The lost city of Petra located in Southern Jordan, is recognised as a world heritage UNESCO site. Visiting the area you can see why. Carved into the rock faces are the most remarkable facades constructed by ancient civilisations. Petra’s landscape and climate alone is breathtaking. Red sand stone mountains jut into the bright blue skies... Continue Reading →
Jerash aka Pompeii of the East and Kerak Castle
In Northern Jordan, is a city named Jerash, otherwise known as the Pompeii of the East. Walking through its grand arch entrance you can see why it has received its nickname; impressive columns line the main path into the historic city. On the outskirts lives the hippodrome, where citizens would watch horses and chariots race.... Continue Reading →
24 hours in Amman, Jordan
Amman, the capital of Jordan is currently home to 4 million inhabitants. It was founded in the 8th millennium BC. Since then the area has changed hands, from the Selucids, Navateans, Romans, Greeks, Ottomams to the Arabs today. With so many owners Amman is a hub of cultural fusion. While, perhaps not as popular with... Continue Reading →
West Highland Way – Part 2
Day 5 Tyndrum to Kingshouse 30 km. The beginning of the day was fairly easy-going. The terrain was flat and easy underfoot. We stopped at The Bridge of Orchy Hotel for a hot chocolate. The views were fantastic and the hot drinks most welcome. Due to interminable rain we decided to enjoy the views from... Continue Reading →
West Highland Way – Part 1
The 154 km West Highland Way walking trail starts in Milngavie (just north of Glasgow). We had taken a flight from Gatwick London to Glasgow, followed by a 20 minute taxi ride to the Milngavie Premier Inn hotel. Flying to Glasgow was sadly cheaper than taking a train. Not to mention quicker (a couple of... Continue Reading →
Sandy beach walk to the Hilbre Islands
Wolfing down our strawberry flavoured overnight oats in the car park we were ready to set off on our morning adventure. We parked in the Morrisons, West Kirby car park. The machine was broken so we didn't have to pay. But, bring your purse just in case. Across the road lay a vast sandy beach,... Continue Reading →
Cobbler Mountain Hike
Cobbler Mountain otherwise known as Ben Arthur reaches a height of 884m and provides a wonderful hike. We parked in Succoth car park and crossed the road to the wooden owl where the path begins. To start with, we zig-zagged up through forests, before reaching a more barren landscape. The trees ceased and the terrain... Continue Reading →
Signal Rock, Water Falls and night time adventures
It is widely believed that the Glencoe Massacre of 1692 was initiated from Signal Rock. Today you can embark upon a leisurely stroll to this beacon point. We parked in the car park off the A82 and followed the well trodden path, which lead us to a gushing river. From here, we took the path to... Continue Reading →
The Island of Kerrara
The wind billowed through my hair as we journeyed across the loch on a small ferry. The crossing took five minutes from the south of Oban to the island of Kerrara, costing £3.20 for a return journey. The timetable can be found on the Calmac website (or google search Gallanach - Kerrera). The sun was... Continue Reading →
Secluded Scottish Sandy Beaches, Islands, and Waterfalls
At the tender age of 17 my mother listened diligently as her new manager recited the staff rules to her. She was not to smoke, drink alcohol or ‘be discovered in bed (or elsewhere)’ with another member of staff. The briefing was endless, with countless such instructions. This was 1981, and my mother had just... Continue Reading →