coast WHAT’S ON
SU CARROLL rounds up the very best activities to do and things to see close to the coastline this month
1 LOVE IS IN THE AIR
Valentine’s Day and hints of a forthcoming spring are enough to put you in the mood for love. For me, the sights, sounds and smells of the sea have always made my heart skip a beat.
Find somewhere to be with the one you love on Valentine’s Day (or any other day for that matter) that gives you a view of the water and a chance to escape from day to day stresses.
Here are some favourites to put you in the mood:
Medieval Tintagel Castle (pictured) in Cornwall oozes romance – it is linked to the legend of King Arthur, and has breathtaking views with dramatic rocks that offer sheer drops with waves crashing on the shore below. englishheritage.org.uk/visit/places/tintagel-castle/
Also in Cornwall is St Ives – home to many artists over the years attracted by pure, clean waters, blue skies and sandy beaches.
The Gower Peninsula in Wales holds a special place in my heart (and reader, I married him). Unspoilt with panoramic views of the sea and a haven for wildlife.
In Northern Ireland, an ancient volcanic eruption created the atmospheric Giant’s Causeway which is steeped in legend. You can see a similar landscape with the iconic basalt columns at Fingal’s Cave on the Hebridean island of Staffa.
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In Edinburgh, Victorian resort Portobello has a beach with two miles of golden sand while Cramond beach offers views across to the UNESCO Forth Bridge.
LOCALS LOVE
In Tintagel, the National Trust are custodians of the Old Post Office. It was the first built property the Trust acquired in Cornwall, in 1903. Once a 14th century yeoman’s farmhouse, in Victorian times it was licensed to receive letters. There’s lots of interesting things to see and a pretty garden. tinyurl.com/3jh5k48c
2 HIDDEN ASSETS
Lonely Planet has identified Caithness and Sutherland as a top ten award-winning region for 2024. This far north of Scotland has a unique blend of history and natural beauty - explore the castles at Keiss and Dunrobin (pictured), discover the immaculate sandy beaches and enjoy the chance to glimpse hen harriers or golden plovers which thrive in the pristine ecosystem of Forsinard Flows Nature Reserve which has hopes of becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Here is Scotland at its most romantic – heather-clad hillsides, vast expanses of open countryside and the beautiful coastline which stretches for about 100 miles. It was once occupied by Picts and invaded by Vikings and you can find a lot of rugged scenery here, untouched by time. caithnessandsutherland.com
LOCALS LOVE
