Travel and change of place impart new vigour to the mind.
– Seneca
However, does that change of place, have to be a new country?
Last year I visited no new countries, but I did indeed visit places in the UK that I had never been to before. I’m not really a country counter (and don’t care if others are), nor do I compete with others or myself to ensure I have visited x amount of countries by x time. 2021 was still a difficult year for travel and thus for me, it was by no means extensive given there were very tight restrictions in the first half of the year for travelling abroad.
Travel for me has always been about discovering the new and that can be done over and over again in the same country or in my case this year in the UK. So I’m back with my 2021 review of my travels in photos! Enjoy!
UK Adventures
Ivinghoe Beacon, Buckinghamshire
This was my first hike of 2021 and because we had been locked down in the UK for so long, I felt like I was getting ready to go on a mini trip abroad. I was filled with giddy excitement to be outdoors for a prolonged period! This prominent hill is located with the National Trust location of Ashridge Estate.
Canterbury, Kent
Since European weekends away on the mainland were off limits, a friend and I took a daytrip to Canterbury and enjoyed a spot of punting on the River Stour.
Powderham Castle, Exeter, Devon
I had the opportunity to visit the delightful grounds of Powderham Castle for the Gone Wild Festival, an adventure festival hosted by Bear Grylls.
Stroat, Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
I had never heard of this area but when hiking legend, Rhiane Fatinikun invites ya on a trip, it’s always a YES and how pleased I am I got to see this part of the UK.
Tintern, Wales
We were staying on the border of Wales so from Stroat we hiked across the Welsh border, across the River Wye to the Welsh village of Tintern.
Loch Muick, Aberdeenshire, Scotland
In the summer I decided to go visit my cousin who lives in Aberdeen and we embarked on a hike around Loch Muick and up to the Falls of Glas Allt, all situated on the Queen’s Balmoral Estate in the Cairngorms National Park. It was my first time visiting this national park.
River Dee, Aberdeen
Ahh to have such a river situated behind your home. This was what my cousin has behind her house!
Cullercoats, North Tyneside
Despite having lived in Newcastle for most of my childhood, I had never paid a visit to Cullercoats before. This coastal settlement in North Tyneside is a great place for walks along the seafront, spotting dolphins, stand up paddle boarding within the cove and spotting ferries en route to Amsterdam.
Adventures Abroad
Akure, Nigeria
I went to the motherland in the height of the UK restrictions on travel where it was only permitted under set circumstances. Despite the circumstances, I learnt more about my family lineage due to spending time with extended family.
Somabay, Red Sea, Egypt
I had visited Egypt in 2011 staying in Luxor and visiting all the temples & the Valley of the Kings. I chose to visit Egypt again with no wish to do any exploring or cultural outings; it was to be a trip of rest and relaxation to recuperate from working during the pandemic. I had not visited the Red Sea before so that was new to me. I spent my time taking sunset walks, eating, sleeping and relaxing.
Hurghada, Egypt
I had two daytrips out to Hurghada which is the city I flew into and spent my time enjoying the marina as well as parasailing and taking a submarine boat ride on the Red Sea.
There you have it for my 2021 travels. I must bid it farewell.
I have big hopes for 2022 – I want it to be a bigger year of travel & experiences!
And I hope it is for you too!
Seeking new adventures,
The Five to Nine Traveller xx
