All posts filed under: Travel

Climbing Helvellyn – The Lake District

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I would say this as I am a Brit, but I truly believe that we have some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. One of the most stunningly beautiful places I have ever visited, Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove, is only a few hours away from London by car. The lush green grassy banks on the top of the cliff overlook a long thin stretch of white sandy beach, which is framed by the most incredible rocky terrain in the shape of a door (hence the name). We are also lucky to have access to the Scottish Highlands, the Cotswolds and the Lake District. A few months ago a group of us decided that the mark the end of the summer it would be a lovely idea to bundle into two cars and drive up to the lakes for a weekend at the beginning of September. The aim of the trip was to do as many outdoor activities as possible. A climb up Helvellyn, the third highest point in England, was definitely on …

A New Adventure – Bye Bye London

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I have an announcement. After 9 years in what I believe to be one of the most incredibly inspiring and exciting cities in the world, I am packing up my life and heading on a new adventure. The last year or so has been a whirlwind for me. My grandmother who I was very close to passed away and I split up from my boyfriend of 6 years last summer. I will never forget the bittersweet moment and the words of my grandma who held my hand tightly from her hospital bed and muttered the words ‘you’ll do well’ over and over whilst looking into my eyes. In one month I went from owning a flat with a guy that had been my best friend for years, to singleton with nothing but my job and blog remaining a constant. I ran away from everything – a close group of friends, a boyfriend and a hell of a lot of security. Those close to me will know the reasons for the split and the fact that nothing for the …

My First Meetup – Photographic Explorers, London

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It took me a whole year to get my act together, but last last night I finally attended my first photo meetup. A few of us headed down after work to meet the group at Tower Bridge and we spent three hours wandering around the area, snapping away on our cameras, before heading to the local pub to share our photos and have a natter over a couple of beers. I have been interested in photography since I was a wee nipper but I didn’t get my first camera until I was into my 20s. I have to be honest, it doesn’t come easy to me and I find myself getting frustrated when I’m out and about, but the saying is true – practice makes perfect. Last night I was shooting with two cameras – a Nikon 1 J3 and a Canon 600D and you can see the rest of my pics on my flickr. Find out more about the Photographic Explorers meetup here.

Running in Heels Review: La Clairière, Alsace

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This was originally posted on Running in Heels following a press stay at La Clairière in Alsace. Even in the dim evening light, the quaint villages between Strasbourg and eco spa hotel La Clairière are a fairytale feast of delicate gabled roofs and charming crooked cottages. Further on, as you speed  through dark forests, the impression grows stronger until, suddenly, La Clairière looms up out of the foliage like Rapunzel’s tower. I, however, had not come to eat enchanted gingerbread or drink magical wine – or indeed, anything approaching either of those at all. Instead, I was here for a detox programme, one of the many wellness programs offered by the Alsace-based spa hotel. Three days, scores of treatments, four-course detox lunches and dinners and unlimited use of the spa – I was ready to go. First though, I headed upstairs to check out my room, which was far more traditional than the brightly coloured communal seating area downstairs and equipped with twin beds, a living space with a sofa, two balconies, a TV, mini bar and kettle with …

Foodie Milan for The House of Peroni

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A few weeks ago I was approached by The House of Peroni. They wanted to know if I was up for being sent to Milan to review a couple of restaurants for the magazine. What do you think my answer was? You guessed it, YES! So a couple of weeks ago, I packed a rucksack and headed on my merry way to one of the world’s most fashionable cities for a couple of nights. I was in Milan to try U Barba for lunch and Cascina Cuccagna for dinner. But I knew my trip would not be complete without sampling the incredible aperitivo on offer, so I arranged to meet a friend of a friend on the Friday evening and trundled alongside the disused canal on Ripa di Porta to meet her at Rebelot for aperitivo, a gin based cocktail and to sample three dishes from the sharing menu. The cosy and atmospheric restaurant, which shares a kitchen with Al Pont De Ferr, a Michelin starred restaurant a couple of doors down, was the perfect …