good for me as I had two books on the go (Band of Brothers and an old John Le Carre). Went to a pub for some seafood and an ale. Was a nice summer evening. Slept fine aswell.
Wide awake at 6 am, bit of toast, showers, grabbed my stuff an off! Id booked a day long bus tour of Loch Ness. I used a Company called Rabbies Tours. An archetype Scotland Tour setup; a guy from Edinburgh in a kilt giving us a tour of Loch Ness in a small bus.
Our small, cosy group were driven around Loch Ness and we stopped at various points of interest. Stopping at Foyers Waterfall, a long walk down and then back up again. Worth looking at for videos. The sound of the water is mindfullness itself.
Fort Augustus on the west is nice to see Caledonian canal and the boats passing through it. The supporting quaint little village, perfect for a tea and snack. You can enjoy this whilst sitting on the canal bank as I did. Later we went to Castle ruins, infact going inside some aswell. You will notice the smell (not unpleasant), like you would a burnt building.
Then onto Find Nessie. We went on a boat out into Loch Ness. There was an extra charge (between £10-£15) but worth every penny. Scotland’s largest, most famous Loch and I find it difficult to believe there is any more impressive. Simply Stunning.
We cruised through the loch for over an hour. The Tour guide told us that some people look for Nessie up and down on their boat, as a full-time job. The closest we came to it were the fluffy toys in the gift shops, but nevermind eh! When looking across the loch and to the surrounding hills, you had the feeling that you could have seen the same spectacle hundreds and possibly thousands of years ago. It was that special. We got close to the ancient ruins of Urquhart Castle.
I bought a bottle of whisky in one of the gift shops. A Gaelic brand called “Slainte” translating as “Health”. Looking at the bottle you could mistake it for aftershave. After this we headed back to Inverness. All in all, a grand day out.
Back at the hostel I got talking to another solo traveller who was soon heading further north to Orkney. Had a few pints in cheery pub with a Celtic style band playing. Good vibes.
The next day, I headed out early to the most northerly point on my trip; the picturesque fishing village of Ullapool. Even as the coach pulled in, you could see a large ferry ready to head out to one of the Islands. It hammered down with rain all day, but did nothing to deter me. I had my breakfast, which was a bacon sandwich and some tea from my flask (an essential item for this type of expedition) whilst looking across the misty seafront. The houses around looked old and weather beaten from the winters. Paths away from the village took you out to fishing spots and streams. Theres a charm to this place.
I went to the tourist information to find a hill to venture up.
I chose Beinn Eilideach via Ullapool hill (Meall Mor). It took several hours, but you get decent vantage points of the village and the landscape at frequent points trekking up the hill. A good pair of walking boots are a must for this, and waterproofs for days like this one.
This pile of rocks marked the highest point.
I had my lunch on a bench spot in the video below. Rugged.
After taking in scenery fresh, air and having a wee rest, I went back down.
Stopping at a local pub for a pint outside to warm me up then got the coach back.
Later on I went for a pizza and drinks at the Black Isle Bar and restaurant, owned by the hostel just down the road from it. It had a backpacker and student vibe. Everyone was friendly. Got chatting to a kiwi girl living in London who had been to Skye that day. Told me it reminded her of being back in New Zealand.
The next morning I took a final walk around Inverness and took everything in. A final stop was Leakey’s bookshop, a real old fashioned cool place to have a browse. Then I got the train to Aviemore in the Cairngorms. I arrived after midday and took a slow walk to my hotel. It was a longer walk from the town this time. I found the Coylumbridge Aviemore Hotel is basically in the woods. As much in the woods as you get today. Out on its own, most guests are drivers it has an Overlook hotel aura. Nice though. Took awhile to check in, the room en-suite with a double bed and a tv. Headed to the front outdoor patio tables for a beer in the sun. I relaxed for the rest of the day and dived in to the buffet dinner. Slept like a baby.
Next morning, breakfast with the buffet of full-english after some coffee and porridge. Set me up for the day. Walked into Aviemore and got an early bus to the Anagach Woods beyond the town of Grantown-on-Spey. Once you get there you will sense the sight and smell of pine trees that tower over you. You can stop at one of the Borders of the River Spey, spots to read and meditate with the sound of the water. I couldn’t tell you how long I was doing this for, as didn’t care for time.
Deeper in the woods it dark and the trees get taller. Below is a kind of crossroads I found.
The woods eventually end if you keep going and then emerge on open country space.
Heading back into Grantown, took a wander of the town before catching the bus back to Aviemore. Continuing to follow a guidebook I purchased, went looking for Craigellachie National Nature Reserve. This one of the main reason I chose Aviemore as destination. Full of Gorgeous silver birch trees. and birds chirping away in summer months like this one. I began the climb up Craigallachie hill. This was quite steep for me at times. Its a popular trek with a choice of paths. The views are spectacular as you reach the summit points. You can see some of the winter sports facilities that bring tourists in during those months.
The village below is a colour contrast with the green trees and fields. The misty mountains are the perfect backdrop. The rainbow in the video below added to the ambience. This is from the top.
This pool of water reflected the afternoon sun, when breaking through the clouds. You really felt like you were in the Scottish highlands.
The ground was mossy and there was a pile of rocks to mark the top of this hill aswell.
I stayed and admired for the best part of an hour.
Others made the same climb and I shared some words with a young couple who were taking photographs and said this was their favourite view in the Cairngorms.
I then made a slow walk back down and got a hot dog from a pub, some tasty comfort food. A few drinks back at the hotel, then reading before bed.
The next day i took a long walk through the woodlands to Loch Morlich. A small beach popular with tourists, many in campervans. You could hire kayaks for the day at this time of year. Other watersports like sailing and and windsurfing are also well liked here. Peaceful nonetheless. The Boathouse cafe is ideal for a cup of tea and bite to eat on the beach benches. The Loch is vast. You walk alongside it through the woods or the road and as you head towards the beach, its a real gem. Tourists can take their kids in the loch for a dip. The watersports look like good fun, especially watching the kayaks and the windsurfers. Good business for the locals.
Its a long walk from the hotel I stayed, so i took it easy and lay on the beach. Changing my spot every so often to read and take some pictures. Im so glad I got the chance to go here.
Loch Morlich:
On my last full day of the trip I went searching the Cairngorms for Loch an Eilein. This is hidden deeply in the Rothiemurchus forest. It is less busy than Morlich and really gives you the feeling of being out in the wilderness. The walk through the twisty forest paths, go off in all sorts of directions and you could lose yourself here. If you keep to the paths with signposting to Loch An Eilein you come out of the periphery of trees that surround this beautiful area. Basically its like something from the wizard of oz.
I found a clearing to have some lunch. Eventually i came out into Loch An Eilein.
You can access this by car aswell, but i recommended coming through the forest.
You feel like you have discovered it.
This was the day a chose to grab my swimming shorts and go for a swim in the Loch. Eilein looked colder than Morlich, so I braced myself for the chill. You dive in and its a jolt thats for sure! It had to be done tho. Your body temperature readjusts after a few minutes and then you start to enjoy it. I swam towards a small island of land in the loch you can see in the video below. Its very therapeutic and great for your mental health. Its fine to leave your stuff for a while aswell, its safe.
After all that, I walked back to the hotel had a big dinner and a wee dram before bed. The next day I checked out and got the train back home. A fantastic trip and would thoroughly recommend the places I went.
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