The Motherland (otherwise known as Scotland)

For all those who know me, they know that my favourite place in the world is Scotland.

The border is exactly 335 miles from me and I can always feel it calling out to me to come back. I have family in Scotland too, so I can always find an excuse too.

But now, in this time where we all must remain inside, I really find myself missing it.

Over my 28 year and 4 month lifespan I have spent many weeks walking amongst the hills, mountains, grass, flowers, woods, rivers and lochs of Scotland, so I thought I would throwback to some of my favourite spots.

These are all photos I've taken, or are photos of me. And man are they bringing back memories. No, I'm not crying... you're crying! Ahem... anyway. Let's get on with the list shall we?

Aye.

1. Loch Tay (and surrounding area)

My first Warditt trip was to here, and it was the best start to a group of holidays I've had. Although we've not been for a year due to scheduling issues, we have been every year for nearly 7 years and it's always the highlight of my holiday calendar. Canoeing, white-water rafting, downhill cycling, long walks and (surprising for Scotland), nothing but sunshine.

2. Mellon Udrigle

This is the beach outside of my aunt's house at the Tip Top of Scotland and it is genuinely one of the most beautiful spots in the world. The walks, the views, the sea and the sand. Who knew Scotland could have it all? I do now!

3. Ullapool

This view. Right here. Ignore me acting like a loon. Aw, man. We went here on our last night of our holiday for dinner in July and I got really emotional going back. The view behind you across these mountains, the view across the sea, is second to none.

4. Glasgow

I can't believe it had taken me this long to get here. Each time we go, we go past Edinburgh, but boy am I glad we came here. The city and the culture are incredible, with great historical museums. We even bumped into Dippy while we were there, my favourite Dinosaur. But I couldn't leave the city without taking a picture of the most iconic statue in Glasgow.

5. Stirling (and surrounding area)

I'm lucky to have family who live in Scotland. And in such beautiful places. Before moving to the Tip Top of Scotland, my aunt lived just outside Stirling on a farm with a huge, great wood out back. On Christmas Eve 3 years ago, me and my cousins stayed out later on the walk whilst the adults got on with dinner and we took some incredible pictures. The fellow on the hill top is my cousin Thomas, and what you can just about see is the mist that was creeping in... Thomas, if you're reading this, please can you send me the outcome of your photo??? Cheers!!

6. The Trossachs

A yearly walking holiday with Dad, which we sadly may not get this year with this stupid virus, but I'm holding out hope. This walk was SO steep. It's Ben A'an. With a 454m hike to the top, it's not the tallest, but the view from the top is definitely worth the steepness. I wasn't brave enough to sit right at the top, as it was so windy the day we walked up, but the view is straight down the loch, and down the other loch on the other side. My tip for walking up this is just to keep going. The more you stop, the harder it is. My father - who is over 35 years older than me - beat me to the top by some margin.

7. Midhope Castle, Linlithgow

Any Outlander fans out there? Yep, it's Jamie's castle! Broch Tuarach. Best £5 Dad ever spent... You can't actually go in the castle, because it's not safe inside, but just seeing the castle was really cool. I even took my Jamie with me... I do believe that was the first holiday he went on with me! (Yes, I am sad.)

8. Mull

What an absolutely fantastic island. And the green. Ahhh man, the green! The wildlife, the fresh air and the walking were only 3 of the incredible things about this place. And I will most definitely be back. The walks got longer every day, we went on a boat trip to see puffins, we saw eagles, otters, deer... Best. Holiday. Ever.

9. Ulva

Ulva is a tiny island just off of the island of Iona, which is just off Mull. It has 1 pub, a population of 17 and the owner greets you off the boat. You can walk round it in 2 hours... and we still managed to get lost!

10. Bracklin Falls, Callendar

The most beautiful set of waterfalls I've seen. It's impossible to get a picture of it unless you're in the water (which I didn't really want to do) so this was the best I could do. So began my love of waterfalls.

There are so many more than 10 places I could list here, but then my blog post would be really long and you'd get bored with my rambling.

I will be back Bonnie Scotland... I will be back.