The Places I go, when the world feels heavy
Offt it’s been a heavy one, right? So much is going on in the world and I don’t know about you but being a major empath means that at times like these I really, really need grounding. One of the things that helps me at times of challenge is to get into nature, you’ve heard me say it before and I stand by it that there is little a bit of outdoor time can’t help with, it might not solve the puzzle you are facing but I bet it gives you space and helps you process. And so this week it felt like a good time to share some of my favourite places. Wether you love a cold water dip, a hike or just a bit of green space then I hope there is something in here that inspires and supports you.
Loch Fyne
Loch Fyne is a sea loch fed by the Firth of Clyde which means that the water is salty and you might meet a friend or two if you get in! ( I met a seal just after this picture was taken) One of my fave access points to Loch Fyne is at Inveraray- We traveled up here with family and stayed at the George Hotel which has an awesome little outdoor bar/restaurant with great seafood. Inveraray is also home to one of my fave walks Dùn na Cuaiche - which you can access via the grounds to Inveraray Castle. It’s around 3 miles uphill and my 6-year-old managed it with minimal complaining. The view at the top is breathtaking and well worth it!
An Lochan Uaine (Green Loch) - Aviemore
This is one of my all-time favourite spots. A small freshwater loch, hidden by Caledonian pines in the Cairngorm National Park. If you want a tranquil paradise- this is where you will find it. according to folklore- Glenmore, is said to be the home of the king of the faeries and Loch Uaine is thought to take its green colour from the local faeries who wash their clothes in it- giving it a magical colour. A less whimsical explanation is that the green comes from the reflection of the surrounding pines, whatever the reason it is a truly stunning setting with a nearby hike up through the pines which will have you feeling like you are in another country.
Beinn Each
This is a hill for when you want to stomp it out. My kind of vibe when I’m feeling helpless and frustrated with that’s going on around me. Often facing a physical challenge not only gives me a much-needed dopamine hit but it also helps me remember that I can in fact do hard things. Beinn Each is a Corbet and is listed as an easy climb but it is a quick incline that is very steep with some rough terrain toward the top, personally, I find the constant incline mentally and physically challenging and it definitely gives me a much-needed break from any chaos going on in my mind or the world around me!
Loch Lubnaig
Nearby to Beinn Each is the stunning Loch Lubnaig - a freshwater loch surrounded by breathtaking scenery. This is a very popular site with tourists so don’t choose this one if you are trying to escape people.. unless you know the secret spots which you’ll have to ask me about in person ;) This is a great place to launch kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards and if you park at The Cabin you can get super easy access. The little beach is a great place to have a picnic or barbecue and the water is nice and cold! Be careful though as it has a steep drop-off very close to the shore so make sure you are prepared for that and keep your little ones safe with buoyancy aids.
Insider tip - get there early, the car park gets really busy and often you’ll be turned away if it’s full.
Loch Tay at Kilin
Loch Tay and the village of Kilin have my heart. I escaped up here at the end of 2021 after some shit seriously hit the fan in my personal and professional life and honestly it was such a welcome tonic. Situated Perthshire in the central highlands of Scotland and surrounded by munro’s, Loch Tay is a fierce queen and the type of loch I head to if I need to be shook up! The picture above is a wee secret spot we have visited many times and because it is shielded by the hills you get lots of protection from the elements. Kilin is a stunning wee village with lots of gorgeous walks and great locally sourced food. Well worth a visit all year round <3
Culzean Castle and Bay
If you haven’t been to Culzean Castle and Country park then you have to plan a trip now! It’s such a beautiful place and great day out for families, couples and furry friends! We took our camper and stayed at a campsite on the grounds which was stunning. It has tonnes to do- from big walks, to play parks to beaches, you really will have an amazing time here. Again it’s popular with people so not one to go to if you want to be alone, however we went at the height of summer and because the grounds are so big, we didn’t find it too crowded. I’d recommend this one if you need a day away from your phone, there is so much to see and so much breathtaking scenery to take in that there’s no way you’ll be distracted by anything else.
I honestly could keep going, I have so many places I’d love to share with you but before this turns into an ebook, I’m going to stop. I hope that you find some gems in here that you can access, are able to immerse yourself in the embrace of mama nature and find some freedom from the heaviness and chaos that is the world right now.
and if you ever want an adventure buddy- hit me up, I know lots of good spots ;) <3
Are you ready to reconnect?
If you’re feeling full of angst, pent-up emotions, lost, and generally aghast at the chaos of the world - you are not alone. Often our pattern in times like these means that we fall right to the bottom of our to-do list. It can be really hard to look after yourself when you are panicking about what the future looks like. But reconnecting, realigning, and getting some perspective on the chaos is exactly the type of cup-filling behavior we need in order to help us continue to ride this wave. The only way out is through folks and it’s much easier to do that when your needs are taken care of.
If this resonates with you I’d love to invite you to join us on a journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and the release of shame, guilt, and expectation, an opportunity to come home to yourself and find the grounding roots you need to support you.
All in a stunning location, surrounded by other incredible humans who are ready to step into this work with you.
Join our retreat day on 09.10.22 for as little as £40pm. Payment plans can exceed retreat date.