Tag Archives: well being

November 6, 2018 · 3:32 pm

Glen Clova ~ a gem of a journey for creative inspiration

We were talking about trips to the mountains from Fife with our local artist and friend Douglas Gray and he mentioned Glen Clova and described how to reach it via Dundee. Douglas returns there frequently for inspiration for his painting, but for me it was a taster day to reinvigorate my ‘little brain cells’.

DSCN5176[1].JPG

Around fifteen miles north of Dundee you reach the little town of Forfar, the birthplace of James Matthew Barrie, the author of Peter Pan. Glen Clova can be reached on the other side of Forfar; a beautiful drive through the lowland hills towards the mountains ~ the Cairngorms. A five hour walk from Glen Clova itself will take you to Breamar so I’m told. The settlement itself is tiny; the hotel and various log cabins are dotted up the hill behind it.

DSCN5171[2].JPG

At the base of these foothills is Hotel Glen Clova, a great place for lunch, refreshments to break up your drive or to enjoy at the end of a lovely walk, of which there are many. It is one of those places we will return to, maybe to stay the night on a special occasion when we can set out on a hike for a full day.

DSCN5173[1].JPG

As the view of the hills leads your eyes into the far distance, and you breathe in the fresh clean air, it clears your head to be refilled with renewed creativity.

Leave a comment

Filed under Scotland, Scottish authors, Writing

Tagged as , , ,

February 16, 2018 · 10:40 am

Kinghorn ~ Diana’s Virtual Tour of the Kingdom of Fife

DSCN3684.JPG

My first memories of Kinghorn were looking over the Braes down to Kinghorn Harbour.

 

DSCN2492.JPG

The Village Show in August 2013, admiring the lengthy carrots and mouth watering scones and sponges, not to mention the vibrant village atmosphere, coincided with our second visit.

DSCN0942

We also enjoyed a warm welcome at The Wee Shoppe, a place we still frequent for a cuppa, blether and an occasional toastie. Mind you, these resilient folks can sometimes be out in inclement weather and they’re still smiling 🙂

DSCN4407.JPG

I have such happy memories of New Year’s Day when the hardy folks of Kinghorn go in for a dip at The Loony Dook in aid of The Lifeboats.

When the sun is shining down on this sheltered bay it is possible to bask in its warmth twelve months of the year, and we do!

DSCN2897.JPG

Kinghorn became our temporary home for a year but we did not notice the gradual capturing of our hearts, even when there’s an icing sugar coating of snow which happens very rarely.

Snow at Kinghorn.jpg

It took a wee while to realise that one day we would call Kinghorn our home.

As in many parts of Fife, the industries of Kinghorn are long gone ~ a tannery, linoleum manufacturer and boat builders to name but three. Today small businesses thrive and the High Street has a variety of busy shops including arts and crafts at The Sea Witch and The Dragon’s Den, a dressmakers and many cafes and pubs, including the recently reopened Harbour View. (Known locally as the Carousel due to connections with the fair ground trade I believe.) The Station Gallery is well worth a visit on a Saturday morning too. In fact, we are a creative lot here in Kinghorn. Look out for the ever popular Round the Horn where people open up their houses to show off their work.

(Author Diana Jackson enjoys researching social history and this inspires her writing. Her latest release ‘The Healing Paths of Fife’, a fantasy / memoir, reflects her growing love for the Kingdom of Fife.)

 

Leave a comment

Filed under Fife, The Healing Paths of Fife, Virtual tour of Fife

Tagged as , , , , , ,