With outstanding views over Morecombe Bay, the sound of the sea to lull you to sleep and lovely dark skies for stargazing, on the outside, Seashell Shepherds Hut is idylic. Step inside, and youll find rustic charm, with an interior high on comfort youll be hard pressed to leave. With everything from a stone circle and artisan shops, to fells and of course lakes to discover, theres plenty of reasons to step outside and explore the local area. Read on for our weekend glamping review.Tucked away on the quieter edge of Cumbria, far from the well-trodden paths of Windermere and Ambleside, Seashell Shepherds Hut enjoys a secluded position and feels like a true hidden gem.Just a few metres from the shoreline of Morecambe Bay, its vivid blue exterior mirrors the shifting tones of sea and sky, standing out beautifully against the soft, muted landscape around it. On stormy days, the bay feels wild and dramatic; on calmer mornings, it stretches out in silvery stillness, either way, its impossible not to slow down and take it all in.Inside the shepherds hutInside, the hut strikes that perfect balance between rustic charm and thoughtful comfort. Theres a cosiness to the space that immediately invites you to settle in, shut out the bustle of everyday life, and simply be. With a small but perfectly formed kitchen, a little ensuite, a super comfy double bed and even a dining table, the hut contained everything we needed for a comfortable stay.With the wind rattling outside during our Easter stay, it became a little sanctuary somewhere to curl up and truly rest, listen to the rhythm of the sea, and enjoy those rare uninterrupted moments together. Given my name is Shell, staying somewhere called Seashell felt oddly fitting, adding an extra layer of charm to the whole experience.Outside Seashell, youre greeted by uninterrupted skies that come alive after dark. Thanks to the low light pollution, stargazing here is something special and on clearer nights, the sky feels vast and endless, a quiet reminder of just how peaceful this corner of Cumbria really is. Even with the storm rolling through for much of our stay, there was something deeply calming about watching the changing weather sweep across the bay.Out and aboutWhile it was tempting to stay tucked up in the hut, the surrounding area gently encourages exploration. One morning was headed out for a walk on the nearby common, where wide open space and coastal views give the landscape a wonderfully untamed feel. Birkrigg Common is just a short distance away and offers a mix of easy walking with vast sea views, and a sense of quiet you dont often find in busier parts of the Lakes.We walked to Birkrigg Stone Circle, an understated but atmospheric spot that holds a special kind of energy that can only be found at stone circles. Thought to date back thousands of years, the circle sits in an elevated position overlooking Morecambe Bay. Its not grand or showy, but thats very much part of its appeal. With hardly anyone else around, it felt peaceful and grounding; the kind of place where you naturally pause, take in the view, and linger whilst you tune in and listen to the whispers.For a change of pace, nearby Ulverston is a delightfully characterful market town brimming with independent shops. Think artisan bakeries, quirky gift shops, cosy cafs, and a strong sense of community that gives it a welcoming feel.Not far from Ulverston, youll find The Chocolate Room Cafe in Dalton-in-Furness and let me tell you, they serve the most outstanding mocha Ive ever tasted. The food there is great too. Speaking of food, back in Ulverston we booked a table at Base Restaurant which I can also thoroughly recommend.For something a little different, a visit to the lovely Kadampa Buddhist centre is a great way to spend a relaxed hour or two. Their daily meditation sessions are ideal for those wishing to try meditation, theres a shop, cafe and beautiful grounds to explore.For those wanting to venture a little further, youre also well placed to explore the southern fringes of the Lake District with its fells, walking routes, and scenic spots without the intensity of the busier northern hotspots. But honestly, part of the magic here is not overfilling your itinerary. This is a place that encourages you to slow down, breathe deeply, and enjoy the simple pleasures sea air, open skies and good company.Seashell Shepherds Hut isnt about ticking off the most popular Lake District attractions or chasing landmarks. Its about switching off, leaning into the rhythm of the coast, and embracing a slower, more restorative kind of escape.About our stayWe stayed for three nights over the Easter weekend (Friday 3rd Monday 6th April 2026), booking via Sykes Cottages, and found it to be good value for such a peaceful and unique setting. At 335 for the stay, it felt like an investment in proper rest, something thats often hard to come by.The post Seashell Shepherds Hut at Moat Farm Near Ulverston, Cumbria Glamping Review appeared first on Camping Blog Camping with Style | Travel, Outdoors & Glamping Blog.

OverviewDistance: 2kmTime: 1 hour or so, depending on how long you want to explore! Parking: There is roadside parking for approx. 8 carsTrail difficulty: EasyThis trail is well built and hugs the hillside as it switchbacks its way up to the summit. This is a steep climb, with several well placed view points for a break if you need. Read how we rate trails here.Trail quality: 5/5I really liked how well the trail was built. The infrastructure blends well with the natural environment. Views: 5/5A really lovely spot, with impressive views for a smaller hill. Buggy/Wheelchair friendly: No Dogs allowed: YesWhen was I here: March 2026External links: Our long-form video on YouTubeKnockomagh Wood Nature Trail Leaflet (PDF) Recently I was down in Cork visiting The Wandering Goldsmith to work on our Sl Signet. Having driven to the other end of the country, it felt only right to go and see some places that have been on my to do list for a long time. The first stop was to see the Baltimore Beacon, one of Irelands most iconic maritime beacons. Windswept and speckled with sea foam, I then headed east along the rugged coast to see the special SAC of Lough Hyne, and to climb Knockomagh Hill behind it. Parking along the small roadside car park, the signage clearly points out the start of the trail. Its one of those lovely moments where you step off the road and are immediately greeted with a lovely path underfoot. The trail wastes no time, with the climb beginning from the offset and not really stopping until you get to the top of the hill. There are plenty of switchbacks, with benches and viewpoints out dotted along as rest points. A few minutes into the climb youll pass the ruins of McCarthys Cottage - once the home of wood ranger McCarthy, who worked for the local large estate. The only remnants of their family garden is the large yew tree growing in the remains of the lean-to building. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize In my eyes, part of the charm of this woods is found in the sessile oak, our national tree and one that grows somewhat twisted - making any woods its part of immediately feel old to me. This small woodland became a nature reserve in 1989, eight years after Lough Hyne was designated as Ireland's (and indeed Europes) first Marine Nature Reserve in 1981. Its estimated that Lough Hyne became a saltwater lake about 4,000 years ago - and is still fed by the sea when the tide comes in and floods down Barloge Creek, a stretch known as the rapids. Because the lake itself is small, the salt water is kept warmer than anywhere else in Ireland, creating a habitat youll find nowhere else. Its uniqueness was first recognised in 1886, and since then scientist from all over the world have come to study the lough. It is now one of the most-studied sites of its size in the world.Because of its Special Area of Conservation status, I didnt swim in the lake. However, apparently it is a popular dipping and kayaking site in summer. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize Theres something about nature reserves developed in the 80's. I think because this area was busy (both with scientific laboratories and general tourism), that the reserve had strong paths built throughout that feel inspired by the way the national parks in the USA were built into the landscapes. The stone steps are shaped to feel like they almost grew out of the ground. Another example of this in Ireland is Gougane Barra Forest Park, which is from the same era. I personally love this kind of design, and treasure it whenever I find it. Further exploringCheck out all of the trails organised by county here.Other trails in the area: Baltimore Beacon ViewpointThe Sheeps Head WayPeakeen Loop, Sheeps HeadGougane Barra Forest ParkThe Beara WayFavourite Local Coffee / Food Options:Brew, SkibbereenONeill Coffee, SkibbereenDrip Coffee, RosscarberyWazzy Woo, Clonakilty

Tucked into its own extensive private grounds just twenty-five minutes from Croyde, Mullacott Riding Centre in Ilfracombe is a friendly, well-run centre that caters for everyone from complete beginners to confident riders, making it an ideal activity for us during a recent trip down to Devon. Read on to find out more.One of the things Ive loved about reaching a healthier weight is regaining the ability to ride. Riding is not a size-inclusive hobby, and for good reason. The welfare of the horse is always paramount, and beyond a certain weight, riding simply becomes out of reach.After recently getting back in the saddle after a long absence, I knew it was something I wanted to weave into my life more regularly, and it has since joined my rotation of activities whenever the opportunity arises. With a weekend of glamping at Ruda Holiday Park in Croyde on the horizon, I went looking for local stables.Not only did I find Mullacott Riding Centre in Ilfracombe, just twenty-five minutes from where wed be staying, but they were able to accommodate both me as a returning novice and my husband Mark as a complete beginner. Better yet, there was the promise of trots and canters for me something that isnt always guaranteed when booking a hack.Excitement built as the first horse was brought out. Mark met Spud, a gentle giant standing at 17.2hh and a dependable ex-police horse, absolutely perfect for building confidence. I kept a careful sideways eye on him as he was shown how to mount, and it was genuinely lovely to share his very first time on a horse. He remained relaxed throughout and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of our hour-long hack.Mullacott has extensive countryside right on the property, which means no roads to navigate and no passing vehicles to worry about, just open land and fresh Devon air. We found ourselves on what felt like a private guided hack, just the two of us, with two members of staff, one to stay alongside Mark and one to take me off for a few canters.Having not cantered in a very long time, it was genuinely exhilarating. After a trot following by a first short canter to find my seat, I was asked if Id like to try the longer stretch, which I jumped at, followed by a third shorter one to finish. Bliss!The team were friendly, approachable, knowledgeable and wonderful throughout, and I already have one eye on a return visit ideally when Im competent enough to join them for a beach gallop.A 1 hour hack costs around 40 and you can find out more about Mullacott Riding Centre here. or follow Mullacott Riding Centre on Facebook. A special thank you to local Alsager Saddlery for their help and patience when fitting me for my new riding hat. The post Horse Riding Ilfracombe Hacking Out In Devon With Mullacott Riding Centre appeared first on Camping Blog Camping with Style | Travel, Outdoors & Glamping Blog.

The post Saint Patricks Way: The Pilgrims Walk appeared first on WalkNI.

Going for a walk is one of the simple pleasures in life. Here in Great Britain we are blessed with some extraordinary landscapes, national parks and countryside

This May,we are highlighting the physical and mental health benefits of walking for women for National Walking Month

Lets admit it at first, planning a holiday seems like dreaming about warm evenings spent on a sunny beach and refreshing drinks in hand, but after a couple of hours, it turns into working unpaid for an internship in organisation. Before you even realize what has happened, you have found yourself immersed in an ocean of comparing flights, figuring out public transport routes, and trying to understand which restaurants to visit. This is exactly why all inclusive holidays havent just survived the digital age-they have become a genuine lifeline for those who simply want to be left in peace. It isnt merely about the convenience of a buffet; its about achieving that elusive, high-definition state of mind where decision fatigue finally evaporates into the salt air.The Mental Freedom of an Autopilot EscapeIve encountered plenty of travelers who dismiss the all-in format as a retreat for the unadventurous. Id argue the opposite. It is a strategic move for those who recognize that their mental energy is a finite resource. When you arent tethered to your banking app or performing frantic mental arithmetic over the cost of a bottled water, your nervous system finally receives the stand down order.Financial SilenceThere exists an overwhelming sense of peace that arises out of locking ones wallet in the hotel safe and then not touching it anymore. If it is the third cup of espresso or even a late-night drink when the tide is pulling on the shoreline, the answer lies in Yes. As it turns out, the ultimate luxury isnt gold leaf or marble, its the absence of a price tag for seven straight days.The Reclamation of TimeQuantify the hours typically lost to the friction of travel: waiting for the check, scouting for a functional ATM, or the inevitable debate with your partner over which bistro looks like a tourist trap. In a resort setting, those stolen minutes are reclaimed. They are traded for an extra chapter of your book, a spontaneous nap, or twenty more minutes floating in the sea.Low-Stakes Culinary CuriosityWe have all felt that pang of order regret at a high-end local bistro-the expensive dish that just doesnt hit the mark. Here, the buffet acts as your low-risk playground. You can sample that obscure local stew or the alien-looking fruit youve never seen in a grocery store. If its not for you? No harm done. You simply walk five steps and try something else.Architecting Your EnvironmentThe most frequent mistake travelers make is treating all resorts as a monolith. They arent. In case you need romance, your best bet would be to avoid the big hubs characterized by water parks and colorful play zones for children. Rather, you need to look out for the Adults Only havens. These havens usually feature a mature environment with elements like ambient jazz music in the pools and cozy nooks for a relaxed coffee in the morning sun.On the other hand, if your family has kids, then a well-chosen resort is everything. A professional kids club shouldnt be viewed as a mere babysitting service; its an immersive adventure for them and a rare, golden window of silence for you.The Base Camp StrategyHere is a pro-tip for the restless: dont view the gates as a cage. Treat the resort as your high-end base camp. Go right ahead and rent a car, drive through the mountain roads, immerse yourself in an absolute chaos of a local bazaar, and get truly dirty. Magic strikes at exactly six p.m. At this precise time, while all around you are in search of a place to eat or purchase from, you are returning back home. All that you get to enjoy are new sheets to sleep on, a nice bath, and a delicious dinner prepared by the master chef.Ultimately, vacationing does not have to be an item on your agenda anymore. In case you find yourself in need of a holiday from your holiday, then it simply means that you did not succeed. Choose a destination that will foresee your needs even before you state them. This time around, let someone else do the hard work while you just enjoy idleness.Where to next?ACTIVE | Kayaking at Astbury Mere Cheshire with Peak PursuitsGEAR | Active Era 2-in-1 Inflatable SUP with Kayak Conversion ReviewACTIVE | Exploring The St Agnes Coast With Koru Kayaking, Trevaunance Cove in CornwallThe post All-Inclusive Discover The Joy Of The All Inclusive Holiday appeared first on Camping Blog Camping with Style | Travel, Outdoors & Glamping Blog.

CollaborationWith the early May bank holiday upon us, we packed the car and headed off for a long weekend on the coast of Devon to stay in a safari tent at Ruda Holiday Park. Read on for our Ruda Holiday Park review.Where Did We Stay?Ruda Holiday ParkCroydeNorth DevonBook accommodation or find out more at johnfowlerholidays.comGlamping3 nights safari tent glamping 399Our VisitIn order to maximise our time in Devon, we made the decision to set off from Cheshire at a frankly ungodly hour on Friday morning. With a loose plan of places to visit, a booking for a hack at Mullacot Riding Centre, and a boot stuffed with everything from bodyboards and wetsuits to riding apparel, I set off bleary-eyed, already mentally fast-forwarding to our first coffee stop.I wont bore you with the travel details, were all painfully aware that Devon might as well be on another continent if youre travelling from the north, suffice to say, several hours later than anticipated, we finally pulled into our first pre-check-in destination.Im typically not a fan of captive animals and havent visited a zoo in close to twenty years, but I was willing to make this one exception. Ever since discovering the existence of African Shoebills, Ive been utterly obsessed giant, prehistoric-looking birds that appear to have been designed by Jim Henson after a particularly wild fever dream, and are completely, mesmerisingly otherworldly.Deep in the recesses of my perimenopausal brain, I recalled that the only Shoebill in the UK could be found at Exmoor Zoo. A quick Google confirmed I hadnt fabricated this fact and I was indeed right. A further search revealed it was less than half an hour from Ruda Holiday Park, and with check-in not until 4pm, Exmoor Zoological and Conservation Centre proved the perfect place to stretch our legs, take in some fascinating wildlife and finally see my beloved Shoebill, Abou, in person. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Camping with Style Blog (@campingwithstyle)Upon arriving at the holiday park, check-in was straightforward and we were soon making our way to the glamping village, consisting of four neat rows of safari tents with a distant shimmer of sea on the horizon. There are three different styles of safari tent to choose from, each sleeping up to six people across two bedrooms.Safari TentsOur Croyde safari tent came with a double bedroom housing a gloriously comfortable bed, a separate twin bedroom, a living area with a kitchen at one end, a flushing loo with sink, and outside, a covered veranda with a table and seating. In short, everything you need for a genuinely comfortable family break.Having never stayed in a safari tent before, I was immediately won over by the combination of the proper camping feel of canvas and fresh air, paired with all the creature comforts (and warmth) of self-catering accommodation.An electric heater took the edge off the spring chill, hot running water meant no trudging across the park to wash up, an induction hob and microwave made hot drinks and hot water bottles effortless, and perhaps most importantly, a flushing loo meant no 3am torch-lit pilgrimages to the toilet block.As a notoriously poor sleeper, It was a revelation to sleep so exceptionally well every single night. In fact, the double bed was supremely comfortable and, with the addition of an extra blanket, genuinely snug too despite the weather being so chilly and wet.Site FacilitiesRuda largely attracts families including those with young children, teenagers and extended multi-generational family group booking across several units, and with such close proximity to Croyde Bay Beach, accommodation to suit a range of budgets and excellent on-site facilities, its easy to understand the appeal.The on-site surf shop is a standout, stocking everything from wetsuits and bodyboards to current-season Roxy and Rip Curl clothing, and theres a second surf shop and hire facility directly at the beach too. The Cascades Tropical Adventure Pool is a big draw for younger visitors complete with a thrilling 200-foot water slide, lazy river and jacuzzi. Theres a craft hub with regular activities for creative kids, an indoor soft play area and a lovely adventure playground.When it comes to food and drink, the choices are numerous, with plenty of family-pleasing options. The Boardwalk Bar and Restaurant, Robertos Pizza, Hollerbird Fried Chicken, Stateside burger joint, The Catch fish and chip shop, a Flying Scoop ice cream parlour and with Costa Coffee available on site too, theres enough to keep most happily fed and caffeinated. The Nisa Local is impressively well-stocked for self-caterers, theres a launderette on site, and the Showbar delivers regular family-friendly entertainment.Ruda holds a four-star Visit England rating and, nestled within the North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the setting alone is worth the journey. This truly is a lovely area of Devon to explore and spend time in. The park itself is immaculately kept and we particularly loved the wildflower banks, a thoughtful touch that feels both beautiful and ecologically minded, softening the boundary between holiday park and the natural landscape beyond.Croyde Bay Beach is just a five-minute walk away, and the charming village of Croyde, with its handful of independent shops and some excellent places to eat, is a leisurely fifteen-minute stroll. Blue Groove is a great shout for relaxed dining, but if you visit just one restaurant, make it Roku quite simply outstanding. For post-surf or swim fuel, Biffens is non-negotiable. Their Barrel wraps are, and I say this with complete conviction, absolute perfection.Ruda Holiday Park VerdictRuda is a relatively large and very lively park and thats exactly what you get! If youre positioned near the adventure playground, as we were, expect the full, glorious, unfiltered soundtrack of children having an absolute blast from early morning until well into the evening.For families with energetic kids, this is all part of the fun. For couples or anyone seeking a peaceful retreat, its worth looking for a mid-week stay and avoiding the school holidays and peak holiday season. In short, Ruda is ideal for lively family holidays, and I mean lively in the very best, most wonderfully chaotic sense of the word!Would we stay in a safari tent again? Absolutely, and as someone who has been glamping since its earliest days, Im slightly embarrassed that it took me this long to tick a safari tent off the list! As for Ruda, its a park that knows its audience and delivers everything families tend to look for.DISCLOSURE | We were invited to stay at Ruda Holiday Park. We have not been paid to write this review, but we did receive free accommodation.Where to next?GLAMPING | We Reconnect With Nature & Ourselves While Glamping at Idyllic Treheli FarmGLAMPING | Sea Spray Discover This Quirky Glamping Hidden Gem in North DevonGLAMPING | Heres What You Should Pack For A Glamping Trip Your Complete Glamping Packing ListThe post Safari Tent Glamping in Devon at Ruda Holiday Park Review appeared first on Camping Blog Camping with Style | Travel, Outdoors & Glamping Blog.