Where The Land Meets The Sea
Of all my favourite locations to walk, an early morning stride down a deserted beach is the one I look forward to the most.
I got my love of the coastline from my Mother. She would often take me down there to watch the sunrise as we ate breakfast from crinkled tin foil packages and sipped coffee from leaky flasks. There was always a sense of adventure and anticipation as we drove the forty or so miles to the coast. Getting there early also ensured us the first finds on the beach. From beautiful sea shells to uniquely formed branches of twisted wood, the tide brought in a bounty of riches. My pockets were always filled to the brim with sand coated 'objects of interest'.
I still enjoy my walks along the beach and make sure I do it as often as I can... despite the weather. For me there is nothing more primal and earthing than watching the sea rise and fall as it crashes against the shore. The taste of salt on your lips and feel of the wind as it tugs at your hair and coat... all come together to make every visit a memory to treasure.
As well as the sunrises there are of course stunning sunsets. The west coast of Scotland offers some of the most majestic sunsets with breathtaking views over the sea and distant island mountains. Rich red skies melt slowly into the horizon leaving a feeling of connection with mother nature... but also a feeling of loss as the last light fades away. But you know the sun will rise again and the sea will call us back.
So... my day bag is packed and my flask is ready. I'm off to watch the sun come up above my favourite shoreline. If you need to de-stress or simply want to reconnect with nature, go to the coast and spend some time in the presence of it's beauty. Your body, mind and soul will thank you for it.