Trips
๐ฆฆย Isle of Mull
31st October to 4th November 2024
A long weekend on autumnal Mull. Excellent otter spotting right off the ferry, followed by a moody weekend exploring all of Mull and Iona. Return via Ardnamurchan, three ferries, and Puck's Glen.
๐ย Summerhill Force & Low Force
27th October 2024
A sunny late autumn morning in Teesdale trying to catch England's best waterfalls in autumn colours. Lots of sun and an initially quiet morning made for a tranquil and restorative time!
๐ฅพย Riggindale Round
26th October 2024
After a few months off, a challenging circular hike to remind me of the joys of hiking and what I'm capable of. Lovely autumn colours on ascent and descent but little to see along High Street.
๐ย Tanfield Railway: Run It Weekend Gala
20th October 2024
An autumnal day spent in the forest watching former colliery trains running at Tanfield Railway. Lots of forested sightlines, some heavy rain, and challenging lighting, but an all round excellent day of photography.
๐ย Aurora at North Charlton
10th to 11th October 2024
Another unmissable night full of strong aurora activity. Despite recovering from a cold I ventured into Northumberland to catch unique pinks and strong reds through an almost completely saturated sky!
๐ย Edinburgh for HRT
13th September 2024
Another routine trip to Edinburgh for medical treatment. Some new views around Princes Street followed by my typical Leith and Stockbridge stomping ground.
๐ย Isle of Skye
10th to 18th August 2024
A week of remote working on Skye, staying in Tarskavaig. High expectations of orange sunrises and sunsets were tempered by consistently cloudy and grey conditions. Plenty of beauty was found in the realistic Scottish weather.
๐ฅพย Boredale Round
28th July 2024
My first time hiking with my Dad this year, ticking off Wainwrights on the south side of Ullswater. Cold first light conditions gave way to a sunny, hot, and sticky amble. Excellent views and dramatic clouds!
โด๏ธย Baltic Sea
14th to 20th July 2024
A full week exploring Stockholm, Visby (Gotland), and Tallinn. Three ferries taken across the Baltic sea made this an adventurous trip. Lots of urban exploration with hot and sunny weather. Visby was a stand-out bucket list destination!
๐ฅพย Fusedale Round
29th June 2024
Hiking around Fusedale and above Ullswater in initially rainy conditions, turning cloudy and dry later. Arthur's Pike became my 100th bagged Wainwright, while Bonscale Pike is my 50th this year alone!
๐๏ธย Lindisfarne
23rd June 2024
A half-day solo trip out to Northumberland's Holy Island, often out of reach during high tide. An enjoyable explore of the harbour, flowers, some of my favourite views on the island, and even a bit of trainspotting on the way home.
๐ย Edinburgh for HRT
18th June 2024
A routine trip to Edinburgh for medical treatment means some photography of Dean Village. On the way back, a stop at Tantallon Castle to photograph Bass Rock, and some train photography at the border.
๐งย Farne Islands
15th June 2024
My first time visiting the Farne Islands, now that bird flu restrictions are lifted. Plentiful puffins, common guillemots, arctic terns, and even a few seals. Boat tour from Seahouses around the archipelago, with a landing on Inner Farne.
๐ฆย The Cairngorm Reindeer Herd
9th June 2024
My first visit to see the reindeer in 2024, just in time to catch the last of the calves before going out to free roam on the mountain tops. The reindeer looked particularly dishevelled due to the ongoing winter coat molt.
๐ฅพย Castle Crag, Little & Great Mell Fells
8th June 2024
After three weekends away from hiking, the last recovering from cold, a steady day hiking Wainwright outliers. Excellent clarity and vivid greens throughout.
๐ย Coll & Tiree
17th to 27th May 2024
A week of remote working on Tiree, enjoying white sands, sheep, and sunsets. Followed by bank holiday weekend on Coll, craggy and quieter by comparison.
๐ฅพย Rannerdale Bluebells, Mungrisdale Round
12th May 2024
An enchanting morning at Rannerdale's famous bluebell meadow, focused on photographing the purple hues under cloudy light. Followed by a long hike above Mungrisdale in hot and hazy conditions around and below Blencathra.
๐ย Aurora at Clatteringshaws Loch
10th to 11th May 2024
The strongest aurora since 2005, caused by 5+ coronal mass ejections, several earth-directed. My friend and I travelled to Galloway Forest Park in search of clear and dark skies with a northward loch view. We were blindsided by the aurora overhead and in the south, naked eye visible in green and pink. An unforgettable once-in-a-generation event.
๐ฅพย Latrigg, Longside Edge, Dodd Wood
27th April 2024
A superb long day in the Lake District. Sunrise and early morning photography from Latrigg, then hiking in the shadow of Skiddaw and through Dodd Wood. The first truly exceptional day of spring hiking.
๐ฅพย Skiddaw, Bakestall
20th April 2024
A clear day on the Lakeland fells, put to good use by at last tackling Skiddaw and attached Wainwrights, bagging the fourth tallest Wainwright. Overcast haze on Skiddaw gave way to the year's first sunburn walking back through the valley.
๐ฅย Islay
12th to 14th April 2024
A long weekend focused around touring the capital of peated whisky. Saturday's double tour of Laphroaig and Lagavulin was the highlight, along with the remote Scottish island atmosphere.
โฐ๏ธย Lake District
28th March to 1st April 2024
Staying in Ambleside for the entire Easter weekend. A mix of relaxing in town, hiking the Fairfield Horseshoe, and ticking off some classic Lake District attractions.
๐ซ๐ฎย Helsinki
22nd to 24th March 2024
My first time leaving the UK since 2017. A long weekend in icy Helsinki to see my favourite band (Sonata Arctica) play in their home country. Plenty of city exploring on all three days.
๐ฅพย Carrock Fell, High Pike, Knott, Great Calva
16th March 2024
My first dark start to a hike, headtorch assisted until a dramatic sunrise. A long day across boggy hilltop with all levels of mist and cloud cover. Hard work for Rin and I to hike out 8km over 2 hours.
๐ฅพย Blencathra via Blease Fell
3rd March 2024
A challenging snow-filled first ascent of Blencathra. Near whiteout conditions and snow drifts culminated in no summit view, but on descent of Blease Fell the clouds opened and excellent photography was had.
โช๏ธย Durham Cathedral
2nd March 2024
Taking photos inside Durham Cathedral on a grey weekend day. Despite growing up in Durham and an on-off history of photography, this was my first time taking a camera inside.
๐ฅพย Whinlatter
24th February 2024
Hiking around and through Whinlatter forest on a fine day with mixed cloud cover, enjoying the snowcapped mountains beyond. Joined by a new colleague on his inaugural trip to the Lake District.
๐ฅพย Back O' Skiddaw
18th February 2024
With weather in the Lake District unexpectedly misty, a hike behind Skiddaw with no expectations of views amongst the rolling fells.
๐ฅพย Sale Fell, Ling Fell, Binsey
17th February 2024
After a month away from hiking, a relaxed morning ticking off some straightforward Wainwrights on either side of Bassenthwaite Lake.
๐ย Shetland
27th January to 5th February 2024
A week away in the UK's most northern reaches, taking in remote rugged scenery and attending Lerwick Up Helly Aa, a celebration of the islands' norse history.
๐๏ธย Kingshouse Hotel
12th to 14th January 2024
A comfy weekend in the Kingshouse Hotel's most dramatic room, serving as a base for adventure to Glen Etive, Glen Coe, and Inveraray.
โช๏ธย Newcastle Cathedral
7th January 2024
A quick visit into Newcastle Cathedral while in the city centre. Despite living in northeast England my entire life, this was my first visit inside.
๐ฅพย Coledale Horseshoe
6th January 2024
My first hike of the year, in clear and frosty conditions, made very exciting by a strong cloud inversion over Keswick. A slog onto Grisedale Pike rewarded with an excellent day on the fells.
๐ย New Year's Away
30th December 2023 to 1st January 2024
Ringing in the new year with a stay near York, accompanied by trips to York Minster and Whitby.
๐ย Edinburgh for HRT
27th to 28th December 2023
An overnight stay in Edinburgh just after Christmas while in the city for medical treatment. A typical wander of Stockbridge, and not so typical wanders through the Christmas market and the botanic garden's light display.
๐ฆย Cairngorm Reindeer Herd
10th December 2023
Giving my friend a free choice of where to go for a catch-up day in the highlands, I ended up back in the Cairngorms again. Cancelled tickets to see the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd bagged us an unlikely impromptu December hill trip.
๐ฆย Cairngorms & Aberfeldy
1st to 3rd December 2023
A wintry weekend in and around the Cairngorms, with Aberfeldy as a base. Strong snow cover, a low of 10.5C, and visiting the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd made for a festive antidote to late autumn blues.
๐ย Moray Firth Coast
17th to 19th November 2023
A short weekend exploration of the coastline between Inverness and Peterhead, including a visit to Charlestown of Aberlour.
๐ฅพย The Grasmoor Six
11th November 2023
An exceptional day of crisp and clear hiking across six Wainwrights including Grasmoor. Snow capped views and paragliders added to the day's excitement.
๐ฅพย Newlands Horseshoe
4th November 2023
A circular hike from dawn 'til dusk, disregarding advice to break this horseshoe into two hikes. Particularly challenging work onto High Spy with a race back to the car before dark.
๐ย Durness
13th to 21st October 2023
My first week working remotely, spare time spent exploring North-west Sutherland and Assynt more deeply, including capturing an aurora. Storm Babet proved challenging and forced me home early.
๐ฅพย Rannerdale Knotts
8th October 2023
A day out in the Lake District with Sophie to tick off a minor Wainwright and take in Buttermere's scenery.
๐ฅพย Causey Pike, Scar Crags, Barrow
7th October 2023
A wet and windy day of hiking up slick rocks and along cloudswept ridge lines.
๐ฅพย Knott Rigg, Ard Crags
1st October 2023
A leisurely walk in the Lake District to get back into hiking after a long summer break.
๐ย Yorkshire Dales
15th to 17th September 2023
As a sending off present to my friend about to travel Asia, we spent the weekend exploring the Yorkshire Dales. Rolling countryside, cave exploration, then onwards to Ripon for more structured attractions.
๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ท๓ ฌ๓ ณ๓ ฟย Wales
2nd to 9th September 2023
Our summer holiday for 2023. One week touring Wales via its north, west, and south, with an accommodation for each. Blue skies and the hottest weather of the year, but beautiful castles and coastal scenery throughout.
๐ปย Balgone Sunflower Trail
27th August 2023
A dedicated day trip to walk through a field of sunflowers, followed up with a visit to St Mary's Kirk in Haddington.
๐ฅ๏ธย Skye, Raasay & St Kilda
9th to 13th August 2023
A long weekend centered around Skye, for the purpose of visiting St Kilda, far off the coast of the Outer Hebrides.
๐ฆย Cairngorm Reindeer Herd
4th August 2023
An impromptu visit to see the reindeer in a more summery setting.
๐ย Fort William
28th to 30th July 2023
A trip originally booked to ride aboard The Jacobite steam train from Fort William to Mallaig, we instead took the scenic route to Plockton.
โ๏ธย Lake District
22nd to 23rd July 2023
A persistently wet weekend of exploring the quintessential Lake District with work friends.
๐ฅพย Great Borne, Starling Dodd
1st July 2023
Hiking above the clouds across Gale Fell, with fleeting views down over Ennerdale Water.
๐นย Bute
24th to 25th June 2023
A short weekend on Bute followed by a meandering forested return through Cowal.
๐ฅพย Yewbarrow
17th June 2023
Hiking my white whale of Wainwright's seventh book, a steep ascent and scramble gives way to views across Wasdale Head.
๐๏ธย Outer Hebrides
3rd to 10th June 2023
A bottom-to-top exploration of the Outer Hebrides with a friend, over a summery nine days.
๐ชขย Gaping Gill Winch
1st June 2023
A once-in-a-lifetime descent into the Yorkshire Dales' finest cave by way of chair and winch, passing Britain's highest unbroken waterfall.
๐ฅพย Haystacks, Fleetwith Pike
28th May 2023
Hiking two iconic Lake District Wainwrights with my Dad, pushing the limits of his fear of heights.
๐ย Isle of Skye
19th to 22nd May 2023
A long weekend exploring Skye with family. Trotternish, Elgol, and Skye's westernmost reaches.
๐ฆฆย Isle of Mull
11th to 14th May 2023
A long weekend on Mull, Iona, Staffa, and Lunga with friends. Taking in Tobermory, beaches and coastline, and puffins.
๐ฅพย Mellbreak
7th May 2023
Hiking up a big scree tongue and gully for superlative views across Crummock Water and Buttermere.
๐ฅพย Cat Bells
6th May 2023
Hiking up one of the Lake District's most popular summits on the day of the coronation.
๐ฅพย Base Brown, Green Gable
1st May 2023
Hiking from Seathwaite to the base of Great Gable in slick and rainy conditions, rewarded with the sun's late arrival.
๐ย Herdwick Experience
29th April 2023
A day trip to Yew Tree Farm in the Lake District to meet some Herdwick sheep up close.
๐ย North Coast 500
14th to 23rd April 2023
A nine day road trip from/to Inverness, around mainland Scotland's northern edges, taking in stunning rural and coastal scenery.
๐ฅพย Grike, Crag Fell, Lank Rigg
8th April 2023
Hiking in the early morning above Ennerdale's north edge.
๐ฅพย Mosedale Horseshoe
7th April 2023
Hiking around Mosedale, across Red Pike and Pillar, with excellent sunny views throughout.
๐ฅพย Kirk Fell, Great Gable
2nd April 2023
Hiking up two of Wasdale Head's most prominent Wainwrights. A struggle up Kirkfell Crags eventually rewarded with the first sunscreen summit of the year.
๐ฅพย Grey Knotts, Brandreth
26th March 2023
Hiking from Honister Mine in the direction of Green Gable before returning to the old slate mine.
๐ฅพย Steeple, Scoat Fell, Haycock, Caw Fell
25th March 2023
Hiking above Ennerdale, into the clouds and rain, persevering until back below the cloud line.
๐ฆย Cairngorms & Braemar
17th to 19th March 2023
A second weekend in the Cairngorms, including a visit to the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd, but this time taking in Braemar and Balmoral on the way home.
๐ฅพย Buttermere Edge
11th March 2023
Hiking in fresh overnight snow along the edge of Buttermere, then above it on the ridge line.
๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ท๓ ฌ๓ ณ๓ ฟย North Wales
3rd to 5th March 2023
A long weekend based near Conwy, taking in the castles and natural beauty of the area.
๐๏ธย Glen Etive Schoolhouse
18th to 25th February 2023
A week-long winter holiday in Glen Etive, spent visiting places such as nearby Glen Coe, Oban, and Ardnamurchan.
๐ฅพย Fellbarrow, Low Fell
12th February 2023
Hiking the smallest fells in the western Lake District, finding superb views.
๐ฅพย Burnbank Fell, Blake Fell, Gavel Fell, Hen Comb
11th February 2023
Hiking above Loweswater and into the clouds, with excellent wintry views on ascent and descent.
๐ฅพย Middle Fell, Seatallan, Buckbarrow
5th February 2023
Hiking my first Lake District Wainwrights from Wast Water.
๐ย The Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express
28th January 2023
A trip to Shap Summit to shoot trains both old and new on the west coast main line.
๐ย Wast Water
22nd January 2023
A day too rainy to begin hiking Wainwrights turned into exploring Wast Water and Wasdale Head.
๐ย The Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express
21st January 2023
A day out in the Yorkshire Dales to shoot a stream train ascending the Settle-Carlisle railway in the snow.
๐ฅพย Ribblehead Viaduct & Whernside
15th January 2023
A day out in the Yorkshire Dales to scout steam train shooting locations on the Settle-Carlisle railway, followed by a walk up Whernside.
๐ฆย Cairngorms & Loch Rannoch
6th to 8th January 2023
A short weekend exploring the Cairngorm Mountains for the first time, including visiting the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd, before exploring along Loch Tummel & Loch Rannoch on the way home.
๐ญย Stratford-upon-Avon
27th to 28th August 2022
โฒ๏ธย The Alnwick Garden
20th August 2022
๐ย Isle of Skye
12th to 14th August 2022
โต๏ธย Ullswater & Aira Force
7th August 2022
๐๏ธย London
5th to 6th August 2022
๐ฅพย Lingcove Bridge & Esk Falls
23rd July 2022
๐ย Edinburgh for HRT
14th to 15th July 2022
โฐ๏ธย Buttermere
10th July 2022
๐๏ธย Lindisfarne
10th July 2022
๐ย St Maryโs Lighthouse
7th July 2022
๐ฅพย Old Man of Coniston
24th June 2022
๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟย Southern England
20th to 23rd June 2022
๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ณ๓ ฃ๓ ด๓ ฟย Scottish Highlands
18th to 19th June 2022
๐งย Low Force
17th June 2022
๐ย Isle of Skye
4th to 5th June 2022
๐ธย Cragside
29th May 2022
๐ฐย Inveraray
8th May 2022
๐ฅพย Wast Water & Burnmoor Tarn
28th April 2022
๐ฐย Loch Ness & Edinburgh
25th April 2022
