If you’re a regular reader of my blog, you’ll know that Mutha Fitness and I run an outdoorsy type of family. Don’t get me wrong, we love Durham as a city but sometimes it’s just nice to get away from it all.

Take last night as an example. I visited Sycamore Gap on Hadrian’s Wall at 12 in the morning. Mad I know! I was hoping to catch some stars as it was a clear night. I’ve been taking a photograph of the tree every month for the past 11 months. It’s a personal photography project and a chance to get away for a few hours and enjoy some me time. That time is just as important as the time you invest into everything else because if you’re not happy within yourself, how can you expect to radiate happiness. Here’s a photograph I took on an early morning visit to Ashness Jetty in the Lake District…

Here are a couple of early morning shots from Roker in Sunderland…

And here’s Saltburn pier ridiculously early! I love watching the sun-rise as it gives me time to reflect. What better time to do it while it’s so quiet.

We recently went on a four day camping with MummaHub (plus family) and it was fabulous! Intermittent internet meant our phones were only really out to take photographs and not catch up on social media. We had a BBQ every night and visited some amazing places such as Hardraw Force – the waterfall from Robin Hood: Prince of Theives.

Spending time outdoors is really great for you and if you’re not that outdoorsy, I urge you to try it! If you have kids and they moan, try going out with friends to keep them company or you could even try my nature trail or outdoor adventure! Other tips include backpacks for the little ones including cameras. They’ll also be keen to make their own packed lunch. It’s cheese sandwiches all the way in our house, haha!

One minor thing from our camping trip was the weather but we wouldn’t expect anything else living here in the UK! We had a day or so of heavy rain and our tent got a little bit wet and it soaked through. Oh dear! I must remember to buy that waterproof spray and top it up for our next trip. It got me thinking about holiday insurance and how it can feel like a headache you just don’t have time for. That’s where Shield Total Insurance come in! They believe in providing full support for holidaymakers, from providing your initial quote to de-mystifying jargon and terminology. Let them take care of the fiddly stuff, so we can focus on our holiday.

I took the above photo while driving through Bamburgh. You can just make out the castle in the bottom right hand corner. We are about to go away again soon up to the Northumberland coast. We’re all looking forward to the fresh air, spectacular sunsets (hopefully!) and the fish and chips. The last time we visited, we walked over 50 miles during the week. The kids were both really proud as they only have little legs. Yogi (our Hungarian Vizsla) hurt his back leg over the weekend so we’re hoping he’s going to be ok.

I thought I’d mention a few of my favourite places to visit as some of you may not have been before. As the school holidays are approaching fast, they make excellent trips out.

Do you have any outdoorsy events planned soon?