I'm moving back to Ullapool this month! It's my hometown and a truly beautiful place to visit. Hay on wye is also a really special place if you're a book lover. Excited for you!
Don't forget Northern Ireland! It has some gems, and I don't mean the standard recommendations. The absolute best beach in Northern Ireland, for swimming, walking, relaxing and nature (e.g. bee orchids and skylarks), is the little known Benderg Bay. I've been trying to popularise it for years; thankfully, I have failed (mainly because there is a slightly more easily accessible, but inferior, beach very close by).
Hi Molly, another fantastic piece of writing, full of great exploration ideas. You will love Hay-on-Wye!! It ‘literally! is a Book Town. You will be blown away. I’ve visited and stayed a few times in Hay. Have a good day x
I love Barter Books and Alnwick. I would recommend popping directly across to the coast and visit Alnmouth. It’s only about 10-15 mins by car or bus and is so charming and pretty. Also Warkworth castle and, much further up, Berwick-Upon-Tweed is worth a look. Much pottering to be had! I’m also not one for resort holidays, I like a combination of pottering and walking. I’m also a fan of tiny but quirky local museums - the staff are usually brilliantly eccentric!
Thank you for highlighting some places I hadn’t considered or didn’t know about.
Make sure you pop down to Carrick Shore near Kirkcudbright - it is a lovely drive with fabulous views right on the beach. (My family have one of the huts down on the beach there, that's how I know it so well)
I so resonate with your concept of solo travel. It truly is the most satisfying way to travel for me too. I am just back from a week in the Highlands and my cup is full. Solo travel provides a sense of independence, freedom and slow and mindful exploration. Look forward to following your journey while you take to the road this year.
I want to see so much in Scotland! All of these UK places look gorgeous. My slow travel tip is to spend a few days in a city first, and then spend the rest of the vacation in the countryside so you can actually spend time in a slower pace of life with locals. I've done this on several vacations, and it's now my favorite way to divide up my vacation time.
Having called Edinburgh home for the past 2.5 years, I’ve only scratched the surface of what Scotland has to offer—so I’d love to explore more of it in the future (maybe this year?). I hope you share some of your travels here <3
I'm from Orkney and fully recommend you come visit us! The island of Hoy is truly magical. Would happily show you around or make suggestions 😍
Thank you lovely!
I'm moving back to Ullapool this month! It's my hometown and a truly beautiful place to visit. Hay on wye is also a really special place if you're a book lover. Excited for you!
I can't wait to visit! :)
Don't forget Northern Ireland! It has some gems, and I don't mean the standard recommendations. The absolute best beach in Northern Ireland, for swimming, walking, relaxing and nature (e.g. bee orchids and skylarks), is the little known Benderg Bay. I've been trying to popularise it for years; thankfully, I have failed (mainly because there is a slightly more easily accessible, but inferior, beach very close by).
That sounds wonderful!
Northern Ireland is on my list for this year! I’ll check out your recommendation 😊
Barter Books is incredible! (As are Alnwick Gardens). And Hay on Wye has so many bookshops!
I desperately want to visit Orkney, but it is such a long way from Lancashire.
You have some wonderful trips planned - can't wait to hear all about them x
Hi Molly, another fantastic piece of writing, full of great exploration ideas. You will love Hay-on-Wye!! It ‘literally! is a Book Town. You will be blown away. I’ve visited and stayed a few times in Hay. Have a good day x
I really hope I get to visit! :)
You will absolutely love hay on wye! 😍
My husband and I will be celebrating our 10 year anniversary in Eileen Shona this summer! I’m excited for a chance to unplug and explore the isle.
Aw how exciting! Congratulations :)
What a journey you have ahead!
I love Barter Books and Alnwick. I would recommend popping directly across to the coast and visit Alnmouth. It’s only about 10-15 mins by car or bus and is so charming and pretty. Also Warkworth castle and, much further up, Berwick-Upon-Tweed is worth a look. Much pottering to be had! I’m also not one for resort holidays, I like a combination of pottering and walking. I’m also a fan of tiny but quirky local museums - the staff are usually brilliantly eccentric!
Thank you for highlighting some places I hadn’t considered or didn’t know about.
Happy travels!!
Thank you so much for the recommendations! :)
Make sure you pop down to Carrick Shore near Kirkcudbright - it is a lovely drive with fabulous views right on the beach. (My family have one of the huts down on the beach there, that's how I know it so well)
Sounds wonderful!
Lots of wonderful travel plans, look forward to hearing all about them. Just visited Edinburgh and loved it, enjoy!
Orkney is on my list! I soooooooo want to go! You’re nearer than I am though 🫣
I so resonate with your concept of solo travel. It truly is the most satisfying way to travel for me too. I am just back from a week in the Highlands and my cup is full. Solo travel provides a sense of independence, freedom and slow and mindful exploration. Look forward to following your journey while you take to the road this year.
Love this, good for you Natalia! :)
I want to see so much in Scotland! All of these UK places look gorgeous. My slow travel tip is to spend a few days in a city first, and then spend the rest of the vacation in the countryside so you can actually spend time in a slower pace of life with locals. I've done this on several vacations, and it's now my favorite way to divide up my vacation time.
I love that idea! :)
My Scottish (Edinburgher) husband and I lived in Bristol and recently moved to South Wales. If you need any Bristol recommendations let me know!
Or Edinburgh recommendations for that matter!
Having called Edinburgh home for the past 2.5 years, I’ve only scratched the surface of what Scotland has to offer—so I’d love to explore more of it in the future (maybe this year?). I hope you share some of your travels here <3